Parcells regrets Patriots exit: “I wish I had acted differently”

Bill Parcells Enters Patriots Hall of Fame

Foxborough, Mass. – Bill Parcells was honored with his induction into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame last Saturday, expressing that the franchise will always have a special place in his heart, although he also referenced his controversial departure in 1997.

“Sometimes you reflect on things, and you wish you had done things a little differently. I come back here and see this, I wish I had done things a little differently,” commented Parcells, 84, at a ceremony that also included the induction of Julian Edelman, a three-time Super Bowl champion.

Bill Parcells

Parcells coached the Patriots from 1993 to 1996, bringing credibility and a championship history to an organization that at the time was one of the worst in the NFL. Robert Kraft, a fervent Patriots fan who was a season ticket holder, officially acquired the team in 1994. The relationship between Parcells and Kraft deteriorated after the coach led the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI in the 1996 season, and he subsequently became head coach of the New York Jets, a rival team.

“Over the years, we’ve both calmed down. We’ve shared laughs, exchanged stories, and reflected on the foundations we built together. I mean, ‘Thank you, Bill. Thank you for the fire. Thank you for the fight. Thank you for the foundations. And thank you for the many contributions you made to this franchise'”, Kraft expressed when introducing Parcells.

Robert Kraft

Parcells, wearing the traditional red jacket of Hall of Fame members, spoke to the crowd for 12 minutes, sharing how humble and significant the moment was for him, recalling his beginnings as an assistant coach for the Patriots in 1980. This event represented a full circle for Parcells, who thanked Bucko Kilroy and former coach and executive Mike Holovak for teaching him how to evaluate players, stating that “they probably had more influence on me than anyone else in professional football.” Parcells, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, had been a finalist five times for the Patriots Hall of Fame, whose members are voted on by fans. Edelman won the fan vote this year, but in April, 84-year-old Kraft announced that he would include Parcells as a contributor, as he wanted to see him enshrined while they were both still alive. Parcells’ speech generated numerous cheers from the crowd, including when he addressed Edelman and said: “I wish I could have had you [to coach]!” This set the stage for Edelman’s induction, whose performance in crucial moments in the postseason (second in NFL history in playoff receptions and yards) and his 12-year career with the New England Patriots were highlighted by team president Jonathan Kraft in his introductory remarks.

“Julian was not only effective in key moments, he was chaos with cleats. He made every kid in New England believe it was about heart over hype, and that being underestimated fuels greatness,” Kraft commented.

Jonathan Kraft

Edelman, a seventh-round draft pick from Kent State in 2009, described his enshrinement as surreal.

“For years, I drove to this stadium praying it wouldn’t be my last. There was so much uncertainty that comes with a late draft pick chasing his dream of playing in this league. I’m so glad this place became my home. To be here now, knowing that I’m forever a part of the history of this organization, is the greatest honor,” Edelman said.

Julian Edelman