FOXBORO, Mass — A foundational coach. A three-time Super Bowl champion. A potential future Hall of Famer.
Whoever is selected to become the newest member of the Patriots Hall of Fame will be more than worthy. Which may make the choice all the more difficult.
On Thursday the Patriots revealed the three finalists up for election into the team’s Hall of Fame this summer. Fans will vote between former head coach Bill Parcells, three-time Super Bowl champion Mike Vrabel and longtime o-lineman Logan Mankins to decide who wears a red jacket.
Bill Parcells helmed the franchise from 1993 to 1996, leading the Patriots to two playoff appearances in that time, including a berth in Super Bowl XXXI. The Big Tuna took over at a time when it wasn’t uncommon to see more empty seats than not at Foxboro Stadium. From 1989 to 1992, the Patriots went 14-50, including 1-15 and 2-14 seasons in 1990 and 1992. Parcells departed the franchise in 1997 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013 as the only coach to steer four different franchises to the postseason.
Known as a reserve linebacker when he signed as a free agent in 2001, Mike Vrabel would blossom into a Patriots legend as a key defensive piece and an NFL Films darling during several playoff runs. Vrabel plugged holes on each side of the defensive line and even moonlighted as a TE on offense, hauling in 10 touchdowns receptions in eight years, including two in back-to-back Super Bowls. Although the Patriots didn’t capture the Super Bowl in 2007, Vrabel was named a First Team All-Pro.
Although he never won a Super Bowl, Logan Mankins has earned his reputation as one of the Patriots greatest offensive linemen. Mankins earned six All-Pro honors in his nine seasons in New England. Mankins started all 130 games in which he appeared in, including almost an entire season on a torn ACL. As one of Brady’s chief protectors, Mankins appeared in two Super Bowls.
Whoever wins the fan vote will walk into the team Hall of Fame alongside former assistant coach Dante Scarnecchia.
Fans can vote on the Patriots’ website from now until May 2.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
©2023 Cox Media Group
