Tom Brady Doesn’t Qualify as First-Ballot Hall of Famer
Terrell Owens has stirred controversy by asserting that Tom Brady should not be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 2028. Speaking during an interview with The California Post, Owens highlighted that if coaches Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft are overlooked for immediate induction, Brady should face the same fate.
Key Arguments Against Brady’s First-Ballot Induction
Owens’ remarks came after Belichick and Kraft were reportedly snubbed from the Hall of Fame. He stated, “How can you have Tom Brady go in when he’s up in 2028? Why would he go in if Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick don’t go in on the first go-around?”
Owens emphasized the interconnectedness of Brady’s success with that of his coach and team owner. He argued that Brady owes much of his achievements to Belichick’s coaching and Kraft’s decision to draft him.
A Look at Tom Brady’s Achievements
- 23 NFL seasons played
- 7 Super Bowl victories
- 3 MVP awards
- 15 Pro Bowl selections
- Record holder for most passing yards (89,214)
- Record holder for passing touchdowns (649)
Despite these records, Owens believes that the circumstances surrounding Brady’s career should affect his Hall of Fame eligibility. He referred to controversies like “Deflategate,” suggesting that Brady’s past actions qualify him for scrutiny regarding immediate induction.
The Ongoing Hall of Fame Debate
Owens himself faced hurdles in becoming a Hall of Fame member, eventually being inducted in his third attempt in 2018. He criticized the selection process as “ridiculous” and called for reforms to make the Hall of Fame more legitimate.
“The writers are having too much power of the pen,” Owens asserted, reflecting his concerns about the current system. As the debate unfolds, the conversation around Brady’s potential first-ballot induction is likely to continue heating up as 2028 approaches.
