Richard Seymour releases statement on making Pro Football Hall of Fame

Making it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the biggest honors that can be bestowed upon a former professional football player. For former New England Patriot legend Richard Seymour, his appreciation for punching his ticket to pro football’s holy trinity did not go unnoticed. He issued a statement on his Twitter page.

It reads, “I humbly and graciously accept this opportunity to stand alongside some of the greatest legends of the game of football. Football has given me the opportunity to live out my dreams and my passion. For that, words will never fully convey my gratitude and appreciation.”

The Pro Football Hall of Fame issued a press release with information about all eight members of the 2022 Hall of Fame Class. The other seven members include: tackle Tony Boselli, wide receiver Cliff Branch, safety LeRoy Butler, official Art McNally, linebacker Sam Mills, coach Dick Vermeil, and defensive tackle/end Bryant Young.

Seymour was a remarkable defensive tackle/defensive end for the New England Patriots from 2001-2008. He was an integral member of the Patriots defense that won six division titles over a seven-season span. He led the team in sacks for two seasons–the 2002 and 2008 seasons. In 2008, Seymour posted his career-high in sacks (8). The Gadsden, South Carolina native tallied 57.5 sacks during his storied career in the National Football League.

Seymour was selected as first team All-Pro three consecutive seasons (2003-2005) and was voted to seven Pro Bowls. The 6-foot-6, 317-pound defensive tackle won three Super Bowls during his time with the New England Patriots. He also played for the Oakland Raiders on the tail end of his NFL career from 2009-2012.

Seymour played his college football with the Georgia Bulldogs from 1997-2000. He played in 41 games for the Bulldogs, finishing his career with 231 tackles, including 26 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. He was named an All-American in 2000 and All-SEC in 1999 and 2000.