Parcells Welcomed into Football Hall of Fame for 2013

River Dell's "Big Tuna", Bill Parcells has finally made his way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as one of seven new inductees in the Class of 2013. Parcells, who was a finalist for the third year previously missed out in 2012.

Born in Englewood and initially raised in Hasbrouck Heights, Parcells moved to Oradell just before the start of his sophomore year. As a Golden Hawk, the 6'2" Parcells was a star quarterback, pitcher, and center while wearing black and gold. Parcells graduated in 1959 and was later named to the River Dell Athletic Hall of Fame.

After graduating from the University of Wichita with a degree in physical education, Parcells' started his 46 year coaching career at Hastings in 1964 and by 1979 had moved on to the NY Giants. 

Parcells compiled an overall record of 172-130-1 in the regular season and 11-8 in the playoffs between serving as head coach to the New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Yets and Dallas Cowboys.

He won two Super Bowl rings with the Giants, defeating the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI and the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV. Parcells' led the New England Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI but lost to the Green Bay Packers and then the NY Jets to the AFC Championship Game in 1998. He finished his coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys from 2003 to 2006.

Parcells was also nominated for the 2012 New Jersey Hall of Fame class but the sports honor went to former NY Giants owner Wellington Mara, Milt Campbell (first African American to win a gold medal in the decathlon of the Summer Olympic Games) and St. Anthony High School coach Rob Hurley who has amassed 26 state championships and more than 1,000 wins in his 39 years at the school.

Joining Parcells in the Football Hall of Fame are Also named to the Class of 2013 finalists were: Dallas Cowboy Larry Allen, Oakland Raiders Warren Sapp, Miami Dolphins Cris Carter, Baltimore Ravens Jonathan Ogden, Detroit Lions Curley Culp and Green Bay Packer's Dave Robinson.

The induction ceremony into the Hall of Fame is scheduled for Aug. 3 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio and will be televised live by both NFL Network and ESPN.

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