The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. Founded in 1959, they have become one of the most successful teams and an iconic franchise for NFL fans all around the world. With 6 Super Bowl championships since 2002, numerous division titles, and Hall-of-Fame players like Tom Brady and Bill Belichick leading their charge to victory every year, it is no surprise that they are considered by many to be one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. From winning games at Gillette Stadium to making appearances on national television shows such as The Simpsons or Saturday Night Live, these star athletes never cease to amaze us with their skillful play while bringing joy into our homes each weekend during football season.
1. Tom Brady
Quarterback
Career
- 7× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII, LV)
- 5× Super Bowl MVP (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX, LI, LV)
- 3× NFL Most Valuable Player (2007, 2010, 2017)
- 2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2010)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2009)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2007, 2010, 2017)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2005, 2016, 2021)
- 15× Pro Bowl (2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009–2018, 2021)
- 5× NFL passing touchdowns leader (2002, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2021)
- 4× NFL passing yards leader (2005, 2007, 2017, 2021)
- 2× NFL passer rating leader (2007, 2010)
- NFL completion percentage leader (2007)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- Bert Bell Award (2007)
- Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year (2007)
- 2× Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2005, 2021)
- National champion (1997)
Tom Brady is one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He has led his team to eleven Super Bowl appearances and five championships, which makes him one of the greatest players in league history.
Tom Brady was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2000 and spent 10 seasons with them before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. In his time with the Pats and Bucs, he has won numerous awards including MVP, AP Most Valuable Player, and Pro Football Hall of Fame induction (in 2018).
His success on the field extends off it as well; Tom Brady is married to Gisele Bundchen (one of Hollywood's biggest stars) and they have three children together.
Two sons, Benjamin and Maximus, and a daughter Vivienne Jolie-Brady. Tom Brady is a three-time NFL MVP, two-time Super Bowl champion, and 15-time Pro Bowler.
He led the Patriots to their fourth championship in 2017 and fifth overall in 2018. Brady has also set numerous passing records during his illustrious career, including most touchdown passes (5), yards (5,021), and completions (508).
The 39-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down as he continues to amass accolades both on and off the field.
Also Played For: nfl europe, nfl playoff
2. Rob Gronkowski
Tight end
Career
- 4× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, LIII, LV)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2014)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (2011, 2014, 2015, 2017)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017)
- NFL receiving touchdowns leader (2011)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2010)
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- Third-team All-American (2008)
- First-team All-Pac-10 (2008)
Rob Gronkowski is a professional tight end for the New England Patriots. He has been with the team since 2010 and has had several notable seasons, including in 2017 when he recorded 69 catches for 1,082 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Gronkowski was born on May 14, 1989, in Amherst, New York. After high school, he attended Arizona where he played football as well as basketball, and track. He was drafted by the Patriots in 2010 and made his NFL debut that year.
Since then he has become one of the most popular players in league history, playing a pivotal role in many of their successes over the years including back-to-back Super Bowl titles (2017–2018).
Gronkowski retired from football at the end of 2018 but is still contracted to play for Tampa Bay Buccaneers next season after signing a one-year deal earlier this year. Rob Gronkowski is one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history.
He has more than 15 career touchdowns in the postseason, which ranks second all-time behind only Jerry Rice. In addition to his scoring ability, Gronkowski is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield.
He was named First-team All-Pro in 2014 and 2015 and Second-team All-Pro this year. Despite being injury prone at times over his long career, Gronkowski remains one of the biggest stars in professional football today.
Also Played For: madden nfl 21
3. John Hannah
Career
- 7× First-team All-Pro (1976, 1978–1981, 1983, 1985)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1977, 1982, 1984)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1976, 1978–1985)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- New England Patriots All-1970s Team
- New England Patriots All-1980s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots No. 73 retired
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- 2× All-American (1971, 1972)
John Hannah is best known for his time with the New England Patriots where he won two Super Bowls. He was born in 1951 in Canton, Georgia and played college football at Alabama before being drafted by the New England Patriots in 1973.
Over the course of his career, John Hannah made over 150 appearances for the Patriots and retired after playing seventeen seasons with them. In 1988, John Hannah became a head coach with the Baltimore Ravens but left after one season due to health concerns; he later recovered and resumed coaching until 2000 when he retired again due to ill health aged 58.
After retiring from coaching, John Hannah moved into broadcasting where he currently works as an analyst on Fox Sports 1's NFL coverage alongside Jay Glazer and others. John Hannah was one of the most consistent and valuable players in the NFL during the 1970s and 1980s.
He started 183 games over 13 seasons with the New England Patriots, becoming a two-time All-American and first-team All-Pro selection.
After playing his final game in 1985, he went on to have a successful career in coaching with stops at Purdue, Miami (FL) and Ohio State before retiring in 2007.
4. Ty Law
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1998, 2003)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1998, 2001–2003, 2005)
- 2× NFL interceptions leader (1998, 2005)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
Law was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1995 and spent four seasons with them before moving to the Jets in 2005. He played for Kansas City from 2006-2007 before joining the Broncos in 2009.
Law has made an impact both on and off the field, being named to three Pro Bowls and winning a Super Bowl title with New England in 2003. At age 38, Law is still playing at a high level – he was voted as one of Denver’s top five players during their victory over Baltimore this season.
Ty Law was a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection. He is the only player in NFL history to have at least 10 interceptions and 50 passes defended in a career. In 2002, he became just the second cornerback ever to return two touchdowns in one game (joining Rod Woodson).
After retiring from football, Ty Law worked as an analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Football coverage before joining Fox Sports as an NFL on Fox analyst for their pregame show "NFL GameDay First Look.
5. Vince Wilfork
Defensive tackle
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXIX, XLIX)
- First-team All-Pro (2012)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2007, 2010, 2011)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2007, 2009–2012)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- BCS national champion (2001)
- First-team All-Big East (2003)
Vince Wilfork is a former NFL nose tackle who played for the New England Patriots from 2004 to 2014. Vince Wilfork was an All-Pro selection in 2009 and led the Patriots in sacks twice, including a career-high 16 in 2013.
In 2015, Vince Wilfork signed with the Houston Texans but was released shortly thereafter due to injury concerns. After his release by the Texans,
Vince Wilfork retired from playing football and enrolled at Miami University where he is currently studying business administration Vince Wilfork is a two-time Super Bowl champion and first-team All-Pro linebacker with the New England Patriots.
Vince Wilfork was also named to three second-team All-Pro squads and recorded 26 pass deflections, 4 forced fumbles, and 5 interceptions in his 12 seasons in the NFL.
Vince Wilfork was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2016 after an 11-year career spent playing for New England which included five Pro Bowl appearances.
Vince Wilfork finished his career as one of only six players in NFL history with over 1,000 tackles, 50 sacks, 10 interceptions, and 100 total combined tackles (200 solos).
6. Adam Vinatieri
Placekicker
Career
- 4× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLI)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2002, 2004, 2014)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2002, 2004, 2014)
- NFL scoring leader (2004)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1996)
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
Adam Vinatieri is a well-known kicker in the NFL. He has played for many teams over the years, most notably with the Indianapolis Colts. Adam Vinatieri is known for his accuracy and consistent hitting of field goals and extra points.
