Bernd BuchmasserWed, December 3, 2025 at 5:25 PM UTC·1 min readTwo of the most important men in New England Patriots franchise history are one hurdle away from induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As was announced on Wednesday, longtime head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft are finalists for the 2026 class.
Belichick and Kraft are the only finalists in the respective coach and contributor categories. Joining them on the ballot are senior players Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFormer Patriots wide receivers Stanley Morgan and Henry Ellard as well as executive Francis “Bucko” Kilroy failed to pass this latest round of cuts.
In order to make it into the Hall of Fame, Belichick and Kraft will need approval from at least 80% of the selection committee at next year’s meeting in advance of Super Bowl LX. If none of the five finalists clears that threshold, whoever receives the most support out of them will be elected as a sole inductee.
In addition to the five finalists above, Hall of Fame voters also have to trim the group of 26 modern-era players still under consideration. The 15 finalists from that category will be announced later this month.
Among the players whose 2026 Hall of Fame bid is still alive are six former Patriots. Franchise legends Rodney Harrison, Vince Wilfork and Adam Vinatieri are among the semifinalists as are short-time Patriots Fred Taylor, Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne.
AdvertisementAdvertisement
