Tom Brady has admitted that Hall of Fame voting trends have him “a little concerned,” despite owning one of the most decorated resumes in NFL history. His words came after recent reports that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and legendary head coach Bill Belichick were both snubbed by voters in their first years of eligibility, raising uncomfortable worries about how the voters are judging the Patriots dynasty.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion commented on an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, where he was asked about the reported Hall of Fame setbacks faced by Kraft and Belichick. Brady suggested the pattern may not bode well for former Patriots figures when their names first appear on the ballot, taking into account what happened with Kraft and Belichick. Brady also recently refused to take sides for Super Bowl LX.
On paper, Brady’s Hall of Fame case is as close to automatic as professional football gets. He retired with seven Super Bowl rings, more than any player in league history, along with 15 Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro honors, and three NFL MVP awards. He also owns the records for career starts, completions, attempts, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and first downs.
Operation Sports App
Your ultimate companion for sports gaming. Access in-depth coverage, thoughtful discussion, and a community built around the games—and sports—you love.
Your ultimate sports gaming companion.
Brady Has All The Reasons To Be Concerned
Those accomplishments have obviously framed Brady as a no-doubt, first-ballot Hall of Famer. Brady’s career output alone places him in a category that most voters would consider untouchable, especially given how quarterbacks have usually been treated favorably by the Hall of Fame.
However, the recent treatment of Belichick and Kraft has complicated that assumption. Both men were highly expected to be inducted the moment they became eligible, given their main roles in building the most successful dynasty in NFL history. Their reported snubs have forced fans and players to consider whether legacy-defining success can still be overshadowed by controversy.
If voters are indeed factoring those controversies into their decisions, Brady’s concern is not entirely unfounded. While he was not implicated in Spygate, Deflategate revolved directly around him. The league accused Brady of being aware of footballs being intentionally underinflated during the 2014 AFC Championship Game, an allegation that resulted in a four-game suspension upheld by the courts. However, critics have pointed out that the evidence against Brady was not very solid.
Even with Deflategate in the background, Brady’s overall body of work dwarfs that of nearly every player who has ever been eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He won Super Bowls across two decades, led multiple roster iterations to championships, and proved his greatness extended beyond New England by winning a title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at age 43.
Published: Feb 4, 2026 11:08 am