Trump, Others Outraged by Belichick Hall of Fame Snub

Former Patriots coach fails to make Hall of Fame in first year of eligibility, drawing widespread criticism

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:47am

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Bill Belichick, the former head coach of the New England Patriots, was shockingly left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, sparking outrage from President Donald Trump, fellow coaches, players, and fans across the NFL.

Why it matters

Belichick is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, leading the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships. His exclusion from the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility has raised questions about the selection process and criteria used by voters.

The details

News broke on Tuesday that Belichick did not receive enough votes to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. The decision has been met with widespread criticism, with President Trump, former coach Jimmy Johnson, players like JJ Watt and Devin McCourty, and even NBA star LeBron James expressing their disbelief and calling for the decision to be overturned.

  • On January 28, 2026, it was reported that Bill Belichick did not make the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
  • The Hall of Fame class is officially announced on February 5, 2026 during the NFL Honors broadcast.

The players

Bill Belichick

The former head coach of the New England Patriots, widely considered one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, who was shockingly left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has a long-standing friendship with Belichick and expressed outrage over his Hall of Fame snub.

Jimmy Johnson

A Hall of Fame NFL coach who called for the voters who left Belichick off their ballots to identify themselves.

JJ Watt

A former NFL player and current CBS Sports analyst who said Belichick's exclusion from the Hall of Fame was "the dumbest s--- we will see all 2026."

Devin McCourty

A former Patriots player who played under Belichick and called the decision "the dumbest s--- we will see all 2026."

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What they’re saying

“It is the same mindset that gave pro football the new and unwatchable 'Sissy' Kickoff Rule, that made it possible for Bill Belichick to not be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both are ridiculous and should be overturned!”

— Donald Trump

“I would like to know the names of the [a-------] who did not vote for him..they are too cowardly to identify themselves…”

— Jimmy Johnson, Hall of Fame Coach

“I can't be reading this right. This has to be some knock-off Hall of Fame or something, it can't be the actual NFL Hall of Fame. There is not a single world whatsoever in which Bill Belichick should not be a First-Ballot Hall of Famer.”

— JJ Watt, Former NFL Player, CBS Sports Analyst

“Dumbest [s---] we will see all 2026!!!”

— Devin McCourty, Former Patriots Player

“Insane... don't even understand how this could be possible.”

— Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Quarterback

What’s next

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will officially announce its 2026 class on February 5, 2026 during the NFL Honors broadcast. Many are calling for the voters who left Belichick off their ballots to be identified, and for the decision to be reconsidered and overturned.

The takeaway

Bill Belichick's exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility has sparked outrage across the NFL and beyond, raising questions about the Hall of Fame selection process and criteria. The decision has united players, coaches, and even the former President in calling for the decision to be overturned, underscoring Belichick's legacy as one of the greatest coaches in league history.