In 2018, he became one of only two players to score more than 5,000 career points in both regular season and postseason play (the other being Tony Romo).
Adam Vinatieri was named Super Bowl XLI MVP after kicking a game-winning field goal against the Chicago Bears, which helped lead his team to their first championship win in 46 years.
Adam Vinatieri is a four-time Super Bowl champion and three-time First-team All-Pro. He was the NFL scoring leader in 2004, as well as the league's all-decade player from 2000 to 2010.
Adam Vinatieri also holds several NFL records, including most career points scored (2,673), field goals made (599), and attempted (715).
7. Richard Seymour
Defensive lineman
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2003–2005)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2006, 2011)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2002–2006, 2010, 2011)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2001)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- First-team All-American (2000)
- 2× First-team All-SEC (1999, 2000)
Richard Seymour was drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots in 2001. Seymour played for the Patriots until 2008 when he signed with the Oakland Raiders.
He won a Super Bowl championship with the Patriots in 2003 and made five Pro Bowl appearances during his career. Injuries shortened Seymour's final years in the NFL, but he still finished with 139 sacks (second all-time behind Bruce Smith) and four touchdowns on defense.
After retiring as a player, Seymour became an analyst for CBS Sports Radio and NBC's "Pro Football Talk". Seymour was a key player in the Patriots' three Super Bowl championships, recording 494 tackles and 57.5 sacks in his ten-year career with New England.
Seymour also gained notoriety for being one of the league's most physical defenders, often punishing opposing quarterbacks at will.
Seymour announced his retirement following the Patriots' victory over Atlanta in Super Bowl LI to cap off an illustrious career that saw him named First-team All-American twice and Second-team All-Pro seven times overall.
Also Played For: georgia bulldogs football, oakland raiders
8. Wes Welker
Wide receiver
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2009, 2011)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2007, 2008)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2008–2012)
- 3× NFL receptions leader (2007, 2009, 2011)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2004)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team[1]
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team[2]
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team[3]
- Mosi Tatupu Award (2003)
- First-team All-Big 12 (2003)
- Second-team All-Big 12 (2002)
Wes Welker was a wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins from 2004 to 2006. Wes Welker helped lead the Dolphins to two playoff appearances during his time in Miami, including their victory over the New England Patriots in 2010.
In 2013, Wes Welker became the receivers coach for the New England Patriots after previously serving as an assistant offensive coordinator under Bill Belichick with the Browns (2008–2010).
Wes Welker is a well-known and respected NFL player who has spent his entire career with the New England Patriots.
Wes Welker is known for his speed, Receiving ability, and toughness. He has been to 5 Pro Bowls in 8 seasons with the Patriots.
In 2018, Wes Welker was released by the Houston Texans after 12 seasons in the NFL playing tight end, wide receiver, and special teams coordinator/wide receivers coach role with that team since 2017.
After being released by Houston he signed on as an offensive assistant coach with the San Francisco 49ers for 2019 before moving back to Miami where he currently coaches their wide receivers.
Also Played For: texas tech red raiders football
9. Drew Bledsoe
Quarterback
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XXXVI)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1994, 1996, 1997, 2002)
- NFL passing yards leader (1994)
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- Second-team All-American (1992)
- Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year (1992)
Drew Bledsoe was a four-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots.
He played for the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants before joining the Patriots in 1993.
Bledsoe is regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of his era and helped lead three different teams to championships.
Drew Bledsoe is one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He has 9 Pro Bowl appearances, 4 MVP Awards, and 2 Super Bowl Championships to his name.
Drew Bledsoe was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1993 and became their starting quarterback shortly thereafter.
He led them to a number of championships during his time there including two Super Bowls winnings (XXXVIII & XXXIX). After leaving the Patriots, Bledsoe played for other teams before retiring at the end of the 2006 season.
In total, he made 190 starts in the NFL which is an all-time record for a quarterback.
10. Bill Belichick
Career
- Baltimore Colts (1975)
- Special assistant
- Detroit Lions (1976)
- Assistant special teams coach
- Detroit Lions (1977)
- Receivers coach
- Denver Broncos (1978)
- Assistant special teams coach & defensive assistant
- New York Giants (1979)
- Special teams coach & defensive assistant
- New York Giants (1980–1984)
- Linebackers coach & special teams coach
- New York Giants (1985–1990)
- Defensive coordinator
- Cleveland Browns (1991–1995)
- Head coach
- New England Patriots (1996)
- Assistant head coach & defensive backs coach
- New York Jets (1997–1999)
- Assistant head coach & defensive coordinator
- New England Patriots (2000–present)
- Head coach
Bill Belichick is one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. He has won 11 Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, making him the all-time leader in that category.
Belichick was born on April 16, 1952, in Nashville, Tennessee, and attended Annapolis High School where he played football and basketball.
After playing college ball at Wesleyan University, Belichick began his coaching career as an assistant special teams coach with the Baltimore Colts from 1975 to 1976.
He then moved on to become receivers coach for the Detroit Lions from 1977 to 1978 before returning to Baltimore as a special assistant in 1979.
In 1984, Belichick became head coach of the Cleveland Browns where he led them to three consecutive playoff appearances (1985-87).
He then joined the Boston Patriots organization as defensive coordinator under owner Robert Kraft in 1995 and remained there until becoming head coach of New England two years later.
Under his guidance, New England has compiled an unprecedented 111 wins over 12 seasons - including 10 AFC East titles - which makes him one of just four coaches ever with ten or more division titles across multiple conferences (the others are Vince Lombardi, Bill Walsh, and Tom Brady).
However, they have yet to win a championship during this time frame ( so far ). Belichick's record against some other high-profile coaches.
In 19 matchups against Pete Carroll ( Seattle Seahawks ), Jim Harbaugh ( San Francisco 49ers ) Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints ), and Mike McCarthy (Green Bay Packers) he owns an overall mark of 14–10 (.594 winning percentage).
His lone loss came against Shanahan when they met earlier this year on 'Monday Night Football'. (denotes Hall Of Fame Coach) Belichick is one of the most successful head coaches in NFL history.
He has won six Super Bowls as a coach and he is currently the head coach of the New England Patriots. Belichick was born in Cleveland, Ohio but he spent his early years moving around because his father worked for various companies.
Eventually, Belichick landed in Cambridge, Massachusetts where he attended college at Brown University.
After graduating from Brown with a degree in engineering management, Belichick took a job with the Browns as an assistant special teams coach and defensive assistant before joining the Giants staff later that year.
From 1979 to 1984, Belichick served as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator for the Giants before becoming defensive coordinator for the Browns in 1991.
In 1996, after three seasons with New England under Bill Parcells, Belichick was hired by Tom Brady and John Elway to lead their new team.
The Patriots – back to success on offense while also coaching their defense; they went on to win more Super Bowls than any other team during his tenure (six). Currently holding down both positions as head football coach of The Patriots since 2000.
11. Mac Jones
Quarterback
Career
- Pro Bowl (2021)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2021)
- 2× CFP national champion (2017, 2020)
- Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2020)
- Davey O'Brien Award (2020)
- Manning Award (2020)
- Consensus All-American (2020)
- First-team All-SEC (2020)
Mac Jones was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Mac Jones started every game for Alabama during his three-year career there, including a national championship victory in 2020.
