Bill Belichick’s snub as a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer has stirred up many people across the NFL, including his former opponents and players he coached from the New England Patriots.
Reactions have been circulating online via social media and during televised moments, such as Michael Strahan sounding off on “Good Morning America” and, more recently, Rob Gronkowski weighing in on late-night TV. Gronk, who works alongside Strahan on “Fox NFL Sunday,” appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and shared his thoughts on the situation.
“It’s completely absurd that coach Belichick was not a first ballot Hall of Famer into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Like you said, eight Super Bowl rings, two as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants, six throughout his time with the New England Patriots, the second most winningest coach in regular season history, winningest coach in playoff history,” Gronk said.
Read more: Michael Strahan Sounds off on Bill Belichick Hall of Fame Snub
Gronk also got honest about something that’s not really part of the record or stat books regarding his former coach, with whom he won three Super Bowls while playing as a tight end for the Patriots.
“He touched so many lives as well, and he gave so many opportunities to so many different coaches and players to succeed. I would not be sitting here next to Jimmy Fallon if it wasn’t for Coach Belichick,” Gronk said, adding, “So, coach Belichick, thank you for everything you have done, you are a first ballot Hall of Famer!”
Along with Gronk, other former Patriots stars who weighed in on Belichick’s snub from this round of the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting were quarterback Tom Brady and receiver Julian Edelman. As one might expect, they were also surprised at their former coach not getting in during his first year of eligibility.
According to ESPN, Belichick fell short of the 40 of 50 votes needed to enter the Hall of Fame, and sources indicated he was “puzzled” and “disappointed” by not being voted in this year.
Some have speculated that the snub is a message from some voters to Belichick due to previous scandals involving the Patriots, including “Spygate” and “Deflategate.” Belichick will remain eligible to be voted in indefinitely, but it looks like he’ll have to wait until next year for his potential induction.
Read more: Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Shrugs Off ‘Disrespect’ Talk Before Super Bowl LX
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