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Ranking the 10 Best New England Patriots Players of All Time
The 
New England Patriots are one of the most successful franchises in 
NFL history, and only the 
Pittsburgh Steelers match the Pats with six Super Bowl trophies.
To win that many championships, you have to have some all-time great players.
What is interesting about the Patriots is that from their inception as the AFL’s Boston Patriots in 1960, the franchise was actually pretty terrible for its first four decades. From 1960 to 2000, the team made just 10 playoff appearances.
However, in 2000, the team drafted the first (and most obvious) player on this list, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Before we get to that franchise-changing player, let’s talk about a few players who didn’t make this list of the best Patriots players of all time.
With so many Super Bowl-winning Pats on the list, there wasn’t room for 20th-century stars like Andre Tippett, Mike Haynes, and Nick Buoniconti or players with shorter Patriots tenures, like Curtis Martin, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker.
Let’s see who did make the top five.
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1
Tom Brady
If this was a list of the greatest players in NFL history and not just Patriots history, we’d probably start the same way.
New England famously selected Tom Brady out of Michigan as a backup for Drew Bledsoe in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft with the 199th overall pick.
The New York Jets‘ Mo Lewis had other plans, though, knocking Bledsoe out of a Week 2 game in 2001 and paving the way for the most successful era in league history.
Brady took the reins of the Patriots on September 23, 2001, and didn’t give them up until January 4, 2020.
Along the way, he won six Super Bowls, three NFL MVPs, four Super Bowl MVPs, and even a Comeback Player of the Year trophy. He also made 14 Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams in a Patriots uniform while throwing for 74,571 yards and 541 touchdowns.
Brady is the GOAT, plain and simple, so the best player in Patriots history was an easy one. After this, it gets a little more difficult.
2
Rob Gronkowski
The rest of the Patriots on this list are great and among the best ever at their respective positions, but the No. 2 spot on this list goes to arguably the best tight end of all time, Rob Gronkowski.
Gronk had it all during his 11 NFL seasons, nine of which were spent with the Patriots). His combination of size, speed, skill, and strength, merged with his wild-man attitude, made him one of the hardest players to deal with on the field.
The 2010 second-round pick out of Arizona had 521 catches for 7,861 yards with 79 touchdowns in New England. He made five Pro Bowls, earned four First-Team All-Pro selections, and won NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2013 after missing more than half the previous season with forearm surgery.
Most importantly, though, Gronkowski was a matchup nightmare who offensive coordinators like Charlie Weis, Bill O’Brien, and Josh McDaniels (and, of course, Tom Brady) exploited every week. The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder ran by (and over) linebackers, bodied safeties, and gave zone coverage fits. He was the Swiss Army knife that allowed the Pats to win three Super Bowls with Gronkowski on the team.
3
John Hannah
The only non-Tom Brady-era player on this list of the greatest Patriots of all time is Hall of Fame offensive guard John Hannah. While he didn’t win all that much in New England, the Georgia native was simply one of the best offensive linemen of his era.
From 1973 to 1985, Hannah blocked for several quarterbacks and running backs, although the primary signal-caller during the Alabama product’s time with the Pats was Steve Grogan and the runners were Sam Cunningham and Tony Collins.
Over the course of his 13 seasons in Foxborough, Hannah made nine Pro Bowl appearances and earned seven First-Team All-Pro selections and three Second-Team nods. He was also a member of both the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams.
Those honors underscore just how good Hannah was when he played. And while he only made the playoffs four times in his career, Hannah did play in Super Bowl 20 at the end of his final NFL season, even if that resulted in a 46-10 loss to the famed 1985 Chicago Bears.
4
Richard Seymour
The six Super Bowls in New England aren’t all due to Brady and the offense. In fact, the first three Big Game wins were much more about the defense. And those Bill Belichick-led Ds had some incredible players, starting with Hall of Famer Richard Seymour.
Seymour was the No. 6 overall pick of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Georgia and made five of his seven Pro Bowls and all four of his five All-Pro teams with New England.
A versatile 3-4 defensive end, Seymour was the key to the multifaceted Belichick defense, as he could play outside or inside depending on the opponent and the situation. And no matter where he played, he produced.
During his eight seasons with the Patriots, Seymour racked up 359 tackles, 64 tackles for a loss, 39.0 sacks, 39 passes defended, four forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. Now that is stuffing the stat sheet.
5
Ty Law
On the back end of those Super Bowl-winning defenses in the early years of the Patriots’ dynasty was cornerback Ty Law.
Like Seymour, Law was a first-round pick (No. 23 in 1995) and won three Lombardis during his time with the Patriots. While the former Michigan Wolverine bounced around for the last five years of his illustrious 15-year career, he made all but one of his five Pro Bowls and earned both of his First-Team All-Pro selections in New England.
