Defensive end Richard Seymour is the newest member of the New England Patriots Hall of Fame. The 2001 first-round draft pick became the 30th player in team history to accomplish this feat.
Seymour beat out the two other finalists this year — Bill Parcels and Mike Vrabel. He spent eight seasons with the team and was a fundamental part of New England’s first three Super Bowl victories. Seymour racked up five Pro Bowl nods and three First-Team All-Pro honors during his tenure in New England.
He’s been patient in the process of earning these prestigious accolades. Seymour made the final ballot for the Patriots Hall of Fame for three consecutive seasons before this year. He also was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame the past two years, but fell short both times.
From our first-round draft pick in 2001 to our 30th member of @TheHall.
Highlighting @BigSey93's career in Foxboro. pic.twitter.com/iYY9DqscIu
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 11, 2020
“Richard Seymour laid the foundation for a defense that helped propel the Patriots to three Super Bowl championships in his first four seasons in the NFL,” Robert Kraft said in a team statement. “Richard was the consummate professional and leader, always accepting the roles he was assigned, putting team goals ahead of personal ones, and in turn, raising the game of everyone around him.
“Yet as great as he was as a player, he is a Hall of Fame-caliber person, as well. I couldn’t be happier for Richard and the Seymour family, and I am looking forward to celebrating with them as Richard takes his rightful place in the Patriots Hall of Fame and very soon the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.”
Seymour finished his career with 57.5 sacks, 91 tackles for loss, 498 tackles and four forced fumbles.
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