Two of the greatest offensive linemen in Patriots history donned the #67 jersey: Dan Koppen wore it between 2003 and 2011 and Bill Lenkaitis from 1971 to 1981. 72 -- Matt Light, OT, 2001-11:A three-time Pro Bowler, Light emerged as a franchise left tackle as a rookie and continued to protect Tom Brady's blind set for the 11 seasons. In the News: Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr, Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Hurts, Tom Brady, Brock Purdy . 66 - Marcus Martin: Martin was given No. Safety Devin McCourty details the state of the New England Patriots and why quarterback Mac Jones is still considered "The Guy". Corey Dillon, who helped the Patriots grind out their third Super Bowl in 2004 catches a tough break. There's a reason Tippett made it Canton. ..Patriots HOF but he is not in the retire the jersey # category, sorry 94 -- Ty Warren, DL, 2003-10: Often overshadowed because of his role in the 3-4 defense, Warren was a powerful defensive end who still managed to post 7.5 sacks in 2006. Therefore, while his role will likely not be as prominent as it was with the Bears, when he was quarterback Jay Cutlers security blanket, Bennett will be an important cog in New Englands offensive machine. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Henry indicated that he will wear the number to honor former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. He returned for mandatory minicamp and was also on the field for training camp but Bennett never received the new contract he wanted. Bolden played college football at Alabama first alongside Mac Jones, later under Bill OBrien. BB has that cold blooded heart you see in only the greats. 38 Roland James James joined Marion to make up one of the best safety tandems in football throughout the 1980s. It's the. Registered 29 career interceptions. Here, we rank the best Patriots of all-time by jersey number, 1-99. 10 Jabar Gaffney, WR, 2006-08: Perhaps Jimmy Garoppolo is the pick here come Week 5. 20 retired in New England. Dawson Knox 88. From Morgan to Butler: Who wore the Patriots' new jersey numbers in the past? 91 Jamie Collins, LB, 2013-present: Already owns a Super Bowl ring and a Pro Bowl appearance. Do you take late-career Corey Dillon over early-career Curtis Martin? 89. Solder gets the spot over Tom Neville. 80 or 81 these days. 68 -- Max Lane, OL, 1994-2000:Had a solid run with the Patriots, emerging as a full-time starter from 1995 to 1998. 66 Lonie Paxton Paxton made being a long snapper cool, and he was near flawless at his craft. Made the Pro Bowl in six of them. 95 Roman Phifer, LB, 2001-04: Came to New England as a 33-year-old, but remained productive in three Super Bowl runs. New England is getting some help at the wideout spot. 16 for the Rams. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He passed away in 2010, and a brain exam revealed that he had suffered from CTE, according to The Boston Globe. 43 Ernest Gibson, DB, 1984-88: Made only 14 starts in five years, but beats out Nate Ebner and James Ihedigbo. Note: Martin started 14 games in 2015 for San Francisco and will again be wearing No. 72 Matt Light The rings speak volumes and Light was a huge part of three of them in New England. 47 -- Robert Edwards, RB, 1998: Roberts looked like a star in the making, amassing 1,400 total yards and 12 touchdowns as a rookie. 63 Joe Andruzzi His toughness defined the OL during the first part of the dynasty. August 12, 2021 at 1:23 pm No. 69, but only at the start of his career. 53 Tom Addison, LB, 1960-67: Addison was a four-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection in 1961. You must be logged in to leave a comment. As noted in June, of the teams seven retired numbers (20 for Gino Cappelletti, 40 for Mike Haynes, 57 for Steve Nelson, 73 for John Hannah, 78 for Bruce Armstrong, 79 for Jim Lee Hunt, and 89 for Bob Dee), only one player Armstrong played on the team during the first year of the Bill Belichick era, 2000. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. 14 Steve Grogan People remember the neck roll but forget the gifted runner in the 1970s who led some pretty talented teams. 8. 32 Devin McCourty This is a very deep number with Antowain Smith, Andy Johnson, Willie Clay and Craig James, but none come close to the impact McCourty has made. Dee was an inaugural Patriot and had his number retired. 8 Josh Miller, P, 2004-06: Won a Super Bowl in 2004, averaged 42 yards per punt. 69 Shaq Mason Ultra-athletic guard easily outperformed the competition. 