Former Patriots great Richard Seymour elected to Hall; Matthew Slater wins sportsmanship award

Not a bad night for the Patriots at the NFL Honors in Los Angeles on Thursday night.

Richard Seymour, who spent his first eight seasons with the Patriots after being their first-round pick in 2001, became the 10th Patriots player to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And safety Matthew Slater was named the 2021 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award Winner.

Jaguars tackle Tony Boselli, Packers safety LeRoy Butler, Saints linebacker Sam Mills and 49ers defensive tackle Bryant Young were the other modern-era enshrinees. Wide receiver Cliff Branch (seniors), former NFL director of officiating Art McNally (contributor) finalist) and former Rams, Eagles and Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil were also selected for enshrinement.

Seymour helped the Patriots win six division titles, four conference crowns and three Super Bowl titles. 

“I am thrilled that Richard Seymour will forever be recognized as one of the greatest players in the 102-year history of the NFL,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “He laid the foundation for a defense that helped propel the Patriots to three Super Bowl championships in his first four seasons in the NFL. Richard was the consummate professional and leader, always accepting the roles he was assigned, putting team goals ahead of personal ones, and in turn, raising the game of everyone around him. Yet as great as he was as a player, he is a hall of fame-caliber person, as well. Of all the memorable moments I shared with Richard, my favorite was the week I spent with him in Israel. There, I saw how devoted he is, both to his faith and to his family. I couldn’t be happier for Richard and the Seymour family, and I am looking forward to celebrating with them as Richard takes his rightful place in Canton.”

Seymour was named to five straight Pro Bowls with the Patriots (2002-06) and earned three straight first-team All-Pro honors (2003-05) and one second-team honor in 2006. His five Pro Bowl berths are the most by any Patriots defensive lineman since the 1970 NFL merger. He was also a four-time team captain. In 2009, he was voted to the Patriots 50th Anniversary Team and the 2000s All-Decade Team.

Slater was a finalist for the third consecutive season and fourth time overall. He will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice.

“As a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time Super Bowl Champion, Matthew is already recognized as the most accomplished special teams performer in NFL history,” Kraft said. “He is an even better person. He is a man of tremendous faith whose character shines bright. His leadership, on and off the field, has earned him the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates, who have voted him as their team captain for the past 11 years. In my opinion, there is no player more deserving of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship award than Matthew Slater. He is a tremendous ambassador for the New England Patriots and the National Football League.”

The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award is given to the player "who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition," per the NFL.

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Here are the winners from the NFL awards:

Patriots and former Patriots who received votes:

• Tom Brady was second to Rodgers (39 votes) with 10 votes. Brady also was third in OPOY with three votes.
• Josh McDaniels tied for third with two assistant coach of the year votes (Quinn won with 31).
• Bill Belichick received one coach of the year vote and was 5th.
• Mac Jones was second in offensive rookie of the year with five votes to Chase's 42.