Patriots Legends Announced as HOF Semifinalists

By Alexandria Evans 

On Wednesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame cut down their list of 167 modern-era player Hall of Fame nominees to 25 semifinalists. Among those 25 were NFL legends ranging from Eli Manning to Luke Kuechly, and Earl Thomas. Alongside them were three former Patriots legends, Adam Vinatieri, Rodney Harrison, and Vince Wilfork.

For Harrison and Wilfork, this is their fourth time reaching the semifinalist stage in the league’s process of selecting. Harrison, a two-time pro-bowler and two-time Super Bowl champ, spent the latter half of his career with New England as a dominant force on defense. His career stats include just over 900 solo tackles, 34 interceptions, and 30.5 sacks.

Wilfork, on the other hand, spent a decade with the Pats, before spending the final two years of his career with the Texans. Just like Harrison, the five-time pro-bowler won two Super Bowls with New England and recorded a career total of 366 solo tackles, 16 sacks, and three interceptions as a defensive tackle.

For former kicker Adam Vinatieri, this is his first time as a semifinalist – in his first year of eligibility. Vinatieri is widely regarded as one of the best kickers in NFL history, leading the league in most points scored and made field goals. He also helped give the Pats their first and second Super Bowls, kicking the game-winning field goal in both games. The three-time pro-bowler is the only player in NFL history to be the deciding factor in two Super Bowls.

Though making the semifinalist list isn’t a surefire entry into the Hall of Fame, it is certainly one step closer for these Pats legends. The HOF selection committee will trim their list down to 15 finalists come their annual meeting before the Super Bowl.