Mac Jones is considered one of the top young quarterbacks in the league and has already shown flashes of brilliance on the field. Mac Jones is a quarterback who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Mac Jones has already established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league and is sure to continue his success into the future.
Mac Jones also has a reputation for being one of the most clutch players on any team, which will be key during playoff games.
Mac Jones is an excellent passer who can make all of his throws with precision and accuracy, no matter what situation he finds himself in.
Mac Jones is someone that every team would love to have behind center and can lead them to victory at any moment given the opportunity.
With continued success over time, it's safe to say that Mac Jones will go down as one of history's greatest quarterbacks ever.
12. Troy Brown
Wide receiver
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- Pro Bowl (2001)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
Troy Brown was a wide receiver for the New England Patriots from 1993 to 2007. He helped lead the Patriots to three Super Bowl appearances, including their victory in 2002 over the St.
Louis Rams. Brown also played for the Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders during his NFL career. After retiring as a player, Brown became a coach with the Patriots' successor team, the New Orleans Saints, in 2009.
In 2013 he was named wide receivers/kick returners coach with the Patriots again after spending time coaching at Marshall University (WV) before that Troy Brown was a wide receiver in the NFL for over a decade, playing with the Patriots and Ravens.
He is one of only two players to win three Super Bowls with two different teams (the other being Jerry Rice).
Troy Brown has also been an accomplished return man, having scored touchdowns on kickoffs and punt returns throughout his career. Troy Brown was inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in 2018.
Also Played For: marshall thundering herd football
13. Mike Haynes
Defensive back
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XVIII)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1976)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1984, 1985)
- 6× Second-team All-Pro (1976–1980, 1982)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1976–1980, 1982, 1984–1986)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1976)
- New England Patriots All-1970s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- New England Patriots No. 40 retired
Haynes was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 1976 NFL Draft. He played for the team from 1976 to 1982. Haynes then signed with the Los Angeles Raiders and played for them from 1983 to 1989.
His most notable moment during his time with the Raiders was when he returned an interception 93 yards for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in 1984. After retiring from football, Haynes became a police officer in Arizona and has served there since 1990.
Haynes was one of the most decorated players in NFL history, winning a Super Bowl and earning nine Pro Bowl appearances. Haynes was an All-Pro cornerback for six seasons and also earned First-Team honors from The Associated Press twice.
He is best known for his interception return against the Dallas Cowboys that helped lead New England to their first championship victory in 18 years.
14. Andre Tippett
Career
- NFL co-Defensive Player of the Year (NEA) (1985)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1985, 1987)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1986, 1988)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1984–1988)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- New England Patriots All-1980s Team
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- Consensus All-American (1981)
Andre Tippett was one of the most decorated linebackers in NFL history. He played for the New England Patriots from 1982-1993 and won two Super Bowls with the team.
Andre Tippett was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft and spent 13 seasons with them, amassing 232 total tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a touchdown.
After leaving New England in 1993, Andre Tippett played for four other teams before retiring after playing his final season with the Atlanta Falcons in 1998.
Andre Tippett is currently a commentator on CBS Sports Network's coverage of college football and also coaches linebacker at Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama.
Andre Tippett was a two-time First-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler with the New England Patriots.
Andre Tippett is most noted for his play on defense, where he recorded 100 sacks and 19 fumble recoveries in 151 games played over 13 seasons. Andre Tippett was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 after spending his entire career with the Patriots.
Also Played For: the university of iowa, iowa hawkeyes football
15. Willie McGinest
Linebacker
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1996, 2003)
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1994)
McGinest was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played for the team from 1994 to 2005 and then rejoined them as a free agent in 2006.
McGinest won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, in 2001 and 2003, and he also made four Pro Bowl appearances.
After leaving New England, McGinest signed with Cleveland but only managed one season there before being released at the end of 2008.
Since retiring from football, McGinest has worked as an analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage and served as a special assistant to head coach Bill Belichick with the Patriots during their 2017 season campaign (which ended in victory).
Willie McGinest was a 3x Super Bowl champion and 2x Pro Bowler with the New England Patriots. He was voted to the All-1990s Team, All-2000s Team, and Dynasty Team by NFL fans. Willie is also a Hall of Fame inductee and PFWA's all-rookie team member in 1994.
Willie has had an illustrious career in the NFL as one of its most dominant defenders over his 18 seasons playing professionally.
Also Played For: usc trojans football
16. Stanley Morgan
Career
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1980, 1986)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1979, 1980, 1986, 1987)
- NFL receiving touchdowns leader (1979)
- New England Patriots All-1970s Team
- New England Patriots All-1980s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
Stanley Morgan was a wide receiver for the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. He had a career that spanned two decades and he is one of only six players to have played for both teams during that time.
Stanley Morgan was born on February 17, 1955, in Easley, South Carolina. He attended high school at Easley High School before playing college football at Tennessee. Stanley Morgan entered the NFL Draft in 1977 and was selected by the New England Patriots with their first-round pick (25th overall).
After spending three seasons with the team, he moved on to play for the Indianapolis Colts from 1990-1992. Stanley Morgan finished his professional career with stints with the Denver Broncos (1993) and Detroit Lions (1994–1995).
In total, he registered 836 receptions for 11,524 yards (16 touchdowns) and 58 receiving touchdowns over his 20-year career. Morgan was a two-time Second Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl player in the NFL.
Morgan is best known for his time with the New England Patriots where he led the team in receiving touchdowns twice, as well as being voted to both the 1970s and 1980s teams. Stanley Morgan retired from football after playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1992.
He has since been inducted into both the New England Patriots Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Eagles Ring of Honor, among other accolades.
17. Tedy Bruschi
Linebacker
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2005)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2003, 2004)
- Pro Bowl (2004)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- Morris Trophy (1995)
- Bill Willis Trophy (1995)
- Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (1995)
- 2× Consensus All-American (1994, 1995)
- 3× First-team All-Pac-10 (1993–1995)
- Arizona Wildcats No. 68 retired
Tedy Bruschi is a decorated NFL veteran and one of the best linebackers to ever play the game. He was a key part of the Patriots' dynasty from 1996-2008, amassing 116 total tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries in his 11 seasons with New England.
Following his playing career, Bruschi began coaching as an assistant coach for Arizona Wildcats in 2009 before being named senior advisor to head coach Rich Rodriguez in 2010.
In this role, he continues to work with players both on and off the field while also overseeing all football operations at Arizona.
Tedy Bruschi is widely respected within both coaching circles and among former NFL players for his tireless work ethic and ability to relate well with those around him.
He has been described as a "players’ coach" who takes great pride in working closely with his team's members both on and off the field Tedy Bruschi was a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Second Team All-Pro.
He also won the Bill Willis Trophy as Pac 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1995. Bruschi is one of only six players to be inducted into both the New England Patriots Hall of Fame and Arizona Wildcats Ring of Honor, as he was enshrined in each in 1998 and 2004 respectively.
His No 68 jersey has been retired by Arizona Wildcats.