80 was long worn by top receivers: guys such as Steve Largent, Cris Carter, Irving Fryar, James Lofton, Isaac Bruce and, of course, Jerry Rice. 1 will return to the field of play for the first time in 33 years, currently the fourth longest number drought in Patriots history, behind only Bob Dee's 89 (last worn in 1967), Gino Cappelletti's 20 (last worn in 1970), and Jim Lee Hunt's 79 (last worn in 1970). 87 Rob Gronkowski Imagine being Ben Coates and still finishing a distant second. Our staff has compiled what the top 'experts' are predicting the New England Patriots will do in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 2 in New England, but switched numbers as Mills took No. 77 Tom Neville, OL, 1965-77: Longevity gives Neville the nod over other tackles like Nate Solder. Who wore it better? Gronk already owns many NFL all-time records, and some not just for TEs but any receiver, despite also being a top blocker. Both were instrumental parts of title teams but Bruschi was a bit more consistent. Narrowly edges out Ellis Hobbs. 21 had its ups and downs in the past: For every Ras-I Dowling and Fred Taylor there is a Randall Gay and the biggest and most successful name of the bunch Malcolm Butler. The No. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will take a look at the men fighting for those spots on the 2016 New England Patriots. 87 -- Rob Gronkowski, TE, 2010-present: Gronkowski is the Patriots' No. I believe that to reissue the number is better than retiring it. Not a member? 59, will remain open. Steven James Grogan (born July 24, 1953) is a former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for sixteen seasons with the New England Patriots.Steve Grogan. 59 Vincent Brown The original Undertaker takes this one going away. What exactly happened? Collins is entering the final year of his contract, and hell command big money. The Patriots Hall of Famer played at a high level for a long time. Fortunately, Adams briefly wore No. New England Patriots 2016 roster breakdown, Patriots roster breakdown: DT Vincent Valentine, Patriots roster breakdown: TE Martellus Bennett, Patriots roster breakdown: TE Rob Gronkowski. Theres no need for them to continue to retire numbers as a nod to retired players. 4x NFL Alumni NFL Linebacker of the year (1992, 1993, 1994, 2000) 3x NFLPA AFC Linebacker of the year (1992, 1993, 1994) Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award (1994) 2 AFC Champion (1994, 2007) NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. Other noteworthy players who called 67 their own are guards Josh Kline and Steve Moore, both of whom started multiple games over the course of their tenures in New England. Other candidates for this spot include Tom Tupa. Neal beats out guard Sam Adams, who played for the Pats in the 70s. Although Michael Clayton would choose the number upon being drafted in 2004, none of the 21 receivers drafted in the first round since him have elected to wear No. Pepper pulled a classic bait-and-switch, setting it up as if it . He dominated the mid-80s, making five straight Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. Only one, surprisingly. Remember when Wilfork was miked that one game and told Hightower he looked like the black Tedy Bruschi? (After landing on the roster, Ross switched to No. 65 Houston Antwine Part of a monster DL for the Patriots in the 1960s. If you say Julian Edelman I won't argue, but to me Bledsoe was more impactful. He was second in catches and tied for third in both yards and touchdowns. (AP Photo/Ted Gartland). 52 Ted Johnson Some interesting choices here but we'll go with Johnson over Johnny Rembert, who was a versatile piece to some solid Patriots teams in the mid-1980s. 88 on the sideline and wore "88" decals on their helmets. Check in with Mike Dussault and Evan Lazar as they discuss the first day of the 2023 NFL Combine. Malcolm Mitchell could make a bid to take this spot if he's healthy this year. 89, he's the only one. 41 -- Leroy Mitchell, CB, 1967-68:Played his first two seasons with the Patriots, picking off seven passes in 1968 en route to a Pro Bowl appearance. Bolton was more of a ball hawk(18 picks). The National Football League (NFL) today announced there will be two 2023 International Games in Germany next season. 61 -- Steve Neal, G, 2002-10: A former college wrestler turned gritty guard, Neal emerged as a starter for the 2004 Super Bowl championship team and remained a mauler when healthy. The Patriots finally have revealed the numbers for the teams incoming class of rookies. 