Projecting three future Hall of Famers for the New England Patriots

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 will officially be inducted on Aug. 3.

With less than a month until the annual event in Canton, Ohio, we're examining which players — past and present — on the league's 32 teams we think will one day receive a similar honor.

Here are three New England Patriots who should eventually receive football immortality:

Quarterback Tom Brady

The greatest football player of all time, Brady had arguably the most illustrious career in sports history. With the countless accolades he achieved and the records he set across his 23 NFL seasons, it's fair to say the three-time MVP even enjoyed multiple Hall of Fame careers.

Brady, the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, began his career as New England's fourth-string quarterback. He eventually earned his shot when starter Drew Bledsoe suffered internal bleeding in his chest cavity and a partial rib cage tear after getting hit by Jets linebacker Mo Lewis during the 2001 season, altering the course of NFL history.

Brady would lead the Patriots to an 11-3 regular-season record that year and a win over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, the first of three titles in four seasons for New England. After going nine seasons without a championship, Brady won his fourth ring during the 2014 season, sparking the second act of the Patriots dynasty. New England went on to win two more Super Bowls with Brady — Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII — before he decided to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.

In his first season in Tampa Bay, Brady solidified himself as the winner of his breakup with the Patriots, guiding the Bucs to a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. Brady retired for just 40 days after the 2021 season before announcing he'd play for Tampa Bay in 2022. The 46-year-old would retire “ for good ” following that season, finishing his career not only with more Super Bowl wins than any player in NFL history, but also any franchise.

Among the numerous records he holds, Brady finished his career as the NFL's all-time leader in quarterback wins (251), completions (7,753), passing yards (89,214) and touchdowns (649). In addition to having the most Super Bowl wins and appearances, Brady ranks first in postseason history in wins (35), completions (1,200), passing yards (13,400), touchdowns (88) and game-winning drives (14). He'll undoubtedly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer once he's eligible for induction in 2028.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski

Brady had no shortage of talented weapons to throw to during his career, but no connection was stronger than the one between him and Gronkowski. There might not have been a better all-around tight end in NFL history than Gronkowski, who was just as dynamic of a pass-catcher as he was a ferocious run-blocker.

After being selected 42nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by New England, Gronkowski immediately became a household name, scoring 10 touchdowns as a rookie. During his second year in the league, Gronkowski fully broke out, hauling in 90 passes for 1,327 yards and a league-leading 17 touchdowns. The 35-year-old remains one of just two tight ends, the other being Jimmy Graham , to lead the league in receiving touchdowns.

Gronkowski ultimately spent nine seasons with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls in the process while being named a first-team All-Pro four times before briefly retiring in 2019. In 2020, the five-time Pro Bowler came out of retirement to team up with Brady in Tampa Bay and was instrumental in the Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV win over Kansas City, scoring twice to win his fourth ring.

Gronkowski officially called it a career after the 2021 season, finishing with 621 receptions for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns. Among tight ends throughout NFL history, Gronkowski ranks 10th in receptions, sixth in receiving yards and third in touchdowns.

Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork

One of the best defensive players to ever suit up for New England, Wilfork spent 11 of his 13 NFL seasons with New England. The Patriots selected Wilfork 21st overall in 2004, and the former Miami Hurricane instantly emerged as a key contributor for the team in a part-time role.

Wilfork started for New England as a rookie in Super Bowl XXXIX, during which he recorded one tackle in its 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. While he'd play in three more Super Bowls during his career, Wilfork only managed to win one more ring with the Patriots, coming in 2014, his final season with the team.

The five-time Pro Bowler went on to play two forgettable seasons with the Houston Texans before retiring with 559 career tackles, 16 sacks, 12 fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

Considering he has been named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame three times and was even among the 25 semifinalists for the Class of 2024, it might not be long before Wilfork is immortalized in Canton.

According to Pro Football Reference's Hall of Fame monitor , Wilfork's career achievements place him as the 23rd-best defensive tackle of all time.