By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots are once again represented in the finalist round of the Pro Football Hall of Fame process. On Tuesday, the Hall named defensive lineman Richard Seymour as a finalist for the Class of 2021.
A first-round pick by the Patriots in 2001, Seymour was the anchor for three Super Bowl-winning defenses in the early 2000’s. A member of the NFL’s 2000’s All-Decade team and five-time All-Pro, he’s now a finalist for the third time. Despite an impressive resume and campaigning from Bill Belichick, he’s yet to cross the threshold into Canton.
Why? Due to the nature of the defensive tackle position, his statistics are less than stellar. Most of his key defensive stats – tackles, tackles for a loss, and sacks, are below the typical Hall of Fame threshold.
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However, anybody who watched him play knows he was able to impact games away from the ball unlike any other defensive lineman of his era. He also helped pave the way for smaller, more athletic defensive tackles such as former Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.
Seymour was one of two Patriots represented in the semifinalist round. The other was safety Rodney Harrison, who will once again have to wait for his well-deserved induction.
In total there are 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2021. In addition to Seymour, there are three players who spent time with the Patriots, but only in the preseason. They are wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt, and safety John Lynch. The class is headlined by long-time Patriots nemesis Peyton Manning.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.