Cris Carter claimed that Pro Football Hall of Fame voters have made things personal after sensationally snubbing Bill Belichick, and believes it's 'gutless' not to publicize votes
11:47 ET, 26 Feb 2026
Cris Carter thinks it's 'gutless' not to make Pro Football Hall of Fame votes public
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Cris Carter thinks it's 'gutless' not to make Pro Football Hall of Fame votes public(Image: Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings legend and NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter believes that voters should be held accountable after claiming that Bill Belichick's first-ballot snub was a "personal" decision made by the committee.
Carter was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his sixth year of eligibility, despite being one of the best wide receivers of all time. Belichick, who has won more Super Bowl championships than any other coach, was snubbed during his first year of availability.
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During his 24-season tenure with the New England Patriots, Belichick won six championships and posted a 333-178 record, the second-most in NFL history. Belichick failed to receive the 40 of 50 votes he needed, and Carter believes that it's "gutless" votes aren't made public.
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Carter finished his 234-game career as the NFL's second all-time leading receiver with 1,101 receptions for 13,899 yards. He also scored 130 touchdowns but was rejected for five years before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Although there have been several controversial decisions in the past, Belichick's snub was the biggest shock in recent history. In an exclusive interview with Mirror U.S. Sports via Casino Groups, Carter was asked about the controversy.
"People have taken things personal," Carter said. "We've seen it happen before, and they've gotten away with it; see that with myself, and now Belichick. An adjustment will be made, and some people will be thrown out."
Cris Carter (right) was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 after a six-year wait
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Cris Carter (right) was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 after a six-year wait(Image: 2013 Getty Images)
Carter is convinced that changes will be made following the Belichick saga, but cannot believe voters can remain anonymous without their decisions being made public.
Fans were desperate to see who snubbed Belichick, who was deemed a lock to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Carter doesn't understand why voters are allowed to do so with secrecy.
"I think it's gutless not to make them public," Carter added. "If you believe enough, you should be able to publish your information.
"If you're part of a great committee like this that determines people's greatness, you should want people to know what you think. Unless you've got a hidden agenda or something.
Bill Belichick has won more Super Bowls as a head coach than any other
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Bill Belichick has won more Super Bowls as a head coach than any other(Image: Getty Images)
"Which a lot of them do have. That's the only thing it could be. What else could it be? It's either an agenda or something personal. Only two things it could be. I think they're going to make some serious adjustments. Stay tuned."
As the backlash following the Belichick decision reached an all-time high, the Pro Football Hall of Fame released an official statement. "Each year, the Hall reviews the selection process and the composition of the 50-person Selection Committee," it read.
"If it is determined that any member(s) violated the selection process bylaws, they understand action will be taken. That could include the possibility that such selector(s) would not remain a member of the committee moving forward.
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"The selection of a new class is the most important duty the Hall of Fame oversees each year, and the integrity of that process cannot be in question."