ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky argued on First Take that the Hall of Fame can still rectify what he calls an “egregious mistake,” urging the voters and the institution to reassess the decision amid a ongoing debate about the process’s flaws.
On the program, Orlovsky pressed that there is time to correct course, saying there is no justifiable reason for Belichick to be denied first-ballot status and suggesting the Hall reevaluate the outcome to “do the right thing.”
Vahe Gregorian of the Kansas City Star revealed in a column that he was among at least 11 voters who did not cast a ballot for Belichick, explaining his decision to honor senior candidates Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood who may have been facing near-term eligibility concerns.
The report also details that Belichick was part of a five-person pool separate from the 15-man modern-era ballot, with voters choosing three members from that group, including three senior candidates, a contributor, and Patriots owner Robert Kraft, as well as a coach.
Belichick’s credentials remain: he ranks behind Don Shula for the most wins by a head coach, with six Super Bowls won in New England and two more as a defensive coordinator with the New York Giants. The Class of 2026 will be officially unveiled on February 5 during the NFL Honors ceremony in Canton.
Whether the Hall of Fame will revisit the vote before the February announcement remains uncertain, but the ongoing reaction has intensified scrutiny of the selection process and its handling of Belichick’s candidacy.
