The 2012 New England Patriots Hall of Fame Nominees
By Josh Gray
In 2012, the three finalists for the New England Patriots could not be more deserving of a shot. Troy Brown, a man that did everything that was ever asked of him, and did it well. So well, he helped lead his team to its first ever Superbowl win. Fred Marion, whose late game heroics helped lead his Patriot squad to a berth in New England’s first Superbowl appearance. And finally Coach Bill Parcells. Though he may have a mixed history with the team, his leadership and direction helped shape the NFL’s last dynasty.
Troy Brown Conference Call…
Clipped from: www.patriots.com (share this clip)
"Troy Brown was drafted in the 8th round (198th overall) in the 1993 NFL Draft out of Marshall and spent his entire 15-season NFL career with the New England Patriots (1993-2007). He helped the Patriots qualify for the playoffs 10 times during his career and earned three Super Bowl Championships, five conference titles and eight division crowns. Brown retired in 2008 as the Patriots’ all-time leading receiver with 557 career receptions and ranks second with 6,366 career receiving yards. He is also the team’s all-time leading punt returner with 252 career returns for 2,625 yards and three touchdowns."
-source, Patriots.com
Fred Marion Conference Call…
Clipped from: www.patriots.com (share this clip)
"Fred Marion spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Patriots (1982-1991) after joining the team as a fifth-round draft choice out of Miami. In his first year as a starter in 1985, he helped the Patriots advance to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. He led the team with seven interceptions (second in the AFC) and led the NFL with 189 interception return yards to earn Pro Bowl honors. The 189 return yards are still the most by a Patriots player in a single season since the 1970 merger. Marion played a major role in the 1985 postseason when the Patriots made NFL history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive road games in the postseason to reach the Super Bowl with victories at the New York Jets, Oakland Raiders and Miami Dolphins."
-source, Patriots.com
Bill Parcells Biography…
Clipped from: www.biography.com (share this clip)
"Bill Parcells was the head coach of the New England Patriots for four seasons (1993-96) and led the team to the playoffs twice. After inheriting a team that had finished 14-50 in the previous four years, including an NFL worst 2-14 season in 1992, he brought the clout of a two-time Super Bowl Champion to the Patriots sidelines, infusing instant credibility in 1993. In 1994, a season-ending seven-game win streak allowed the Patriots to clinch their first playoff berth in eight years. The performance earned Parcells NFL Coach of the Year honors. After finishing 6-10 in 1995, the Patriots rebounded with an 11-win season in 1996, tying the then franchise record for wins and earning their first division title in 10 years. After a convincing victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers (28-3) in the divisional playoff game in foggy Foxborough, the Patriots hosted their first AFC Championship game and defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-6, to earn a trip to the Super Bowl for just the second time in franchise history."
-source, Patriots.com
Be sure to vote here to help decide the 2012 inductee for the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.