18. Dont'a Hightower
Linebacker
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, LIII)
- Second-team All-Pro (2016)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2016, 2019)
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- 2× BCS national champion (2009, 2011)
- Consensus All-American (2011)
- First-team All-SEC (2011)
Hightower is a linebacker for the New England Patriots and has been with the team since 2012. Hightower was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2012, and he quickly became a key player on their defense.
Hightower has won several awards throughout his career, including being named to three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. Hightower is also known for his leadership skills, and he often leads by example on the field.
Hightower is set to continue playing with the New England Patriots until 2021 Dont'a Hightower was a 3x Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots and 2x Pro Bowler. In 2011, Dont'a Hightower was voted as the consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC.
After being drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Dont’a Hightower quickly established himself as one of their most consistent defenders. In 2016, he won his first career Pro Bowl award after recording 77 tackles and 8 sacks that season.
The 2019 campaign saw him record 132 tackles (7th best on the team) and 2 interceptions while also forcing two fumbles which helped lead to another trip to Hawaii for the Pats.
Also Played For: madden nfl 18
19. Julian Edelman
Wide receiver
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, LIII)
- Super Bowl MVP (LIII)
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- Second-team All-MAC (2006)
Julian Edelman is a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. He was drafted by the Patriots in 2009 and has spent his entire career with them. Julian Edelman is well-known for his speed and elusiveness on the field, as well as his ability to catch passes deep downfield.
In 2015, he set an NFL record with 23 receptions in a single game. Julian Edelman is married to actress Holli Davis and they have two children together - daughter Vivian Rose (born September 12, 2017) and son Bowie Jean (born May 2, 2020).
Julian Edelman also has a brother named Marcus who played football at Stanford University before playing professionally in Europe Julian Edelman is a talented receiver for the New England Patriots.
He has been with the Patriots since 2009 and has led them to three Super Bowl victories. In 2017, he was named MVP of the Super Bowl victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Julian Edelman is also an excellent returner, having scored four touchdowns on returns in his career thus far.
20. Randy Moss
Wide receiver
Career
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1998)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2007)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1998, 2000, 2003, 2007)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1998–2000, 2002, 2003, 2007)
- 5× NFL receiving touchdowns leader (1998, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2009)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
- 50 Greatest Vikings
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1998)
- NCAA I-AA national champion (1996)
- Fred Biletnikoff Award (1997)
- Consensus All-American (1997)
- MAC Most Valuable Player (1997)
- MAC Offensive Player of the Year (1997)
- Orange Bowl champion (1995)
Moss is a wide receiver who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1998 to 2004 and then with the Oakland Raiders from 2005 to 2006. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998, and after two seasons with the team, he was traded to the New England Patriots in 2007.
Moss enjoyed considerable success at both of his previous teams, amassing over 1,000 yards receiving each season between them.
In 2010 he joined up with his former Viking teammate Brett Favre with the Minnesota Vikings again, but they were unable to win any games together and Moss retired at the end of that season aged 36 years old.
Moss was one of the most explosive and feared receivers in NFL history. His speed, height, and leaping ability made him one of the toughest coverages to bring down. Moss scored many touchdowns during his stellar career with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots.
He was also a three-time winner of the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, as well as a five-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro selection.
21. Logan Mankins
Guard
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2010)
- 5× Second-team All-Pro (2007, 2009, 2011–2013)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2007, 2009–2013, 2015)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2005)
- First-team All-WAC (2004)
- Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award (2010)
Logan Mankins is a former NFL guard who played for the New England Patriots from 2005 to 2013, and then with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014 and 2015. He was drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and played there until he was traded to Tampa Bay in 2014.
Logan Mankins has won several awards throughout his career, including two Pro Bowl selections (2010, 2011) and two First-team All-Pro Awards (2009, 2010). Logan Mankins is a five-time Second Team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler with the New England Patriots.
He has also been named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and was part of the team that won Super Bowl XLIX in 2015.
Mankins is one of just two players in franchise history (the other being Tom Brady) to be named First Team All-Patriots four times, along with quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
In 2004, Logan was voted WAC Defensive Player of the Year and he had an excellent rookie season with New England before being traded to Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2006 where he played for six seasons until returning home to play for New England again in 2010.
After announcing his retirement from football at the end of the 2017 season, Logan will continue his playing career as a member of their coaching staff under Bill Belichick.
22. Bruce Armstrong
Career
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1988, 1990, 1996)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1990, 1991, 1994-1997)
- New England Patriots All-1980s Team
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- New England Patriots No. 78 retired
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1987)
- Louisville Cardinals Ring of Honor
Armstrong was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft. He spent 11 seasons with the Patriots, amassing 151 tackles and 10 sacks during that time.
After playing his final season with the Detroit Lions in 2000, Armstrong retired from professional football. In 2002, Armstrong began coaching at Miami Central High School and has remained there since then.
Bruce Armstrong was one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. He was a key part of New England's success during the 1990s and played an important role on three Super Bowl championship teams.
Armstrong is also widely regarded as one of the best safeties to have ever played the game, earning six Pro Bowl selections and several All-Pro honors over his career. In 2016, he was elected into the Patriots Hall of Fame alongside quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick.
23. Kevin Faulk
Running back
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
- First-team All-American (1996)
- 3× First-team All-SEC (1996–1998)
- SEC Freshman of the Year (1995)
Faulk was a two-time NFL MVP and seven-time Pro Bowler with the New England Patriots. Faulk was drafted 46th overall by the Patriots in 1999 and spent 11 seasons with them, all but one as their starting running back.
He helped lead New England to five Super Bowl appearances (2003, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2017), winning three of them (2004, 2007, 2015). Faulk retired from the NFL after the 2011 season and has since been an assistant coach for his former team at LSU.
Faulk was a three-time Super Bowl champion and All-Pro running back with the New England Patriots, who he joined as an undrafted free agent in 1994.
Faulk played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he finished his career with 1,487 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 410 carries.
Faulk began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Carencro High School before joining LSU's staff in 2013.
He held various positions over the next four years – offensive coordinator, running backs coach, and director of player development – before accepting a position as running backs coach with the Giants in 2020.
Also Played For: lsu tigers football
24. Devin McCourty
Defensive back
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, LIII)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2010, 2013, 2016)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2010, 2016)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2010)
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- First-team All-Big East (2009)
McCourty has been a mainstay in the Patriot's secondary for six seasons and is one of their most reliable defenders. He was drafted by New England in the 2010 NFL draft and started his career as a cornerback before moving to safety late in his rookie season.
McCourty has made three Pro Bowl appearances (2012, 2013, 2014) and finished third on the team with 122 tackles during the 2017 season.
He will likely be an important part of the Patriot's defense for years to come and could eventually take over as captain of the unit if he continues to produce at a high level.
Devin McCourty is one of the most decorated players in NFL history. He has three Super Bowl championships and two Pro Bowl appearances under his belt.
Devin McCourty also holds numerous records, including being the first player ever to record more than 1,000 tackles in a career and having the most interceptions returned for touchdowns by a cornerback in NFL history.
Devin McCourty is currently an ambassador for the New England Patriots and helps raise money for various charities throughout the year.
