In time, the dynasty-era Patriots will force the Hall’s hand. Rob Gronkowski becomes Hall eligible in 2027. Tom Brady will become a first-ball Hall of Famer a year later. Bill Belichick is another lock, just like Brady. Fringe candidates like Stephen Gostkowski and Julian Edelman will be up for consideration next year.

Bill Belichick is the NFL's most successful coach during the Super Bowl era. But given the ongoing treatment of his former boss, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, it's fair to wonder how the Pro Football Hall of Fame's voters will treat Belichick when he is eligible for induction in 2026.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has narrowed down its list of candidates for the class of 2025 modern era to 25 semifinalists. Tight end Antonio Gates, who was the most notable snub from the Class of 2024,