As you've probably already seen or heard, former Patriots TE Ben Coateshas been voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame by you, the fans.
Monday afternoon, Coates joined a conference call with the New England media to discuss his election.
"It feels great," he responded, when asked how it felt to be honored by his former team. "I had a great time up there. Boston is like a second home."
A curious reporter also wanted to know what Coates' favorite memory was from his time with the Patriots. Coates didn't hesitate.
"Getting to the Super Bowl in '96 (versus Green Bay)," he said. "Obviously, I wish we'd have won it. But definitely, that's one I will always remember ... playing in the biggest game in all of football."
One thing fans will always remember about Coates was his go-to-guy role he played for then-QBDrew Bledsoe. Coates took a moment to reflect on that aspect of his game as well.
"Drew felt I was going to catch everything he threw at me. I was someone he could depend on in crucial situations. He knew where I was going to be if the play broke down."
Coates revealed that he still keeps in touch with Bledsoe and some of his other former Patriots teammates.
In the fall, Coates will join the 12 other members of the Pats' Hall in the first enshrinement ceremony at the newly constructed Hall at Patriot Place. And then, could the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH be next? Coates was as confident in his reply as he was in uniform.
"It's a matter of time before I get that call to go to Canton," he predicted. "Everything in due time."
Check out Ben Coates conference call with the media on Monday as he discusses his enshrinement into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
