Fame Semifinals Include Six from the New England Patriots

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 has made history for the New England Patriots, as six former players and coaches with deep Patriots ties have been named semifinalists—marking the largest single-year representation of the franchise in the Hall’s semifinal round. Fame Semifinals Include Six from the New England Patriots isn’t just a statistical milestone; it’s a testament to the Patriots’ unparalleled dynasty (2001–2019), which produced six Super Bowl titles, nine AFC championships, and a roster of players who redefined excellence at their positions. From quarterbacks and coaches to defensive stalwarts and special teams legends, these six semifinalists embody the “Do Your Job” ethos that turned the Patriots into one of the NFL’s greatest franchises. For Patriots Nation, the news is a chance to celebrate the men who made Sundays in New England unforgettable.

Fame Semifinals Include Six from the New England Patriots begins with the most iconic names on the list: former quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick. Brady, who spent 20 seasons with the Patriots (2000–2019), holds NFL records for career passing yards (89,214), touchdowns (649), and Super Bowl wins (7)—four of which came in New England. Belichick, the Patriots’ head coach from 2000–2023, is the NFL’s winningest coach (333 career wins) and the architect of a defense that ranked among the league’s top 10 14 times during his tenure. Both Brady and Belichick are first-ballot eligible in 2026, and their inclusion as semifinalists was widely expected—but their presence alongside four other Patriots alumni makes this year’s class unique. “Tom and Bill didn’t just win games—they changed the way football is played,” said Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, who played against the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII. “Their partnership is the greatest in NFL history, and seeing them as semifinalists together is fitting.”

Fame Semifinals Include Six from the New England Patriots delves into the other four semifinalists, each of whom left an indelible mark on the Patriots. Tight end Rob Gronkowski (2010–2018) revolutionized his position, combining size (6’6”, 265 lbs) with speed to become Brady’s favorite target—recording 79 touchdowns and 7,861 yards in New England, including five Super Bowl touchdowns. Defensive end Andre Tippett (1982–1993), a Patriots lifer, is the franchise’s all-time sacks leader (100) and a key member of the 1985 Patriots team that reached Super Bowl XX. Cornerback Ty Law (1995–2004) was the heart of the Patriots’ “Legion of Boom” predecessor, recording 36 interceptions in New England and scoring two touchdowns in Super Bowl XXXVI—including a 47-yard pick-six that sealed the Patriots’ first Super Bowl win. Rounding out the list is special teams ace Matthew Slater (2008–2022), an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFL’s all-time leader in special teams tackles (238) who became a locker room leader and fan favorite for his work ethic. “These four players represent the best of Patriots football,” said former Patriots tight end Gronkowski. “We didn’t just play for ourselves—we played for each other, and for the fans. Being a semifinalist with these guys? It’s an honor.”

Fame Semifinals Include Six from the New England Patriots highlights how the New England Patriots’ front office and current players have embraced the news, framing it as a tribute to the franchise’s culture. Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement praising the six semifinalists, calling them “the backbone of our dynasty and the reason Patriots Nation is the best in sports.” Current Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, who grew up watching Brady and Gronkowski, said the news inspired him to elevate his own game. “These guys set the standard for what it means to be a Patriot,” Jones said. “To see six of them in the Hall of Fame semifinals? It’s a reminder of the legacy we’re supposed to uphold. The New England Patriots don’t just aim to win—we aim to be remembered, and these guys did that.” Even former Patriots players who aren’t on the list, like wide receiver Wes Welker, took to social media to celebrate their former teammates, with Welker tweeting: “Proud to have played with these legends. They made me better every day. #PatriotsHallBound.”

Fame Semifinals Include Six from the New England Patriots explores the fan reaction, which has turned the news into a week-long celebration across New England. Patriots fans flooded X (Twitter) with the hashtag #SixPatriotsSemis, sharing photos of the semifinalists in action, memories of their greatest plays, and messages of support. At Gillette Stadium, the Patriots added a special exhibit to their Hall of Fame honoring the six semifinalists, featuring game-worn jerseys (including Brady’s 2004 Super Bowl jersey and Gronkowski’s 2017 Pro Bowl jersey), game balls from key wins, and video clips of their most iconic moments. Local sports bars in Boston hosted “Patriots Semifinal Nights,” with fans gathering to watch highlight reels and debate which of the six will make the final cut. “I’ve been a Patriots fan since 1985, and this is the proudest I’ve ever been,” said Boston resident Mike Donnelly, who visited the Gillette exhibit with his 12-year-old son. “These guys aren’t just players—they’re part of our family. The New England Patriots have given us so many memories, and this news is a way to honor that.”

Fame Semifinals Include Six from the New England Patriots wraps up with what this historic representation means for the NFL and the Hall of Fame. Never before has a single franchise had six semifinalists in one year—a fact that speaks to the Patriots’ sustained success and their ability to attract and develop elite talent. For the Hall of Fame, the six Patriots semifinalists present a unique opportunity to honor a dynasty that reshaped the league: Brady redefined the quarterback position, Belichick redefined coaching, Gronkowski redefined the tight end role, Tippett redefined pass rushing, Law redefined shutdown corner play, and Slater redefined special teams excellence. As the Hall’s selection committee narrows the list to 15 finalists in January, Patriots fans will be watching closely—but regardless of the outcome, the six semifinalists have already secured their place in Patriots lore. “Legacy isn’t about being inducted into a Hall of Fame—it’s about the impact you have on the game and the people who love it,” Belichick said in a recent interview. “These six men have had that impact, and that’s what matters most.” Fame Semifinals Include Six from the New England Patriots isn’t just a story about a list of names—it’s a celebration of a dynasty, a tribute to hard work, and a reminder that the best teams are more than the sum of their parts. For the Patriots, it’s one more chapter in a story that will be told for generations.