Mike Vrabel knows a thing or two about what it takes to build a dynasty. As a key piece of the New England Patriots’ early-2000s championship run, the former linebacker turned head coach has a unique perspective on the two men who helped shape that era-owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick. So when both were named finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Vrabel didn’t hesitate to weigh in.
Speaking on The Greg Hill Show, Vrabel called the recognition “very well-deserved,” pointing to the leadership and vision that turned the Patriots into one of the NFL’s gold standards. “You look at our organization and our franchise with Robert and his leadership, and the success that we’ve had, the development of this stadium and this Patriots Place…” Vrabel said. “And then obviously the success that Bill had as the head coach here is unprecedented.”
He’s not wrong. Kraft’s stewardship helped transform the Patriots from a struggling franchise into a modern powerhouse, both on and off the field.
From the construction of Gillette Stadium to the creation of the surrounding Patriots Place, Kraft invested in infrastructure that matched his ambition. But it’s the on-field product-six Super Bowl titles and two decades of sustained success-that truly defines his legacy.
As for Belichick, “unprecedented” barely scratches the surface. With a resume that includes eight Super Bowl rings (six as head coach of the Patriots, two as an assistant with the Giants), three Coach of the Year honors, and a reputation for tactical brilliance, his impact on the game is undeniable.
Vrabel lived it firsthand. From 2001 to 2008, he was one of Belichick’s most trusted players-versatile, disciplined, and tough, the kind of guy who embodied the “Do Your Job” mantra.
But not everyone from that era is in full agreement.
Ted Johnson, another former Patriots linebacker and Vrabel’s teammate during those glory years, recently voiced a more critical view. Speaking on WEEI Afternoons, Johnson questioned whether Belichick should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, citing the controversies that have followed the legendary coach throughout his career.
“I don't know if a coach has had more success than Bill when it comes to championships,” Johnson said, “but also more negative kind of stories that he's brought upon himself. And so to say that he deserves to go into the Hall of Fame first ballot, when you consider all of those scandals that he's been a part of, I don't agree with. I don't.”
It’s a rare public disagreement between former teammates, and it highlights the complicated legacy Belichick leaves behind. There’s no question his football mind is one of the sharpest the sport has ever seen. But for some, the shadow of controversies like Spygate and Deflategate still lingers-enough to give pause when it comes to Hall of Fame honors.
Still, in the eyes of many-including Vrabel-the totality of Belichick’s contributions to the game outweighs the blemishes. And when paired with Kraft’s visionary leadership, it’s hard to argue that any duo did more to define the modern NFL era.
Both men now find themselves one step away from Canton. And whether the Hall of Fame vote becomes a formality or a debate, their impact on the game is already etched in history.