A Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist in his first year of eligibility, Bill Belichick has responded to the recognition with a statement.

The legendary coach is a finalist in the Coach category, along with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who is a Contributor, and Roger Craig, L.C. Greenwood and Kenny Anderson, who are all Senior nominees.

Of the five finalists, up to three can be members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. They need to garner 80% of the vote for enshrinement. So while they’re competing for votes now, Belichick and Kraft could conceivably be enshrined together next summer in Canton.

In the statement Belichick released on Instagram, the former Patriots coach said he was cherishing the nomination.

“To be in this position is extremely humbling,” Belichick wrote. “I am hono

See Full Page