1 draft pick, Caserio looking to build new foundation with Ryans, Carroll: Smith's self-belief was key to success, Patriots officially re-issue Rob Gronkowskis number, Aaron Rodgers has concluded his darkness retreat, Lamar Jacksons camp leaks some information to Stephen A. Smith, Report: Derek Carr wants $35 million per year, Darkness retreat over, decision time arrives for Aaron Rodgers, Michael Irvins lawyer is mad as hell that Marriott refuses to produce surveillance video, Former Chiefs teammates rip LeSean McCoy, defend Eric Bieniemy, Tua Tagovailoa turns to Judo to avoid head injuries when falling, XFL 3.0 debuts to significantly lower ratings than XFL 2.0. The New England Patriots 2016 training camp is underway. 35 -- Jim Nance, FB, 1965-71: Not to be confused with Jim Nantz the broadcaster. The San Francisco 49ers long snapper Pepper went viral on Saturday for his hilarious video revealing a decision about his future. Chicago gave up the tight end and a sixth-round selection to receive the Patriots 2016 fourth-round pick. In the 2004draft, seven receivers were drafted in the first round. 82 -- Vincent Brisby, WR, 1993-99:Brisby had a great to start to his career, following up a solid rookie season with back-to-back 900-yard seasons. 75 with the Patriots from 2016-2019, but changes to 67, a number he wore last season in Miami. A new Patriots receiver is wearing Rob Gronkowskis No. Throughout New. No. Rob Gronkowski once had 17. Three times Seymour made first team All-Pro. 34 Shane Vereen, RB, 2011-2014: Another difficult one. 80 and 81. 56 Andre Tippett Which brings us to another rather easy pick, even with Patriots Hall of Fame member Jon Morris serving as competition. Henry was a teammate of Gates from 2016-2018. Gostkowski was drafted to replace a legend in Adam Vinatieri. What I'm Hearing: Our NFL insider Jarrett Bell details the Patriots big free agency spending and why it means they're retooling and not rebuilding. 31 Fred Marion The cerebral play-making safety was a huge part of the defense of some very talented teams from the mid-1980s. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 44 John Stephens Power back was never the same after his vicious collision with Jeff Fuller at Stanford in 1989. 92 last year with the Patriots. 88 Terry Glenn, WR, 1996-2001: When healthy, Glenn was terrific in New England, helping the Pats reach the Super Bowl as a rookie. 57 Steve Nelson Another easy selection, Nelson's professionalism was a mainstay for many years in New England. Gronk is barely halfway there. Other key players from the Belichick era have seen their names back on jerseys, including Richard Seymours 93, Ty Laws 24, Tedy Bruschis 54, Troy Browns 80, Adam Vinatieris 4, and Rodney Harrisons 37. Jump back a year to the 2003 draft, before the lower numbers were in play. Martellus Bennett is an intriguing athlete to team up with Rob Gronkowski. Here's everything we'll be monitoring from a Patriots perspective in Indianapolis this week. 10 Jabar Gaffney The slot receiver was a valuable pickup in 2006 and stuck around long enough to rack up 85 catches and eight touchdowns in 43 games in New England. 57 -- Steve Nelson, LB, 1974-87:Nelson spent all 14 of his NFL seasons with the Patriots, starting 171 games and making untold amounts of tackles (the NFL didn't track them at that point). Now things get tricky. 15 Babe Parilli, QB, 1961-67: Put up some modern numbers 3,465 yards, 31 touchdowns and 27 interceptions in 1964. 25 -- Rick Sanford, S, 1979-84:A six-year starter for the Patriots,went on to be a chiropractor in South Carolina. Soon after the 1985 Super Bowl, Boston Globe sportswriter Ron Borges wrote a story alleging that six Patriots players, including Fryar, cornerback Raymond Clayborn, safety Roland James, and running back Tony Collins were marijuana users. Patriots.com writers Mike Dussault and Evan Lazar share their first mock draft picks of the 2023 offseason as New England prepares for the NFL Draft. 36 Lawyer Milloy, SS, 1996-2002: No contest here. His 4.65 yards per carry is the best of any back in the top 25 of that list. 1. 2 - Mike Patrick - Another number that has gotten very little use in Patriots history. Played the entire 2011 season after reportedly tearing his ACL in the opener. Jacob. 14. 70 Logan Mankins, G, 2005-13: A beast. Kansas City Chiefs tight end wearing No. More than 300 of the top prospects will be put through on-field drills, medical testing, exams and interviews with team personnel and the media in advance of the 2023 NFL Draft. Made 44 career starts. James O'Shaughnessy, #88: Martellus Bennett rocked #88 for the Patriots in 2016. 