Image courtesy of the AP

Mike Vrabel will be joining Dante Scarnecchia as the west inductees into The Hall this summer.

On Wednesday, the Patriots announced that Vrabel won the fan vote between he, Logan Mankins and Bill Parcells. While Mankins will eventually undoubtedly get in, fans are running out of time to put Parcells in. Parcells was an integral part of getting fans to come back to Foxborough Stadium, but we’ll put that off in a separate story later this week, since Vrabel is quite deserving.

“It’s my pleasure to announce Mike Vrabel as this year’s selection to the Patriots Hall of Fame,” RKK said in a statement released by the team. “Mike’s leadership and versatility were principal to one of the most successful eras in franchise history, propelling the Patriots to three Super Bowl titles in four years and establishing multiple NFL records for consecutive-game win streaks. Many Patriots players have made contributions in all three phases of the game, but none more significantly than Mike. He was an eight-year starter on defense who also regularly contributed on special teams and is the only player in NFL history to score touchdowns on his first 10 career receptions, including touchdowns in back-to-back Super Bowl victories. He was respected for his football intellect and was destined to become a head coach in this league. I look forward to welcoming him back to New England, where his induction will preserve his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history.”

Vrabel will be remembered most for his touchdown catches in Super Bowls, toughness and versatility. Vrabel ultimately was the walking, breathing definition of The Patriot Way during his time here before being shipped off to Kansas City alongside Matt Cassel. It may not have been a pretty ending to his Patriots career, but the head coach of the Titans will now be back at some point this summer to receive a red jacket and take his rightful place in Patriots history.