Running back Kevin Faulk has been voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, the team announced.
Faulk, a three-time Super Bowl champion who played 13 NFL seasons, all with New England, was elected in a fan vote in his first year of eligibility, beating out cornerback Raymond Clayborn and linebacker Mike Vrabel.
The 25th inductee to the team’s Hall of Fame, Faulk will be enshrined on Aug. 1 in a ceremony outside the Hall at Patriot Place in Foxboro and will be honored at halftime of the Patriots’ home opener Sept. 18 vs. the Miami Dolphins.
A second-round pick (46th overall) from LSU in 1999, Faulk is the Patriots’ all-time leader in all-purpose yards (12,349) and kickoff return yards (4,098). He is fifth in franchise history in rushing yards (3,607) and fifth in receptions.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft released the following statement in the team’s announcement on Faulk:
“Kevin Faulk helped deliver three Super Bowl championships and redefined the way an entire generation of Patriots fans celebrated football in New England. … Despite entering the NFL as the second-leading rusher in SEC history, he arrived in New England without ego or pretense. He was a selfless and tireless contributor to the team, accepting every challenge and excelling in many roles throughout his 13-year career. His work ethic, enthusiasm for the game and clutch performances, especially on third down, earned him the respect of his coaches, teammates and fans alike. For all his contributions and memorable moments on the field, some of my fondest memories were of Kevin’s contributions off the field. He earned our Ron Burton Community Service award in 2009 and often involved his family in his volunteer work, teaching his children the values of giving back.”