Tom Brady and Bill Belichick showed their support for Ty Law and Richard Seymour by writing letters to the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee.
Brady, who played with Law from 2000-04, wrote about the former Patriots cornerback challenging him in practice to be better every day.
"Looking back, I realize how lucky I was then to be challenged every day by one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever play the game. It helped me work harder to become successful in this league and ultimately prepared me to become the player I am today," Brady wrote.
The Pats quarterback, who will play in his ninth Super Bowl on Sunday, also reflected on the AFC Championship game after the 2003 regular season when Law had three interceptions while covering Colts great Marvin Harrison.
"One of his most memorable performances came in the 2003 AFC Championship game, when he continually knocked Marvin Harrison and other Colts receivers off their routes, intercepting future hall of fame quarterback Peyton Manning three times. Following that season, the competition committee redefined illegal contact and cracked down on pass interference penalties, changing the way the game has been played for well over a decade. In that way, Ty Law changed the game of football. Few players can claim that type of impact on the game. As a quarterback, I appreciate that he helped bring about those changes."
Law helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls and finished his career with 53 interceptions in 203 games
New England Patriots
As for Seymour, Belichick raved about the legendary defensive lineman's versatility.
"Richard had a rare combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism. He was a smart player who understood game plans and adjustments on the field. His length, strength and quickness allowed him to match up on any offensive lineman favorably. Although primarily a defensive end in our 3-4 defense, Richard also played nose tackle. In the four-man line, Richard could play defensive end or defensive tackle depending on the situation and desired matchups. His physical and mental versatility, as well as his ability to master multiple techniques, made him dominant as an inside or outside player."
"I do not believe we would have won three championships without him," wrote Belichick.
In 164 games, Seymour totaled 57.5 sacks, 91 tackles for a loss, 39 passes defended and 496 tackles overall.
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