Julian Edelman, Patriots Icons React to Bill Belichick's Reported Snub for 2026 Hall of Fame Class

Perhaps only Tom Brady is a more important figure in the history of the New England Patriots than Bill Belichick, but the former coach's nine Super Bowl appearances and six Lombardi Trophies with the franchise reportedly weren't enough to land him in the Hall of Fame during his first chance.

ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham reported Monday that Belichick failed to receive the necessary 40 of 50 votes to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer this year.

Julian Edelman and a number of other Patriots reacted to the news:

Belichick was the head coach in New England for 24 years from 2000 through 2023. He helped orchestrate a modern-day dynasty and led the team to those nine Super Bowl appearances and six championships.

What's more, his 333 regular-season and postseason victories rank second in NFL history behind only Don Shula's 347.

It was a stunning report Monday, and Van Natta and Wickersham noted that Belichick himself was "puzzled" and "disappointed" he did not receive enough votes despite a legendary resume.

According to the report, the Spygate and Deflategate scandals played a role among voters with former Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts general manager Bill Polian suggesting to some of his fellow voters that Belichick should have to "wait a year" to be enshrined as a type of punishment.

Belichick was fined $250,000 for the Spygate scandal that also cost the Patriots a first-round draft pick and $500,000.

While Belichick will not be included, the football world will find out who is part of the 2026 Hall of Fame class next week during Super Bowl activities.