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. Julius Adams (1971-1987) did wear No. This game is notable as it was the first Bills playoff appearance in 17 seasons. Now things get tricky. Note: Gaffney retired from the NFL to play professional baseball before coming back to football. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Note: Mills signed with the Patriots this offseason. Note: Godchaux wore No. 87.The Patriots finally have revealed the numbers for the team's incoming class of rookies. The runner-up here is probably Joe Cardona. Gambling problem? His toughness was the stuff of legend, like when he played almost the entire 2011 season on a torn ACL. The veteran appeared in his teams first 10 games but sustained a rib injury that forced him to leave the week 11 matchup against the Denver Broncos. He dominated the mid-80s, making five straight Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. Good enough. Since he strayed, its a no for me. 42 Ronnie Lippett, CB, 1983-91: Made 111 starts and intercepted 24 balls. 93 Richard Seymour The soon-to-be Hall of Famer was another rather easy selection. All rights reserved. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? 85 -- Nick Buoniconti, LB, 1962-68:A tough call here of 16-year Patriot Julius Adams, but Buoniconti (a Springfield native) was one the AFL's early stars and a Hall of Famer. Learn how your comment data is processed. 8.). Devin Asiasi has 85 in New England. 20 is retired by the Pats. Gamble, RB, 1968-69: Phillip Dorsett was shockingly close to taking this spot. Note: The Patriots highest-profile defensive free-agent signing, Judon will wear the same number he had to Grand Valley State. 94 Ty Warren Quietly produced alongside Seymour for years. 38 Roland James James joined Marion to make up one of the best safety tandems in football throughout the 1980s. 66. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 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. Keyshawn Johnson, for example, used a crowded training camp roster to wear No. 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. 21 had its ups and downs in the past: For every Ras-I Dowling and Fred Taylor there is a Randall Gay and the biggest and most successful name of the bunch Malcolm Butler. 58 -- Pete Brock, OL, 1976-87:Spent 12 seasons with the Patriots, earned the name "Deep Threat" after catching a 6-yard touchdown pass in 1976. 38 -- Roland James, SS, 1980-90:Brandon Bolden falls a ways behind James, who spent his entire 11-year career in New England. 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. 11 -- Drew Bledsoe, QB, 1993-2001: The single toughest battle on this list came between Bledsoe and wide receiver Julian Edelman at No. The Combine is set to take place in Indianapolis this week. It keeps the ex player in the minds of the fans instead of not ever seeing it again. 34 Chuck Shonta The versatile defensive back is part of the Patriots All-Decade team for the 1960s. In total, 17 players wear No. Sure, it would be great to retire numbers for more players, but then you need triple digit numbers available. 82 Vincent Brisby, WR, 1993-99: Had 900+ yards in two of his first three seasons. 76 Brian Holloway, OT, 1981-86: Made Pro Bowls in 1983, 84 and 85. 68 Max Lane, OL, 1994-2000: Played in 100 career games and was a starter for four seasons. We present them here for purely educational purposes. 57 Steve Nelson Another easy selection, Nelson's professionalism was a mainstay for many years in New England. 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. 16 Jim Plunkett, QB, 1971-75: There is a case to be made for Matt Cassel here because he went 11-5. 58 Pete Brock, OL, 1976-87: The first-round pick spent his entire career in New England. There are some tough choices on here, but we're here to make them -- the 99 greatest Patriots players to wear their respective jersey number. I guess just Revis and Gilmore, plus a few scrubs, but still. Note: Brown has worn No. Find out more. Do you have a sports website? 1 overall pick trying to make his way with some rough Patriots teams. 43 Ernest Gibson, DB, 1984-88: Made only 14 starts in five years, but beats out Nate Ebner and James Ihedigbo. Some are attached to them and are convinced they won't play as well wearing different digits. 3 Stephen Gostkowski The guy who replaced legend Adam Vinatieri did so with consistency and class, leaving as the team's all-time leading scorer. Also made a sick drop kick. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah sized up some Patriots-type players in this year's draft, many who could be considered at 14th overall. That is a more special award. Even though he was a productive and consistent contributor with the Bears, the team elected to trade Bennett to the New England Patriots in March. 