New England Patriots

Pro Football Hall of Fame Nominees Include 21 New England Patriots

Published

3 weeks ago

September 19, 2024

FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2004, file photo, New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri celebrates his game-winning field goal with teammate Ken Walter, rear, during the final seconds of their 32-29 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, at Reliant Stadium in Houston. The Patriots won 32-29. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the Modern Era candidates for the Class of 2025. Among the 167 nominees are 21 players who played for the New England Patriots. Included in that group are seven members of the Patriots Hall of Fame, QB Drew Bledsoe was among the confusing omissions, bypassed for less-accomplished quarterbacks.

Three Patriots on last year’s ballot are not back this time around: WR Troy Brown, OT Matt Light, and LB/ST Larry Izzo. Two former New England players appear on the ballot for the first time: CB Aquib Talib and PK Adam Vinatieri.

The 2001-2004 New England Patriots teams won three Super Bowls but are represented by only two players in Canton: DL Richard Seymour and CB Ty Law. Perhaps 2025 will be the year they receive some company from their championship teammates.

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Nominees Who Played for the New England Patriots

Quarterback (1): Doug Flutie

Running Backs (3): Corey Dillon, Steven Jackson, Fred Taylor

Fullback (1): Larry Centers

Wide Receivers (3): Irving Fryar, Chad Johnson, Wes Welker

New England Patriots WR Wes Welker runs away from the Miami Dolphins defender

Tight End (1): Ben Coates*

Offensive Linemen (3): Bruce Armstrong*, Logan Mankins, Brian Waters

Defensive Linemen (2): Ted Washington, Vince Wilfork*

Linebackers (4): Tedy Bruschi*, James Harrison, Willie McGinest*, Mike Vrabel*

Defensive Backs (2): S Rodney Harrison*, CB Aquib Talib

Kickers (1): Adam Vinatieri

*Member of the Patriots Hall of Fame

Players With the Best Chances in 2025

Rodney Harrison (2021, 2023-2024) and Vince Wilfork (2022-2024) have each advanced to become a semifinalist three times. Harrison became a finalist for the Class of 2024 but was ultimately not elected. Patriots Football Now projected Rodney Harrison and Adam Vinatieri to be among the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame narrows down the 167 Modern Era nominees down to 25 semifinalists in November, then 10 finalists in early 2025 before picking next year’s honorees. The inductees get introduced at the NFL Honors ceremony before the Super Bowl.