Greenwood is finalist for Hall of Fame class
AP
By Josh Dubow
AP Pro Football Writer
Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft, two of the key pillars in the New England Patriots’ dynasty, and former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end L.C. Greenwood were picked as finalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
Belichick was picked as the coaching candidate and Kraft was picked as the contributor in results announced on Wednesday. Three seniors candidates also made the final stage with Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and Greenwood all advancing.
“To be in this position is extremely humbling,” Belichick said in a statement on social media, adding congratulations to the other finalists. “I am honored to be named the coaching finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Thank you to the selection committee and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I am thankful for the organizations and thousands of players and coaches that I worked with for my 49 years in the NFL. This is a cherishable reflection of all my teammates throughout my NFL career.”
The members of the 50-person selection committee can vote for three of the finalists under rules put in place last year with candidates needing 80% of the votes to make it into the Hall. A maximum of three candidates can reach that threshold. If no candidate gets 80%, the top vote getter will be elected.
The committee will also vote on 15 modern era finalists that are still to be determined with between three and five of those candidates guaranteed to get into the Hall.
Greenwood is the most prominent member of the Steelers dominant defense that helped the franchise win four Super Bowl titles in a span of six seasons from 1974-79 who is not in the Hall. Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, Donnie Shell and Mel Blount have already been inducted.
Greenwood was a member of the all-decade team for the 1970s, was a two-time All-Pro and made six Pro Bowls in a 13-year career. He retired a year before sacks became an official stat but research from Pro Football Reference credits him with 78 over his career as a defensive end on those teams.
Belichick was hired by Kraft in 2000 and led the franchise to six Super Bowl wins titles and three other appearances in the title game during an 18-year span from 2001-18. Belichick’s 333 wins in the regular season and playoffs with New England and Cleveland are the second most to Don Shula’s 347. He won AP NFL Coach of the Year three times.