Also Played For: rutgers scarlet knights football
25. Jim Nance
Career
- AFL MVP (1966)
- AFL Comeback Player of the Year Award (1969)
- 3× All-AFL (1966, 1967, 1969)
- 2× AFL All-Star (1966, 1967)
- 2× AFL rushing champion (1966, 1967)
- AFL rushing touchdowns leader (1966)
- Boston Patriots All-1960s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- Most rushing yards, AFL season: 1,458 (1966)
Jim Nance was a fullback for the Boston Patriots and New York Jets in the NFL. He is best known for his catch-and-run touchdown against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.
Jim Nance also played in two AFL Championships with the Boston Patriots, as well as one with the Jets. In total, he had 9 touchdowns during his career. On June 17, 1992, Jim Nance died of a heart attack at age 49 after playing football with friends hours earlier.
His death deeply affected both professional and amateur athletes throughout America who admired him for his unique play style and determination to succeed no matter what obstacles were put before him.
Nance was a dominant running back in the AFL and NFL. Nance is one of only two players to win three rushing titles in the AFL and NFL, and he also won an MVP award while playing in both leagues.
After his success in the AFL, Nance signed with the Houston Texans as an unrestricted free agent before joining their rival team - the Shreveport Steamer - for two seasons. In 1974-1975, Nance led both teams in rushing yards and touchdowns en route to being named MVP of each league during that time period.
Also Played For: syracuse orange football
26. Doug Flutie
Quarterback
Career
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1998)
- Pro Bowl (1998)
- Heisman Trophy (1984)
- Maxwell Award (1984)
- Walter Camp Award (1984)
- Davey O'Brien Award (1984)
- UPI Player of the Year (1984)
- Sporting News Player of the Year (1984)
- Unanimous All-American (1984)
- Boston College Eagles No. 22 retired
Doug Flutie was a quarterback who played in the NFL for many years. He is best known for his time with the New England Patriots, where he won two Super Bowls.
Doug Flutie also had a successful career in the CFL, where he led the Toronto Argonauts to a Grey Cup victory in 1996.
In 2005, Doug Flutie became just the second player ever to be inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame at the same time.
Doug Flutie has remained active after retiring from professional football; he currently coaches quarterbacks at Boston College and serves as an ambassador for several charities.
Doug Flutie was a quarterback in the NFL and CFL. He is best known for his time with the Boston College Eagles, where he won three Super Bowls.
In 1984, he received the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and Davey O'Brien Award altogether. He also was UPI Player of the Year that year and Sporting News player of the year as well.
Flutie retired from professional football in 1997 after playing with six different teams over thirteen years. Outside of football, Doug has been involved in various business ventures including owning a restaurant chain called "Doug's".
He currently resides in Nova Scotia with his wife Cindy and their children Jordan and Jaylen.
27. Mike Vrabel
Linebacker
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- First-team All-Pro (2007)
- Pro Bowl (2007)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- 2× Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year (1995, 1996)
Vrabel played linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots from 1997 to 2000. He was head coach of the Houston Texans from 2012 to 2016, and then the Tennessee Titans in 2017.
Vrabel is known as a defensive specialist who has coached some of the NFL's best defenses throughout his career.
In 2018, he led the Titans to their first playoff appearance since 1999, but they were defeated by Jacksonville Jaguars in Wild Card Round.
Mike Vrabel was a standout linebacker at Ohio State and is most known for his time with the Chiefs. As a coach, he has been successful in both college and the NFL. He is currently the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
Also Played For: ohio state buckeyes football
28. Rodney Harrison
Safety
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1998, 2003)
- Second-team All-Pro (2004)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1998, 2001)
- San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
Rodney Harrison is a safety who played in the NFL for over 20 years. He was a five-time All-Pro and holds the record for most interceptions in a career with 43.
Harrison also has 12 forced fumbles, which is second all-time behind only Derrick Thomas. In 2002, he won Super Bowl XLII with the New England Patriots against the St Louis Rams.
After retiring from football in 2008, Rodney became an ESPN analyst and worked on their NFL coverage until 2017 when he left to join Fox Sports as a reporter and commentator for their college sports coverage Rodney Harrison was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots.
He is a three-time first-team All-Pro and one of the most decorated players in NFL history. Rodney has also been selected to eight Pro Bowls and five All-Defensive Teams during his career.
In 2011, he was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame alongside Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, becoming only the fourth player in franchise history to be enshrined in both leagues’ halls of fame (the others being Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, and Leon Lett).
After finishing his playing days with the Indianapolis Colts in 2014, Harrison now works as an analyst for CBS Sports Network's coverage of NFL games on Sunday afternoons.
29. Deion Branch
Wide receiver
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- Super Bowl MVP (XXXIX)
- 2× First-team All-C-USA (2000, 2001)
- Second-team All-American (1998)
- Louisville Cardinals Ring of Honor
- Inducted into KY Pro Football HOF (2005)
- Albany Sports Hall of Fame (2005)[1]
Deion Branch was drafted by the Cardinals in 2002 and played for them until 2008. After leaving the NFL, he embarked on a successful coaching career with the Baltimore Ravens (2009-2013) and New England Patriots (2014-2018).
He is now the Director of Player Development and Alumni relations for the Louisville Cardinals. Deion Branch is one of only six players in NFL history to have over 1,000 yards rushing, 500 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in a season.
He has also been inducted into both the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame as well as College Football Hall of Fame Deion Branch was a highly decorated wide receiver in the NFL who is best known for his time with the New England Patriots.
During his 12-year career, Branch recorded over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 47 games played.
He also made an impact on special teams as he registered five return touchdowns during his career. After retiring from football, Branch has focused on coaching and mentoring young athletes in hopes of helping them reach their goals both on and off the field.
30. Asante Samuel
Cornerback
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- First-team All-Pro (2007)
- Second-team All-Pro (2009)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2007–2010)
- 2× NFL interceptions leader (2006, 2009)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- First-team All-MAC (2002)
- First-team All-Independent (2001)
Asante Samuel was born in Accra, Ghana on January 6th, 1981. He attended Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, and played for the UCF Knights football team before being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2003.
Samuel spent four seasons with the Patriots before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008. In his five seasons with Philadelphia, he made three Pro Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl appearances (both of which were losses).
After spending one season with Atlanta Falcons, Samuel signed a one-year contract to play for the San Francisco 49ers in 2013 but retired after just six games due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained during training camp.
Asante Samuel was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots and an All-Pro selection in both 2007 and 2009. In 2006, he led the NFL with three interceptions while also being named to the Pro Bowl squad.
After spending time in Philadelphia (2010–12) and Atlanta (2013), Samuel signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014.
Also Played For: university of central florida
31. Curtis Martin
Running back
Career
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1995)
- First-team All-Pro (2004)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1999, 2001)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2004)
- NFL rushing yards leader (2004)
- Bart Starr Award (2006)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1995)
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
- New York Jets Ring of Honor
- New York Jets No. 28 retired
Curtis Martin is a hall of who played for the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was known as one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history, amassing more than 12,000 yards from scrimmage during his career.
Martin also accumulated over 100 touchdowns on the ground, making him one of only six players to achieve that feat.
After retiring from football in 2006, he began working as an analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Football coverage and has since become a regular commentator on other sports programs across multiple networks.
In 2010, Martin received the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award at Chicago's United Center in recognition of his impact on American football and humanitarian work throughout.
