Patriots Reveal Three 2023 Hall of Fame Finalists
FOXBORO — Three members of the New England Patriots alumni have moved one step closer to being enshrined among the team’s greatest legends.
The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon Technologies announced the three finalists to become its 2023 inductee on Thursday.
Offensive lineman Logan Mankins, linebacker Mike Vrabel and Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells were chosen by the Hall’s selection committee, which met last week to determine eligibility.
The Patriots take a unique approach to this process, allowing their fans to make the final selection for enshrinement into its Hall of Fame, via online fan voting.
Fans are encouraged to vote at patriots.com/hof through May 2.
Here is a closer look at the finalists:
Logan Mankins
Mankins is widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in franchise history. The Fresno State product spent nine of his 11 NFL seasons with the Pats after joining the team as a first-round draft pick in 2005. Mankins was a three-time team captain, earning six Pro Bowl selections and six All-Pro honors (2007, 2009-13) during his time with New England, including first-team Associated Press All-Pro honors following the 2010 season. Despite playing his entire collegiate career as a left tackle, Mankins was moved to left guard when he joined the Patriots and was immediately inserted into the starting lineup.
Mankins started all 130 regular season and 17 postseason games in which he appeared as a member of the Patriots. With Mankins in the lineup, the Patriots offense finished in top 10 in eight of his nine seasons with the Patriots - 2005 (7), 2007 (1), 2008 (5), 2009 (3), 2010 (8), 2011 (2), 2012 (1), 2013 (7). He was selected a member of the Patriots all-2000s Team, all-2010s Team and their 50th Anniversary team.
Mike Vrabel
Vrabel joined the Patriots as a free-agent in 2001. His signing remains one of the greatest in team history. Throughout his time in New England, Vrabel defined the word ‘versatility.’ He primarily started at both inside and outside linebacker. However, he often lined up on offense in short-yardage and goal-line situations. As a Patriot, he caught eight regular-season passes and two more in the playoffs. All 10 of his receptions were for touchdowns, including touchdown receptions in back-to-back Super Bowl wins over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXVIII and Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX (cred. Patriots.com). Vrabel routinely made his presence felt by making valuable contributions on various special teams units.
Although he finished his playing career as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Vrabel will forever be remembered as a Patriot. He was a three-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX), as well as a Pro Bowler and First-team All-Pro in 2007. He was selected as a member of the New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team, as well as the Sports Illustrated All-Decade Team (2000–2009). He registered 48 sacks as a Patriot, which is the seventh-most in franchise history.
Bill Parcells
Despite holding the reins as Patriots head coach for only four seasons (1993-96,) Parcells left an indelible mark on the organization. With two Super Bowl victories on his resume, the charismatic coach added instant credibility to a franchise which had finished a league-worst 2-14 in 1992. During his brief tenure, he led the team to two playoff berths, one of which resulted in an appearance in Super Bowl XXXI. Parcells finished his Patriots career with a 34-34 record, including 2-2 in the playoffs.
In 1994, Parcells led the Pats to a season-ending seven-game win streak, allowing the team to clinch their first playoff berth in eight years. The performance earned him NFL Coach of the Year honors. After finishing 6-10 in 1995, the Patriots rebounded with an 11-win season in 1996, tying the then-franchise record for wins and earning their first division title in 10 years. New England also captured the AFC Championship by defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-6 at Foxboro Stadium to earn a trip to the Super Bowl for just the second time in franchise history.
This year's inductee will become the 34th person to be enshrined into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Last week, team owner Robert Kraft revealed longtime offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia as the 33rd inductee into the Patriots Hall of Fame — the fourth as a contributor.
Vrabel is a finalist for the seventh straight time, with Parcells getting his fifth nod and Mankins’ earning his second nomination.
The team will announce the 2023 Patriots Hall of Fame top vote-getter shortly after voting closes on May 2.
The date and time of the induction ceremony has yet to be announced by the Hall.
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