Congratulations BEN COATES!!

[DefenseRules]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

The Patriots announced today that former tight end Ben Coates will become the 13th inductee into the team's Hall of Fame.

Coates won the online fan voting at Patriots.com to receive the honor. He was one of three finalists, beating out running back Jim Nance and offensive lineman Jon Morris. Coates will be the first player to be enshired in the The Hall at Patriot Place, the team's interactive homage to its history that opens in September.

Coates spent nine seasons in a New England uniform (1991-99) and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection. He ranks second on the team's all-time touchdown list with 50 and third in receptions with 490. His 5,471 receiving yards are the fifth-highest total in team history. All of those totals are tops among Patriots tight ends.

From 1994 to 1998, Coates led all tight ends in receptions (375) and touchdown receptions (36) and was second in receiving yards (4,151). He still holds the Patriots' record for most consecutive games with a reception (63), which he set from 1992-96.

“I feel great about it. It feels great to have the fans make the choice,” said Coates of his selection. “The other nominees were great competitors and I am honored to be the inductee. I guess it was my time, and what better time to be inducted than the year the team is opening The Hall at Patriot Place.”

:rocker:

 

[patriotsdynasty12189]

Thats sick bro.

 

[signbabybrady]

Well deserved. Congrats Ben "techni colored dream" Coates.

Probably my second favorite player in the 90's behind Drew.


I wish Brady had a target like that at TE. Ben Coated was IMO a Hybrid between Graham and Watson but he had better hands than both and was prolly bigger than both. Guess he isn't much of a hybrid.

 

[jmt57]

Congratulations to Ben Coates. Well deserved, he was best tight end in the game for six straight years (despite Shannon Sharpe's self promotion.)

Looking forward to seeing Jim Nance join this group soon too.

 

[Kontradiction]

Congrats to Ben "Winter" Coates. It's a shame he wasn't born a few years later so we can see what he would do with this offense.

 

[PatsFanJess]

That's great news! Ben was ( and still is ) one of my all-time favorite Patriots. Well deserved, congrats to him

 

[Pats726]

No doubt that he belongs in the hall...but when Patriot players from the past like Nance and Morris are overlooked..I feel sad..as with each year older players like that will have less and less chance to make it into the Hall...THAT is shameful...

 

[DarrylS]

Well deserved....

 

[Rob0729]

Congrats Ben. I am happy that he got in, but I actually voted for Nance because I am concerned he will never get in especially with guys like Drew, McGinest, Harrison, Troy, Bruschi, Law, Milloy, etc. are going to be coming up for votes in the near future.

I think Nance should be voted in already and his lack of admittance at this point is a real blight on the organization. I was too young to have seen him play, but he was a huge part of the early years of this team.

 

[fgssand]

Congrats Ben. I am happy that he got in, but I actually voted for Nance because I am concerned he will never get in especially with guys like Drew, McGinest, Harrison, Troy, Bruschi, Law, Milloy, etc. are going to be coming up for votes in the near future.

I think Nance should be voted in already and his lack of admittance at this point is a real blight on the organization. I was too young to have seen him play, but he was a huge part of the early years of this team.

Agreed - Coates is great - but how will the "old guys" ever get in - Nance just has to be put in there. I did see him play and the guy was dominant.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

I didnt think there was a doubt in anyones mind that Coates would not be the winner.

 

[NYCPatsFan]

Congrats Ben!! You were one of the most dependable TE's!!

 

[Crazyeechrispats1]

Ben you are the definition of a great tight end as a player you were clutch dependable unselfish.
I wanted to raised by pitchfork at BB when he cut you,
glad to see you went out on top as a Raven we can only hope as fans we have a tightend with half of your success congratulations Ben!

 

[WhiskeyBreath]

Great to see. One of my favs.

It would be awesome to watch Brady with a TE of his calibre.

 

[mcsully]

Congrats to ben the player, not the father

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Congrats!
Played as a man among boys. Remember him draging two Phin would be tacklers another 10 yds after contact. Clutch, go-to guy.

 

[PromisedLand]

Agreed - Coates is great - but how will the "old guys" ever get in - Nance just has to be put in there. I did see him play and the guy was dominant.

Another vote for Nance. I'm happy for Ben, but Nance was a freaking league MVP and two time rushing champ. Let's not forget the oldtimers!

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I saw Nance working out in camp when the Pats had summah camp at Phillips Andover Academy in the 60s. Running around wearing a rubber suit in the summah heat. I kid you not. The guy belongs in the Pats HOF. It's a travesty.

 

[Jimke]

Congratulations to Ben Coates. Well deserved, he was best tight end in the game for six straight years (despite Shannon Sharpe's self promotion.)

Looking forward to seeing Jim Nance join this group soon too.

Ben Coates was deserving of the honor. I personally voted for Jim

Nance. The trouble is that not many current Pats fans were around

to actually watch Jim Nance play.

 

[40yrpatsfan]

Another vote for Nance. I'm happy for Ben, but Nance was a freaking league MVP and two time rushing champ. Let's not forget the oldtimers!

Agree with every word. Nance was a freaky blend of size and quick feet. Kind of a Ron Dayne style, but much better. He had a lot of 50 yard runs and was a real workhorse.

A complete no-brainer, Kraft should just bypass the process and install him in the HOF.