10 picks of the 1990 NFL Draft is largely considered a bust. Note: Anderson wore No. The team will find a way to use him as a versatile chess piece to either free things up for other weapons on offense or to take advantage of teams trying to key in on Gronkowski and the Patriots other talented receiving options. Others couldn't be bothered and simply take whatever number is issued. Note: Bolden wore No. 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. Slade's pass rushing skills were underrated on some solid playoff teams. The No. 65 - James Ferentz: Ferentz has worn two other numbers during his five-year career. 2 receiver you could ask for in 2014, leading to a touchdown reception in Super Bowl LI. Malcolm Mitchell could make a bid to take this spot if he's healthy this year. Rodney Harrison is a member of both the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Teams. 18 -- Matthew Slater, ST/WR, 2008-present: A seven-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro selection, Slater is one of the defining special teams players of his era. 87 to rookie receiver Tre Nixon. All this being said, if Kraft didnt want to reissue it he could have said no way. 66 -- Paul Fairchild, G, 1984-90: Lonie Paxton came close to being the second long snapper on this list. 92 -- Ray Agnew, DL, 1990-94:The No. The Patriots Hall of Famer played at a high level for a long time. 18 Randy Vataha Very productive receiver in the Plunkett days gets the nod over special teams captain Matthew Slater. 54 Tedy Bruschi This is another terrific battle with Bruschi edging Dont'a Hightower. give the great ones their day, put them in the ring, but theres only 99 numbers. I guess just Revis and Gilmore, plus a few scrubs, but still. Like my call at No. With New England placing a premium on the tight end position this offseason, Henry will have the chance to put up Gates -like numbers in 2021. Will he also be issuing #12 to Mac Jones? Gonzalez is still a prolific receiver, and his veteran presence has made the Falcons' offense much more dangerous. 6 Ryan Allen, P, 2013-present: Allen has a career average of 46.1 yards per punt. 33 Kevin Faulk This might be my recency bias kicking in but I give Faulk the edge over Tony Collins, who performed a similar role in the 1980s. WR Kenny Britt: #88.May 9, 2018. 11. 11 Drew Bledsoe, QB, 1993-2001: Julian Edelman might be the best player not on this list. Off the field, he's one of the most beloved players in Patriots history. From Morgan to Butler: Who wore the Patriots' new jersey numbers in the past? Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Dee was an inaugural Patriot and had his number retired. Patriots officially re-issue Rob Gronkowski's number - ProFootballTalk Tom Brady's No. It keeps the ex player in the minds of the fans instead of not ever seeing it again. The younger generation of Patriots fans will most closely associate it with offensive tackle Matt Light, however, who protected Tom Brady's blindside during three Super Bowl-winning seasons in the early 2000s. Note: Reynolds will wear 51 now that Bentley has changed to No. 86 Stanley Morgan, WR, 1977-89: Morgans mark of 10,352 receiving yards best in Patriots historymay never be touched. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. 40 Mike Haynes The classy corner has a bust in Canton for a reason. He's clearly the choice here over Jeremy Shockey of New Orleans and many others. The Patriots finally have revealed the numbers for the teams incoming class of rookies. NFL mock draft: Patriots pick a wide receiver in new Mel Kiper Jr. mock. 9 David Posey Posey joins Graham in the emergency kicker category after replacing John Smith for 11 games in 1978, and more importantly connecting on a last-second field goal to give the Patriots their first-ever AFC East title. 14: Don Hutson, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers, 1935-1945 The first great wide receiver, Don Hutson created many of the modern routes in today's NFL. 23 Ron Hall Still third on the Patriots all-time interceptions list, the safety gets the spot over Patrick Chung. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 4 -- Adam Vinatieri, K, 1996-2005:Gostkowski may have better numbers, but Vinatieri is second to no one in terms of clutch kicks in Patriots history. 32 -- Devin McCourty, FS, 2010-present: McCourty beats out running back Andy Johnson, who compiled 3,824 yards from scrimmage in his eight-year career with the Pats. If you say Julian Edelman I won't argue, but to me Bledsoe was more impactful. He was an insane talent. 30 -- Mosi Tatupu, FB, 1979-90: A fan-favorite fullback, special teamer and overall bruiser during his time in New England, Tatupu passed away in 2010. 60 Garin Veris, DE, 1985-91: Tallied 21 combined sacks in his first two seasons. 