Former Patriot Star wants answers: ‘Why isn’t my name on here?’ – Start

ads

GettyBill Belichick

Few former New England Patriots seem to be more bitter about his time at Foxborough than Asante Samuel.

The former Patriots star cornerback never seems to miss an opportunity to hit his former team. Specifically, Samuel loves to take aim at Bill Belichick. The most recent example of Samuel criticizing Belichick and Co. occurred Tuesday when ESPN’s Mike Reiss announced the finalists for the Patriots’ annual Hall of Fame inductions.

ALL the latest Patriots news straight to your inbox! Join the Heavy on Patriots newsletter here!

Join Heavy on Patriots!

Samuel was not among the final three, which were former offensive lineman Logan Mankins, linebacker Mike Vrabel (now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans) and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.

Samuel wanted some answers from Belichick on Twitter when he asked, “Why isn’t my name on here Coach Belichick?”

Reiss lists the finalists and a solid list of former players and managers who “missed the cut.”

Julius Adams, Chuck Fairbanks, attorney Milloy, Bill Parcells and Wes Welker are among the notable names who were also not finalists for the Patriots Hall of Fame.

ALL the latest Patriots news straight to your inbox! Join the Heavy on Patriots newsletter here!

Join Heavy on Patriots!

Did Asante Samuel have a Hall of Fame career?

Samuel’s tenure with the Patriots ended unceremoniously when the then-elite corner made his way out of town after threatening to become a distraction a.k.a. “####this team up” in 2007. Samuel wanted out. of Foxborough to find more money and your application. he was initially met with resistance before Belichick ultimately decided to cut ties.

Since their split, Samuel has routinely criticized Belichick and New England. In August 2021, Samuel raised a few eyebrows when he declared Belichick “just another coach” without Tom Brady present.

The Patriots drafted Samuel in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft out of Central Florida. He helped New England win back-to-back Super Bowls as a rookie and sophomore. Samuel led the NFL in interceptions in 2006 with 10. He made a first-team All-Pro in 2007 when the Patriots finished the regular season with a perfect 16-0 record before losing in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants.

Samuel finished his career at age 32 after spending three years playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and the last two for the Atlanta Falcons. Samuel’s son is now a strong young cornerback in the NFL playing for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Samuel Jr. played in 12 games as a rookie in 2021 catching two interceptions after being drafted by the Chargers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Don’t Bet On Asante Samuel Landing In The Hall Of Fame

It’s easy to see why Samuel might have a case for induction into the Patriots’ Hall of Fame. His contributions to two championship teams, a perennial playoff contender and a historic regular season seem worthy of the highest level of recognition.

Samuel’s 22 career interceptions as a Patriot ranked 12th all-time in franchise history. Players like Devin McCourty, Ty Law and even the recently deceased JC Jackson have more picks in a Patriots uniform, but there’s no question that Samuel should rank as one of, if not the best, cornerbacks in team history.

Still, when you consider the circumstances surrounding Samuel’s departure from the organization and his subsequent attack on Belichick, it seems like a safe bet that he will never be a part of the Patriots’ Hall of Fame.

Follow the Heavy on Patriots Facebook page where you can weigh in on the latest Patriots news, rumours, content and more!

READ ALSO:

ads