Bill Parcells should be inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame

This year is Bill Parcells’ fourth time being named a finalist to be inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.

Before Bill Belichick became the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2000, there was another Bill who was calling the shots in New England: the one and only, Bill Parcells.

Although Parcells’ coaching tenure only lasted for four years from 1993-1996, he has a 32-32 overall record, led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 1996, and is responsible for drafting what was the start of the first dynasty for the Patriots.

Some of those notable players he selected: Troy Brown (1993), Tedy Bruschi (1996), Willie McGinest (1994), Ty Law (1995), Terry Glenn (1996), and signing Adam Vinatieri as an undrafted rookie free agent in 1996.

Also, Belichick came from the Parcells coaching tree. While becoming a defensive genius along the way, Belichick landing the job in New England was largely influenced by Parcells.

The 79-year-old Parcells is a finalist to be enshrined in the Patriots Hall of Fame for the fourth time and is part of a tight race between former linebacker Mike Vrabel and former defensive lineman Richard Seymour.

The controversy that surrounds Parcells and what is blocking him from receiving the proper recognition he deserves from the team is because he planned his departure from New England during the team’s 1996 postseason run to the Super Bowl. Still to this day, it has left a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths.

Was it wrong? Yes.

Did it affect the outcome of the Super Bowl? Probably not.

But was it disrespectful to the overall team? Absolutely … and that is most likely why he hasn’t been voted in yet.

It’s worth mentioning that the finalists are selected from a 27-member committee panel who were selected in April when the voting process began. Then the three finalists — Parcells, Seymour, and Vrabel — will be chosen by whoever comes across with the most fan votes, which ends on May 8.

Unfortunately for Parcells — even after the six Super Bowl championships throughout the last 20 years — many Pats fans are still salty from the exit plan that he selfishly predetermined for himself nearly 25 years ago.

According to NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran, Parcells will never get into the Patriots Hall of Fame if it’s in the hands of the fans.

I think it’s about time the fans put the bridge over the water like Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft did and finally move on.

Bill Parcells should be in the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, and at this point, deserves the proper recognition from the entire organization, including the fans and ownership. With that being said, I do believe Parcells will be inducted this year, as he has a stronger chance of getting in over Seymour and Vrabel in my opinion.

What do you think? Should Bill Parcells be inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame on May 8th?