Read Robert Kraft’s statement on reported Bill Belichick Hall of Fame omission

New England Patriots

“He is the greatest coach of all time and he unequivocally deserves to be a unanimous first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.”

Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued a statement Wednesday regarding the reported omission of Bill Belichick from this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

Here is the statement in its entirety, per the Associated Press’s Kyle Hightower.

“Whatever perceptions may exist about any personal differences between Bill and me, I strongly believe Bill Belichick’s record and body of work speak for themselves,” Kraft said. “As head coach of the New England Patriots for more than two decades, he set the standard for on-field excellence, preparation, and sustained success in the free agency and salary cap era of the National Football League.

“He is the greatest coach of all time and he unequivocally deserves to be a unanimous first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.”

Belichick reportedly fell short of the 40 out of 50 votes required for induction to the Hall of Fame. Voting took place earlier this earlier this month, according to ESPN, with results to be announced ahead of next month’s Super Bowl.

He has the most Super Bowl wins of all time among coaches. He’s second on the total wins list. He has six championships as a head coach and two more as a defensive coordinator from his time with the Giants.

There are 29 coaches in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Three of them went in on the first ballot.

Several former Patriots, including Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski blasted the voting results. Criticism has been rolling in from big names across the sports world on social media since the news broke Tuesday.

Kraft is both eligible for the Hall of Fame and on this year’s ballot, which means there is still a possibility that he ends up getting enshrined.

Belichick, apparently, will have to wait at least another year.

Khari A. Thompson

Sports Reporter

Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.