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NFL Legend Plans to Skip Hall of Fame Ceremony Over Bill Belichick Snub
Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson says he won't attend after Belichick was left out of 2026 class
Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:39am
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Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson said he will no longer attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony this year after Bill Belichick was left out of the class of 2026 on his first ballot appearance. Johnson was outraged over Belichick's omission and declared he will not be going to Canton, Ohio for the festivities.
Why it matters
Belichick's exclusion from the Hall of Fame on the first ballot has sparked controversy, with many, including Johnson, arguing that Belichick's coaching accomplishments, including 6 Super Bowl titles with the Patriots, make him a clear first-ballot Hall of Famer. Johnson's decision to boycott the ceremony highlights the strong feelings around Belichick's snub.
The details
Johnson was planning to attend the Hall of Fame ceremonies this year, but after Belichick was left out of the class of 2026, he decided not to go. Johnson criticized the Hall of Fame voters, saying "the hell with it, I'm not going this year." He praised Belichick's "greatness" as a coach and said he was puzzled and disappointed by the decision to exclude him on the first ballot.
- The class of 2026 will officially be revealed next week leading up to Super Bowl LX.
The players
Jimmy Johnson
Former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowl winner who is now outraged over Bill Belichick's exclusion from the Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
Bill Belichick
Head coach of the New England Patriots who has won 6 Super Bowl titles, but was left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 on his first ballot appearance.
What they’re saying
“I thought it was gonna be an automatic, so I chartered a jet, I was going to go up there. The hell with it, I'm not going this year.”
— Jimmy Johnson, Former Dallas Cowboys Head Coach
“Politics kept him out. He doesn't believe this is a reflection on his accomplishments.”
— Source
What’s next
The class of 2026 will officially be revealed next week leading up to Super Bowl LX, when it will be seen if Belichick is ultimately inducted.
The takeaway
Belichick's exclusion from the Hall of Fame on the first ballot has sparked outrage, with legendary coach Jimmy Johnson vowing to boycott the ceremony in protest. This highlights the strong feelings around Belichick's snub and the belief that his coaching accomplishments, including 6 Super Bowl titles, make him a clear first-ballot Hall of Famer.
