Former New England Patriots offensive tackle, Matt Light, is a three-time Super Bowl champion. As an offensive lineman, he was selected to three pro-bowls. He is a pillar of the community in both New England and the Midwest. On Wednesday, he added one more distinction to an already impressive resume: 2018 Patriots Hall of Fame Inductee.
Light, a career-long New England Patriot, held arguably the most important job in the region for more than a decade. That job was protecting quarterback Tom Brady’s blind side. In fact, one can make the argument that no one did it better. As a result, Light will take his rightful place in the Patriots Hall of Fame this Fall.
The Patriots announced the results of the fan voting for the Hall on Wednesday afternoon. Light edged out fellow finalists Mike Vrabel (linebacker) and Richard Seymour (defensive lineman.) With each of the candidates boasting resumes that are well-deserving of election, fans had a tough task of selecting this year’s nominee. Though a valid argument can be made that there could be no wrong decision this year, Light’s election among his peers is certainly worthy.
As previously mentioned, Light spent his entire eleven-year career playing offensive tackle for the Patriots. During his tenure, he was a three-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX), three-time Pro Bowler (2006, 2007, 2010) and also earned First-team All-Pro honors in 2007. He is still a legend in Foxboro, where he earned numerous team honors including a spot on the New England Patriots All-2000s Team, as well as the New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team.
Light anchored the Pats’ offensive line at left tackle after being drafted in the second round (48th overall) out of Purdue in 2001. As was reported by NBC Sports Boston, he joins Brady (eight Super Bowls), Cornelius Bennett, John Elway and Charles Haley as the only players to start in at least five Super Bowls.
Since retiring from the National Football League in 2011, Light has since garnered his passion for philanthropy. His organization, the Light Foundation, was established in 2002. In its own words, the Light Foundation strives to instill and augment the values of responsibility, accountability and hard work by providing youth with unique outdoor learning experiences that assist them in reaching their highest potential.
In March, Light detailed his passion for philanthropy in an exclusive interview with Full Press Coverage, which can be found HERE.
Light will become the 27th inductee into the Patriots Hall of Fame. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Patriots owner Robert Kraft praised Light as a proud ambassador of the Patriot legacy:
“For 11 seasons, Matt’s many accomplishments, both on and off the field, made him the consummate Patriot. His contributions helped the Patriots become champions on the field and in the community. For more than a decade, Matt fearlessly protected Tom Brady’s blind side and played an immeasurably important role in delivering three Super Bowl titles and five conference championships. As proud as I am of Matt’s many contributions to those championship teams, I truly believe that his lasting legacy will be measured by the many positive things he and his wife, Susie, have done to help others in the community. Their investment in the lives of children will pay dividends for generations to come.”
The enshrinement ceremony will be held in Foxboro, Massachusetts on the NRG Plaza outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. The outdoor hall of fame ceremony is free and open to the public. Light will also be honored with a halftime ceremony at the Patriots home game against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 30.
–Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and National Columnist for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. He covers the New England Patriots and the NFL. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC
