But on the heels of recent comments by Kraft that he took a "big risk" by hiring Belichick in 1999, Belichick responded in a statement to ESPN that it was he who took a "big risk" by joining a flailing franchise with few resources that was $10 million over the salary cap. "As I told Robert multiple times through the years, I took a big risk by taking the New England Patriots head coaching job," Belichick told ESPN in response to questions. One was a 2000 Patriots team that was $10 million over the salary cap. Asked by ESPN why he felt Kraft made statements now that hiring him was "a big risk," Belichick said, "You'll have to ask Robert." Belichick, 73, is still not a member of the Patriots Hall of Fame.