On Wednesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the next round of Semifinalists for the Class of 2025. The list included 3 former Patriots: Vince Wilfork, Adam Vinatieri, and Rodney Harrison.
Unfortunately, the list did not include former running back Corey Dillon, tight end Ben Coates, or guard Logan Mankins, who will all have to wait another year before being nominated again for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The most notable name on the list, Harrison, has surprisingly not received his golden jacket yet. Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been a long-time advocate for Harrison, even saying he is one of the “best” players he’s ever coached.
Harrison was a finalist in 2023 and has had plenty of advocates over the years for induction, including former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who said Harrison would easily be on the list of all-time players that he coached.
“He’s one of the best I’ve ever coached. He’d certainly be on my all-time team without question, Belichick said in 2023 via Patriots.com.”
Rodney Harrison played in New England from 2003 through 2008, winning two Super Bowls with the team. Last year, he reached the finalist round for the first time after being barred from the list for the past three seasons,
He was the first player in NFL history to reach 30 interceptions and 30 sacks in their career. During his 15-year-long career, Harrison appeared in 186 games. starting 159 of them and registered 1206 tackles and 34 interceptions. He was a 2x All-Pro and a 2x Pro-Bowler.
Next is former Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri. The former kicker is famous for his instrumental kicks early on in the Patriot’s dynasty. His kick through the snow in the 2001 AFC Divisional Round game is one of the biggest kicks in franchise history.
He also had a game-winning kick in Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII. Vinatieri only spent ten of his 24 seasons with the Patriots, but they were certainly memorable. He currently holds the NFL record for points (2,673) and field goals made (599).
Finally, Vince Wilfork cut a semifinalist. Playing 11 seasons with the Patriots, Wilfork earned first-team All-Pro in 2012 and was a five-time Pro Bowler. In 2022, the Patriots named Wilfork to the Patriots Hall of Fame. During 11 years with the team, he totaled 517 tackles and 16 sacks. He was known as “Big Vince” and was a fan favorite. He won two championships in New England before playing with the Texans.
Joining the 3 Patriots on the semi-final ballot are Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Anquan Boldin, Jahri Evans, Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Robert Mathis, Steve Smith Sr., Terrell Suggs, Earl Thomas, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters, Richmond Webb, Steve Wisniewski, Darren Woodson, and Marshal Yanda.
At the NFL Honors in February, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will narrow the list of 25 to 15 finalists.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
