Patriots’ Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick Named Hall Of Fame Finalists

The New England Patriots could soon be hosting something of a reunion in Canton, Ohio.

Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick were named finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 — joining Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood.

Kraft and Belichick now need approval from at least 80% of the selection committee at their annual meeting next year in advance of the class unveiling during Super Bowl LX week in San Francisco.

Kraft beat out eight other semifinalists in the “contributor” category — K.S. “Bud” Adams, Roone Arledge, Ralph Hay, Frank “Bucko” Kilroy, Art Rooney Jr., Clark Shaughnessy, Seymour Siwoff and Buddy Young.

Belichick beat out eight other semifinalists in the “coach” category — Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Chuck Knox, Buddy Parker, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, George Seifert and Mike Shanahan.

The Patriots also have three modern-era players — defensive back Rodney Harrison, defensive lineman Vince Wilfork and kicker Adam Vinatieri — in the semifinalist stage for enshrinement in the Class of 2026.

Kraft and Belichick’s relationship has been rather rocky since their “mutual parting of ways” was revealed to be much closer to a firing — with the latter firing back pretty publicly. It’s a rocky relationship at this point, but perhaps enshrinement alongside each other can go a long way in improving things.