2 Doug Flutie, QB, 1987-89, 2005: Made 12 starts for the Pats. The San Francisco 49ers long snapper Pepper went viral on Saturday for his hilarious video revealing a decision about his future. 35 Jim Nance Another top-flight performer from the 1960s, Nance remains one of the best running backs in team history. 82 or something. 79 Jim Lee Hunt, DT, 1960-70: His number was retired by the Patriots. Bledsoe, the face of the franchise in the 90s, narrowly edges out the Super Bowl LII hero. Note: Reynolds will wear 51 now that Bentley has changed to No. 59 -- Vincent Brown, LB, 1988-95:The Patriots' all-time leader with737 career tackles. If you say Julian Edelman I won't argue, but to me Bledsoe was more impactful. Who wore number 87 for the Patriots? 14 -- Steve Grogan, QB, 1975-90: One of the toughest guys to everplay quarterback, Grogan played 16 seasons with the Patriots. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Golden Tate and Jordan Matthews took 81. 53 Chris Slade I'm going to admit to some recency bias here and take Slade over Tom Addison, who was a standout in the 1960s. 99. Its Buffalo Sports By The Numbers here on Buffalo Sports Page. ..Patriots HOF but he is not in the retire the jersey # category, sorry The three-time Pro Bowlerled the NFL in passing yards in 1964 with 3,465. 42 Ronnie Lippett, CB, 1983-91: Made 111 starts and intercepted 24 balls. No. Who is number 88 on the Patriots? I am pretty Belichick is not fond of Gronkowski because Bill was set to ship him out to Detroit for some top picks and he threatened to step away. 30 Carl Garrett Solid running back from the 1960s wins out over fan-favorite Mosi Tatupu. 81. Until then, players have to secure their spots on the team; they need to do their jobs (well) or someone else will. 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. 82 Vincent Brisby, WR, 1993-99: Had 900+ yards in two of his first three seasons. He likely would've been if injuries didn't end his career before the age of 30. 43 Ernest Gibson, DB, 1984-88: Made only 14 starts in five years, but beats out Nate Ebner and James Ihedigbo. He also plays quarterback. McDaniels: LV had to make 'tough decision' on Carr, Inside Bears' strategy for No. 4 Adam Vinatieri, K, 1996-2005: Not as accurate as Gostkowski, but no one in NFL history has deliveredmore clutch kicks. 13 Phillip Dorsett The wideout wasn't always a huge factor but generally produced when called upon. 34 -- Shane Vereen, RB, 2011-2014: Vereen didn't have the most stellar career in New England, but his 11-catch Super Bowl performance remains one to remember. 43 -- Nate Ebner, DB/ST, 2012-present: Ebner may just be a special teams player, but he's an elite special teams player. 19 -- Brandon LaFell, WR, 2014-15: As solid a No. Won two Super Bowls at the beginning of his career. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. 57 Steve Nelson, LB, 1974-87: Started 171 games at inside linebacker. 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. Rob Gronkowski once had 17. 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. August 12, 2021 at 1:23 pm 21 Malcolm Butler This comes down to a pair or cornerbacks and Butler gets the spot ahead of the underrated Ricky Reynolds. All this being said, if Kraft didnt want to reissue it he could have said no way. 48 Tim Fox, FS, 1976-81: A Pro Bowler in 1980, Fox made 91 starts with the Pats. Yet for years, the numbers 80 and 81 held a generic significance: Those guys were the star receivers. Jerry Rice, Steve Largent, Cris Carter, James Lofton, and Kellen Winslow all wore it. 53 Tom Addison, LB, 1960-67: Addison was a four-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection in 1961. 99. Others, like No. Corey Dillon, who helped the Patriots grind out their third Super Bowl in 2004 catches a tough break. More Cheerleader Photos . Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 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. 78 Bruce Armstrong Perennial Pro Bowler was an easy choice. 36 Lawyer Milloy, SS, 1996-2002: No contest here. He was out the following week but returned in week 13, when he aggravated the injury. (After landing on the roster, Ross switched to No. 14: Don Hutson, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers, 1935-1945 The first great wide receiver, Don Hutson created many of the modern routes in today's NFL. 49 Ralph Anderson, FS, 1973: Started 11 games. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels offered his thoughts on the Patriots hiring of Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator. Spent his entire career with the Patriots. 9 -- Bryan Wagner, P, 1991, 95:Played 11 games through two separate stints with the Patriots. 20 retired by the franchise. 56 Andre Tippett Which brings us to another rather easy pick, even with Patriots Hall of Fame member Jon Morris serving as competition. Tight end Don Hasselbeck and linebacker Jack Rudolph also were multi-year starters wearing it. Find out more. 6 Ryan Allen, P, 2013-present: Allen has a career average of 46.1 yards per punt. 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. (AP Photo/Ted Gartland). 98 -- Dennis Owens, DT, 1982-86: Owens was the starting nose tackle for the Patriots as they made their mid-80s surge, including their 1985 run to the Super Bowl. Id hate to think that this number assignment was done out of pettiness. Despite missing five games and leaving two of the other 11 due to injury, Bennett was one of the most productive players of the Bears 2015 offense. His number 88 is recognized in the Pride of the Lions ring of honor on permanent display at Ford Field. Keyshawn Johnson, for example, used a crowded training camp roster to wear No. Even though it lacks the star power of some of the other jersey numbers assigned yesterday, 66 has had its share of success stories over the years. He made six Pro Bowls over 14 seasons (all as a Patriot). Dee is the only Patriot to ever wear No. 68 -- Max Lane, OL, 1994-2000:Had a solid run with the Patriots, emerging as a full-time starter from 1995 to 1998. 