Patriots make a long-overdue decision that will change how a key figure is remembered
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced on Tuesday that former head coach Bill Parcells will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame as a contributor. Kraft told reporters at the 2025 NFL Annual League Meetings that he called Parcells and asked him if he would be "kind enough to accept going into out Patriots […]
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced on Tuesday that former head coach Bill Parcells will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame as a contributor.
Kraft told reporters at the 2025 NFL Annual League Meetings that he called Parcells and asked him if he would be "kind enough to accept going into out Patriots Hall of Fame."
"He had been a finalist for five years," Kraft said. "I thought it would be great, given what he's done for the team, if he would accept entry as a contributor into the Patriots Hall of Fame. And he accepted."
Kraft also released a statement after he made the news official.
"In the early 1990s, the Patriots were in disarray," Kraft explained. "But the hiring of Bill Parcells in 1993, a two-time Super Bowl Champion, brought instant credibility to the franchise. We had never had a head coach with his credentials. He was a master motivator and always got the most out of his players. In my first season as owner, he led us on that unforgettable seven-game win streak to qualify for the playoffs. Two years later, he accomplished something Patriots fans had never seen before, leading us to our first two home playoff wins in franchise history, and another trip to the Super Bowl. Those are memories I will never forget and achievements worthy of this honor. As a five-time finalist for our hall of fame, I am sure he would have been voted in eventually, but I wanted to expedite the process so he can enjoy the ceremony. I look forward to welcoming Bill back to Foxborough and celebrating his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame."
Parcells was the head coach of the Patriots for four seasons, leading the charge from 1993 to 1996. During that time, he led the team to the playoffs twice, and won AP NFL Coach of the Year in 1994. He was also named to the New England Patriots All-1990s Team.
Parcells has been nominated for the Patriots Hall of Fame in times 2011, 2012, 2014, 2020 and 2023, but now it's finally his year.
