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 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalists were announced on Wednesday, with plenty of NFL greats represented on the shortlist like quarterback Eli Manning.