Bill Simmons isn’t holding back when it comes to Robert Kraft’s continued snub from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The sports media mogul took to his platform to lay out the one reason why Kraft’s still waiting on that golden jacket, and it’s not about the championships or the dynasty.
Simmons dove deep, pulling back the curtain on a factor that may surprise even the most die-hard football fans. This one’s about more than just the trophies — it’s about the untold story behind Kraft’s Hall of Fame omission.
Bill Simmons on Why Robert Kraft’s Legacy Isn’t Enough for Canton
Simmons has some words for Kraft’s Hall of Fame omission, and they sting. The sportswriter and cultural critic took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to explain why Kraft’s case has been repeatedly passed over.
Instead of celebrating his savvy acquisition of Bill Belichick, which led to six Super Bowls and nine appearances, Kraft’s narrative has been tainted by his media spotlight. As Simmons puts it, Kraft’s Hall of Fame pitch now feels more like a self-congratulatory “check out this Apple docuseries about how we won six Super Bowls thanks to me and Brady” than an acknowledgment of his behind-the-scenes genius.
Kraft’s Hall of Fame case should have been, “I shrewdly traded a 1st round pick for Belichick, he became the best NFL coach ever, and we won six Super Bowls and made 9.”
Instead it was “Check out this Apple docuseries about how we won six Super Bowls thanks to me and Brady.”
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) November 22, 2024
It’s tough love from Simmons, but there’s truth in his words. Kraft’s legacy is undeniable — he transformed the New England Patriots into a dynasty and reshaped the NFL‘s business side.
Yet, every year he’s passed over by the Hall’s contributor committee. In 2025, Kraft will once again miss out on enshrinement, as the committee chose Ralph Hay, a foundational figure of the NFL, over Kraft. But for most fans, Hay’s name is more obscure than Kraft’s commercial prowess.
The heart of Simmons’ critique isn’t just about missed opportunities. It’s about how Kraft’s post-dynasty era has been marked by too much self-promotion. Instead of leaning into his history of business acumen and strategic moves, he’s become a star of documentaries, turning his own story into a brand. It’s a reminder that in the NFL creating lasting legacies isn’t just about wins but how you shape your narrative.
Kraft’s time will come, but until then, he’ll have to sit through more snubs.
Kraft’s Hall of Fame Case: Six Rings and a Legendary Legacy
After purchasing the Pats in 1994, the owner turned the team into an NFL juggernaut, snagging six Super Bowl rings — the most by any owner.
While Tom Brady and Belichick did their thing, Kraft was the mastermind who brought Belichick to Foxborough, Mass., saved the team from relocating, and bankrolled the iconic Gillette Stadium. He even helped boost the NFL’s bank account and played a pivotal role in ending the 2011 lockout.
So why the wait for Canton? The Hall committee is making him earn it, but it’s only a matter of time before Kraft’s bust joins the legends.