Pro Football Hall Semifinal Round Features Ex-New England Patriots

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 Semifinal Round announcement has brought a wave of pride to New England Patriots fans, as three of the franchise’s most decorated former players—quarterback Tom Brady, wide receiver Randy Moss, and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork—have been named among the 25 semifinalists. This trio represents the heart of the Patriots’ dynastic era, contributing to a combined seven Super Bowl victories and defining what it means to play for a championship-caliber organization under Bill Belichick. Their inclusion in the semifinal round isn’t just a personal honor; it’s a celebration of the Patriots’ sustained excellence and the role these players played in building one of the NFL’s greatest legacies. Pro Football Hall Semifinal Round Features Ex-New England Patriots breaks down each player’s impact on the Patriots, their case for Hall of Fame induction, and what their semifinalist status means for the franchise’s place in NFL history.

Pro Football Hall Semifinal Round Features Ex-New England Patriots first shines a light on Tom Brady, whose 23-year NFL career—19 of which were spent in New England—redefined the quarterback position. During his time with the Patriots (2000–2019), Brady led the team to six Super Bowl titles, nine AFC Championships, and 17 division titles, establishing himself as the most successful player in NFL history. His regular-season numbers with New England are staggering: 6,377 completions, 74,571 passing yards, 541 touchdowns, and a 97.2 passer rating. Beyond the stats, Brady’s leadership, clutch performances (including 31 career fourth-quarter comebacks with the Patriots), and ability to elevate teammates made him the face of the franchise’s dynasty. Even in his final season with New England (2019), at age 42, he threw for 4,057 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading the Patriots to another AFC East title. Brady’s Hall of Fame case is airtight—he’s a first-ballot semifinalist in his first year of eligibility—and his inclusion in the semifinal round is a formality on the path to what will almost certainly be a unanimous induction. “Tom Brady isn’t just a great Patriot—he’s the greatest player in NFL history,” said Belichick in a 2023 interview. “His work ethic, his intelligence, and his ability to win in every situation set him apart. He’s the reason we had the success we did for two decades.”

To complement Brady’s legacy, Pro Football Hall Semifinal Round Features Ex-New England Patriots highlights Randy Moss, whose three seasons with the Patriots (2007–2010) were among the most dominant by a wide receiver in NFL history. Moss joined the Patriots in 2007 via trade and immediately transformed the offense, forming one of the league’s most feared passing duos with Brady. In his first season in New England, Moss set an NFL record with 23 touchdown receptions, helping the Patriots finish with a 16-0 regular-season record—the first undefeated regular season since 1972. Over his three full seasons with the Patriots, Moss caught 250 passes for 3,904 yards and 50 touchdowns, averaging 15.6 yards per catch and 16.7 touchdowns per season. His combination of size (6-foot-4), speed (4.38 40-yard dash), and hands made him a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks, and his ability to make acrobatic catches in the end zone became a signature of the Patriots’ high-powered offense. While Moss played for five NFL teams during his career, his time in New England was the peak of his powers, and it’s where he solidified his case as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time. “Randy was a game-changer,” Brady said of Moss in a 2021 interview. “He made plays that no other receiver could make, and he made everyone around him better. Having him on the field with us was a privilege.”

Pro Football Hall Semifinal Round Features Ex-New England Patriots also recognizes Vince Wilfork, the dominant defensive tackle who spent 11 seasons with the Patriots (2004–2014) and was the anchor of the team’s defensive line during its dynastic run. Wilfork, a first-round draft pick in 2004, was a force against both the run and pass, using his 6-foot-2, 325-pound frame to clog running lanes, pressure quarterbacks, and disrupt opposing offenses. During his time with the Patriots, Wilfork won two Super Bowl titles (XXXIX and XLIX), was named to five Pro Bowls, and earned two First-Team All-Pro honors. His most memorable performance came in Super Bowl XLIX, when he played through a torn Achilles tendon in the second half, helping the Patriots rally from a 10-point deficit to beat the Seattle Seahawks. Beyond the field, Wilfork was a leader in the locker room, known for his work ethic and ability to mentor younger players. His impact on the Patriots’ defense was immeasurable—he was the kind of player who made everyone around him better, and his presence in the middle of the line was a key reason the Patriots’ defense ranked in the top 10 in points allowed in seven of his 11 seasons. For the New England Patriots, Wilfork’s semifinalist status is a recognition of the role defensive dominance played in the franchise’s success. “Vince was the heart of our defense for over a decade,” said former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi. “He was a guy you could always count on to make the big play, whether it was stopping a run on third down or sacking the quarterback in a key moment. He’s one of the greatest defensive players to ever wear a Patriots uniform.”

Another layer of Pro Football Hall Semifinal Round Features Ex-New England Patriots is the collective impact of these three players on the franchise’s legacy. Brady, Moss, and Wilfork represent different phases of the Patriots’ dynasty—Brady the constant leader, Moss the transformative playmaker, Wilfork the defensive backbone—and their inclusion in the semifinal round together is a testament to the Patriots’ ability to attract and develop elite talent. For the New England Patriots, this moment is a celebration of a era that saw the team win more games, more division titles, and more Super Bowls than any other franchise in NFL history. It’s also a reminder of the franchise’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the field. “Having three former Patriots in the Hall of Fame Semifinal Round is a reflection of what we’ve built here,” said Patriots owner Robert Kraft. “It’s a tribute to the players, the coaches, and the fans who have supported this team through thick and thin. These three men helped make the Patriots a household name, and we’re proud to see them get this recognition.” The Patriots already have 11 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and adding Brady, Moss, and Wilfork would further solidify the franchise’s status as one of the NFL’s most storied organizations.

The final dimension of Pro Football Hall Semifinal Round Features Ex-New England Patriots is what their potential induction means for future Patriots players. For current and future members of the team, Brady, Moss, and Wilfork set a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come. Their work ethic, their commitment to winning, and their ability to perform in the biggest moments are values that the Patriots still uphold today. For the New England Patriots, this moment is also a chance to reflect on the importance of building a culture of winning—one that attracts elite talent, develops players to their full potential, and rewards hard work. “These three players didn’t just come to New England to play football—they came to win championships,” said Belichick. “They bought into our system, they worked harder than anyone else, and they set an example for everyone around them. That’s the culture we’ve built here, and it’s why we’ve been successful for so long.” As the Hall of Fame selection committee narrows down the semifinalists to finalists in January, Patriots fans will be watching closely, hoping to see three more of their franchise legends take one step closer to immortality. For Brady, Moss, and Wilfork, the semifinal round is just the latest chapter in their extraordinary careers—and for the Patriots, it’s another opportunity to celebrate the dynasty that defined a generation of NFL football.