PATRIOT GAMES

BY MIKE RIFKIN

This is a special week for the New England Patriots, as they appear in their first Super Bowl post Tom Brady. They could also celebrate a new hall of famer as former Kicker Adam Vinatieri is a finalist. 

Two names not making it to Canton in 2026 are former Coach Bill Belichick and Owner Robert Kraft. They’re not in at least for this year for their actions for “Spygate” and “Deflategate”. In 2028 when he is first eligible will Tom Brady be given the same consequence? Belichick has the second most wins all-time and has eight Super Bowl rings (6 as HC, 2 AS DC). The six he won with the Patriots are all with Kraft as the owner. 

But, will Brady get special treatment in a few years or will he have to wait? This is the Pro Football Hall Of Fame and to not have the greatest coach in or the greatest Quarterback of all-time get in on the first ballot would just be ridiculous. These three men will always be tied at the hip of being the faces of the NFL dynasty of the 2000’s. But the voters put themselves in a interesting position, if they vote in Brady on the first ballot, people will ask why wasn’t Bill? But if they don’t put in Brady on the first ballot people will ask how could they possibly do that? 

If this is a punishment for spygate and deflategate, it’s not the Hall’s job to hand out the punishment. Or is this why Brady got into broadcasting, trying to smooth out relationships to ensure himself he gets in on the first ballot? There will be someone out there asking does getting in on the first ballot matter? In my opinion it matters, it’s cool to witness especially when it is a player or coach you grew up watching.