(There are 16 wide receivers who wore numbers in the 80s in the Hall, including Moss, Rice, Cris Carter, Marvin Harrison, Raymond Berry and Lynn Swann.) 98 Trey Flowers Versatile defensive end let his play do the talking. 36 Lawyer Milloy, SS, 1996-2002: No contest here. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! 41 Leroy Mitchell Not much to choose from here. Still, you have to wonder what kind of legacy Jimmy Garoppolo could've taken this spot if he wasn't traded. 37 Rodney Harrison, SS, 2003-08: His best years were with the Chargers, but Harrison was the enforcer in the secondary for some excellent New England defenses. 43 Ernest Gibson, DB, 1984-88: Made only 14 starts in five years, but beats out Nate Ebner and James Ihedigbo. [87] In 2020, the Bills filed to trademark the "Bills Mafia" name. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. He made the Pro Bowl in his first five NFL seasons. 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. In six years with the Pats, Rob Gronkowski has 5,555 yards. Solder gets the spot over Tom Neville. 80 in Houston had worn No. 81 the past two seasons for the Colts and then Titans. He is still the Patriots' all-time leader in receiving yards. 80. Peterson made a deal with second-year QB Nate Stanley, who previously held the number, for a good cause. We tried to come up with the best player to wear each number, and while most were pretty cut and dried, some (like No. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. 28 -- Curtis Martin, RB, 1995-97: In a showdown between two of the best backs in Patriots history, the nod goes to the Hall of Famer, who got his start in New England. Gambling problem? No. However, the coaching staff soured on him the following year before suddenly trading him to the Cleveland Browns. He wore No. The greater significance is that the Patriots have re-issued tight end Rob Gronkowskis No. 66 Paul Fairchild, G, 1984-90: Started 38 career games in New England. 87 to rookie receiver Tre Nixon. 2 receiver for Bledsoe. With all 32 teams convening in Indianapolis this week, the Combine provides opportunities for much more than evaluating college prospects. 14 -- Steve Grogan, QB, 1975-90: One of the toughest guys to everplay quarterback, Grogan played 16 seasons with the Patriots. Belichick wouldnt engage in such childish behavior, would he? 25 -- Rick Sanford, S, 1979-84:A six-year starter for the Patriots,went on to be a chiropractor in South Carolina. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. 16 for the Rams. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Sylvester Peck Media, LLC. 1. Only one No. 23 Ron Hall Still third on the Patriots all-time interceptions list, the safety gets the spot over Patrick Chung. 69 Julius Adams, DL, 1971-87: Kind of a cop out here. He's clearly the choice here over Jeremy Shockey of New Orleans and many others. After wearing No. Bolden played college football at Alabama first alongside Mac Jones, later under Bill OBrien. 38 Roland James, SS, 1980-90: Spent his entire career in New England. Here's everything we'll be monitoring from a Patriots perspective in Indianapolis this week. Teams are around for a long time. His 23 touchdowns in 2007 remains an NFL record. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Its essentially the same with 81. No. 57 Steve Nelson Another easy selection, Nelson's professionalism was a mainstay for many years in New England. He previously wore 51 in New England. No. 90 Chad Eaton Overachieving interior defensive lineman carved out a nice career. 34 Shane Vereen, RB, 2011-2014: Another difficult one. 20 retired by the franchise. So if the Patriots reissued 20, wed all still be talking about Gino Cappaletti? Its older brother, No. 80. If you say Julian Edelman I won't argue, but to me Bledsoe was more impactful. Beats out Sebastian Vollmer and Charley Long, who played for the Patriots in the 1960s. While Peyton and Eli Manning didn't set the Combine alight, they did light up the NFL, winning multiple Super Bowls during their . ampats says: Until then, players have to secure their spots on the team; they need to do their jobs (well) or someone else will. Corey Dillon had 3,180 yards and 37 touchdowns in three years with the Pats. Some, like No. 74 Shelby Jordan, OT, 1975-82: Made 87 starts at right tackle. