New England Patriots: Who Should Be the Next Pats Hall of Fame Inductees?

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Hey New England Patriots' fans, mark this date on your calender: April 15—The date New England Patriots Hall of Fame finalists will be announced. 

The finalists will be decided by the team's 21-member Hall of Fame Nomination Committee. Then, fans will get to vote on which finalists who will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. 

Some of the players that will be discussed are: Drew Bledsoe, Bill Parcells, Raymond Berry, Chuck Fairbanks, Houston Antwine, Julius Adams, Jon Morris, Leon Gray, Raymond Clayborn, Irving Fryar, Russ Francis, and Curtis Martin. 

Here is what my ballot would look like. 

 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

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Drew Bledsoe

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Drew Bledsoe was drafted by the lowly New England Patriots with the first overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. 

Bledsoe played eight seasons in New England, and became the face of the franchise as he helped turn the Patriots from the laughing stock in the league to a Super Bowl contender. 

To some Patriots fans, Bledsoe is best known for getting hit by New York Jets linebacker Mo Lewis and suffering a sheared blood vessel in his chest which opened the door to quarterback Tom Brady.

However, prior to Bledsoe being replacement by Brady, he was a tremendous quarterback. 

In 1996, Bledsoe became a premire passer, and led the Patriots to the Super Bowl, but they fell just short against the Green Bay Packers. 

My all-time favorite Bledsoe moment was in the 2001 AFC Champsionship game when Brady went down with an injury and Bledsoe came in and practically saved the day. 

Bledsoe completed 10 of 21 passes for 102 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions leading the Patriots to their third Super Bowl appearance. 

Along with Brady, Bledsoe will go down as one of New England's all-time great quarterbacks. 

Curtis Martin

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Running back Curtis Martin's time was short in New England, however, he was one of the league's top rushers. 

Like Bledsoe, Martin helped turn around the New England franchise and was a perfect combo with quarterback Bledsoe. 

Martin was drafted by New England in the third round of the 1995 draft, and became known as a draft steal. 

During his rookie season, he was Offensive Rookie of the Year, recording 1,487 yards and was named to the Pro Bowl. 

Martin was also apart of New England's Super Bowl contending team in 1996. 

Bill Parcells

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Bill Parcells was the lead man in turning around the New England Patriots franchise.

After joining the team in 1993, in just two season Parcells had his Patriots to a 10-6 record and appeared in their first playoff game in eight seasons. 

The following season, he guided the Patriots to the team's second Super Bowl appearance against the Green Bay Packers, but fell short of a victory. 

Parcells did have disagreements with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, but you can't forget how bad New England was before Parcells arrived. 

Parcells, Bledsoe, and Martin brought life back into New England, and should be recognized as Patriots' Hall of Famers.