8 former Patriots nominated for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Four of them are already in the Patriots Hall of Fame.
The Patriots currently have six players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and four of them spent as much time or more with other franchises during their career.
It’s safe to say the pre-Belichick/Brady Patriots weren’t one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, but that has certainly changed and the effect with soon be seen in Canton, Ohio.
Eight former Patriots are among the 94 nominees announced Wednesday by the Hall of Fame. Five of those players are some of the most recognizable faces of the early days of the Belichick era: quarterback Drew Bledsoe, linebackers Teddy Bruschi and Willie McGinest, and defensive backs Ty Law and Rodney Harrison.
Also on the list are Chad Johnson (perhaps better known as Ochocinco), who only spent one season with the team, as well as Doug Flutie and defensive lineman Fred Smerlas.
Although the number of nominees will eventually be cut to 15, of which up to 8 can be selected, the Patriots are well represented.
There will be a day when the Hall of Fame has plenty of Patriots, whether it comes from this class of nominees or a future one that includes a certain suspended quarterback.
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