During his time in Foxborough, Law led the league once in interceptions (nine in 1998) and passes defended (23 in 2003). His 36 INTs overall with the Patriots, tied for the most in team history with Raymond Clayborn, were huge in the franchise’s renaissance from bottom-feeder to top-of-the-heap organization. He was a willing tackler, too, which you have to be in a Belichick D, making 638 takedowns in Pats colors.
Law came up big in big games as well. He had one interception in the 2001 Super Bowl run and three in the 2003 run. And what makes the latter three so impressive is that all of them came against Peyton Manning in the Patriots’ 24-14 win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game.
Unfortunately, Law was hurt and missed the 2004 home stretch but still earned a third ring after playing seven regular-season games.
All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference unless stated otherwise.
6
Mike Haynes
Before Ty Law, Mike Haynes was the best defensive back in Patriots history. Haynes was an instant success in New England, winning the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1976 after registering a career-best eight interceptions.
The Texas native was named to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team in all but one of his seven seasons with the Patriots before he was traded to the Raiders in 1983. Haynes retired from the NFL in 1989 after 14 seasons, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.
7
Andre Tippett
Andre Tippett was one of the top pass rushers in the NFL in the 1980s, recording at least 12.5 sacks in three seasons. He led the Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1985, recording 16.5 sacks in the regular season.
In 11 seasons, all with New England, Tippett made five Pro Bowls and earned four All-Pro nominations. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.
8
Vince Wilfork
Vince Wilfork was one of the defensive pillars of the Patriots dynasty in the 2000s and 2010s. Despite never putting up big stats in his career, Wilfork was integral to New England’s run defense, routinely clogging up the middle of the line. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 325-pounds, Bill Belichick once said that Wilfork was “impossible to block in the running game.”
The Florida native was a big part of the Patriots’ championship runs in 2004 and 2014, earning five Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro nods. After spending 11 seasons in New England, Wilfork saw out the final two years of his playing career with the Houston Texans, and retired at 35 years old in 2016.
9
Stanley Morgan
Stanley Morgan is arguably the greatest receiver in Patriots history, breaking out as one the NFL’s top pass catchers in the 1980s. Morgan owns the franchise record for receiving yards with 10,352, and his 19.2 yards per reception are the most ever for a receiver with at least 500 career catches.
The South Carolina native made four Pro Bowls and two All-Pros before retiring in 1990, but he still hasn’t received a call for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
10
Julian Edelman
Julian Edelman is one of the greatest success stories of the Belichick-Brady era. Originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 draft as a quarterback out of Kent State, Edelman was moved to wide receiver and would go on to become one of Brady’s most trusted teammates.
The San Mateo, California native was a swiss army knife for New England’s offense, always reliable whether it was on the ground or through the air. Edelman registered 1,000 reception yards just three times in his career, and never caught more than seven touchdowns in one season, but the Pats would never have been able to win Super Bowls in 2014, 2016 and 2018 without him.
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Manchester United have been boosted after it was confirmed that West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes really wants to join, with Fabrizio Romano issuing the latest update on the deal.
Man United have already secured the first puzzle piece of their midfield rebuild, with Ederson set to complete a move to Old Trafford after the World Cup after the Red Devils reached a full agreement with Atalanta and the player over a potential five-year contract.
Now, club chiefs have turned their attentions to bringing in a second midfielder to join the Brazilian at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, with Manuel Ugarte expected to follow Casemiro through the exit door this summer.
United need more quality and depth to support Kobbie Mainoo, and their recent focus has been on completing a deal for Fernandes following West Ham’s relegation to the Championship.
The 21-year-old is in demand among top clubs in Europe following his displays for the Hammers and Southampton across the past two seasons, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool some of the clubs who have shown an interest in the Portugal international.
Fernandes appears to have his next move clear in his head though.
Romano: Fernandes ‘Very Keen’ to Join Man United
Romano previously confirmed that ‘official’ talks have begun between United and the player’s representatives, including Jorge Mendes, over a summer switch, as they prepare to make a first offer for the 21-year-old.
It appears as though the Red Devils can rest easy on one part of the deal, with Fernandes said to be ‘very keen’ to make the move to Old Trafford, with separate reports stating that he is ‘desperate’ to link up with compatriot and United skipper Bruno Fernandes.
The main issue will be agreeing a fee with West Ham, who are in no mood to sell their prized asset even though they have just been relegated to England’s second tier, with £100m their ideal price for him.
Issuing the latest on a move via his YouTube channel in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Romano said:
“Manchester United are in direct contact with the player’s camp, and the player is very keen on a move to Manchester United. So, the discussions on player side are going well with the player and with his camp.
