Former New England Patriots linebacker Andre Tippett has been named to the College Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021.
The honor came following a vote by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and was first revealed on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” Monday.
A member of University of Iowa football team from 1978-81, Tippett was a two-time first team all-Big Ten selection, an All-American defensive end and named a team captain in 1981.
Tippett holds the Iowa record for tackles for lost yardage in a season (20 tackles for 153 yards in 1980).
During his senior season in 1981, Tippett helped lead the Hawkeyes to their first winning season, first Big Ten title, and first Rose Bowl in two decades. He contributed to a defense that allowed only 129 points, and allowed only 86.9 rushing yards a game, which still stands as the school record today.
“I love the Iowa program. I love the history behind the University of Iowa,” Tippett said in 2017. “I’m forever grateful for my time there.”
In 1982, Tippett was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round (41st overall) and went on to have a Hall of Fame career in New England for the next 11 seasons.
Over his NFL career, Tippett earned five Pro-Bowl invitations, won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 1985, and holds the Patriots’ franchise record with 100.0 career sacks.
Tippett was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008, and Patriots Hall of Fame in 1999.
According to the NFF, The 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class will officially be inducted during the 63rd NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 7th, 2021 alongside the 2020 Hall of Fame Class (the 2020 event was canceled due to COVID-19).
https://twitter.com/RespectDaBeard1/status/1348720129920536576?s=20
Thank you all, this is amazing.. Go Hawks!!! https://t.co/STwEmRvwQe
— Andre Tippett (@AndreTippett) January 11, 2021
Here is @AndreTippett at Iowa pic.twitter.com/7WZQ8CQzc0
— The Hall presented by RTX (@TheHall) January 11, 2021
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