Mike Vrabel gets Patriots' Hall of Fame nod; Bill Parcells notable omission
Before he was an award-winning head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Mike Vrabel carved out a pretty good career for himself with the New England Patriots.
The team announced on Wednesday that Vrabel will be the 34th inductee to its Hall of Fame. The date and time of the induction ceremony will be revealed another time. He was informed of the news virtually by team owner Robert Kraft.
“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,” Kraft said in a release. “Many Patriots players have made contributions in all three phases of the game, but none more significantly than Mike. … He was respected for his football intellect and was destined to become a head coach in this league.”
While Vrabel's induction isn't undeserved, the omission of former head coach Bill Parcells and guard Logan Mankins is a bit peculiar.
Parcells coached the Patriots from 1993 to 1996, compiling a 32-32 record with two playoff appearances and an AFC East title. He led the team to its second Super Bowl appearance.
Mankins spent nine seasons with the Pats, starting 130 games while being named a first-team All-Pro, a five-time second-team All-Pro and making six Pro Bowls.
Vrabel played eight seasons in New England and won three Super Bowls. His lone All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors come in 2007 after posting a career-high 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. He finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting that year as well.
A member of the Patriots’ All-2000s Team, All-Dynasty Team and 50th Anniversary Team, Vrabel is the eighth member of the team’s Hall of Fame to be inducted with three or more Super Bowl rings joining Troy Brown (2012), Tedy Bruschi (2013), Kevin Faulk (2016), Ty Law (2014), Matt Light (2018), Willie McGinest (2015) and Richard Seymour (2022).
Retiring in 2010, Vrabel ended his NFL career with 762 tackles, 57 sacks, 41 passes defensed, 19 forced fumbles, 11 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries and 10 touchdown receptions.
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