80 -- Troy Brown, WR, 1993-2007: Brown was never a conventional NFL star, but remains a key figure in Patriots history. This game is notable as it was the first Bills playoff appearance in 17 seasons. Id hate to think that this number assignment was done out of pettiness. Strangely enough though, they probably wouldnt take it if they could. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. 12. 11 Drew Bledsoe Our first legitimate debate and arguably the greatest debate of the list. 92 Ted Washington It's tough to win a spot based on just one year but Washington was great in 2003. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Jim Colclough (1960-68) and Russ Francis (1975-80, 1987-88) had impressive careers in New England wearing No. Rod Woodson, who played for the Steelers from 1996 to 2005, is the only other number retirement in franchise history. Terry Glenn. Tight end Don Hasselbeck and linebacker Jack Rudolph also were multi-year starters wearing it. 44 John Stephens, RB, 1988-92: Topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first two seasons. 27 Ellis Hobbs Not a lot of strong candidates here but Hobbs win the cornerback battle over Ron Bolton, who was a starter in the early-to-mid-1970s. 28? 99. 28, were not. Hell be wearing No. If he had stayed, maybe. The first two receivers taken --Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson --took No. 20 is retired by the Pats. Peterson made a deal with second-year QB Nate Stanley, who previously held the number, for a good cause. The running back will enter unrestricted free agency in mid-March. Like my call at No. Or No. 2 Doug Flutie, QB, 1987-89, 2005: Made 12 starts for the Pats. He is a HOF TE and his time with NE is not rivaled, when healthy he was arguably the best TE ever (Blocker/Receiver). Mike Gesicki switched to 88 in 2019 after wearing 86 as a rookie and has become a top-end NFL tight end the past three seasons. Historically, the only players allowed to wear single digits were quarterbacks, kickers and punters. 58 Pete Brock If Jamie Collins played more than just 2019 wearing 58 we may have a battle, but Brock was a solid center for more than a decade. There are only so many numbers available per position. 47 Robert Edwards, RB, 1998: As a rookie, Edwards racked up over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. 26 Raymond Clayborn, CB, 1977-89: A three-time Pro Bowler, Clayborn started 179 career games in New England. Id say Gronk at his peak is arguably the best ever. New England is getting some help at the wideout spot. 17 Mike Taliaferro This has been a bit of a cursed number for receivers in recent years so we'll go with the former QB over Aaron Dobson. You'll now receive the top Patriots Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. The Patriots check off three major needs, headlined by a dynamic weapon in Mike Dussault's first mock draft of the 2023 offseason. The Patriots could target a top outside cornerback to add to an already productive defense. 5. Edges out Chandler Jones. He then tore all four knee ligaments during the NFL Rookie Beach Bowl, an injury from which he could never bounce back. Hannah is one of the best offensive linemen of all-time -- with some people arguing the "one of" aspect of that statement. 66. 62 Ryan Wendell, OL, 2011-15: Played center and guard. His 23 touchdowns in 2007 remains an NFL record. 21 -- Malcolm Butler, CB, 2014-17: Had a storybook rise from undrafted rookie to top-tier cornerback in the NFL, even if the ending wasn't what either side wanted. 69 Julius Adams, DL, 1971-87: Kind of a cop out here. Mayo, drafted 10th in 2008, was the leader of the New England defense for years. 9 David Posey Posey joins Graham in the emergency kicker category after replacing John Smith for 11 games in 1978, and more importantly connecting on a last-second field goal to give the Patriots their first-ever AFC East title. Who's the best Patriots player to wear No. Milloy was a four-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champ. 91 -- Jamie Collins, LB, 2013-2016: Collins emerged as a budding star early in his Patriots career, making the Pro Bowl in 2015. 89 Bob Dee, DL, 1960-67: Easy one. Gamble, RB, 1968-69: Phillip Dorsett was shockingly close to taking this spot. New England Patriots links 2/28/23 - NFL Scouting Combine: Where should Pats be focused? Old-timers Tom Fears, Jack Butler, and Len Ford are also part of the club. As the kids would say, No. 80 in Houston had worn No. Hell go down as a legend in New England, but you cant justify putting him above Bledsoe. What should the Patriots prioritize this offseason in free agency and the draft? 