Faulk elected to Patriots Hall of Fame

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Running back Kevin Faulk, whose clutch play on third down helped deliver many memorable moments over his 13-year career, has been voted by fans as the 2016 inductee into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 1 on the NRG Plaza outside the Hall of Fame, and is free and open to the public. Faulk will also be honored at halftime of the team's home opener Sept. 18 against the Miami Dolphins.

Faulk beat out finalists Raymond Clayborn (cornerback, 1977-89) and Mike Vrabel (linebacker, 2001-2008) in the fan vote. Owner Robert Kraft called Faulk to inform him of the news.

"Kevin Faulk helped deliver three Super Bowl championships and redefined the way an entire generation of Patriots fans celebrated football in New England," Kraft said in a statement. "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."

Faulk becomes the fifth player to be selected by the fans into the Patriots Hall of Fame in the first year of eligibility, joining Drew Bledsoe (2011), Troy Brown (2012), Tedy Bruschi (2013) and Ty Law (2014).

Faulk is the Patriots’ all-time leader in all-purpose yards (12,349) and kickoff return yards (4,098). He is also the Patriots’ all-time leading return specialist, totaling 5,041 combined return yards (4,098 kick return yards and 943 punt return yards). He ranks fifth in Patriots history in rushing yards (3,607), fifth in receptions (431), 12th in receiving yards (3,701) and eighth in punt return yards (943). He is the Patriots’ all-time leader in receptions by a running back and is one of just 30 running backs in NFL history to reach the 400-reception plateau.

Faulk was recently in the news at the NFL draft when he announced the team's third-round pick, offensive lineman Joe Thuney, while wearing a Tom Brady jersey under his sport coat. When Faulk arrived at the podium to announce the pick, he said, "The New England Patriots AND Tom Brady select..."

In a close vote, that might have helped push him over the top.