Former Patriots DL Richard Seymour named Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist

Former Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour was one of 15 modern-era player finalists named for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2021 class on Tuesday.

Seymour has been a finalist for three straight years. A maximum of five modern-era finalists can be elected into per year. The 15 finalists will be presented before the Hall’s 48-member selection committee during its annual meeting the day before the Super Bowl, Feb. 6. After a vote is held, the 2021 class will be revealed during the NFL Honors celebration that night.

The 2021 class is scheduled to be enshrined on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Canton, Ohio. The other modern-era player finalists are quarterback Peyton Manning, defensive end Jared Allen, defensive back Ronde Barber, offensive tackle Tony Boselli, safety LeRoy Butler, offensive guard Alan Faneca, wide receiver Torry Holt, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, safety John Lynch, linebacker Clay Matthews Sr., linebacker Zach Thomas, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive back Charles Woodson.

Three other finalists, Tom Flores, Bill Nunn and Drew Pearson, were also named in the the Coach, Contributor and Senior categories, respectively.

The Patriots drafted Seymour sixth overall in the 2001 draft, and he immediately became a pillar of their championship defenses. Seymour won three Super Bowls in New England and earned three straight All-Pro nods. Overall, he was named to seven Pro Bowls, including two in the final stretch of his career with the Oakland Raiders.

Seymour was also voted the NFL’s All-Decade team of the 2000s and the Patriots’ 50th Anniversary team. Over his career, Seymour totaled 496 tackles, 57.5 sacks, 88 QB hits and four forced fumbles. He retired before the 2012 season.

Prior to the 2020 Hall of Fame class’ reveal last January, Seymour spoke with the Herald about waiting to learn whether he had been inducted.

“To be honest, for me, my work is done. The resume is there,” Seymour said. “Everything is done and completed for me. I’m just enjoying the process. There’s no stress or pressure for me. It’s all an honor to get to the final 15 two years back-to-back.

“To be mentioned among the greats to ever put on a uniform in the National Football League. It’s the highest individual honor you can achieve. For me, in terms of Hall of Fame, I think you have to look at the body of work.”

Back in May, Seymour became the 30th member voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. However, his induction ceremony this summer was postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2MwXdjH