Tom Brady Reacts to Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame Snub: “There’s No Coach I’d Rather Play For”
In a twist that caught much of the football world off guard, legendary coach Bill Belichick-owner of eight Super Bowl rings-will not be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a first-ballot selection in the class of 2026. According to ESPN, Belichick fell short of the required 40 out of 50 votes needed for first-ballot induction.
That news didn’t just raise eyebrows-it sparked a wave of disbelief across the league. And while many were quick to voice their reactions, one voice fans were waiting to hear from stayed quiet-until now.
Tom Brady, Belichick’s longtime quarterback and three-time NFL MVP, broke his silence during a Wednesday appearance on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk. And he didn’t mince words.
“I don’t understand it,” Brady said. “I mean, I was with him every day. If he’s not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, there’s really no coach that should ever be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, which is completely ridiculous because people deserve it.”
It’s hard to argue with the guy who spent two decades building a dynasty alongside Belichick. Together, they redefined what sustained success looks like in the NFL. From 2001 to 2019, the Brady-Belichick Patriots were the standard-six Super Bowl titles, 17 division crowns, and a level of week-to-week preparation that became the envy of the league.
“He’s incredible,” Brady continued. “There’s no coach I’d rather play for.
If I’m picking one coach to go out there to win a Super Bowl, give me one season, I’m taking Bill Belichick. So that’s enough said.”
The Hall of Fame voting process is always a blend of resume, reputation, and-whether we like it or not-narrative. And for Belichick, that narrative includes the shadows of Spygate and Deflategate.
According to ESPN, those controversies factored into the discussion among voters. The report also indicated that Hall of Fame voter and former GM Bill Polian suggested Belichick should wait a year because of those scandals.
Polian has since denied making that statement.
Still, Brady isn’t sweating the delay. To him, it’s not a matter of if Belichick gets in-it’s just a matter of when.
“When it comes down to votes and popularity and all that, then welcome to the world of voting,” Brady said. “You might as well try out for the Oscars and get a big panel to tell you if you’re good or not.
It’s the way that it works unfortunately. He’s gonna get into the Hall of Fame.
In the end, I’m not worried about that.”
Brady’s perspective is grounded in the long view. He’s seen firsthand the obsessive attention to detail, the relentless drive, and the unmatched football IQ that made Belichick one of the most respected minds in NFL history. And when the time finally comes for Belichick’s gold jacket, Brady knows it’ll be more than just an induction-it’ll be a celebration.
“A lot of times in life for all of us, things don’t happen exactly how you want them or on your timeline,” Brady said. “But we’ll all be there to celebrate him when it does happen, and he’s gonna have a huge turnout from so many players, coaches that appreciated everything he did-the commitment he made to winning and the impact that he had on all our lives.”
There’s no question Belichick’s resume speaks for itself-eight Super Bowl titles (six as a head coach), 31 playoff wins, and the most regular-season victories by any head coach in NFL history. But for Brady, the numbers are only part of the story. The real measure of Belichick’s greatness is the legacy he leaves behind-the culture of discipline, preparation, and accountability that defined an era.
So while the Hall of Fame door may not have opened on the first knock, it’s only a matter of time before it swings wide. And when it does, expect a crowd-not just of fans, but of former players and coaches-ready to honor one of the game’s most iconic figures.
Because as Brady put it: if Belichick isn’t a first-ballot Hall of Famer, who is?