Why Robert Kraft joined Bill Belichick as stunning Hall of Fame snub for 2026

The New England Patriots are back in the upper tier of the NFL as they sit one win away from a seventh Super Bowl win, but they won't be well represented in Canton this year.

After legendary coach Bill Belichick was snubbed from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, owner Robert Kraft fell short as well, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Kraft was also in his first year of eligibility and was one of five finalists among contributors and senior players, along with Belichick. At least one and as many as three candidates can be elected from that group.

Here's what you need to know about Kraft's exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026.

MORE: Why Bill Belichick was snubbed as first-ballot Hall of Famer

Why Robert Kraft didn't get into Hall of Fame

While the vote totals are not publicly revealed, Kraft failed to garner at least 40 votes from the 50-person committee that weighs the candidacy of contributors and senior players.

Voters must choose three of five finalists, and anywhere from one to three senior or contributor finalists are selected for the Hall of Fame. Anyone who receives at least 40 votes is elected; if no one receives 40 votes, the highest vote-getter is elected. The full results are not public, but Kraft failed to crack the 40-vote threshold.

With Kraft and Belichick both falling short, the possibility remains that both could go into the Hall of Fame together in 2027, though they could work against each other again, given that voters have limited space on their ballots. Tom Brady, the other key cog in New England's dynasty, is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028.

With Kraft and Belichick out of the running, at least one of Roger Craig, Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood will be part of the class of 2026.

MORE: How does the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting work?

This story will be updated.