Tony Romo Calls Bill Belichick Hall Of Fame Snub “Ridiculous”
Tony Romo is in agreement with many around the league – it is “ridiculous” that Bill Belichick is not a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
The major news ahead of Super Bowl LX has been that arguably the greatest head coach in NFL history was passed over for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite owning the most Super Bowl wins (six), Super Bowl appearances (nine), and the third-most victories all time among head coaches, Belichick will not be inducted this year. The 73-year-old also holds the NFL record for playoff wins (31) and led the New England Patriots to 17 playoff appearances in 19 seasons from 2001 to 2019.
Some voters may have kept Belichick out because of the “Spygate” and “Deflategate” scandals, with a report indicating that Bill Polian – a former executive with the Indianapolis Colts during Belichick’s prime – played a significant role in that sentiment.
“I think it’s ridiculous with Bill Belichick – it’s wrong,” said Romo in a one-on-one interview with R.org about Belichick being left out of the Hall of Fame. “There’s nobody I can think of, a coach who’s more worthy to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer than Bill Belichick. We’re talking Vince Lombardi levels. That’s where this guy is at.”
Romo added that Belichick’s football knowledge and appreciation for the game’s history are unmatched.
“He could probably tell you about Vince Lombardi’s technique that he taught the right tackle on their sweep play,” Romo said.
“The stuff he knows, the history – nobody loves the sport more, appreciates it more, or has won more. It doesn’t make sense. Football is a meritocracy. You earn it, you get it, and this just isn’t right.”
NFL Considering Changes
When asked whether personal feelings against Belichick influenced the vote, Romo reiterated that winning should matter most.
“The NFL has never been about anything other than earning it,” Romo said. “You win, you deserve the credit. No one has won more in the playoffs or won more Super Bowls. He deserves to be appreciated the way he should be. This is just wrong.”
The NFL is reportedly considering removing voters for bylaw violations related to the Belichick snub, something Romo said he could understand.
“Usually when something happens that isn’t right, you start to look inward,” Romo said.
Eli Manning Also Left Waiting
Overshadowed by the Belichick controversy is Romo’s former rival, Eli Manning, being left out of the Hall of Fame for a second straight year. Despite winning two Super Bowls against the Tom Brady-led Patriots – including ending the undefeated 2007 season – Manning remains on the outside.
Romo, who spent 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and faced Manning regularly, said induction is inevitable.
“I think it’s just a matter of time,” Romo said. “He’s more than deserving. He came up clutch in big moments, and the voters know that.”