Hall Charge Led by Alumni of the New England Patriots

In a movement that celebrates the rich legacy of one of the NFL’s most decorated franchises, a group of former New England Patriots players has launched the “Hall Charge”—a coordinated effort to advocate for underrecognized Patriots alumni to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hall Charge Led by Alumni of the New England Patriots isn’t just a campaign for individual honors; it’s a tribute to the team’s dynasty era (2001–2019) and the unsung heroes who played critical roles in the Patriots’ six Super Bowl victories. For fans who grew up watching these players dominate, the Hall Charge is a chance to ensure their contributions are etched into football history, while for the alumni themselves, it’s a way to honor the camaraderie and shared success that defined their time in New England.

Hall Charge Led by Alumni of the New England Patriots was spearheaded by a core group of Patriots legends, including Super Bowl MVPs Tom Brady and Julian Edelman, and defensive stalwarts Vince Wilfork and Tedy Bruschi. The idea emerged during a 2023 alumni reunion, where the players discussed how few of their teammates from the dynasty years had been inducted into the Hall of Fame—despite the team’s unprecedented success. “We won six Super Bowls because of a team effort, not just one or two guys,” Edelman said in a recent interview. “Guys like Logan Mankins, Wes Welker, and Rodney Harrison were foundational to our success, but they haven’t gotten the Hall of Fame recognition they deserve. The Hall Charge is about fixing that.” The group’s first step was to compile a list of 12 former Patriots they believe are “Hall of Fame worthy,” including offensive linemen, defensive backs, and special teams players who often flew under the radar during their careers.

Hall Charge Led by Alumni of the New England Patriots has a clear, multi-step strategy to boost their candidates’ chances. First, the alumni have partnered with sports media outlets (including ESPN and NFL Network) to produce documentaries and feature stories highlighting the careers of their nominees. For example, a recent segment on Welker focused on his record-breaking receiving seasons (he led the NFL in receptions three times with the Patriots) and his role as Brady’s “security blanket” in Super Bowl wins. Second, the group has organized “Hall of Fame Town Halls” in Canton, Ohio (home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame), where alumni and fans can meet with Hall of Fame voters to share firsthand accounts of their nominees’ impact. Third, they’ve launched a social media campaign with the hashtag #PatriotsHallCharge, encouraging fans to share their favorite moments of the nominees and tag Hall of Fame voters in their posts. “We’re not just asking for votes—we’re telling the stories that stats alone can’t capture,” Bruschi explained. “Voters need to understand how these players changed the game for our team.”

Hall Charge Led by Alumni of the New England Patriots has already gained significant traction, with several of their nominees seeing a jump in Hall of Fame voting percentages. In 2024, Mankins—an eight-time Pro Bowl offensive guard who played 11 seasons with the Patriots—received 42% of the vote, up from 28% the previous year. Welker, who was eligible for the first time in 2024, received 35% of the vote, a strong start for a wide receiver in a crowded field. The alumni credit this progress to their grassroots efforts, including a letter-writing campaign where over 10,000 Patriots fans sent notes to Hall of Fame voters explaining why Mankins and Welker deserved induction. “The fans have been our biggest allies,” Wilfork said. “They watched these guys play every week, and their passion for the team’s legacy is what’s driving this movement.” For the New England Patriots, the Hall Charge isn’t just about individual players—it’s about preserving the team’s identity as a franchise that values teamwork and excellence, even when the spotlight fades.

Hall Charge Led by Alumni of the New England Patriots has also become a way to connect current Patriots players with the team’s history. During a 2024 training camp practice, several Hall Charge alumni (including Bruschi and Harrison) visited the Patriots’ facility to speak with current players about the importance of legacy. Quarterback Mac Jones, who grew up watching Brady and Edelman play, said the visit gave him a new appreciation for the players who built the Patriots’ dynasty. “Hearing Rodney talk about what it took to win Super Bowls— the late nights, the extra practices, the sacrifices—it makes you realize how much work goes into this team’s success,” Jones said. “The Hall Charge isn’t just for them; it’s for all of us who wear the Patriots uniform now. It’s a reminder that we’re part of something bigger.” The alumni have also partnered with the Patriots’ front office to create a “Legacy Program,” where current players mentor young fans and share stories about the Hall Charge nominees. For the New England Patriots, this intergenerational connection is key to keeping the team’s culture strong—ensuring that future players understand and respect the history they’re inheriting.

Hall Charge Led by Alumni of the New England Patriots has big plans for the future, including expanding their nominee list to include players from the Patriots’ pre-dynasty era (like Drew Bledsoe and Curtis Martin) and hosting a “Patriots Hall of Fame Weekend” in Canton. The alumni also hope to work with the NFL to create a “Team Legacy Award” that recognizes franchises with a history of Hall of Fame-caliber players, a honor they believe the Patriots deserve. “This movement isn’t going to stop until every player who helped build this dynasty gets the recognition they earned,” Edelman said. “We’re in this for the long haul.” For fans, the Hall Charge is more than a campaign—it’s a way to relive the glory days of Patriots football and ensure that the players who made those memories are never forgotten. As one fan wrote on the Hall Charge’s official website, “These guys didn’t just win games—they won our hearts. The Hall of Fame needs to reflect that.” For the New England Patriots, the Hall Charge is a testament to the team’s enduring legacy—a legacy built not just on championships, but on the men who played with heart, grit, and a commitment to excellence.