Henry Roldán
The Patriots have 62 years of NFL history. One of the longest-running franchises on the circuit, they have played in both Boston and New England and have seen some of the greatest players in the history of the circuit change the game by wearing their uniform. That’s why we decided to make a list of the best New England Patriots players of all time and here we name them.
5.- Best New England Patriots Players of All Time: Rob Gronkowski (TE)
In the discussion of who is the best tight end in league history, Gronkowski’s name comes up without a doubt.
An important part of the Patriots’ dynasty in the last decade, “Gronk’s” numbers are truly impressive if we take into account that he is the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdowns scored through the air with 79 and ranks second in air yards received with 7,861. Yes, all that as a tigh end, not as a receiver.
But Gronkowski’s numbers don’t end there. In addition to being an excellent blocker, his postseason stats are insane. Tom Brady’s best friend on the gridiron racked up 81 receptions, 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 16 games, more than enough records to win the 2014 and 2018 Super Bowl.
The tight end retired in 2018, but returned in 2019 with the Buccaneers, where he plays alongside Brady. With the Patriots he was also named to five Pro-Bowl, four All-Pro teams, was returner of the year in the 2014 season and made the 2010 All-Decade team.
4.- Best New England Patriots Players of All Time: Stanley Morgan (WR)
Morgan’s consistency with the Patriots makes him a worthy member of our list of the best players in history.
Morgan played 13 of his 14 NFL seasons with the New England team, a span in which he established himself as the all-time leader in air yards receiving with 10,352, and at the time was the all-time leader in touchdowns through the air with 67, being surpassed in 2016 by Gronkowski.
Between 1977 and 1990 he led the circuit three times in average yards per reception, in 1979 he was first in receiving touchdowns (12) and four times he was called to the Pro-Bowl.
3.- Best New England Patriots Players of All Time: Andre Tippett (OLB)
When we talk about the best defensive player in Patriots history we must undoubtedly mention Tippett, the linebacker taken in the second round of the 1982 Draft, who took advantage of the defensive scheme revolution of the 80s to make opposing offenses fear.
Tippett holds the franchise record for most catches with 18.5 in 1984, while he was awarded Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 when he totaled 16.5 sacks.
Throughout his 11-year career, all with the Patriots, he culminated with 100 catches, five Pro-Bowl call-ups, two All-Pro team picks, a spot on the 1980s All-America Hall of Fame team and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2008.
2.- Best New England Patriots Players of All Time: John Hannah (G)
The former left guard is considered one of the top five offensive linemen in all of history, even being the best for many.
Hannah was not afraid of pain, making him a go-to guy for the quarterbacks who played for the Patriots between 1973 and 1985, during which time he played 183 games, all in a New England uniform.
There is no one within the organization who has been selected to an All-Pro team as many times as Hannah’s seven All-Pro selections. In addition, he had seven Pro-Bowl appearances, was a member of the 70’s and 80’s All-Fame Team and was inducted into the Canton Hall of Fame in 1991.
1.- Best New England Patriots Players of All Time: Tom Brady (QB)
If anyone had any doubts about who would be number one on the list of the best players in Patriots history, here’s a no-brainer: of course Tom Brady. It is more than clear that Mr. Brady is by far the greatest exponent of the franchise and how can he not be, if he can even be the greatest figure in the history of the entire NFL.
Between 2001 and 2019 the Patriots, along with Brady’s hand, reached six Super Bowl rings to climb to the top spot in circuit history tied with the Steelers. Brady is also the player with the most commitments (285) in a Patriots uniform and holds the lead in virtually every offensive category involving the air game.
Brady also earned New England three MVP awards, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, was the 2009 Comeback Player of the Year, is a member of the 2000 and 2010 All-Fame Teams, was selected to three All-Pro teams and was named to 14 Pro Bowl teams.
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