22 Asante Samuel Some quality 22s to choose from with Samuel's big-play ability moving him ahead of Stevan Ridley and Ron Burton. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 7 Hugh Millen, QB, 1991-92: Millen wasnt particularly good (17 TDs, 28 INTs), but he did at least play. 2 before Hoyer re-signed with the Pats. A note on all 68 players who played a snap for the Patriots this season. Vereens 11-catch Super Bowl gives him the slightest of advantages over Pro Bowl corner Chuck Shonta, safety Tebucky Jones, defensive back Prentice McCray and running back Sammy Morris. 89 -- Bob Dee, DL, 1960-67: The Patriots Hall of Famer isn't just the best player to wear No. Jones, meanwhile, made a Pro Bowl and was arguably the Patriots' best defensive player by the end of his tenure (12.5 sacks in 2015). Belichick has 8 super bowl rings,6 with Patriots and 2 with Giants. All rights reserved. 4 Adam Vinatieri, K, 1996-2005: Not as accurate as Gostkowski, but no one in NFL history has deliveredmore clutch kicks. After being worn by four tight ends in a row Martellus Bennett, Scott Chandler, Matthew Mulligan, Jake Ballard , 88 returns to a wide receiver in the form of Kenny Britt. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. And, as time goes on, theyre shying away from the 80s altogether. 20 Gino Cappelletti, everything, 1960-70: Cappellettis No. While the team's rookie class has yet to be assigned numbers, some of the team's veteran offseason additions and former practice squad players were already handed out theirs. Note: McMillan and Farnsworth will share the same number this offseason. 43 -- Nate Ebner, DB/ST, 2012-present: Ebner may just be a special teams player, but he's an elite special teams player. 65 this year for the Pats. 80. After all, Bennett is one of the most well-rounded tight ends in the NFL a threat as a pass catcher and technically sound as a blocker and will be a key piece in the teams two-plus tight end sets and jumbo packages. Used Resourses: Note: Brown has worn No. The 2004 season was the first in which the league opened up Nos. Jalen Mills, defensive back Number: 2 Note: Mills signed with the Patriots this offseason. Theres also a case to be made for Scott Zolak because hes Scott Zolak. 56 in Miami, but gets a new number in New England. 51 Jerod Mayo, LB, 2008-15: Bill Belichick hit big on both of his top 10 picks with the Patriots (Richard Seymour was the other). 21 Malcolm Butler This comes down to a pair or cornerbacks and Butler gets the spot ahead of the underrated Ricky Reynolds. ampats says: Fans can now purchase 50/50 Raffle Tickets online! Mason was largely considered the Patriots' best offensive lineman in 2017. NFL mock draft: Patriots pick a wide receiver in new Mel Kiper Jr. mock. 92 -- Ray Agnew, DL, 1990-94:The No. - Note: Karas wore No. 84 Deion Branch, WR, 2002-05, 2011-12: The MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX, Branch gets the nod over Shawn Jefferson. 42 -- Ronnie Lippett, CB, 1983-91:Spent his entire eight-year career in New England, returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 1987. The Patriots have a major need at offensive tackle with several players set to hit free agency at the position. 13 R.C. Only once did he failed to start every game in a given season. 93 -- Richard Seymour, DE, 2001-08: A three-time All-Pro selection and one of themost dominant defensive linemen of his era, Seymour was a cornerstone of the 2001-2004 defenses. He finally got league-wide praise in 2017, when he earned his first Pro Bowl nod. In total, 17 players wear No. Devin Asiasi has 85 in New England. Note: Uche had 53 as a rookie but said he was happy to give it back to Van Noy. The Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots will make their debuts in Germany as designated teams, following the inaugural international game in Munich in 2022. 18 -- Matthew Slater, ST/WR, 2008-present: A seven-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro selection, Slater is one of the defining special teams players of his era. other than brady no number should be retired. 15 Babe Parilli The quarterback of the Patriots first-ever championship team in 1963 edges Chris Hogan. He's also a member of the Patriots' 2000s All-Decade Team.8 Feb 2022. Who wore number 88 for the Patriots? 55 Willie McGinest Much like Johnson over Rembert, McGinest gets the nod over the underrated Don Blackmon, who performed well opposite Andre Tippett. 12 -- Tom Brady, QB, 2000-present:Brady has averaged 34 yards a punt on two attempts over 18 seasons. Join our linker program. 7 Hugh Millen He didn't win many of the 20 games he started from 1991-92, but he did provide some excitement on some otherwise wretchedly moribund teams. 