New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has reportedly been denied entry to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining former head coach Bill Belichick in missing out on this year's class. ESPN cited league sources indicating that Kraft did not secure the required votes.
The Hall of Fame will announce its new members on Thursday, ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl. Kraft and Belichick led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories during their two-decade partnership, one of the most successful dynasties in NFL history.
Last week, it emerged that Belichick had also failed to gain enough votes for induction, despite being widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time. Belichick reportedly remarked, 'Six Super Bowls isn't enough?' upon learning of the decision.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expressed his belief that both men deserve enshrinement, though the league does not control the selection process. 'They are spectacular. They have contributed so much to this game, and I believe they will be Hall of Famers,' Goodell said on Monday.
Kraft, who was a finalist for the first time, denied speculation that he lobbied voters to exclude Belichick. In a statement last Wednesday, Kraft called Belichick 'the greatest coach of all time' and insisted he deserved 'unanimous first-ballot' induction.
