Dick Vermeil, inducted in 2022 with fewer rings and victories, spoke out in support of Belichick, saying, “If anyone belongs in the Hall of Fame, regardless of voting, it’s Bill Belichick.”
Speculation has linked Spygate and Deflategate to Belichick’s Hall of Fame chances, with some voters purportedly using the controversies to justify a one-year wait. Vermeil dismissed that reasoning as “baloney,” noting the many questionable practices seen in the league over the years.
The finalized list of Hall of Fame inductees will be released ahead of Super Bowl LX. Belichick was included in a separate group from the Modern-Era Players category, alongside Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, L.C. Greenwood, and Robert Kraft.
Kansas City Star columnist Vahe Gregorian, who serves as a Hall of Fame voter, revealed he did not vote for Belichick. Gregorian said the controversies were not the reason for his choice and that he voted for Anderson, Craig, and Greenwood because they might be receiving one of their last chances.
Belichick’s résumé includes six titles with the Patriots and two as the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator. He owns a 302-165 career head-coaching record with the Patriots and Browns, and he and the Patriots parted ways after the 2023 season following 24 seasons together.
The Hall of Fame selections will continue to unfold as the process moves toward Super Bowl LX, with the final inductees to be announced in the lead-up to the game.