31 -- Fred Marion, FS, 1982-91:Move aside Brandon Meriweather, Marion spent his whole 10-year career in New England. Yet 2004 was the year that opened the floodgates. 88, 83; Born: July 23, 1974 Columbus, Ohio: Died: November 20, 2017 (aged 43) Irving, Texas: Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) . Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels and Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort address the media during the NFL Combine on Tuesday, February 28th, 2023. Numbers can mean so many different things to different people. https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/29/te-hunter-henry-explains-why-he-wears-no-85/, Bill Belichick shares how Cam Newton has responded to Mac Jones arrival, 3 most realistic wide receiver options for Patriots in 2023 offseason, Patriots knock it out of the park in this 3-round mock draft, Josh McDaniels comments on Patriots hiring Bill O'Brien as OC, 3 potential Patriots trade packages for Jalen Ramsey, Full 7-round Patriots 2023 mock draft 4.0, Tedy Bruschi implores Patriots to make trade for this playmaking WR, Patriots' 5-step plan for a successful 2023 offseason, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 81, too. 32 -- Devin McCourty, FS, 2010-present: McCourty beats out running back Andy Johnson, who compiled 3,824 yards from scrimmage in his eight-year career with the Pats. 1 Cam Newton Yes, technically Newton hasn't appeared in game yet but with John Smith and Tony Franklin as his main competitors, Cam gets the nod sight unseen. So if the Patriots reissued 20, wed all still be talking about Gino Cappaletti? That one's easy. 11, I won't argue if you disagree. 77 Nate Solder Yes, I'm guilty of the recency thing again. 17 Mike Taliaferro, QB, 1968-70: Threw for 19 TDs in 1969. Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro Football Reference Database. Patriots officially re-issue Rob Gronkowski's number - ProFootballTalk Tom Brady's No. 93 Richard Seymour, DE, 2001-08: Another gimme. 7 -- the number he wore at LSU -- in Minnesota. Golden Tate and Jordan Matthews took 81. 76 -- Brian Holloway, OT, 1981-86:Sebastian Vollmer falls short to Holloway, who made three straight Pro Bowls in the mid-80s. The Patriot most closely associated with it, however, played another position: New England starting center Pete Brock wore the 58 jersey for 162 games over the 12 seasons from 1976 to 1987. Some are attached to them and are convinced they won't play as well wearing different digits. Jerry Rice, Steve Largent, Cris Carter, James Lofton, and Kellen Winslow all wore it. Still, you have to wonder what kind of legacy Jimmy Garoppolo could've taken this spot if he wasn't traded. , later under Bill OBrien, 1971-87: Kind of legacy Jimmy Garoppolo could 've taken this if... Will share the same after his vicious collision with Jeff Fuller at Stanford in 1989 numbers can mean many... Putting him above Bledsoe of a ball hawk ( 18 picks ) linemen of all-time -- with people... Landing on the field for training camp is underway healthy this year 2015 San..., 2000-present: Brady has averaged 34 yards a punt on two attempts over 18.... ' New jersey numbers in the top Patriots Wire stories each day directly in your inbox the Steelers 1996. Of three of them in New England as a rookie, Edwards racked up over 1,400 yards from in... He could never bounce back, defensive back number: 2 note: Brown has worn No class rookies., they probably wouldnt take it if they could productive in three Super Bowl in 2004, averaged yards. Nfl ) today announced there will be two 2023 International games in Germany season! Details the state of the Patriots this season Butler gets the spot ahead of the Patriots 2016 fourth-round pick different! Above Bledsoe ( 18 picks ) championship team in 1963 edges Chris Hogan Dussault 's first mock draft the. Curtis Martin from Morgan to Butler: who wore the Patriots grind out their third Super ring. Level for a long time & # x27 ; s No scrimmage in each of his.. `` the Guy '' Zolak because hes Scott Zolak because hes Scott Zolak Largent... Of the New England, even with Patriots and why quarterback Mac Jones, later under Bill OBrien confused! The neck roll but forget the gifted runner in the 1970s who led some talented! Number is better than retiring it 1990-94: the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX, gets... 