The New England Patriots announced on Wednesday that former running back Kevin Faulk was selected by the fans to be the newest member of the Patriots Hall Of Fame for 2016. Faulk beat out former teammate, linebacker Mike Vrabel, and cornerback Raymond Clayborn, a Patriot from 1977-1989.
Faulk becomes the 25th member of The Hall since the selection process began in 1991 with John Hannah. In 2007, the vote was opened up to fan partipcation online. Faulk joins former teammates Drew Bledsoe, (2011) Troy Brown, (2012) Tedy Bruschi, (2013) Ty Law (2014) and Willie McGinest. (2015)
Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft released the following statement.
“Kevin Faulk helped deliver three Super Bowl championships and redefined the way an entire generation of Patriots fans celebrated football in New England,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “Despite entering the NFL as the second-leading rusher in SEC history, he arrived in New England without ego or pretense. He was a selfless and tireless contributor to the team, accepting every challenge and excelling in many roles throughout his 13-year career. His work ethic, enthusiasm for the game and clutch performances, especially on third down, earned him the respect of his coaches, teammates and fans alike. For all his contributions and memorable moments on the field, some of my fondest memories were of Kevin’s contributions off the field. He earned our Ron Burton Community Service award in 2009 and often involved his family in his volunteer work, teaching his children the values of giving back.”
A career Patriot for 13 NFL seasons since being 46th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft ,Faulk is “the Patriots’ all-time leader in all-purpose yards (12,349) and kickoff return yards (4,098). He is also the Patriots’ all-time leading return specialist, totaling 5,041 combined return yards (4,098 kick return yards and 943 punt return yards). He ranks fifth in Patriots history in rushing yards (3,607), fifth in receptions (431), 12th in receiving yards (3,701) and eighth in punt return yards (943)” per the Patriots offical announcement.
Faulk was an invauable, durable, and clutch piece to the Patriots offense during the early years of the Tom Brady era. An early highlight dug up by CBS Boston’s Michael Hurley shows Faulk passing to Brady in a regular season game in 2001.
Prior to 2015, Kevin Faulk was the only player to ever complete a pass to Tom Brady. https://t.co/qXTe0Wlupx
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) May 18, 2016
Former teammate Damien Woody, who blocked for Faulk in five seasons, also congratulated him on social Twitter following the news.
Congrats K-Faulk!! One of the best to ever do it https://t.co/Lzfc7uvpfw
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) May 18, 2016
Back at the end of April, Faulk made national headlines for wearing a Tom Brady jersey and including Brady’s name in the announcement of a draft pick in Chicago. The stunt certainly favored Faulk in the final vote.
Induction ceremony for Kevin Faulk scheduled for Aug. 1. Free/open to public. Faulk also will be honored at halftime of 9/18 home opener.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 18, 2016
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