His life Curtis Martin was one of the most prolific running backs in NFL history, amassing 14,101 rushing yards and 90 touchdowns during his 18-year career.
He also became a valuable receiver out of the backfield, recording 484 receptions for 3,329 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. Martin earned first-team All-Pro honors four times – including twice as a runner and once as a receiver – and was a member of five Pro Bowl teams.
In 2006 he won the Bart Starr Award as the best player in the league who began his career after 1991 (the year that professional football went to an exclusively pro style).
Martin retired following the 2007 season with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stating: "Curtis has been one of my favorite players since I've been coaching.
Also Played For: pittsburgh panthers football, university of pittsburgh football
32. Dan Koppen
Center
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- Second-team All-Pro (2007)
- Pro Bowl (2007)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2003)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award (2010)
- 3× Second-team All-Big East (2000–2002)
Dan Koppen was a center for the New England Patriots from 2003-2011. He started all 16 games in his first season and helped the team to win their sixth Super Bowl title, defeating the St.
Louis Rams 44-6 in February 2004. After playing four seasons with the Denver Broncos, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012 but only played one game before being released at the end of preseason action that year.
In 2013, he joined the Miami Dolphins but retired after just three months due to a neck injury sustained during off-season workouts.
Dan has two daughters and lives near Boston with his wife and two dogs Dan Koppen is a 2-time Super Bowl champion and 3x Second Team All-Pro safety for the New England Patriots.
Dan has also been named to several All-Dynasty Teams, including one as a rookie with the Patriots in 2003. In 2010, he was awarded the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award after leading all safeties in tackles (128).
He currently resides in Denver with his wife and two children where he works as an analyst on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football." Dan played collegiately at Ohio State before being drafted by the Patriots in 2000.
33. Ted Johnson
Linebacker
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1995)
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
Johnson was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1995 and spent four seasons with the team. In 2001, he helped lead the Patriots to their first Super Bowl victory over the St.
Louis Rams and was named MVP of that game. Johnson left Boston in 2004 after playing his final season with injuries but has since resumed his career as a linebacker coach for various teams around the league.
Ted Johnson is a three-time Super Bowl champion who played for the New England Patriots from 1995 to 2001. He was an All-Rookie Team selection in 1995 and was named to the Pro Football Writers Association's All-1990s Team in 1999.
Johnson recorded 763 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and one interception during his NFL career.
34. Lawyer Milloy
Strong safety
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XXXVI)
- First-team All-Pro (1999)
- Second-team All-Pro (1998)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1998, 1999, 2001, 2002)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1996)
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- Unanimous All-American (1995)
- First-team All-Pac-10 (1995)
- Jack Tatum Trophy (1995)
Lawyer Milloy was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1996. He spent four seasons with the Patriots, before joining the Buffalo Bills in 2003. In 2005, he joined Atlanta Falcons and played for two more seasons before signing with Seattle Seahawks in 2009.
Lawyer Milloy appeared in all 16 games of his rookie season with Seattle, but injuries limited him to just nine appearances over the following three years.
He made a return to form during the 2010 campaign and helped lead Seattle to their first-ever Super Bowl victory – which they subsequently lost against Green Bay Packers Lawyer Milloy was a dominant defender in the NFL for nearly two decades.
He played for the Patriots from 1990 to 2002 and was named an All-Pro four times. He also has one Super Bowl championship under his belt, as well as being selected to three Pro Bowls.
Milloy is best known for his work against quarterbacks, tallying 21 quarterback sacks in his career - fourth all-time behind DeMarcus Ware, Jason Taylor, and Bruce Smith. After retiring from football, he opened up a law firm with his brother and currently works there full-time.
Also Played For: washington huskies football
35. Malcolm Butler
Cornerback
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI)
- Second-team All-Pro (2016)
- Pro Bowl (2015)
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- 2× First-team All-GSC (2012, 2013)
Butler was born in Mississippi and attended high school in Vicksburg. He went on to play college football at West Alabama, where he became a two-time All-American cornerback.
Butler was not drafted by any NFL teams in 2014, but the New England Patriots signed him as an undrafted free agent that year.
Butler has since started for the Patriots in all 16 of their playoff games, winning three Super Bowl titles (2014–17).
In 2018, after starting every game for the Titans and being named Defensive Player of the Year, he signed with Arizona Cardinals before again rekindling his success with New England during the 2020 season.
Butler was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
He became a vital part of their secondary, starting all 16 games in both seasons he played for them. In 2015 and 2016, Butler won Super Bowl championships with the Patriots.
He has also been selected to two first-team All-Pro teams and one second-team All-Pro team over his career so far.
36. Irving Fryar
Career
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1985, 1994)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1985, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997)
- New England Patriots All-1980s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team (2009)
- Bart Starr Award (1998)
- Consensus All-American (1983)
- Japan Bowl MVP (1984)
Irving Fryar was a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins during his NFL career. He finished with over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons in the league.
Fryar also played in two Super Bowls (XXVI and XXVIII) with the Patriots and one with the Dolphins.
After leaving football following the 2000 season, Fryar began coaching at Rutgers University where he currently works as an assistant coach on special teams and wide receivers coach under head coach Kyle Flood.
Irving Fryar was a key offensive player for the New England Patriots during the 1980s. He was an All-American and two-time Second Team All-Pro selection, and he helped lead the team to five Pro Bowl appearances.
After retiring from football, Irving Fryar started his own business and became involved in politics.
37. Gino Cappelletti
Career
- AFL MVP (1964)
- UPI AFL Player of the Year (1964)
- 4× Second-team All-AFL (1961, 1963, 1964, 1966)
- 5× All-Star (1961, 1963–1966)
- 5× NFL scoring leader (1961, 1963–1966)
- Boston Patriots All-1960s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- New England Patriots No. 20 retired
Gino Cappelletti was born in Keewatin, Minnesota on March 26th, 1934. He attended high school at Keewatin and then went on to play football for the Sarnia Imperials of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1955.
In 1956 he moved on to the Toronto Balmy Beach Beachers where he spent five seasons before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1960 but never played a game for them. After leaving professional football, Gino worked as a broadcaster with ESPN from 1985 until his death in 2022 aged 88 years old.
Gino is survived by his wife of 52 years Joanne and their two children; daughter Michele and son Jeffery who both live near Boston, Massachusetts USA, Gino Cappelletti was one of the most prolific scorers in NFL history.
He led the league in points scored five times and is second all-time behind only Jerry Rice with 5,049 career points.
Gino also had a long and successful career as a receiver, amassing 6,895 yards on 814 receptions over 14 seasons. After playing his entire professional career with the Boston Patriots, Gino retired from football following the 1970 season at age 34 to focus on his business ventures.
Gino was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in 1986 and 1992 respectively, making him one of only two players (the other being Don Hutson) to be enshrined twice by two different Halls of Fame.
In 2002 he received an honorary doctorate degree from Northeastern University where he once played college football before entering pro ball.
38. Isaiah Wynn
Tackle
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LIII)
- First Team All-SEC (2017)
Isaiah Wynn was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, and he showed why during his time in Georgia. He started all four years there and was an All-SEC player in 2017.
