Photo: Georgia Bulldogs


Richard Seymour officially went into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday afternoon and his induction was critically important for maintaining New England’s place in football history.

You would think that the HOF will be littered with Patriots the next decade or so after winning six titles since 2001, but that’s probably not going to be the case.

Ty Law and now Seymour will probably be joined by Mr. Kraft, Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, Adam Vinatieri, Rob Gronkowski and (maybe?) Vince Wilfork, but that could be it for quite some time. Willie McGinest and Rodney Harrison should already be in, but might not end up getting that opportunity. Vinatieri will end up being remembered more as a Colt, as stunning as that may seem.

“I’m overwhelmed today, with humility” Seymour said to begin his speech on Saturday. “Not because of what this moment says about me, but what this moment says about we, and what we can to together. I’m overwhelmed today, with gratitude, because I didn’t get here alone, none of us did, none of us could have.”

Seymour went out of his way to single out some Patriots veterans that helped him early in his career.

“I was fortunate to join a veteran team, because I had a lot to learn,” said Seymour. “My first year, I went around carrying pads and getting Dunkin’ Donuts for the guys. I felt like the intern, but I was happy to do it, because in exchange, these generous men shared their experience and their wisdom. They taught me the nuances of the game.

“Willie Mac taught me to be a true professional to really pay attention to the details. Rodney Harrison taught me what it actually meant to practice hard. O-T-I-S (Otis Smith) taught me how to take care of my body, and Ty Law taught me how to find joy in the struggle. AP was my spiritual leader, and Vrabel was busy drawing up plays to get us open, which he’s still doing to this day. We had a young quarterback, but we made it work.”

After thanking his family and telling everyone on hand that “this day is for them,” Seymour also took time to directly thank the Kraft’s who were in attendance.

“For one, I found that my family’s values were at the heart of the Patriots’ values,” he said. “We never cared who got the accolades as long as we got the W, and that wouldn’t have happened without one of the best owners in sports. RKK, I call him The Godfather…to the entire Kraft family, you showed us that being consistent in the little things, added up to the big things. Always with heart and humanity.

“You set forth the vision and earned success the right way. RKK, thank you for being a mentor and a dear friend. You too, will grace this stage.”

As you’d expect, Seymour also had some glowing words for Bill Belichick as well.

“Of course, this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Coach Belichick,” he added. “Coach, you’re the best coach in the game. The lessons I’ve learned from you set me up for success not just in the game, but in life. Work hard, be meticulous in your preparation, support your teammates, respect your opponents and put the team first. Coach, thank you for everything you’ve taught me.”

Seymour’s induction (along with Law’s) is arguably the most important one for the franchise when trying to maintain the legacy of the dynasty. Hopefully, Mr. Kraft joins him soon, but for now, there is still just a small New England fraternity in Ohio.

“Patriots Nation, we have another in Canton,” Seymour proclaimed.