The seventh time was the charm for former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel, when it comes to induction into the Patriots’ team Hall of Fame. On Wednesday, the team announced Vrabel won the fan vote – his seventh time on the ballot – to be named the Hall’s 34th inductee.

Over the last month, fans had the chance to vote in one of three finalists. Vrabel beat out guard Logan Mankins, who was on his first ballot, and head coach Bill Parcells, who was on his fifth.

• Signed by the Patriots as a free agent prior to the 2001 season, Vrabel went on to be a key part of three Super Bowl winning defenses. Vrabel left New England with 48 sacks, the fourth-most in franchise history. He led the Super Bowl-winning 2003 team with 9.5 sacks that season, and then led the team again with 12.5 in 2007 – when he was named an All-Pro. Vrabel also forced 13 fumbles and had 11 interceptions in his 125 games in New England.

  Defense wasn’t all Vrabel did, either. The team famously would line him up as a tight end in goal line situations. He caught eight of his 11 career targets, with all eight resulting in touchdowns. In the playoffs he was a perfect 2-for-2, catching both targets for touchdowns – one in Super Bowls XXXVIII and one in Super Bowl XXXIX.

• Breaking the red jacket news!
  
  Robert Kraft surprises @CoachVrabel50 with his selection into @TheHall. pic.twitter.com/HFVaFUrmn2

  — New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 3, 2023

• “It’s my pleasure to announce Mike Vrabel as this year’s selection to the Patriots Hall of Fame,” team owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “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’s induction ceremony will be held at some point later this year, at a to-be-determined date. Inductions for the Patriots Hall of Fame typically have taken place in August over the last few years, but with Vrabel currently being the head coach of the Tennessee Titans it will likely need to fall outside of the football calendar. Vrabel will be inducted with longtime offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, who was named to the Hall as a contributor by Robert Kraft last month.

• 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 [email protected].

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