The Patriots were the first team to offer him a contract, and they weren't the last - he ended up signing with them as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Wynn has already made some impacts on the NFL stage; most notably, being part of New England's Super Bowl LII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year.
In that game, he recorded two tackles and helped neutralize one of Philly's star players (Doug Pederson). With only 23 career starts under his belt, Isaiah Wynn is still learning how to be an effective offensive tackle in the NFL but has plenty of potential for continued growth down the line.
Isaiah Wynn is a versatile offensive lineman who has started all 43 games he's played in for the New England Patriots.
Over his four-year career, Isaiah Wynn has been an All-SEC performer and was named first team in 2017. He was drafted by the Patriots with the 45th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft and should provide quality depth at tackle moving forward.
39. Corey Dillon
Running back
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XXXIX)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1999–2001, 2004)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1997)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- First-team All-American (1996)
Corey Dillon is a former running back who played for the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. He was a Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots in 2006.
Corey Dillon also had success playing college football at Washington State University where he won two PAC-10 championships and was named an All-American twice.
After retiring from professional football, Dillon currently resides in Seattle and works as a broadcaster for Fox Sports Northwest covering MLS games and other sports events.
Dillon started out his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts and played for them from 1997-2001. He was a three-time Pro Bowler (1999-2001, 2004), as well as an All-Rookie Team selection in 1997.
Dillon signed with the New England Patriots in 2002, where he would play until 2008; during that time, he earned two more Pro Bowl selections (2003, 2005).
In total, Corey Dillon totaled 11,241 rushing yards and 82 touchdowns over his 10+ seasons in the NFL - truly cementing himself as one of the league's all-time greats.
40. Babe Parilli
Quarterback
Career
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1973) (QB)
- New York Stars (1974)
- Denver Broncos (1977–1979) (QB)
- New England Patriots (1981) (QB)
- Denver Gold (1984) (OC)
- New England Steamrollers (1988)
- Denver Dynamite (1989–1991)
- Charlotte Rage (1992)
- Las Vegas Sting (1994–1995)
- Anaheim Piranhas (1996)
- Florida Bobcats (1997)
Babe Parilli was a quarterback in the NFL for eight seasons, starting out with the Green Bay Packers. He played for three other teams over the course of his career and had some very successful stints with each one.
Babe Parilli is best known for leading the Philadelphia Eagles to an appearance in Super Bowl XVII and playing a pivotal role in their victory over the New England Patriots.
In addition to his football accomplishments, Babe Parilli also served as mayor of Parker, Colorado from 2003 until his death in 2017 at 87 years old.
Babe Parilli was a quarterback in the NFL for 11 seasons, most notably with the New England Patriots. He led his team to victory in three Super Bowls: 1972, 1974, and 1978. In 2003, he was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class.
41. Kyle Van Noy
Linebacker
Career
- Detroit Lions (2014–2016)
- New England Patriots (2016–2019)
- Miami Dolphins (2020)
- New England Patriots (2021)
- Los Angeles Chargers (2022–present)
Kyle Van Noy was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2014 NFL Draft. He played for the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2020.
Kyle Van Noy is a linebacker who stands at 6' 3" and weighs 250 pounds. Kyle Van Noy has made 191 total tackles, three sacks, one interception, five Forced Fumbles, and two fumble recoveries during his career so far.
Kyle Van Noy was drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He played college football at BYU and finished with 191 total tackles, 31 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and eight fumble recoveries in 48 career games.
Kyle is a versatile defender who can line up as an outside linebacker or defensive end for the Patriots.
42. Matthew Judon
Outside linebacker
Career
- Baltimore Ravens (2016–2020)
- New England Patriots (2021–present)
Matthew Judon was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2016. He played for them from 2016 to 2020 and had a total of 143 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions during that time.
In 2020, he signed with the New England Patriots and has since been playing there. So far this season, he's recorded 14 tackles and 1 interception. Judon is an extremely versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside linebacker positions well.
He always plays with aggression on the field which makes him a difficult player to stop no matter what team he's playing against. Matthew Judon is a talented and hard-working linebacker for the New England Patriots. He has had success in the past, and he looks to continue that this season.
Judon was born in Decatur, Illinois, but he grew up in Detroit. He attended Wayne State University before being drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Judon played college football at Wayne State University where he accumulated 191 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 14 pass deflections over three seasons with the Tigers' defense.
In his rookie year with New England (2019), Matthew registered 61 tackles (third on the team) along with 2 sacks and 1 FF through 12 games played; helping lead NE to their ninth AFC Championship Game appearance since 2004. Setting an NFL record for most playoff appearances by any player from one team going back to 1970.
Judon's sophomore campaign saw him post 95 tackles (sixth on the squad), 3 TFLs 5 QB hurries & 1 INT while also adding another sack en route earning First Team All-Pro honors from PFR.
After playing all 16 games as a starter his junior year [2021], Judon tallied 124 stops - the second-highest total on the roster behind Devin McCourty’s 133 - 11 QHls, 4 FF & 2 PI.
Also Played For: defensive end
43. Nick Buoniconti
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII)
- 2× Second-Team All-Pro (1972, 1973)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1972, 1973)
- 5× First-Team All-AFL (1964–1967, 1969)
- 3× Second-Team All-AFL (1962, 1963, 1968)
- 6× AFL All-Star (1963–1967, 1969)
- AFL All-Time Team
- Boston Patriots All-1960s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- Miami Dolphins Honor Roll
- Second-team All-American (1961)
Nick Buoniconti was a linebacker for the Boston Patriots from 1962 to 1968. He played in two Super Bowls with the team and was named MVP of the 1966 game.
After his playing days were over, Nick became an assistant coach with the Patriots and then moved on to other coaching jobs before retiring in 1997. Nick passed away at age 78 after a long battle with lung cancer.
Nick Buoniconti was an NFL linebacker for the Miami Dolphins from 1969 to 1974 and again in 1976. He played on two Super Bowl championship teams and was a Second-Team All-Pro twice.
Nick was born in West Haven, Connecticut, in 1944 and played high school football at Hillhouse High School before going on to play college ball at Boston College.
After his playing career ended, he became a coach with the New England Patriots (1986–1993) and then served as the team's head coach from 1994 until 2001 when they fired him after posting a record of 38–46 over six seasons.
In 2002, he joined ESPN as an analyst for their Monday Night Football coverage and also worked as a color commentator for select games throughout the league until his retirement in 2014.
44. J.C. Jackson
Cornerback
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LIII)
- Second-team All-Pro (2021)
- Pro Bowl (2021)
Jackson was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He played for the team from 2018 to 2021, appearing in 42 games and recording one interception.
Jackson is a cornerback who excels at man coverage and has good speed and athleticism.
He is expected to be a strong candidate for the 2019 NFL Draft, where he may be drafted early on in the second round or late in the first round based on his performance during preseason games this year.
J.C. Jackson was drafted by the Chargers in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at Maryland, where he won conference and NCAA championships in both 2017 and 2018.
Jackson has been a mainstay on defense for the Chargers since being drafted, playing every single game over his five-year career so far with San Diego.
He is one of only three players to be named Second-team All-Pro twice (2021, 2021). Jackson also holds several records with the Chargers including most tackles (173) and interceptions (25).