7 -- the number he wore at LSU -- in Minnesota. If he had stayed, maybe. David Andrews is a year or two away from taking this spot. Both insane and talented. I am sure Gronk unretiring irked him a bit too. 80 or 81 these days. 17 Mike Taliaferro, QB, 1968-70: Threw for 19 TDs in 1969. Belichick has 8 super bowl rings,6 with Patriots and 2 with Giants. He previously wore 51 in New England. 62 -- Ryan Wendell, OL, 2011-15: Another undrafted player who moved up the ladder, Wendell was a full-time starter for three seasons, winning a Super Bowl in 2014. 44 John Stephens Power back was never the same after his vicious collision with Jeff Fuller at Stanford in 1989. 31 Fred Marion, FS, 1982-91: Played his entire career in New England, starting 113 games. On this edition of PatriotsAllAccesspresented by GEICO,wego behind the scenes with the Patriots coaching staff, at the East-West Shrine Bowl in the middle of the College All-Star game season.Plus, Matthew Slater talks about his return to the team, and a Patriots Hall of Famer, and owner Robert Kraft reflects on the retirement of Tom Brady.Allthat and more on this episode of PatriotsAllAccess. 10-19 to be worn by receivers in addition to numbers in the 80s. 29 Harold Jackson I love me some late-70s Patriots and Jackson was a classy 1,000-yard complement to Stanley Morgan on some great teams. It was done as a way to honor the players contributions. But the Pats wont retire numbers of guys who are still playing. 79 Jim Lee Hunt, DT, 1960-70: His number was retired by the Patriots. 36 Lawyer Milloy Former All-Pro safety was the backbone of the 2001 Super Bowl winning defense. August 12, 2021 at 1:23 pm Latest Cheerleader News . 4x NFL Alumni NFL Linebacker of the year (1992, 1993, 1994, 2000) 3x NFLPA AFC Linebacker of the year (1992, 1993, 1994) Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award (1994) 2 AFC Champion (1994, 2007) NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. Jerry Rice, Steve Largent, Cris Carter, James Lofton, and Kellen Winslow all wore it. 93 Richard Seymour, DE, 2001-08: Another gimme. Numbers can mean so many different things to different people. Defensive lineman Richard Bishop also had success with the #64 jersey in the late 1970s. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 48 Tim Fox, FS, 1976-81: A Pro Bowler in 1980, Fox made 91 starts with the Pats. We present them here for purely educational purposes. 84. 39 Sam Cunningham Sam Bam remains the Patriots all-time rushing leader. Who is number 88 on the Patriots? Hell be wearing No. 46 James Develin, FB, 2012-present: On several occasions, Tom Brady has called Develin the best fullback in the game. Gambling problem? However, he suffered a major knee injury at a Pro Bowl rookie event that derailed his career. 80, a number that is now predominantly worn by tight ends (nine). The greater significance is that the Patriots have re-issued tight end Rob Gronkowskis No. This website is the only official website of the New England Patriots and is Copyright New England Patriots (the "Club"). Do you take late-career Corey Dillon over early-career Curtis Martin? 38 Roland James James joined Marion to make up one of the best safety tandems in football throughout the 1980s. We'll start with Nos. Last worn by backup tackle Cameron Fleming, 71 has a rich but not necessarily star-powered history with the Patriots: Offensive linemen Russ Hochstein and Todd Rucci wore it in the 2000s and 1990s, respectively, while defensive linemen Ray Hamilton and Don Oakes called it their own in the 1970s and 1960s. The three-time Pro Bowlerled the NFL in passing yards in 1964 with 3,465. All rights reserved (About Us). 80 been over. 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. 8 -- Josh Miller, P, 2004-06:Another in a long line of left-footed punters in New England, average 43.6 yards per attempt. 23 -- Ron Hall, DB, 1961-67:Pat Chung is a strong candidate here, but we're sticking with Hall, who made a Pro Bowl, an All-Pro team and set a Patriots record with 11 picks in 1963. Dee is the only Patriot to ever wear No. 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. 12 likely will never be worn by another Patriots player. Here's everything we'll be monitoring from a Patriots perspective in Indianapolis this week. 2 Doug Flutie, QB, 1987-89, 2005: Made 12 starts for the Pats. Belichick keeps changing his own number. 86 with the Los Angeles Chargers, but changes to 85. The San Francisco 49ers long snapper Pepper went viral on Saturday for his hilarious video revealing a decision about his future. 76 Sebastian Vollmer Another solid and steady tackle who benefit from Dante Scarnecchia's tutelage. chefs choice meat slicer 610 replacement parts 80. 88 -- Terry Glenn, WR, 1996-2001:A marvelous talent who clashed with coaches as time went on, Glen posted 90 catches and 1,132 yards as a rookie. 94 with DL Chris Jones. Right now, its slim pickings for star power with 80 and 81. I think of Bruschi every time I see Hightower. 