Three key members of the New England defense that was the backbone of back-to-back Super Bowl titles – defensive end Richard Seymour, safety Rodney Harrison and linebacker Mike Vrabel – were the three 2019 finalists for the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Monday, the team announced that it was Harrison who won the online voting to become the latest inductee into the Hall, which is housed adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
The Boston Globe has the Harrison story, including some of the safety's comments in a conference call shortly after his induction became public.
The Boston Herald writes about Harrison earning his spot among the all-time Patriots greats. The Herald also notes Tom Brady and his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, making their annual appearance at the Met Gala on Monday night. In case you missed it, the Herald writes that rookie quarterback Jarrett Stidham will be ready for any role the Patriots put him in.
The Providence Journal has Harrison calling his Hall election a "special moment."
ESPN's panel of experts answered some questions about the NFL Draft, with Matt Bowen predicting that the Patriots rookie class will have the biggest impact of any team's in 2019.
WEEI.com notes that Stidham has gotten a head start trying to be like Brady, including a TB 12 Method approach to his diet and workouts. WEEI.com writes that Brady had a relatively normal outfit at the Met Gala.
NBC Sports Boston describes Harrison as "the pulse of the ’03-’04 Patriots." NBC Sports Boston also passes along Harrison declaring that the fact that the Patriots Hall of Fame call came via a fan vote makes the honor extra special. NBC Sports Boston has a very early Patriots 2019 53-man roster projection, though be warned that it comes via an annoying slideshow.
NFL.com passes along new Cleveland receiver Odell Beckham Jr. saying he plans on "turning [the Browns] into the new Patriots." NFL.com notes that Tuesday marks a key date on the NFL calendar as free agents sign at this point no longer count towards the compensatory pick formula.
NESN.com wonders if any of the Patriots running backs are on the roster bubble after the team drafted Damien Harris in the third round.