65 -- Houston Antwine, DL, 1961-71: A member of the Patriots Hall of Fame, Antwine was a fixture on the team's early defensive lines. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 53 -- Tom Addison, LB, 1960-67: Addison is a forgotten great. 92 Ted Washington It's tough to win a spot based on just one year but Washington was great in 2003. 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. 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. 12 Tom Brady, QB, 2000-present: Tough break for Matt Cavanaugh. 66 this year. 81 for Doug Atkins, a defensive end. 2 receiver for Bledsoe. Pepper pulled a classic bait-and-switch, setting it up as if it . He is now going to wear No. 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. 80 leads his team in receiving yards (Washington's Jamison Crowder), only one No. 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. 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. A calendar of important upcoming dates for the NFL and the New England Patriots in 2023. 46 James Develin Power football was Develin's game, and he played it well. 38 Roland James, SS, 1980-90: Spent his entire career in New England. For decades, No. TE Hunter Henry says he isnt a big jersey number guy, but his choice of 85 in New England is, in part, a tribute/honor to his former Chargers teammate Antonio Gates one of the best tight ends to play the game. pic.twitter.com/strHycLRYU. 74 Shelby Jordan, OT, 1975-82: Made 87 starts at right tackle. 16 Jim Plunkett, QB, 1971-75: There is a case to be made for Matt Cassel here because he went 11-5. 88, 83; Born: July 23, 1974 Columbus, Ohio: Died: November 20, 2017 (aged 43) Irving, Texas: Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) . 11) are sure to elicit strong debate. 20 is retired by the Pats. 80. 87 -- Rob Gronkowski, TE, 2010-present: Gronkowski is the Patriots' No. 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. As Hunter Henry gets ready for his debut season with the New England Patriots, he will be rocking No. 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. 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. 66 Paul Fairchild, G, 1984-90: Started 38 career games in New England. 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. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. So, these numbers are up for grabs when flashy players enter the league, yet they choose not to take them. Safety Devin McCourty details the state of the New England Patriots and why quarterback Mac Jones is still considered "The Guy". 95 -- Chandler Jones, DE, 2012-2015: Roman Phifer (2001-2004) played a big role on three Super Bowl runs at the end of his career, but was a starter for only three seasons. 77 Nate Solder Yes, I'm guilty of the recency thing again. Only once did he failed to start every game in a given season. Patriots Cheerleader speaks at UConn's Annual Black Women in STEM Brunch. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 20 -- Gino Cappelletti, everything, 1960-70: The Patriots Hall of Famer caught passes, kicked field goals, called games from the radio booth and had his No. 51 Jerod Mayo Although many players have donned 51, Mayo is the only one who did so with much distinction. He'd likely be a Hall of Famer if he retired today. Cmon man. 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. Its essentially the same with 81. 89 -- Bob Dee, DL, 1960-67: The Patriots Hall of Famer isn't just the best player to wear No. So take a look at our list and let us know where we went wrong. Last worn by the likes of Chris Barker, Donald Thomas and Mark LeVoir, you have to go back all the way to the 1990s to find a regular starter donning 64: Center Dave Wohlabaugh wore it in 63 games for the team. If Jacoby Brissett stuck around, he may have had an argument here. Also, how many great Patriot corners have worn 24 since he left? With offensive line and wide receiver position depth as a need, Mike and Evan highlight University of Southern California wide receiver Jordan Addison and Northwestern University offensive tackle Peter Skoronski as potential first round selections. 62 Joe Thuney His incredible durability gives him the nod over Ryan Wendell. Jacob. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 50 -- Mike Vrabel, LB, 2001-08:It's tough to leave Rob Ninkovich off this list, but Vrabel's impact on the 2001-2004 Super Bowl teams and All-Pro season in 2007 are tough to beat. 81. 96 in his first six NFL seasons with the Colts and the Jets. 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. Pat the Patriot, . Let's take a numbers-based trip down memory lane. Look at the Yankees. Patrick was a solid punter from 1975-78, appearing in 43 games. 93 -- DE Jabaal Sheard. Both were dominant. In six years with the Pats, Rob Gronkowski has 5,555 yards. Patriots free agency profile: Is Damien Harris worth an investment? Note: McMillan and Farnsworth will share the same number this offseason. Hell go down as a legend in New England, but you cant justify putting him above Bledsoe. So some receivers in the league dont have the option to wear No. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Note: Bentley was the first Patriot to announce a change to single digits. Heres a look at the Patriots new jersey numbers. Note: Smith gets the same number he wore in Tennessee. He posted 6.0 sacks in 1984. Malcolm Mitchell could make a bid to take this spot if he's healthy this year. Nance was one of the Patriots' earliest stars, leading the league in rushing in 1966 and 1967. No. 7 Hugh Millen, QB, 1991-92: Millen wasnt particularly good (17 TDs, 28 INTs), but he did at least play. 79 -- Jim Lee "Earthquake" Hunt, DT, 1960-70: One of the franchise's first great defensive stars, Huntwas inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993. 43 Ernest Gibson, DB, 1984-88: Made only 14 starts in five years, but beats out Nate Ebner and James Ihedigbo, 44 John Stephens, RB, 1988-92: Topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his. 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