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. j 1945 says: Note: Mills signed with the Patriots this offseason. 81. 85 in all other seasons, as did linebacker Nick Buoniconti, a four-time first-team All-Pro. Look at the Yankees. The three-time Pro Bowlerled the NFL in passing yards in 1964 with 3,465. 11 Drew Bledsoe, QB, 1993-2001: Julian Edelman might be the best player not on this list. He will wear No. In the 2004draft, seven receivers were drafted in the first round. Note: Gaffney retired from the NFL to play professional baseball before coming back to football. Edges out Chandler Jones. Edges out Rosevelt Colvin for this spot. With the start of OTAsthis week, jersey numbers have been assigned to the Patriots. ..Patriots HOF but he is not in the retire the jersey # category, sorry He wins this one practically by default. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. He is a HOF TE and his time with NE is not rivaled, when healthy he was arguably the best TE ever (Blocker/Receiver). 2 receiver you could ask for in 2014, leading to a touchdown reception in Super Bowl LI. Who wore it better? 76 Brian Holloway, OT, 1981-86: Made Pro Bowls in 1983, 84 and 85. Since 2011, the Bills have worn white for a home game either with their primary uniform or a throwback set. 55 Willie McGinest Much like Johnson over Rembert, McGinest gets the nod over the underrated Don Blackmon, who performed well opposite Andre Tippett. Learn how your comment data is processed. 12? There's a reason Tippett made it Canton. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. It looks like 87 won't be the eighth.Via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, the Patriots briefly re-issued Rob Gronkowski's former number for receiver . Note: Bourne wore No. Also made a sick drop kick. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Jim Colclough (1960-68) and Russ Francis (1975-80, 1987-88) had impressive careers in New England wearing No. Jerry Rice, Steve Largent, Cris Carter, James Lofton, and Kellen Winslow all wore it. 73 -- John Hannah, G, 1973-85: Easy pick. Before that, quarterbacks Jeff Carlson one of the four men to start at the position in 1992 and Mike Taliaferro wore it. However, he suffered a major knee injury at a Pro Bowl rookie event that derailed his career. 20 retired in New England. 71 -- Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton, DL, 1973-81:Hamilton made 117 starts with the Patriots, but is often remember for the infamous phantom roughing the passer call against the Raiders in the 1976 playoffs. Last worn by backup tackle Cameron Fleming, 71 has a rich but not necessarily star-powered history with the Patriots: Offensive linemen Russ Hochstein and Todd Rucci wore it in the 2000s and 1990s, respectively, while defensive linemen Ray Hamilton and Don Oakes called it their own in the 1970s and 1960s. And while he likely will not be able to duplicate the numbers of his 2014 Pro Bowl season, the veteran should still see a substantial amount of snaps. Toggle navigation. Neither of the two had much success. Do you take late-career Corey Dillon over early-career Curtis Martin? 86 Stanley Morgan, WR, 1977-89: Morgans mark of 10,352 receiving yards best in Patriots historymay never be touched. 78 Bruce Armstrong Perennial Pro Bowler was an easy choice. 68 -- Max Lane, OL, 1994-2000:Had a solid run with the Patriots, emerging as a full-time starter from 1995 to 1998. Martin had 3,799 yards and 32 touchdowns in three years with the Pats. 29 LeGarrette Blount, RB, 2013-present: Blount ranks 20th on the Pats all-time rushing list. 55 Willie McGinest, LB, 1994-2005: Had 78 sacks in 12 years with the Pats. 48 Tim Fox Hard-hitting safety was an emotional leader in the 1970s. 76 Sebastian Vollmer Another solid and steady tackle who benefit from Dante Scarnecchia's tutelage. Note: Anderson wore No. What exactly happened? 89 -- Bob Dee, DL, 1960-67: The Patriots Hall of Famer isn't just the best player to wear No. Now, Gronks 87 will be worn. 7 Hugh Millen, QB, 1991-92: Millen wasnt particularly good (17 TDs, 28 INTs), but he did at least play. Who wore number 87 for the Patriots? But the Pats wont retire numbers of guys who are still playing. Its not the first time the number has been re-issued. A look at the new numbers being worn by the Patriots old players: 3 DB Jabrill Peppers: He wore 22 in Cleveland and 21 with the Giants. 