Parcells Laments Pats Exit in Hall of Fame: “I Wish for Something Else”

Bill Parcells and Julian Edelman enter the Patriots Hall of Fame

In a moving ceremony held on Saturday, Bill Parcells and Julian Edelman were honored with their induction into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame. The event, which took place on a sunny day, brought together hundreds of fans and personalities from the world of American football. Parcells, who coached the Patriots from 1993 to 1996, expressed his gratitude and looked back on his time with the franchise, mentioning his departure in 1997. “Sometimes we reflect on things, and we wish we had done things a little differently,” commented Parcells, 84 years old.

“I come back here and see this, I wish I had done things a little differently.”

Bill Parcells

Robert Kraft, owner of the Patriots, highlighted Parcells’ importance in the team’s history. “As the years have passed, we have both calmed down,” Kraft said. “We have shared laughs, exchanged stories, and reflected on the foundation we built together. I mean, ‘Thank you, Bill. Thank you for the fire. Thank you for the fight. Thank you for the foundation. And thank you for the many contributions you made to this franchise.'”

Parcells, who began his career as an assistant with the Patriots in 1980, shared his excitement for this recognition. The coach, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, thanked Bucko Kilroy and Mike Holovak for their influence on his career. Parcells’ selection for the Hall of Fame was special, as Kraft announced in April his intention to include him as a contributor, wishing he would be honored in life. Parcells’ speech drew applause, especially when he addressed Edelman. This set the stage for Edelman’s induction, whose playoff performance and 12-year career with the Patriots were highlighted. Jonathan Kraft, team president, praised Edelman, describing him as “chaos with cleats.” Edelman, selected in the seventh round of the 2009 draft, expressed his gratitude.

“For years I drove to this stadium praying it wouldn’t be my last day. I am so happy that this place has become my home. Being here now, knowing that I am forever part of the history of this organization, is the greatest honor.”

Julian Edelman