New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has once again been snubbed in his quest to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The selection committee instead chose to honor Ralph Hay, co-founder of the NFL.

Kraft has been named a semifinalist each of the last three years, but just can’t seem to get over the hump despite an absolutely sparkling resume.

So why isn’t Kraft installed in the Hall?

Well, there is a growing belief that the Spygate and Deflategate scandals are weighing on the committee’s mind, not to mention the accusations made against Kraft by a scandal in a massage parlor years agoalthough the charges were dropped.

But the idea of ​​inducting Hay – who didn’t want to pay players – over Kraft is certainly a bit shocking.

“It’s a huge surprise” a source spoke to ESPN about Kraft’s snub. “It’s very disappointing. Unless you’re an NFL historian, you don’t know who Ralph Hay is.

Hay was ignored for six straight decades before finally being inducted in 2024.

Kraft became owner of the Patriots in 1994 and had one of the most successful runs in professional sports history.

Under Kraft’s leadership, New England won six Super Bowl championships and appeared in 10 Super Bowls. The Pats also won 19 division titles during that span.

During this time, Hay owned the Canton Bulldogs and sold the team after four years.

“Hay didn’t think players should be paid,” another source said. “He sold the team after only four years. I don’t know how he is considered more deserving than Bob Kraft.”

Seeing Kraft being consistently denied in his Hall of Fame applications is definitely strange given how synonymous he has become with football.

Be sure to bookmark the New England Patriots on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film highlights and much more!