Willie McGinest enjoyed a bright career in New England, winning three Super Bowls and becoming part of an integral core of those championship teams.
He eventually moved on to join the Cleveland Browns, but on Wednesday, when he was inducted to the Patriots Hall of Fame, the team surprised him with a one-day contract.
McGinest fulfilled his goal of retiring as a Patriot.
"It’s just special to still now be a big part of it," McGinest told Tom E. Curran. "When you say it’s family, it’s not just the saying, it’s real family. To not only get drafted, start my career here and have success and today getting surprised retiring as a Patriot, that was the icing on the cake.
McGinest was also taken aback by the warm response of fans at the induction ceremony.
"It was way beyond my expectations. I never knew. I watched some of the other guys deliver their speeches and you really can’t get a good feel of all the people, all the energy, what it really mean to be here with some Patriots greats from the 60s all the way until current times," McGinest said. "I just feel blessed and honored."