Stephen A. Smith Warns Hall of Fame: Don't Deny Tom Brady First-Ballot Entry

ESPN personality says Hall's credibility is at stake if Brady is not elected on first ballot.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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ESPN's Stephen A. Smith warned that the Pro Football Hall of Fame's credibility would be severely damaged if legendary quarterback Tom Brady is not elected as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Smith cited the recent snubs of Patriots coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft, saying "If you can't have Tom Brady up in there as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, the credibility of the institution that is the Hall of Fame goes right out the freaking window."

Why it matters

Brady's potential Hall of Fame induction is a high-profile case that could impact the perception of the Hall of Fame's voting process and standards. As one of the greatest players in NFL history, Brady's exclusion from first-ballot induction would be seen by many as a major oversight by Hall of Fame voters.

The details

Smith criticized the Hall of Fame for not electing Belichick and Kraft as first-ballot inductees, saying their exclusion was "egregious" and "absolutely disgusting." He argued that even with controversies like Spygate and Deflategate, Belichick and Kraft's accomplishments with the Patriots dynasty make them clear first-ballot Hall of Famers. Smith warned that if the same fate befalls Brady, it would severely damage the credibility of the Hall of Fame institution.

  • Tom Brady will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2028, five years after his retirement.

The players

Tom Brady

Legendary NFL quarterback who spent 20 seasons leading the New England Patriots dynasty, winning seven Super Bowl championships.

Bill Belichick

Longtime head coach of the New England Patriots, who led the team to six Super Bowl titles alongside quarterback Tom Brady.

Robert Kraft

Owner of the New England Patriots since 1994, presiding over the team's 32-year run of success that includes 13 more regular season and postseason games than any other NFL franchise.

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What they’re saying

“What you going to do next? You're going to deny Tom Brady? You're going to deny Tom Brady? You're going to look at Tom Brady and be like this, 'You don't go to the Hall of Fame?' You might as well burn down the building if that happens — there is no Hall of Fame. If you can't have Tom Brady up in there as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, the credibility of the institution that is the Hall of Fame goes right out the freaking window. It's over. We understand that, right?”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Personality (ESPN)

“I wasn't surprised, I was appalled. Obviously, he deserves to be a Hall of Famer. He's been the owner for 32 years. In 32 years, he has 13 more regular-season games, 13 more postseason games than any other NFL team for carrying out loud. This is a man who's won 20 division titles in 32 seasons. This is a man, that in his 32-year reign as the owner, they've been to the Super Bowl with three different head coach-quarterback combinations. Bill Parcells and Drew Bledsoe, Belichick with Brady, and now [Mike] Vrabel with Drake Maye. This is the man that has been at the helm.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Personality (ESPN)

What’s next

Tom Brady will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2028, five years after his retirement from the NFL.

The takeaway

The exclusion of Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft as first-ballot Hall of Famers has raised concerns about the credibility of the Hall of Fame's voting process, especially with the impending eligibility of Tom Brady, one of the greatest players in NFL history. The Hall of Fame must carefully consider Brady's candidacy to avoid further damage to its reputation and standing in the sport.