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Reports that former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick would not be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in August sparked strong reactions throughout the sports world.
Belichick, who won two Super Bowl rings as an assistant before coaching the Patriots to six titles, fell short of the Hall of Fame’s 50-vote threshold. Belichick’s omission long raised questions about how the votes fell.
Bill Polian, a former Indianapolis Colts general manager and Hall of Fame inductee, was at the center of much of the debate.
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Bill Polian issued a statement confirming his Hall of Fame vote for Bill Belichick, denying a report that he told fellow voters the former NFL coach should wait. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Polian initially said he cast a vote in favor of the North Carolina football coach before saying he couldn’t say with 100% certainty if he did. In his latest attempt to clear the air, Polian said he checked the box next to Belichick’s name.
“I voted for coach Belichick in the Hall of Fame selection meeting,” Polian said on SiriusXM NFL Radio Wednesday as he read a prepared statement.
“The Pro Football Hall of Fame has confirmed that fact through the auditors of the selection process. Again, I’ve never said that I believe Coach Belichick should quote, wait a year, close quote, for enshrinement. This has been confirmed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, several voters who were in the room and my vote for Coach Belichick.”
Polian said he has always aimed to be objective in his voting.
FILE – New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 4, 2018. (Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports)
“As a Hall of Fame member and voter, I realize the importance of what we do. I have always tried as a voter to make these difficult choices with the utmost objectivity. I have said on SiriusXM Radio and numerous other media outlets that I believe Coach Belichick is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, my vote confirms that.”
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Polian referenced an ESPN report, citing sources who said the Super Bowl-winning general manager was one of the voters who told others Belichick should “wait a year” before hiring. In addition to Wednesday’s statement, Polian also told Sports Illustrated that the accusations were “totally and categorically untrue”.
Bill Polian clarified that he voted for Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame induction, denying a report that he told voters the former Patriots coach would have to endure a waiting period. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
“I was shocked to hear Bill didn’t get in. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame,” Polian told ESPN.
ESPN reported that Belichick was “puzzled” and “disappointed” to learn he wasn’t accepted this year and wondered what more he needed to do as a head coach to get in right away.
This year — and for the first time — longtime Patriots owner Robert Kraft was also a hall of fame finalist. It is unclear whether Kraft or another finalist was selected for the 2026 class.
