Top 10 Biggest First-Ballot Snubs in Pro Football Hall of Fame History

Emerson Raymont

Published: January 30, 2026 6:59 AM ET

The recent omission of Bill Belichick from the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural voting has stirred significant debate. Many consider this to be one of the most notable first-ballot snubs in the history of this prestigious honor. This decision highlights a troubling pattern, as numerous football icons have also faced similar delays in their enshrinement.

Top 10 Biggest First-Ballot Snubs in Pro Football Hall of Fame History

Below is a detailed list of the most significant first-ballot snubs. Each player and coach has made an indelible mark on the game, yet their enshrinement was delayed for various reasons.

Honorable Mentions

Curtis Martin: Sixth all-time with 14,101 rushing yards and over 1,100 yards in ten seasons.
Jimmy Johnson: Transformed the Dallas Cowboys into a powerhouse, winning back-to-back Super Bowls.
Alan Page: Eighth all-time with 148.5 sacks; eight-time All-Pro defensive tackle.
Antonio Gates: Among the top five tight ends in catches and receiving yards, leads with 116 touchdowns.
John Madden: Legendary coach with the highest winning percentage among coaches in the last century.

10. Marvin Harrison

Harrison ranks fifth in all-time receptions (1,102) and touchdowns (128), and is ninth in receiving yards (14,580). He was an eight-time All-Pro, key to the Indianapolis Colts’ offense during his tenure with Peyton Manning.

9. Kevin Greene

With 160 career sacks, Greene is fourth all-time. He achieved at least ten sacks in ten seasons and was a disruptive force throughout his career.

8. Dick “Night Train” Lane

This renowned defensive back made 68 career interceptions, holding the record for most in a single season with 14 games in 1952.

7. Cris Carter

Carter ranks sixth in all-time receptions and fourth in touchdowns, solidifying his place as one of the best wide receivers in NFL history.

6. Joe Gibbs

Gibbs led the Washington franchise to four Super Bowl appearances, winning three, and possesses an impressive playoff record of 17-7.

5. Michael Strahan

Strahan became the single-season sack leader with 22.5 in 2001 and totaled 141.5 sacks in his career. He won a Super Bowl in his final NFL game.

4. Fran Tarkenton

Known as “The Scrambler,” Tarkenton is one of the league’s first dual-threat quarterbacks, finishing his career with 47,003 passing yards.

3. Bill Walsh

Walsh, known for developing the West Coast offense, led the San Francisco 49ers to three Super Bowl victories. His playoff record stood at 10-4 during his tenure.

2. Terrell Owens

Owens ranks second in all-time receiving yards and touchdowns, and had an impressive career average despite playing for five different teams.

1. Bill Belichick

Belichick is recognized as perhaps the greatest NFL coach, guiding the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl victories and nine total appearances. He ranks third all-time with 302 career wins.

The absence of Bill Belichick in the Hall of Fame on his first ballot raises questions about the selection process. His record and contributions to the NFL remain unrivaled, making his snub a significant moment in the history of football.