Spent his entire career with the Patriots. Cmon man. 10 Jabar Gaffney, WR, 2006-08: Perhaps Jimmy Garoppolo is the pick here come Week 5. Patrick Peterson will sport a new number on his new team. 60 -- Garin Veris, DE, 1985-91:Veris opened his career with back-to-back seasons of 10-plus sacks, but tailed off toward the end of his six-year run. 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. 45 -- Otis Smith, CB, 1996, 2000-02: Smith's 47-yard fumble return in the 1996 AFC title game was key in the Patriots punching their Super Bowl ticket. 50 Mike Vrabel A few to pick from here with Rob Ninkovich, Sam Hunt and Lawrence McGrew, but Vrabel's versatility wins out. 96 Brent Williams, DE, 1986-93: Had 43.5 sacks in eight seasons with the Pats. Note: McMillan and Farnsworth will share the same number this offseason. Injuries cut his career short at age 29. 29 Harold Jackson I love me some late-70s Patriots and Jackson was a classy 1,000-yard complement to Stanley Morgan on some great teams. But whether numerology is of importance or not, it's clear that not all numbers are created equally when it comes to the Patriots. 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. 65 this year for the Pats. 96 -- Brent Williams, DE, 1986-93: Williams was never a star, but consistent contributed as a pass rusher, posting at least five sacks in each of his first five seasons. 39 -- Sam Cunningham, RB, 1973-79, 81-82:Sam "Bam" Cunningham's 5,453 career rushing yards is still tops in franchise history. 87 Rob Gronkowski, TE, 2010-present: Tough one for Ben Coates, who didnt have the foresight to wear No. 97 Jarvis Green, DE, 2002-09: Spent his entire career with the Pats, totaling 28 sacks. 70 Logan Mankins, G, 2005-13: A beast. 81 for Doug Atkins, a defensive end. Its older brother, No. 91 -- Jamie Collins, LB, 2013-2016: Collins emerged as a budding star early in his Patriots career, making the Pro Bowl in 2015. 74 Shelby Jordan, OT, 1975-82: Made 87 starts at right tackle. He's clearly the choice here over Jeremy Shockey of New Orleans and many others. He's also a member of the Patriots' 2000s All-Decade Team.8 Feb 2022. Who wore number 88 for the Patriots? 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. 80. 64 Richard Bishop Just a steady pass rusher on some really talented Patriots teams of the late-1970s. Not all HOF caliber players need their numbers retired. Antwine is now a member of the All-AFL team and the Patriots Hall of Fame. 8. 43 Ernest Gibson, DB, 1984-88: Made only 14 starts in five years, but beats out Nate Ebner and James Ihedigbo. Tue Feb 28 - 02:00 PM | Thu Mar 02 - 11:55 AM. 31 Fred Marion The cerebral play-making safety was a huge part of the defense of some very talented teams from the mid-1980s. If players wanted to go lower, they could, and that they did. 67 Dan Koppen, C, 2003-11: Made the Pro Bowl in 2007. He currently ranks third all-time in field goal accuracy (87.3 percent). Neal beats out guard Sam Adams, who played for the Pats in the 70s. Could the Alabama band be getting back together in New England? 72 Matt Light, OT, 2001-11: Three-time champ, franchise tackle.Not much of a debate here. Who wore number 87 for the Patriots? ampats says: 48 Tim Fox Hard-hitting safety was an emotional leader in the 1970s. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 73 -- John Hannah, G, 1973-85: Easy pick. Terry Glenn. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 22 Asante Samuel, CB, 2003-07: Led the NFL with 10 INTs in 2006. 69 Julius Adams, DL, 1971-87: Kind of a cop out here. Jump back a year to the 2003 draft, before the lower numbers were in play. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Now, Gronks 87 will be worn. 41 Leroy Mitchell Not much to choose from here. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Tuesday, February 28, 2:31PM. Since 2011, the Bills have worn white for a home game either with their primary uniform or a throwback set. Consequently, the Bears placed Bennett on injured reserve on December 9th. 88 -- TE Scott Chandler. Sylvester Peck Media, LLC. Devin Asiasi has 85 in New England. Now things get tricky. 37 -- Rodney Harrison, SS, 2003-08:Came in as a veteran to become an enforcer in the secondary for two Super Bowls. 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. 2 -- Doug Flutie, QB, 1987-89, 2005: While he started 12 games in the late 80s, he's more known for his second stint in New England, particularly for his drop kick as his final play. 62 Joe Thuney His incredible durability gives him the nod over Ryan Wendell. Or No. 19 Brandon LaFell WR wasn't here long but made an impact. 42 Ronnie Lippett Clayborn's partner at corner was pretty talented in his own right. New England Patriots roster breakdown: #88 TE Martellus Bennett The offseason acquisition projects to be the Patriots' number two tight end. He finished with 5.5 more sacks with the team than Patriots legend James Harrison (also No. 94 with DL Chris Jones. 90 -- Toby Williams, DL, 1983-88:Played a big role in the Patriots' 3-4 defense in the mid-80s. 56 -- Andre Tippett, LB, 1982-93:The Hall of Famer was one of the most feared pass rushers of his era. The first two receivers taken --Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson --took No. With the conclusion of their 2022 season, the Patriots 2023 slate of opponents has been set. __________________________________________________________________. 89, he's the only one. Note: Agholor wore No. other than brady no number should be retired. I wouldnt call him the best ever over Gonzalez because of durability but this guy was an elite blocker and mismatch when running routes. 