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Rodney Harrison confronts Tony Dungy over Bill Belichick HOF exclusion
Broadcast analysts Rodney Harrison (left) and Tony Dungy. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

'You guys got it wrong': Rodney Harrison confronts Tony Dungy over Bill Belichick HOF exclusion

Tensions spilled onto NBC's Super Bowl pregame coverage when former Patriots safety Rodney Harrison publicly challenged Hall of Fame voter and fellow analyst Tony Dungy over Bill Belichick's exclusion from the 2026 class.

Harrison, who won two championships under Belichick's coaching with the New England Patriots, pointed directly at Dungy and said, "You guys got it wrong." The heated exchange occurred as the broadcast team discussed the controversial voting results that left the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach outside Canton for another year.

Dungy had said on air that he won't disclose his ballot but insisted the voting process itself deserves scrutiny rather than individual selectors. That defense did not sit well with Harrison, who clearly holds different views about where responsibility lies for Belichick falling short of the required 40 votes.

The moment created visible discomfort among the broadcast panel during what should have been standard pregame analysis.

Tony Dungy defends process while refusing to reveal his vote

Dungy maintained his position throughout the pregame discussion that the Hall of Fame voting system needs examination. The former Indianapolis Colts head coach, who competed against Belichick's Patriots dynasty throughout the 2000s, would not confirm whether he supported the legendary coach's induction.

Earlier this month, Dungy told Front Office Sports he wouldn't comment on his ballot until the official announcement. He stuck to that stance even as the class was revealed Thursday without Belichick's name.

Critics have questioned whether Dungy's silence suggests he voted against Belichick. The two coaches faced each other 10 times in regular-season matchups, with Dungy posting a 5-5 record.

Their rivalry defined AFC football for years, with New England capturing three titles during Dungy's tenure in Indianapolis.

Hall of Fame president Jim Porter told the Associated Press that it will consider changes to both the voting panel and process. Porter emphasized selectors must choose strictly based on merit, not future eligibility concerns.

Belichick remains eligible for the 2027 class alongside first-time candidates such as tight end Rob Gronkowski and running back Adrian Peterson. 

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