“Now it depends on the club-to-club. In this case, West Ham stopped at £85m valuation for Mateus Fernandes. Ideally, they wanted £100m, but the expectation is that they could close the deal around £85m, but not less than that.
“Manchester United’s initial discussion with those taking care of the deal is under £85m. Man United want to spend less than this. So, there is a conversation, there is a negotiation.”
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Man United Consider £120m Double Transfer Raid
Fernandes isn’t the only West Ham player that United are considering making a move for this summer, with confirmed interest in winger Crysencio Summerville too.
The Netherlands international enjoyed a positive campaign at the London Stadium and then announced himself on the world scene with an impressive goal in his nation’s 2-2 draw with Japan in their opening 2026 World Cup group game.
The Telegraph claim that the Red Devils are considering making a £120m double move for the Irons duo, as they look to bolster two key positions on their summer wishlist.
A much-loved UFC fighter has been urged to ‘wrap up’ his career after losing at the White House during UFC Freedom 250.
The landmark event on the South Lawn of the Washington DC property boasted a seven-fight card, with every bout ending inside the distance.
Justin Gaethje stunned Ilia Topuria in the main event to end a career-long wait to claim undisputed lightweight gold, delivering the Georgian-Spaniard his first career loss.
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Elsewhere, there was a devastating stoppage defeat for Brazilian superstar Alex Pereira, who fell short in his bid to become a three-weight world champion in his interim UFC heavyweight title fight with Ciryl Gane.
Despite the big setbacks they were dealt at the White House, both Topuria and Pereira are expected to be able to come back and be competitive at championship level again, though.
However, other beaten fighters on the card have a lot more to think about following their losses.
Heavyweight veteran Derrick Lewis lost to rising star Josh Hokit in the second round of their clash at Freedom 250. The 41-year-old slugger has now lost two consecutive fights by stoppage and looked particularly ineffective against Hokit. Some have already called for ‘The Black Beast’ to consider his future after his defeat on Sunday.
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For one losing fighter on the show, though, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen believes the end of the road has already arrived.
After his defeat at the hands of Mauricio Ruffy at the White House, former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler has now lost six of his last eight fights inside the Octagon.
Even more concerningly, he has lost three of his last four bouts inside the distance. At UFC Freedom 250 against Ruffy, Chandler looked particularly ineffective.
There were rumours leading into the card that Chandler may hang up his gloves if he lost the fight, although ‘Iron Mike’ has made no comment on his future in the aftermath of his defeat.
Sonnen, though, was quick to take to Twitter/X and advise Chandler to call time on his career.
“Great career. Let’s wrap it up,” begged Sonnen.
Chandler debuted in the UFC in January 2021, but has only won a single fight since his opening night victory over Dan Hooker. He was slated to fight Irish Superstar Conor McGregor in June 2024, before that fight fell apart due to injury.
Ever since, Chandler has insisted that he still believes that the McGregor fight could happen for him in the future. However, after such a poor run of form, it may be in his best interests to step away from the Octagon as Sonnen has suggested.
Aston Villa are reportedly ready to spend big in order to sign a Manchester United star in the summer transfer window.
Aston Villa and Manchester United have had multiple dealings over the last few years in terms of transfers. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have both spent spells on loan at Villa Park from United, but neither player was signed permanently after their temporary moves.
Both Sancho and Rashford endured inconsistent spells at Villa, although they did show signs of being smart additions for the Midlands club.
It’s now an important summer transfer window approaching for Villa as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Champions League.
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Aston Villa could be busy in the summer window.
Aston Villa Plot Big Deal
According to a report from Sports Boom, Aston Villa are interested in signing Manchester United forward Rashford in the summer transfer window.
It is believed that Villa are prepared to spend big to land the England international, with Unai Emery identifying him as a leading target.
Emery believes Rashford has what it takes to elevate them to the next level, and he looks increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Rashford, described as outstanding by former Liverpool goalkeeper David James, spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but they opted against signing him on a permanent deal.
One deterrent for Villa could be his reported £325,000-a-week salary, so he may have to reduce his wage demands.
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Rashford Offers Something Different for Villa
Rashford offers something Villa do not currently have in wide areas. The Manchester United forward is a player who loves to run in behind, stretch the defence, and stay out wide.
Emery often uses wide players who drift into central areas, but Rashford is a different profile that can be hugely beneficial in certain games.
Emery could certainly do with having some of the profile of Rashford in Europe, especially when coming up against stronger sides who are likely to dominate possession.
Rashford is deadly in transition, and that could be a key reason why Villa are pushing to secure his signature.
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