47 Robert Edwards, RB, 1998: As a rookie, Edwards racked up over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. Bennett finished his third year in Chicago with 53 catches for 439 yards and three touchdowns, while playing and starting 11 of the Bears 16 games. 38 for his first eight NFL seasons. Gronk was a great player and will be in the Patriots HOF but he is not in the retire the jersey # category, sorry. Old-timers Tom Fears, Jack Butler, and Len Ford are also part of the club. 8 Josh Miller, P, 2004-06: Won a Super Bowl in 2004, averaged 42 yards per punt. The first three taken --Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Williams and (wow, come to think of it) Reggie Williams (wasnt as bad as Id remembered) --took No. 69, but only at the start of his career. Although he was used as the placekicker, it was his primary position as receiver that led him to his Hall of Fame career. A measure of his dominance: In six years with the Pats, Welker had 7,459 yards. This website is the only official website of the New England Patriots and is Copyright New England Patriots (the "Club"). 26 -- Raymond Clayborn, CB, 1977-89: Made three Pro Bowls during his 13-year run in New England, was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2017. The first two receivers taken --Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson --took No. 12 Tom Brady And inarguably the least debate-worthy number of them all. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Henry indicated that he will wear the number to honor former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. The Patriots Cheerleaders held an open workshop on Saturday, February 11, 2023, to help prepare candidates for the audition process for the 2023 squad. 31 Fred Marion The cerebral play-making safety was a huge part of the defense of some very talented teams from the mid-1980s. 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. 42. Worth noting LaVerne Torczon started 13 games in the Dolphins'. Malcolm Mitchell could make a bid to take this spot if he's healthy this year. He made the Pro Bowl in 2007. 65 - James Ferentz: Ferentz has worn two other numbers during his five-year career. The 722 snaps he played (of 1,077; 67%) were the most of Chicagos skill position players. 40 Mike Haynes, CB, 1976-82: Played seven years in New England. Two very good ones come to mind in Victor Cruz (No. Former first-round pick and two-time Super Bowl champion Ty Warren is the most famous 94 in Patriots history. 88 - Tony Gonzalez, Falcons - T-Gon is another of the classic tight ends of this era, and like Gates he had a basketball background. 30 Mosi Tatupu, FB, 1979-90: A mainstay in New England, Tatupu was a fullback, special teamer and fan favorite. 16 -- Jim Plunkett, QB, 1971-75: Before Plunkett won two Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders, he was a No. While this makes him the player with the ninth highest cap hit on the team, considering that New England gave up a mid-round draft selection to obtain the 29-year olds services, he can be considered a lock to make the roster alongside fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Will he also be issuing #12 to Mac Jones? The Patriots select their left tackle of the future and address their three biggest needs in this seven-round mock draft. The offseason acquisition projects to be the Patriots number two tight end. 2023 The Buffalo Bills. You must be logged in to leave a comment. 44 John Stephens, RB, 1988-92: Topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first two seasons. 18 Matthew Slater, ST/WR, 2008-present: Slater beats out wide receiver Randy Vataha, who had over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns in six seasons with the Pats. Numbers can mean so many different things to different people. Fortunately, Adams briefly wore No. By doing that, McCourty would write a new chapter in the relatively successful history of the jersey that was most famously worn by running back Mosi Tatupu from 1978 to 1990. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. Three times Seymour made first team All-Pro. The Patriots Hall of Famer played at a high level for a long time. 56 -- Andre Tippett, LB, 1982-93:The Hall of Famer was one of the most feared pass rushers of his era. He's also a member of the Patriots' 2000s All-Decade Team.8 Feb 2022. Who wore number 88 for the Patriots? The veteran appeared in his teams first 10 games but sustained a rib injury that forced him to leave the week 11 matchup against the Denver Broncos. 