Musket Fire
FanSided

New England Patriots 4 Downs: 4 Hall of Fame-worthy players

By Michael Perry

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 18: Safety Rodney Harrison #37 of the New England Patriots intercepts the ball in front of tight end Marcus Pollard #81 of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game on January 18, 2004 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 18: Safety Rodney Harrison #37 of the New England Patriots intercepts the ball in front of tight end Marcus Pollard #81 of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game on January 18, 2004 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
New England Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest on the sideline during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on December 11, 2005. New England won the game 35-7. (Photo by Mark Konezny/NFLPhotoLibrary)
New England Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest on the sideline during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on December 11, 2005. New England won the game 35-7. (Photo by Mark Konezny/NFLPhotoLibrary) /

2nd Down: Willie McGinest

Willie McGinest is another piece to the Patriots’ legendary defense from the early 2000s who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

A former first-round draft pick out of USC, McGinest played the majority of his career in a Patriots uniform before finishing his career with the Cleveland Browns.

He played 171 games in 12 years with the Patriots and was another staple of the defense that helped win three championships. He recorded 482 tackles, 78 sacks, and 15 fumble recoveries.

During the playoffs, McGinest stepped up in a big way for the Patriots. In 18 career playoff games, he recorded 53 tackles and 16 sacks.

McGinest, in my opinion, has a better chance than Bruschi to make the Hall of Fame because he was a two-time Pro Bowler … but that is about it.

However, it doesn’t matter to me about individual statistics, because if the Patriots are considered to be one of the greatest teams of all time, then their players should be recognized for their contributions to the team’s success.

Home/Patriots News