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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) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 30: Safety Rodney Harrison #37 of the New England Patriots rests on the field during the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 30, 2006 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Patriots won 31-7. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 30: Safety Rodney Harrison #37 of the New England Patriots rests on the field during the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 30, 2006 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Patriots won 31-7. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

4th Down: Rodney Harrison

Rodney Harrison is probably the only one on this list that is a lock to earn a Hall of Fame nod at some point.

He was recognized as one of the top safeties in the NFL and certainly one of the most feared. He played during a time that defense meant everything because they could hit as hard as they possibly could every time. If a receiver went over the middle, then they would expect to have their head knocked off by Harrison.

Before coming to New England, Harrison spent nine years with the San Diego Chargers and then played six years with the Patriots. During his time with New England, he played in 63 games, and in those games, he recorded eight interceptions, nine sacks, and 317 tackles.

He was also responsible for the team winning two Super Bowls in three years and could’ve been the MVP of Super Bowl 39.

Unlike Bruschi, McGinest, and Brown, Harrison was recognized for his skills by earning two All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. He was one of the top safeties in the league during his time in the NFL.

Next. 4 reasons why Jarrett Stidham will succeed as QB1 for Pats. dark

All in all, some people may not think these four players deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, but their contributions to the Patriots’ success in the early 2000s should warrant a spot in Canton.

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