Bill Belichick trekked to Canton, Ohio this weekend for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s enshrinement ceremony. Headlining this year’s inductees was Peyton Manning, with whom Belichick shared epic battles over the years.
The Patriots’ future hall of fame coach enjoyed his time in Canton. But Hall of Fame trips are always more fun when a former coworker is being honored. Belichick hopes to see one of his guys get inducted in 2022.
“Always good to be in Canton. It’s a great spot. A lot of history there. It’s great to see the players,” Belichick said, per ProFootballTalk. “Glad to be there for some of the people that I’ve competed against. Maybe we’ll get one of ours in next year.”
Former defensive tackle Richard Seymour came the closest of any “Belichickian” to making the Class of 2021. Seymour won three Super Bowls and played five Pro Bowls while in New England with Belichick. The selection committee could induct Seymour a year from now.
First-year eligible players for the 2022 HOF @brgridiron
– Tony Romo
– Steve Smith
– Andre Johnson
– Anquan Boldin
– Robert Mathis
– DeMarcus Ware
– Vince Wilfork
– Chad Greenway
– Mario Williams pic.twitter.com/uo2zwCL3uh— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 9, 2021
If Seymour misses out again next year, another legendary defensive tackle has a shot. Vince Wilfork, notoriously one of Belichick’s all-time favorite players, becomes eligible for induction in 2022. Wilfork won a BCS national title at Miami (FL) before hoisting two Vince Lombardi trophies in New England.
Belichick has expressed no desire to step away from football yet. Needless to say, the 69 year-old will be on the podium in Canton as soon as he’s eligible.
The post Bill Belichick Has Clear Hope For Hall Of Fame Next Year appeared first on The Spun.