In 1994, the New England Patriots were beginning to put together several of the pieces that would help to elevate the franchise from the bottom of the NFL to Super Bowl champions. Robert Kraft purchased the franchise early in the year, and then the team selected Willie McGinest with the fourth overall pick in that year’s draft.
McGinest, who ranks third in team history with 78 sacks, was elected to the Patriots’ Hall of Fame by the fans.
“We came into the NFL together and will always share a special bond,” Kraft said, according to myfoxboston.com. “He was a leader of a defensive unit that propelled the Patriots to our first Super Bowl Championship in 2001. His leadership during the season and dominance in the postseason proved principal to our success in winning back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004. Willie was a part of so many memorable moments for Patriots fans during his career. Now, I am looking forward to Patriots fans giving Willie a memorable moment as we celebrate his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.”
McGinest spent 12 years of his 15 seasons in the NFL with New England. In his first year, the Patriots’ win total doubled from the year before. He played in four Super Bowls with the Patriots.
He holds the NFL record for most career playoff sacks with 16. He led the team in sacks six times during his tenure in Foxborough, Mass. and posted a career-high 11 sacks in 1995, reports ESPN.com.
He beat out Raymond Clayborn and Leon Gray for the fans’ vote. Houston Antwine, a former New England defensive lineman, will join McGinest in being inducted into the Patriots’ Hall of Fame as he was a senior selection committee pick.
"It's a humbling experience,” McGinest said. “I know I was one of a couple of really, really talented players that were also deserving and I definitely respect the many players who have put on the Patriots uniform that also deserve this honor. I'm just happy and blessed to be in this position and humbled by being inducted."
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