‘Absolutely Asinine’: Rob Gronkowski Blasts Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame Snub as Patriots Icons Sound Off

Bill Belichick not making the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot did not land quietly. It landed loud. And it landed wrong, according to the people who know him best.

Rob Gronkowski did not hedge. Tom Brady did not soften it. Robert Kraft did not stay neutral. As the 2026 Hall of Fame class approaches, the absence of Belichick’s name has turned into a referendum on how much voters are willing to overlook when judging one of the most decorated coaches in NFL history.

Rob Gronkowski Says Bill Belichick’s Resume Makes the Snub Impossible To Defend

Rob Gronkowski called the decision what many around the league have been whispering since it became public. “It’s very asinine that he was not a first-ballot Hall of Famer. It’s just absolutely absurd.”

Gronkowski’s argument is not emotional. It is statistical. Eight Super Bowl rings. Six as head coach of the New England Patriots. Two as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. The second-most wins in NFL history. The most playoff wins ever.


“Guy has eight rings, second-most wins of all time, most wins in the playoffs.” Gronkowski went further, framing Belichick’s legacy as more than trophies.

“This guy not only has a great resume, but he has also touched so many lives in the game of football in very positive way.”

The former tight end acknowledged Belichick will eventually be inducted. His issue is timing. “He’s obviously going to be a Pro Football Hall of Famer, but it was just absurd it wasn’t the first ballot.”

ESPN reported earlier this week that Belichick was “puzzled” and “disappointed” by the vote. He reportedly questioned what more he needed to accomplish to earn immediate induction. Under the revised Hall of Fame process, candidates must receive at least 40 of 50 votes. Belichick did not reach that threshold.

Tom Brady and Robert Kraft Push Back as Scandals Linger Over the Vote

The shadow hanging over the vote is not subtle. Spygate. Deflategate. Both were raised again as possible reasons some voters withheld support. Spygate cost the Patriots a first-round pick and $250,000. Belichick was fined $500,000. Deflategate resulted in a four-game suspension for Tom Brady and $1 million in fines. The case reached U.S. courts.

Gronkowski believes those events may have created lingering resentment. “The people voting, the only thing I can come up with is they have some ill will towards Coach Belichick.”

Brady echoed the disbelief during an interview with Seattle Sports 710-AM. “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.”

Brady did not downplay the process. He dismissed it. “When it comes down to votes and popularity and all that, welcome to the world and voting.”

Patriots owner Robert Kraft was even more direct in his statement to The Associated Press. “He is the greatest coach of all time and he unequivocally deserves to be a unanimous first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.”

Belichick, now the head coach at the University of North Carolina, has not publicly commented. His coaching record stands at 333-178 including the postseason. Only Don Shula has more wins. Belichick led New England to nine Super Bowl appearances over 18 seasons and helped define the modern salary cap era.

The 2026 Hall of Fame class will be announced Feb. 5 at NFL Honors in San Francisco. Belichick’s name will not be called.

Gronkowski already has his verdict. “He’s clearly gonna get in in the future, but it should have happened yesterday.”


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