We now know who will join Bill Parcells in the 2025 Patriots Hall of Fame class.
Surprisingly, it isn’t the kicker he brought in as an undrafted free agent in 1996.
Julian Edelman – who is extremely deserving and more than worthy of the red jacket – was voted in by the fans over both Adam Vinatieri and Logan Mankins, the team announced on Monday morning.
“Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise’s history,” said owner Robert Kraft. “There aren’t many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before. Julian not only did that as a seventh-round draft selection, but he finished his career with the second-most receptions in franchise history and as a three-time Super Bowl Champion, including his last as Super Bowl MVP. No one was more committed to his craft and honing his skills than Jules. His explosiveness off the line, quickness in his cuts and elusiveness after the catch made him one of the hardest players to defend.
“His clutch catches in our biggest games and overall toughness made him a fan favorite.”
While all that is true and Edelman has a case to be a Pro Football Hall of Famer based on his playoff numbers alone, it’s hard not to view this as an oversight by younger fans when it comes to Vinatieri.
There is no dynasty without the right foot of No. 4.
Bars around New England don’t have Snow Bowl pictures or pictures from the 2001 Super Bowl plastered in their establishments without No. 4.
Bill Belichick doesn’t have six rings without No. 4.
Understandably, many young voters online taking part in this process probably never even saw Vinatieri wear a Patriots uniform and view him as a hated Indianapolis Colt. Still, the idea of Vinatieri not going in before a player that played in the second part of the dynasty is a bit unsettling, particularly with Parcells finally getting in this season.
How cool would it have been to see those two donning red jackets together? Two of the foundational pieces of the 90’s that helped create everything that exists at 1 Patriot Place today.
None of this is a knock on Edelman either. Brady, Edelman, Randy Moss, Wes Welker (except for two games in 2007 and 2011), Danny Amendola, Rob Gronkowski and so many others gave us all memories we celebrated with friends that will last a lifetime. Edelman engrained himself into the Boston/New England culture and will forever be an all-time Patriot.
But, before Vinatieri?
When you write Patriots history, Adam Vinatieri deserves an entire chapter. Edelman, a full page.
As far as Logan Mankins, while he was an ultimate example of what you want a mean, nasty, do-whatever-it-takes offensive lineman to look like, given some of the names out there, it’s hard to imagine him getting enough votes for at least a little while.
The vote is the vote and the celebration for Edelman this summer will be awesome and well-deserved, but for those of us that saw where everything truly started, Adam Vinatieri deserved better.