45. Matt Light
Offensive lineman
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- First-team All-Pro (2007)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2010)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- First-team All-Big Ten (2000)
Matt Light is a former offensive tackle for the New England Patriots. He was drafted in 2001 by the Patriots and played with them until 2011.
In his career, he won two Super Bowls (XXXIX and XLIX) as well as four AFC Championships.
Matt is known for his hard work on the field, which helped him become one of the best offensive tackles in NFL history.
He currently coaches youth football in Boston and Ohio, where he also resides with his wife and two children. Matt Light is a three-time Super Bowl champion and first-team All-Pro.
He was also named to the New England Patriots All-2000s Team and 50th Anniversary Team, as well as their Hall of Fame in 2018. In his 15 seasons with the Patriots, he helped lead them to five division titles and one conference championship game appearance.
After leaving the Patriots in 2017, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring at the season's end due to injury.
Also Played For: purdue boilermakers football
46. Craig James
Running back
Career
- Pro Bowl (1985)
- New England Patriots All-1980s Team
- SWC Offensive Newcomer of the Year (1979)
- 3× First-team All-SWC (1980-1982)
Craig James was a running back with the Washington Federals of the 1983 NFL season. He finished that year with 1,260 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 193 carries.
In 1984, he played for the Patriots where he had 546 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 80 carries in thirteen games.
He retired from football after the 1985 season and moved to Jacksonville, Texas where he ran his own business until his death in 2016 at age 62 from cancer Craig James was a star running back for the New England Patriots from 1984-1988.
He helped lead the team to two Super Bowl appearances and was named to the All-1980s Team. Craig is now an analyst on ESPN, where he provides commentary on college football games and other sports events.
Craig has also written several books about his career in football, including "Playing with Fire" (2004) and "The Rise of American Football: The Evolution of the National Game" (2009).
Also Played For: smu mustangs
47. Chris Hogan
Wide receiver
Career
- San Francisco 49ers (2011)*
- New York Giants (2011)*
- Miami Dolphins (2011–2012)*
- Buffalo Bills (2012–2015)
- New England Patriots (2016–2018)
- Carolina Panthers (2019)
- New York Jets (2020)
- New Orleans Saints (2021)
Chris Hogan is a wide receiver for the New England Patriots and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 but did not sign with them. He then signed with the New York Giants, where he played from 2011 to 2015 before being traded to the Patriots.
In 2017, Hogan had his best season yet as a Patriot recording 89 receptions for 1,106 yards and six touchdowns.
Hogan has also been involved in two Super Bowls (2017 and 2018) and won one of them against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 Hogan started his career with the Miami Dolphins, where he caught 220 receptions for 2,836 yards and 19 touchdowns.
He then spent a year with the Buffalo Bills before signing with the New England Patriots in 2016. Hogan has been one of Tom Brady's go-to receivers over the years, amassing 1,077 receiving yards and nine touchdowns through 16 games in 2018.
The Carolina Panthers acquired him this offseason as they look to reload after losing several key players from last season's Super Bowl run.
Hogan is coming off a Pro Bowl season where he led all NFL wide receivers in touchdown catches (14).
48. Jamie Collins
Linebacker
Career
- New England Patriots (2013–2016)
- Cleveland Browns (2016–2018)
- New England Patriots (2019)
- Detroit Lions (2020–2021)
- New England Patriots (2021–present)
Collins played linebacker for the New England Patriots from 2013-2016, and then spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He signed with the Detroit Lions in 2020, but was released before the start of the season.
Collins has been a force on defense throughout his career, recording over 100 tackles in each of his last three seasons. His versatility as a linebacker allows him to play different positions on special teams as well.
Collins is known for being an incredibly physical player who can lay waste to opposing offenses if given enough opportunities to do so. However, he has had some injury trouble in recent years which could limit how often he is used moving forward.
Despite this minor setback, Collins remains one of the premier linebackers in NFL history and should be highly sought after by any team looking for a dominant defender at either middle or outside linebacker spots Collins was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft.
Collins has started all 64 games he's played for the Patriots, recording 708 total tackles, 26.5 sacks, 39 pass deflections, 12 interceptions and 19 forced fumbles over six seasons. Collins was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2015 and won Super Bowl LI with the Patriots in 2018.
49. Steve Grogan
Career
- NFL passing touchdowns leader (1979)
- New England Patriots All-1970s Team
- New England Patriots All-1980s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- Kansas State Wildcats No. 11 retired
Grogan was a four-time Pro Bowler and led the Patriots to three Super Bowl titles in his career. He is considered one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history and is remembered as one of New England's all-time greats.
Grogan retired after 1990 with more than 25,000 passing yards and 200 touchdowns to his name.
Grogan currently resides in Texas and continues to play golf regularly at local clubs. Steve Grogan is a hall of Famer and one of the greatest quarterbacks in Patriots history.
He led New England to three Super Bowls and won two, as well as earning MVP honors both times. Steve Grogan was known for his poise under pressure, completing more than 60% of his passes even when the stakes were highest.
After leaving New England following the 1993 season, he had a successful career with Kansas State, winning back-to-back championships in 1998 and 1999 while leading them to four bowl games in five seasons overall.
Also Played For: kansas state university
50. Steve Nelson
Career
- First-team All-Pro (1980)
- Second-team All-Pro (1984)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1980, 1984, 1985)
- New England Patriots All-1970s Team
- New England Patriots All-1980s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- New England Patriots No. 57 retired
Nelson played linebacker for the New England Patriots from 1974 to 1987. Nelson was a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Patriots. After retiring as a player, Nelson served as an assistant coach with the team until 2000.
In 2001, he was named linebackers coach of the Minnesota Vikings but resigned in 2002 after reports of verbal abuse from players surfaced.
He later worked as an analyst on NFL telecasts before retiring in 2010 due to health concerns related to his battle against pancreatic cancer Nelson played 14 seasons in the NFL, starting with the New York Giants in 1981.
Nelson was a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro selection, making him one of the most decorated linebackers of his era. He spent five years with the Buffalo Bills before joining Bill Belichick's Patriots team as a free agent in 1998.
Nelson retired after the 2005 season having recorded 1,142 tackles, 17 interceptions, eight sacks, and two touchdowns over his career.
51. Ben Coates
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XXXV)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1994, 1995)
- Second-team All-Pro (1998)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1994–1998)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- New England Patriots All-1990s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
Ben Coates was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1991 and played for them until 1999. He then spent two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before retiring.
Ben has had a successful career as a tight end, winning several awards including three Super Bowl rings with the Patriots. Ben Coates was a standout wide receiver for the New England Patriots during the 1990s.
He was twice named to First-team All-Pro and five times to Pro Bowl, finishing his career with 499 receptions for 5555 yards and 50 touchdowns.
After retiring from professional football in 1999, BenCoates entered into coaching and has since been an assistant coach at several high schools across Massachusetts.
In 2016 he became head coach of the Lowell Devils youth football team. A native of Springfield, MA, Ben Coates is currently living in Lowell with his wife Tamara and their two children Sydney (born in 2009) and Jack (born in 2012).
Final Words
The New England Patriots are one of the most successful teams in American football history, having won five Super Bowls. The team’s best players include Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and Rob Gronkowski.
