Sports
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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Liverpool are pushing to add a new midfielder to their ranks this summer, as TeamTalk reports of a new target on the scene for the Reds in the transfer market.
Andoni Iraola’s side need some fresh legs across the squad, with work already underway to sign Yan Diomande as an option for the forward areas, following an impressive breakout campaign for RB Leipzig.
The central ranks are next on the agenda, with an injection of energy needed to help impose the pressing style that Liverpool will want to play under the new head coach.
There have been links with a few options, as Alex Scott has been linked as a possible target, with a potential reunion with Iraola on the cards if he does join from Bournemouth.
However, there is seemingly another deal on the cards, as Liverpool are set to intensify their interest in another midfielder instead.
Liverpool Want Adam Wharton
According to a report from TeamTalk, Liverpool are “intensifying” their interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as an option for this summer.
The 21-year-old is believed to be a priority for the Reds, but there are concerns that any move could prove costly for the England international, due to the inflation in the midfield market from moves elsewhere.
Wharton is claimed to be keen on joining, while an offer over £70 million will be sanctioned by the owners for the 22-year-old if a move is made this summer.
While Liverpool continue to monitor the possibility of signing the Crystal Palace star, that doesn’t rule out the possibility of signing Scott from Bournemouth as an alternative option.
The Reds are tracking both England midfielders, with a decision to be made on who they will push for in the coming weeks of the transfer window.
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Wharton Is Perfect For Liverpool
Wharton may not be the first player you think of when it comes to a pressing style of football. The midfielder isn’t exactly the most mobile presence in the middle of the pitch, but his use in an Iraola system may not come from his work off the ball, but rather his work on it.
In a chaotic setup, the England star may offer some balance and an ability to control the game and play it at his own pace, which is incredibly important for a side like Liverpool.
Oliver Glasner described him as “one of the best midfielders in the world”, a reputation that may not be too far wrong when he is playing at his strengths.
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Given that Liverpool need a little more quality in possession, he could be perfect in the base of midfield, capable of teeing up the rest of his teammates to create chances.
A deal could prove tough to do, but it may be an important one to get over the line this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to return to the Premier League’s elite this summer after agreeing three deals already, and they could be closing in on a fourth deal after agreeing personal terms with another target.
Tottenham clearly have no intention of finding themselves in another relegation battle next term, and they are ready to seriously back manager Roberto De Zerbi in the transfer market to give the Italian the best tools to bring them back up the Premier League standings.
One of the key areas of focus appears to be the defence after Spurs conceded 183 goals in their previous three top flight campaigns, with three new faces arriving to bolster the backline already.
The north Londoners have already announced the signings of free agent duo Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, while Jan Paul van Hecke is set to join them at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when he returns from the World Cup after a £52m deal was agreed with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Tottenham are also in talks to make Joao Palhinha’s move permanent after De Zerbi made it clear he wants the 30-year-old after a successful loan spell, while they are also in discussions to sign Manchester City winger Savinho.
Tottenham Agree Personal Terms With Sandro Tonali
Fabrizio Romano dropped a bombshell earlier this week that Tottenham were pushing to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, as De Zerbi looks to add a statement signing to his squad ahead of next season.
Despite links with Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United this summer, the Magpies man is said to be keen to link up with his Italian compatriot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
That belief has been backed up by one trusted Tottenham source on X, who claims that the 26-year-old has now agreed personal terms to join Spurs on a long-term contract.
The next challenge for club chiefs will be to find an agreement with Newcastle, with GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs suggesting that the Tyneside outfit will demand a total fee worth up to £100m for their midfield maestro.
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Tonali Deal Would Send Statement Out to Premier League
Tottenham were a laughing stock for rival clubs’ fans last season, but there is no doubt that the addition of Tonali would send out a real statement to them and Spurs’ rivals ahead of next season.
Tonali has established himself as one of the best in his position in the Premier League since making the move to St James’ Park, and he should be in the prime years of his career at 26 years of age.
The Italy international has shown that he can be an all-round midfielder, offering physicality, energy, quality on the ball, and a goal threat.
What would be interesting to see is if Tottenham do end up landing Palhinha and Tonali, who ends up leaving.
De Zerbi currently has Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall to choose from in midfield, and at least one of those would surely be on their way if Palhinha and Tonali both join.
Sarr has been linked with an exit, while you wonder if one of Gray and Bergvall could be sent out on loan if their minutes are going to be limited, like they were in the closing stages of last season.
Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign new players in the summer transfer window, as Fabrizio Romano claims that talks have been initiated for one fresh transfer target.
The Red Devils are working at pace to give Michael Carrick the best chance of succeeding next season, with a return to the Champions League on the cards, following an impressive second half of the campaign.
There are clear areas for improvement, with the midfield identified as the one position that needs the most work over the course of the next few months of the transfer window.
However, there is also consideration being made for an attacking addition, who could bring even more firepower to the squad, following a season filled with goals from last summer’s new signings.
Plenty of options could be on the cards, but the one who appears to be of most interest to Man United is West Ham star Crysencio Summerville.
Man United Open Talks For Crysencio Summerville
Man United have been linked with a move for Crysencio Summerville, who appears to be available this summer following West Ham’s relegation to the Championship.
Reports have claimed that a £50 million price tag has been slapped on the Netherlands international for any suitors who want to land him in the coming weeks.
While Paris Saint-Germain have been in the picture, Fabrizio Romano claims that Man United have opened talks over a potential switch for Summerville, who has been described as “incredible“, as well as Mateus Fernandes in a potential double swoop from the Hammers.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “There are many clubs interested in Crysencio Summerville, scored at the World Cup with the Netherlands on the opening game, and Summerville is attracting interest from several clubs, so Manchester United are one of them, it’s true.
“So he’s one of the names being considered for the winger position. Appreciated by them, United are readying conversations with West Ham for Matues Fernandes. Don’t forget that.
“So there is talks underway about the midfielder, and so they also asked about the situation of Crysencio Summerville and the price of the player, so there is interest.
“Then also Paris Saint-Germain last week made a call to understand the situation of Summerville. They could add one more winger to the squad in case Barcola leaves, it’s not sure yet, but it’s still a possibility to follow and watch.”
It means Man United could swiftly add the pair to their ranks heading into the busy part of the summer, with a lot of work still left to do.
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Summerville Deal Could Be Costly
Any deal for Summerville could cost Man United upwards of £50 million, a figure that may well seem a little costly for a player of his current stature.
While the winger has shown plenty of quality, which included a goal for the Netherlands on his World Cup debut this summer, there hasn’t always been that consistency in performances.
The 24-year-old picked up just five goals and four assists in the Premier League last season, as West Ham suffered relegation to the second tier.
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In part, his performances gave the side some hope of survival, but the lack of consistency in them also ended up with the Hammers falling just short when it really mattered.
While there could certainly be a deal there, especially for a player on the up, there may be some worries about such a strong transfer fee being attached.
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