6 Patriots Legends Skip Hall of Fame Ceremony to Celebrate Bill Belichick
Several New England Patriots legends have reportedly declined invitations to attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony, choosing instead to stand in solidarity with Bill Belichick.
The move comes after Belichick was controversially left out as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, a decision that sparked outrage across the NFL community.
Rather than traveling to Canton, six Patriots icons are said to be planning a private celebration with Belichick on the very same night as the official ceremony.
At the center of the group is Tom Brady, Belichick’s longtime quarterback and the face of the Patriots dynasty, who has been openly critical of the Hall of Fame voting process.
Brady is not alone. Legendary coaches Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells are also expected to be involved, adding significant weight to the statement being made.
Both Johnson and Parcells have publicly questioned how a coach with Belichick’s résumé could fail to earn immediate induction.
Several other Patriots legends from the franchise’s Super Bowl era are believed to be participating as well, though not all names have been formally confirmed.
Sources say the gathering is not intended as a protest, but as a celebration of Belichick’s legacy with the people who built one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
While the Hall of Fame ceremony moves forward in Canton, this parallel event is expected to send a clear message.
For many of the game’s most respected figures, Bill Belichick’s place among football immortals was never in doubt.
Bills Exercise Dalton Kincaid’s Fifth-Year Option for 2027
The Buffalo Bills have officially exercised the fifth-year option on tight end Dalton Kincaid, keeping one of the league’s fastest-rising young stars under contract through the 2027 season.
The option is projected to cost approximately $8.73 million, a figure that reflects Kincaid’s first-round draft status and his rapid emergence as a cornerstone of Buffalo’s offense.
Since being selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Kincaid has quickly established himself as one of the most productive young tight ends in football.
Kincaid earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2026 following a breakout 2025 season, cementing his status among the NFL’s elite at the position.
During his rookie year, Kincaid set a Buffalo franchise record for most receptions by a rookie in a single season, surpassing Sammy Watkins and signaling his immediate impact
In the 2025 season, Kincaid led all NFL tight ends in average yards per reception at 14.6 and posted a league-best passer rating of 149.2 when targeted, highlighting his efficiency and explosiveness in the passing game.
Across three seasons in Buffalo, Kincaid has appeared in 41 games, totaling 156 receptions for 1,692 yards and nine touchdowns, production that places him among the most consistent offensive contributors on the roster.
His growth was especially evident late in the 2025 season, when he recorded multiple 100-yard performances, including standout games against the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs.
Kincaid also delivered in the postseason, contributing nine receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns across two playoff games in 2025, reinforcing his value in high-pressure moments.
Beyond his receiving numbers, Kincaid has developed into a reliable blocker, earning a strong 86.8 blocking grade from Pro Football Focus entering 2026.
By exercising the fifth-year option, Buffalo secured cost certainty at a premium position while reinforcing its long-term offensive foundation.
With the decision finalized, Kincaid remains firmly positioned as a core piece of the Bills’ present and future as the franchise continues its pursuit of a Super Bowl.