On Wednesday, the New England Patriots formally announced that offensive tackle Matt Light was voted by the fans to be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame for 2018, beating out defensive end Richard Seymour and linebacker Mike Vrabel.
Light, who spent his entire 11-year NFL career as a Patriot from 2001-2011, played a key role in protecting quarterback Tom Brady’s blind side for three Super Bowl championships in five appearances. Light joins former teammates Kevin Faulk, Troy Brown, and Tedy Bruschi as the only members of the team Hall of Fame with three Super Bowl rings.
Light was named to the Patriots’ 50th Anniversary Team in 2009 and earned Pro Bowl honors following the 2006, 2007 and 2010 seasons. He earned first team All Pro in 2007, blocking for an offense that set a then-NFL record 589 total points and 75 touchdowns in a perfect regular season.
Patriots owner and CEO Robert Kraft issued a statement following the news of Light’s selection.
“For 11 seasons, Matt’s many accomplishments, both on and off the field, made him the consummate Patriot, His contributions helped the Patriots become champions on the field and in the community. For more than a decade, Matt fearlessly protected Tom Brady’s blind side and played an immeasurably important role in delivering three Super Bowl titles and five conference championships. As proud as I am of Matt’s many contributions to those championship teams, I truly believe that his lasting legacy will be measured by the many positive things he and his wife, Susie, have done to help others in the community. Their investment in the lives of children will pay dividends for generations to come.”
According to the Patriots, “Light’s induction ceremony will be held on the NRG Plaza outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon on Saturday, Sept. 29, at a time yet to be determined. The outdoor hall of fame ceremony is free and open to the public. Fans of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. In addition, Light will be honored with a halftime ceremony during the Patriots home game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 30.”
Light is the 27th person to be inducted in the Patriots Hall of Fame since its official formation in 1991.
Matt Light said Robert Kraft called him this morning to inform him of his induction into the Hall of Fame. "It was a very special call," he said, relaying they reminisced about their first meeting in 2001 — at the Patriots' offices in Boston — following the draft.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 16, 2018
When Matt Light received the call from Robert Kraft this morning, he was in the woods of Burrillville, Rhode Island hunting. "Chasing the elusive wild turkey," he cracked.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 16, 2018
Why Matt Light has always been an entertaining interview: Describing the task ahead of Patriots in replacing LT Nate Solder, Light described Solder as "a ridiculously large mammal; no fat, runs like a deer, got the reach and wingspan of a vulture.”
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 16, 2018
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