77 -- Nate Solder, OT, 2011-2017: Solder watched Tom Brady's blindsidein three Super Bowls -- including two victories. Dawson Knox 88. How about Roman Phifer vs. Chandler Jones. Golden Tate and Jordan Matthews took 81. Off the field, he's one of the most beloved players in Patriots history. 83 -- Wes Welker, WR, 2007-12: Welker only played six seasons in New England, but he's still the franchise's reception leader -- by over 100 catches. Patrick was a solid punter from 1975-78, appearing in 43 games. 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. No. I believe that to reissue the number is better than retiring it. He made four Pro Bowls and an All-Pro team in the Patriots' early days. Pepper pulled a classic bait-and-switch, setting it up as if it . 26 Raymond Clayborn Pretty straight-forward pick here. . Former first-round pick and two-time Super Bowl champion Ty Warren is the most famous 94 in Patriots history. 88 -- Terry Glenn, WR, 1996-2001:A marvelous talent who clashed with coaches as time went on, Glen posted 90 catches and 1,132 yards as a rookie. 87.The Patriots finally have revealed the numbers for the team's incoming class of rookies. Until then the greatest clutch kicker in NFL history stands alone. 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). 28 Curtis Martin, RB, 1995-97: Toughest decision on the list. Bledsoe, the face of the franchise in the 90s, narrowly edges out the Super Bowl LII hero. Note: Martin started 14 games in 2015 for San Francisco and will again be wearing No. 75 Vince Wilfork, DT, 2004-14: Still going strong in Houston. 81, found itself on a number of greats as well: Tim Brown, Torry Holt, Art Monk and, in the best season of his career, Randy Moss. McGinest is the Patriots' all-time leader in postseason sacks with 16. The Patriots Hall of Famer played at a high level for a long time. 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. 89 Bob Dee The only man to ever wear the number because they retired it after he was done. 71 Ray Hamilton Undersized DL was a playmaker on the interior for the 1970s Patriots. Also, how many great Patriot corners have worn 24 since he left? The Lions wore their alternate black tops five times from 2005-07. . Now, the Patriot will look to wear Gates number in honor, as New Englands new offense begins to take shape. 69 for two seasons his rookie year and his last year. He is a HOF TE and his time with NE is not rivaled, when healthy he was arguably the best TE ever (Blocker/Receiver). I think of Bruschi every time I see Hightower. Henry was a teammate of Gates from 2016-2018. More Cheerleader Photos . Yet 2004 was the year that opened the floodgates. Dee was an inaugural Patriot and had his number retired. For decades, No. four men to start at the position in 1992. 92 Ted Washington It's tough to win a spot based on just one year but Washington was great in 2003. Peterson made a deal with second-year QB Nate Stanley, who previously held the number, for a good cause. 88, Jody Fortson, catches a back-shoulder touchdown from quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Patriots big spending show they're serious about getting back to relevancy. 3 Stephen Gostkowski, K, 2006-present: Almost like a Brett Favre/Aaron Rodgers situation. The offseason acquisition projects to be the Patriots number two tight end. Hell take No. Look at the Yankees. He is now going to wear No. 30 Carl Garrett Solid running back from the 1960s wins out over fan-favorite Mosi Tatupu. 68 when he arrived during the season last year. 2 Mike Patrick Another number that has gotten very little use in Patriots history. Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro Football Reference Database. Note: Bentley was the first Patriot to announce a change to single digits. Or write about sports? They have until late August, when each team has to start making its roster cuts, to secure a role. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Gronk..the greatest goofball to ever play tight end. Only two other players have worn No. 34 Chuck Shonta The versatile defensive back is part of the Patriots All-Decade team for the 1960s. In the 2004draft, seven receivers were drafted in the first round. Also, linebacker Chris White will share No. No other player did as much wearing No. The younger generation of Patriots fans will most closely associate it with offensive tackle Matt Light, however, who protected Tom Brady's blindside during three Super Bowl-winning seasons in the early 2000s. Gostkowski was drafted to replace a legend in Adam Vinatieri. 5 Shayne Graham Graham replaced an injured Gostkowski in 2010 and made all 12 of his field goals and hit 35 of 37 PATs in eight games. He made six Pro Bowls over 14 seasons (all as a Patriot). 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. 16 Jim Plunkett Another old quarterback is the only choice unless we're looking for some fun and Scott Zolak is involved. 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. He previously wore 21 and 31 in Philadelphia. Milloy was a four-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champ. 88 Terry Glenn, WR, 1996-2001: When healthy, Glenn was terrific in New England, helping the Pats reach the Super Bowl as a rookie. All rights reserved (About Us). If you say Julian Edelman I won't argue, but to me Bledsoe was more impactful. Read the names of the retired players, in the story, and many of the fans probably have not thought about them in a long time. 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