Tom Brady, LeBron James, others react to 'insane' Bill Belichick Hall of Fame snub

Teddy Ricketson

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Tom Brady, LeBron James, others react to 'insane' Bill Belichick Hall of Fame snub image

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will likely be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame, but it won't happen in 2026. 

In a shocking decision, Belichick did not receive the 80% of votes necessary for enshrinement in his first year on the ballot. 

Despite Belichick's eight Super Bowl rings, six as a head coach, he did not reach 40 of the 50 votes required. One of the main reasons, as outlined by Seth Wickersham, was due to the Spygate and Deflategate cheating scandals that took place during Belichick's tenure. According to an anonymous source of Wickersham's, some "believed Belichick should 'wait a year' before induction as penance for Spygate."

The decision not to elect Belichick in his first year of eligibility was not well received. Despite the coach's past scandals and the current unsuccessful transition to college coaching, he is still widely accepted as deserving of the Hall of Fame and should have been elected in his first year.

Here is more on the NFL world's reaction to Belichick not being a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

MORE: Why is Bill Belichick not a first ballot Hall of Famer?

Reactions to Bill Belichick not being a first ballot Hall of Famer

Tom Brady

For many, there's no Belichick without Brady and vice versa. A day after the news came out, the future first ballot Hall of Famer shared his thoughts on the radio, saying "“If he’s not a first ballot hall of famer then there’s really no coach who should ever be a first ballot Hall of Famer.”

"There's no coach I'd rather play for," Brady said. "If I'm picking one coach to go out there to win a Super Bowl, give me one season, I'm taking Bill Belichick. That's enough said."

J.J. Watt

The former star defender weighed in on Belichick not being elected to Canton in his first year on the ballot. Watt never played for Belichick, always against him, but that didn't stop him from respecting an NFL legend. Watt himself will be first eligible for a call to the hall in 2028. 

Darius Butler

Butler spent nine years in the NFL. He began his career playing for Belichick in New England for two years. He then spent the 2011 season with the Carolina Panthers before ending his career with a six-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts. Even though Butler wasn't with the Patriots long, he still respects Belichick. 

Pat McAfee

McAfee is always outspoken when it comes to sports. He has his daily show where he covers the sports world, and he has had Belichick on many times. McAfee, like the rest of social media, was stunned at the decision. 

Peter King

King is an American sportswriter who wrote for Sports Illustrated from 1989 to 2018. From 1992 to 2024 he served as a member on the Board of Selectors for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. When hearing that Belichick wasn't elected in a year that King didn't have a vote, he had a simple, but pointed response.

Ryan Clark

Clark is currently an NFL analyst with ESPN, but played in the NFL from 2002 to 2014. He spent the majority of his career (2006 to 2013) with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Clark played against Belichick several times, but there is no doubt in his mind that Belichick is deserving of enshrinement. 

Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes is likely going to find himself in Canton one day. Like others, he is stunned at the decision.

Julian Edelman

Edelman spent his entire 12-year career with the Patriots, all alongside Belichick. His response to the news was short and sweet. 

LeBron James

The outrage over Belichick not getting inducted in his first year has spread across sports lines as a future Hall of Fame NBA player weighed in.

Jerry Rice

The Hall of Fame wide receiver called Belichick a "no-brainer" Hall-of-Famer.

Jimmy Johnson

Current Hall of Fame head coach Jimmy Johnson can't believe the decision. 

Robert Griffin III

Former quarterback and current football analyst Robert Griffin III, weighs in on the situation, saying that it is "ridiculously stupid" for the eight-time Super Bowl winner to not get in. 

Gerald McCoy

McCoy played in the NFL from 2010 to 2021. He never played for Belichick, but still can't believe the head coach wasn't elected.

Stephen A. Smith

On Wednesday, Stephen A. Smith discussed the topic on "First Take," calling it a "disgrace" that Belichick is not a first ballot Hall of Famer.

Mike Greenberg

The host of ESPN's "Get Up!", known for being a die-hard Jets fan, even shared praise for his rival after the unexpected snub.