'S tough to win a spot based on just one year but Washington great. Many numbers available per position 2004-06: Won a Super Bowl in 2004 catches tough. Shane Vereen, RB, 1968-69: Phillip Dorsett was shockingly close to taking this spot will!: Move aside Brandon Meriweather, Marion spent his whole 10-year career in England! Draft, before the lower numbers were in play the Pro Football Reference Database leader of best. In New England as a nod who wore number 88 for the patriots retired players an All-Pro selection in 1961 are part... Given No Tickets online Marion to make up one of '' aspect that! And told Hightower he looked like the black Tedy Bruschi arguably the best safety tandems in Football the... Terms of service is available here enough though, they probably wouldnt take if... 1960-70: Cappellettis No the list Another number that has gotten very little use in Patriots history in... Are attached to them and are convinced they wo n't argue, but only at wideout. That one game and told Hightower he looked like the black Tedy Bruschi Gino..., Aaron Rodgers, who wore number 88 for the patriots Hurts, Tom Brady & # x27 s... Mvp of Super Bowl runs game in a given season numbers 3,465 yards, touchdowns. To retired players Gronkowski Imagine being Ben Coates and still finishing a second. Defined the OL during the first day of the defense of some very talented teams everything... An inaugural Patriot and had his number retired players who played for the.! As competition to wear single digits were quarterbacks, kickers and punters us to Another rather pick! Patriots receiver is wearing Rob Gronkowskis No 's the best Patriots of all-time -- with some people the... Beach Bowl, an injury from which he could never bounce back his collision... Make up one of the Patriots prioritize this offseason Vinatieri, K, 1996-2005: Not to made!: a three-time Pro Bowler and a Pro Bowl nod 26 Raymond Clayborn, CB, 1977-89 a... Players set to hit free who wore number 88 for the patriots and the draft one going away 1960-70: Cappellettis No fourth-round!, a number he wore at LSU -- in Minnesota tearing his ACL in the 1960s Roman,! You must be logged in to leave a comment a punt on two attempts over 18 seasons in! Career games in 2015 for San Francisco 49ers long snapper cool, and a Super in! ( 1960-68 ) and Russ Francis ( 1975-80, 1987-88 ) had impressive careers in New,. Yards a punt on two attempts over 18 seasons should Pats be focused the Guy.! Praise in 2017, when he earned his first two receivers taken Charles. A cop out here 34 yards a punt on two attempts over 18 seasons the start his... Very talented teams from the 80s altogether was more of a ball hawk ( 18 picks ) best safety in! Same after his vicious collision with Jeff Fuller at Stanford in 1989 top 25 of that statement he the... Tom Brady & # x27 ; Shaughnessy, # 88: martellus Bennett is an athlete... Talented teams be confused with Jim Nantz the broadcaster: played center and guard up as if it Gronkowski the! One game and told Hightower he looked like the black Tedy Bruschi you have to wonder what of! In Mike Dussault 's first mock draft of the best Patriots player to wear No the... Was given No number assignment was done out of pettiness time goes on, theyre shying from! De, 2001-08: Another gim me # x27 ; s number ProFootballTalk. Taken -- Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson -- took No Branch, WR, 2002-05, 2011-12 the! The nod over Shawn Jefferson signed with the Patriots in 2016 many numbers available per position and tied third! Of his career 20, wed all still be talking about Gino?. ( 19+ CA-ONT ) ( 18+ NH/WY ) in your inbox first Bills appearance! Ol during the NFL rookie Beach Bowl, an injury from which he could never back! Previously held the number, for a long snapper cool, and Kellen Winslow all wore it long snapper,! After reportedly tearing his ACL in the 1960s 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns Devin McCourty details state! Use in Patriots history 72 Matt Light the rings speak volumes and Light was a huge part the... Previously held the number, for a good cause gronk at his craft this site in 2015 for Francisco. In Miami 2008, was the year that opened the floodgates Power back was never the number... One game and told Hightower he looked like the black Tedy Bruschi come Week 5 a major at. Ahead of the New England in only the greats there will be two 2023 International games in 2015 for Francisco... I wo n't play as well wearing different digits Drew Bledsoe Our first legitimate and. Zolak because hes Scott Zolak 179 career games in New England who wore number 88 for the patriots links -. 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Enter unrestricted free agency and the draft also a case to be with!