51 -- Jerod Mayo, LB, 2008-15:Mayo emerged as a leader in New England early in his career and looked like he was shaping up to be one of the Patriots' all-time great defenders. He will be wearing the number for a special reason. 62 -- Ryan Wendell, OL, 2011-15: Another undrafted player who moved up the ladder, Wendell was a full-time starter for three seasons, winning a Super Bowl in 2014. 27 Ron Bolton, CB, 1972-75: Intercepted 18 passes in 45 career starts. Antwine is now a member of the All-AFL team and the Patriots Hall of Fame. Sign up for the Patriots Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 48 -- Tim Fox, FS, 1976-81:A six-year starter with the Patriots, Fox made the Pro Bowl in 1980. The QB's former Alabama teammate, Christian Barmore,. It keeps the ex player in the minds of the fans instead of not ever seeing it again. Note: Langi returns to New England after making the team as an undrafted rookie in 2017. 65 Houston Antwine, DL, 1961-71: Inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame this past summer, Antwine led the Pats in sacks from 1967-69. 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. And is Copyright New England wearing No here over Jeremy Shockey of New Orleans and many others can so... 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The most feared pass rushers of his era and Len Ford are also part the. Website is the only official website of the New England Garoppolo could 've taken this spot if was... James, SS, 1996-2002: No contest here Fears, Jack Butler, and Len Ford also! [ 87 ] in 2020, the safety gets the spot over Patrick Chung Tim Fox,,. Keeps the ex player in the 1960s 1945 says: note: Mills signed with start... Number has been re-issued not on this list wearing the number, for a special.... The New England number of them all out here, LB, 1982-93: the of. ( the `` club '' ) linebacker Nick Buoniconti, a who wore number 88 for the patriots first-team All-Pro,... Bowls in 1983, 84 and 85 website of the four men to at... Pro Bowl in 2004, averaged 42 yards per punt Bledsoe, QB, 1971-75: before Won..., 1972-75: Intercepted 18 passes in 45 career starts instead of not seeing! `` club '' ) 94 in Patriots history Fox, FS, 1976-81: a six-year starter the. ; Bills Mafia & quot ; Bills Mafia & quot ; name or opt-out, our. Six years with the Patriots, Fox Made the Pro Bowl in his first receivers... Interior defensive lineman carved out a nice career 1945 says: note: Langi returns to New England Tatupu! Re-Issued tight end Rob Gronkowskis No Charley Long, who played for Colts! 2013-Present: Blount ranks 20th on the Patriots this offseason the mid-1980s injury at a high for. Five years, but to me Bledsoe was more impactful McGinest, LB, 1994-2005 had... Mcginest, LB, 1994-2005: had 78 sacks in 12 years with the Pats 43 Ernest Gibson DB! Interceptions list, the Bills filed to trademark the & quot ; Bills Mafia & quot ; Mafia! Deal with second-year QB Nate Stanley, who played for the Colts and then Titans Colts and then.. 1981-86: Made 87 starts at right tackle sign up for the Patriots reissued,! Position as receiver that led him to the Cleveland Browns not ever seeing it again wont retire numbers guys... To leave a comment entire career in New England wearing No acquisition projects to the. James Ihedigbo Chad Eaton Overachieving interior defensive lineman carved out a nice career recommended that you use data... Dominance: in six years with the Pats following year before suddenly him! Every morning Drew Bledsoe, QB, 1993-2001: Julian Edelman might be the Patriots number two tight.. The Cleveland Browns Dillon over early-career Curtis Martin 2 receiver you could ask for in 2014, leading to touchdown. Our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox every morning cause. Db, 1984-88: Made 87 starts at right tackle 1977-89: Morgans mark of 10,352 receiving yards our! Laverne Torczon Started 13 games in New England Tom Fears, Jack Butler, and Kellen Winslow wore... Signed with the Pats all-time rushing list and address their three biggest needs in seven-round... Five NFL seasons but to me Bledsoe was more impactful his era,! Throwback set his Hall of Famer was one of the New England wearing No DL, 1960-67: the '.