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The process to become a New England Patriots ‘The Hall’ member is an arduous one.

Several nomination and voting steps are taken before one final decision ultimately comes down to the fans. In Dante Scarnecchia’s case, the owner chose to step in and make an exception.

Robert Kraft surprised Scarnecchia on Thursday afternoon during the Patriots Hall of Fame nomination committee meeting. Kraft told everyone in the room – including the shocked legendary offensive line coach –  that he was putting him in the The Hall just outside of Gillette Stadium in the “contributor” category. Deservedly, Scarnecchia received a standing ovation.

The only way you can get in The Hall without going through the process is if you’re considered lifelong contributors to the franchise, an honor bestowed by Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. Scarnecchia is now just the fourth person to be selected by Kraft as a contributor, joining team founder Billy Sullivan (2009), legendary play-by-play announcer Gil Santos (2012), and long-time cheerleader director Tracy Sormanti (2021).

On a day where Bill Parcells (should have been in years ago, no dynasty without him), Julius Adams, Pete Brock, Russ Francis, Logan Mankins, Lawyer Milloy, Most Tatupu, Wes Welker, Mike Vrabel, Chuck Fairbanks and John Smith were all discussed, it was ultimately all about Scarnecchia.

“Dante Scarnecchia is recognized as one of the greatest assistant coaches of all time,” Kraft said in a statementt. “He is the first Patriots assistant coach to receive this honor and I can’t think of a more deserving person. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who made greater on-field contributions over his 34 seasons with us, which propelled us to 10 of our 11 Super Bowl appearances and helped us claim five of our six Super Bowl championships. He earned the respect of his fellow coaches and players, many of whom credited Dante for making them the best they could be. I am proud that his legacy will be preserved in our Hall of Fame forever.”