Patriots owner Robert Kraft says Bill Belichick 'unequivocally deserves' to be first-ballot Hall of Famer

Jimmy Johnson joins Colin Cowherd to discuss Bill Belichick not making the Hall of Fame first ballot and Miami’s resurgence after its CFP championship appearance.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s relationship with Bill Belichick may have deteriorated toward the end of the coach’s 23-year tenure, but the longtime owner is with the masses who feel he should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Shock is an understatement for how the football world reacted to reports that Belichick didn’t get the necessary votes to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first try.

Kraft was among those, saying Belichick "unequivocally" should be heading to Canton.

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New England Patriots former coach Bill Belichick looks on as owner Robert Kraft addresses the media at Gillette Stadium about Belichick's departure. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

"Whatever perceptions may exist about any personal differences between Bill and me, I strongly believe Bill Belichick’s record and body of work speak for themselves," Kraft said in a statement.

"As head coach of the New England Patriots for more than two decades, he set the standard for on-field excellence, preparation and sustained success in the free agency and salary cap era of The National Football League. He is the greatest coach of all time, and he unequivocally deserves to be a unanimous first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer."

Prominent figures in football, including Kraft’s and Belichick’s crown jewel, quarterback Tom Brady, had something to say about the coach with the second-most wins all time and six Super Bowl rings not being elected.

TOM BRADY PERPLEXED OVER BILL BELICHICK FAILING TO MAKE HALL OF FAME ON