84 Shawn Jefferson Who knows how Darryl Stingley's career might have progressed if not for Jack Tatum's cheap shot, but Jefferson was a rock solid No. Gamble rushed for 346 yards in 27 career games while Dorsett has 194 receiving yards over 15 games. He is a HOF TE and his time with NE is not rivaled, when healthy he was arguably the best TE ever (Blocker/Receiver). He was second in catches and tied for third in both yards and touchdowns. He wins this one practically by default. 10. 16 -- Jim Plunkett, QB, 1971-75: Before Plunkett won two Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders, he was a No. Ravens numbers have never looked better, . 15 in Las Vegas, but changed to the same digits he had in Philadelphia. 42 Ronnie Lippett Clayborn's partner at corner was pretty talented in his own right. 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 36 Lawyer Milloy Former All-Pro safety was the backbone of the 2001 Super Bowl winning defense. Calvin Johnson, Jimmy Graham and Dez Bryant each had 16. Made 44 career starts. Who wore number 87 for the Patriots? 12. This is the number Randy Moss wore in New England. Twenty-ninth overall pick Michael Jenkins took No. He previously wore 21 and 31 in Philadelphia.. 35 as a rookie. 99 -- Mike Wright, DL, 2005-11: Wright had a niche role as an interior pass rusher for the Patriots, and have 10.5 sacks between 2009-2010. 4 Adam Vinatieri, K, 1996-2005: Not as accurate as Gostkowski, but no one in NFL history has deliveredmore clutch kicks. 68 Max Lane Steady if unspectacular performer at tackle on the Patriots Super Bowl XXXI team. 37 Rodney Harrison, SS, 2003-08: His best years were with the Chargers, but Harrison was the enforcer in the secondary for some excellent New England defenses. The running back will enter unrestricted free agency in mid-March. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. 60 Garin Veris The classy defensive end earns a narrow victory over David Andrews and Lennie St. Jean. 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. Ridiculously talented. For decades, No. Note: Redmond signed with the Patriots last week. A look at the new numbers being worn by the Patriots old players: 3 DB Jabrill Peppers: He wore 22 in Cleveland and 21 with the Giants. 63 Joe Andruzzi His toughness defined the OL during the first part of the dynasty. He's also a member of the Patriots' 2000s All-Decade Team.8 Feb 2022. Who wore number 88 for the Patriots? James O'Shaughnessy, #88: Martellus Bennett rocked #88 for the Patriots in 2016. Gronk..the greatest goofball to ever play tight end. He wore No. Rod Woodson, who played for the Steelers from 1996 to 2005, is the only other number retirement in franchise history. I wouldnt call him the best ever over Gonzalez because of durability but this guy was an elite blocker and mismatch when running routes. 93 -- Richard Seymour, DE, 2001-08: A three-time All-Pro selection and one of themost dominant defensive linemen of his era, Seymour was a cornerstone of the 2001-2004 defenses. Slade's pass rushing skills were underrated on some solid playoff teams. Note: Anderson wore No. Passed away from a heart attack just five years after his playing career ended. Here's a look at the Patriots new jersey numbers. Who's the best New England Patriots player to wear No. Like my call at No. Players fight for practice repetitions and playing time to earn one of the 53 spots on the roster. 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. They now have a true team HOF with a qualification process and an annual ceremony complete with speeches and a red jacket. Jerry Rice, Steve Largent, Cris Carter, James Lofton, and Kellen Winslow all wore it. 72 Matt Light The rings speak volumes and Light was a huge part of three of them in New England. 35 Jim Nance, FB, 1965-71: A two-time All-Pro back, Nance rushed for 1,458 yards and 11 touchdowns in 1966. 5. The first two receivers taken --Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson --took No. its a testimony to belichicks greatness that the pats cant retire numbers like 31 lesser franchises. Patriots big spending show they're serious about getting back to relevancy. 97 Jarvis Green, DE, 2002-09: Spent his entire career with the Pats, totaling 28 sacks. If you say Julian Edelman I won't argue, but to me Bledsoe was more impactful. 13 -- R.C. 98 Trey Flowers Versatile defensive end let his play do the talking. 21 -- Malcolm Butler, CB, 2014-17: Had a storybook rise from undrafted rookie to top-tier cornerback in the NFL, even if the ending wasn't what either side wanted. More Cheerleader Photos . Jim Colclough (1960-68) and Russ Francis (1975-80, 1987-88) had impressive careers in New England wearing No. 23 now that Patrick Chung has retired. 2016 preview: When the Patriots traded for Bennett, he had one year left on his contract and thus has a 2016 cap hit of $5.185 million. 30 Mosi Tatupu, FB, 1979-90: A mainstay in New England, Tatupu was a fullback, special teamer and fan favorite. Gamble rushed for 1,458 yards and 11 touchdowns in 1966 a case to be for! 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