FOXBORO -- A contract was signed. A rival was hammered. A story featuring Snoop Dogg was told. It was a one-of-a-kind Hall of Fame induction ceremony for whom Patriots coach Bill Belichick would call a one-of-a-kind player.
Willie McGinest entered into The Hall at Patriot Place on Wednesday night, along with defensive lineman Houston Antwine, attracting thousands of fans to the NRG Plaza just outside Gillette Stadium on Wednesday night.
The event was littered with some of McGinest's former teammates, including Richard Seymour, Roman Phifer, Chris Slade, Scott Zolak, Patrick Pass, Tebucky Jones, Sammy Morris, Joe Andruzzi and Matt Chatham. Patriots Hall of Famers Ty Law, Troy Brown, Andre Tippett, Gino Cappelletti, Steve Grogan, Jon Morris and Steve Nelson were also in attendance.
Some of McGinest's best moments during his 12 years in New England were recalled by team chairman and CEO Robert Kraft as well as coach Bill Belichick.
After remembering a few of McGinest's biggest plays in victories over the Colts -- "During Willie's career, there was nothing more satisfying than saddling the Colts with a loss," Kraft said -- Kraft offered McGinest a ceremonial contract to make him an official member of the Patriots.
"It was hard watching my firstborn finish his career wearing a Cleveland Browns jersey," Kraft said. "It left a bad taste for me and I'm sure many of you Patriots fans here tonight. Should we correct that?
"Willie, before you officially go in to the Patriots Hall of Fame, would you do me the honor of returning to the family? As my first born in the NFL, I want you to be the first that we offer a ceremonial contract to so you can return home and officially go into the Hall of Fame as a New England Patriot."
McGinest, smiling, replied: "Before I sign . . . how much?"
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In his speech, McGinest was sure to thank many of his coaches -- from youth football all the way through Belichick, who he said would go down as the greatest coach in the history of the NFL -- teammates, friends and family members.
About his time in Cleveland, McGinest pointed out, "Yeah I left. But I never [really] left. And now I'm back."
Belichick's appearance came as somewhat of a surprise given that his team was scheduled to practice soon after the ceremony. After greeting several of his former players, he welcomed McGinest with a hug and tore into a detailed speech recalling some of McGinest's most memorable on-the-field and in-the-locker-room moments.
For Belichick, McGinest was one of the most respected Patriots he ever coached, and his locker placement was key to making others accountable. Right by door in the corner of the room, Belichick remembered, McGinest could keep tabs on who was getting to work at what time and when they were leaving.
Belichick also recalled some of his favorite off-the-field moments with McGinest, including one time when McGinest helped Belichick's daughter, Amanda, get a photograph with Snoop Dogg. It was before one of the team's Super Bowl appearances, and McGinest welcomed Snoop, a fellow Long Beach Polytechnic High School product, to hang with the team during picture day.
The four of them all ended up in the shot together.
"A great moment for me as a father, for Amanda," Belichick said smiling. "Myself, my daughter, Willie and Snoop . . . in his full-length red fur coat."
Morris, a Patriots Hall of Famer, took to the podium earlier in the night on behalf of Antwine, who passed away in 2011. Morris, an offensive lineman for the Patriots from 1964-74, said Antwine was one of the best at his position in the American Football League.
Kraft spoke fondly of Antwine as well.
"I not only had the pleasure of watching 'Twine play throughout his career, I also had the wonderful privilege of hosting Houston and his lovely wife Evelyn at my home six years ago when we honored the Patriots 50th anniversary team.
"I remember telling him I looked forward to honoring him when he would be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. He gave me a huge smile and promised, 'I'll be there.' Unfortunately both Houston and Evelyn passed away two years later within 24 hours from one another. That shows the great love affair they had.
"While they might not be here physically, I certainly believe that Houston and Evelyn are here in spirit this evening. I want to thank his teammates family and friends for being here and keeping his legacy alive."