Patriots Legend Edges Bill Parcells, Logan Mankins in Fan Vote for Hall of Fame
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots announced on Wednesday that former linebacker, and current Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel will be honored as the 34th inductee into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Vrabel, a seven-time finalist, edged former Patriots offensive lineman Logan Mankins and Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Bill Parcells in a fan vote to determine the 2023 awardee.
“It’s my pleasure to announce Mike Vrabel as this year’s selection to the Patriots Hall of Fame,” said team owner Robert Kraft via statement. “Mike’s leadership and versatility were principal to one of the most successful eras in franchise history, propelling the Patriots to three Super Bowl titles in four years and establishing multiple NFL records for consecutive-game win streaks. "
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.
Vrabel joins Troy Brown (2012), Tedy Bruschi (2013), Kevin Faulk (2016), Ty Law (2014), Matt Light (2018), Willie McGinest (2015) and Richard Seymour (2022) as the eighth player to enter the Patriots Hall of Fame as a three-time Super Bowl Champion with the team.
He will also join former assistant coach Dante Scarnecchia, who was named as a Class of 2023 contributor by Kraft when the nomination committee held their annual meeting in April.
The date and time for the 2023 Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.
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