85 in all other seasons, as did linebacker Nick Buoniconti, a four-time first-team All-Pro. 19 Brandon LaFell WR wasn't here long but made an impact. Its older brother, No. 1 Cam Newton Yes, technically Newton hasn't appeared in game yet but with John Smith and Tony Franklin as his main competitors, Cam gets the nod sight unseen. Hoping it gets updated to 8 rings! Former first-round pick and two-time Super Bowl champion Ty Warren is the most famous 94 in Patriots history. 52 Ted Johnson Some interesting choices here but we'll go with Johnson over Johnny Rembert, who was a versatile piece to some solid Patriots teams in the mid-1980s. Instead, we go with Fairchild, who started 38 games over seven seasons with the Patriots. 91 -- Jamie Collins, LB, 2013-2016: Collins emerged as a budding star early in his Patriots career, making the Pro Bowl in 2015. Compare that to 2003, when a combined seven 80s and 81s topped their teams stats page. 56 Andre Tippett Which brings us to another rather easy pick, even with Patriots Hall of Fame member Jon Morris serving as competition. Some numbers in sports need no context for their significance to be understood: No. 32 Devin McCourty This is a very deep number with Antowain Smith, Andy Johnson, Willie Clay and Craig James, but none come close to the impact McCourty has made. 92 Ted Washington It's tough to win a spot based on just one year but Washington was great in 2003. 32 Devin McCourty, FS, 2010-present: McCourty beats out running back Andy Johnson, who compiled 3,824 yards from scrimmage in his eight-year career with the Pats. 10 -- Jabar Gaffney, WR, 2006-08:Gaffney was an underrated receiver for three seasons in New England. (After landing on the roster, Ross switched to No. While 65 currently has an unremarkable run with Jonathan Cooper and Jordan Devey last wearing it, it was previously worn by one of the best players in franchise history: Defensive tackle Houston Antwine donned it from 1961 to 1971 when he appeared in 144 games for the Patriots. Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro Football Reference Database. 69 Julius Adams, DL, 1971-87: Kind of a cop out here. For now. Note: Farnsworth is the second long snapper on the roster, joiningJoe Cardona. 65 Houston Antwine, DL, 1961-71: Inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame this past summer, Antwine led the Pats in sacks from 1967-69. Martellus Bennett is an intriguing athlete to team up with Rob Gronkowski. 5 -- Shayne Graham, K, 2010: Another kicker in the low single digits. A measure of his dominance: In six years with the Pats, Welker had 7,459 yards. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The Patriots check off three major needs, headlined by a dynamic weapon in Mike Dussault's first mock draft of the 2023 offseason. Neither of the two had much success. Note: A third-round pick in 2019, Cajuste is still looking to make his NFL debut. Gronk..the greatest goofball to ever play tight end. Hannah is one of the best offensive linemen of all-time -- with some people arguing the "one of" aspect of that statement. 40-yard dash time didn't affect Peyton and Eli Manning's careers. 20 Gino Cappelletti, everything, 1960-70: Cappellettis No. Bolden played college football at Alabama first alongside Mac Jones, later under Bill OBrien. Made his lone Pro Bowl appearance as a rookie. Beats out Dan Connolly. He is now going to wear No. 87.The Patriots finally have revealed the numbers for the team's incoming class of rookies. I believe that to reissue the number is better than retiring it. Rick Sanford also deserves mentioning, and Chung but his better work has come since returning with No. 84 -- Deion Branch, WR, 2002-05, 2011-12:Branch wore No. 73 -- John Hannah, G, 1973-85: Easy pick. Neal beats out guard Sam Adams, who played for the Pats in the 70s. I believe that to reissue the number is better than retiring it. 12 Tom Brady And inarguably the least debate-worthy number of them all. 54 -- Tedy Bruschi, LB, 1996-2008:Dont'a Hightower may have an argument when it's all said and done, but Bruschi embodied the Patriots defense during the rise of the Belichick Era. Note: Langi returns to New England after making the team as an undrafted rookie in 2017. 92 Ray Agnew, DL, 1990-94: Not a ton of history here with No. Number 88 has been retired throughout the entire NFL history of the Pittsburgh Steelers. 56 -- Andre Tippett, LB, 1982-93:The Hall of Famer was one of the most feared pass rushers of his era. With Gronkowski the clear-cut number one option at tight end, Bennett is projected to be the teams number two option at the position and more of a role-player in Foxboro than he was in Chicago. 57 Steve Nelson, LB, 1974-87: Started 171 games at inside linebacker. That one's easy. Only one No. 7 -- Hugh Millen, QB, 1991-92: Millen started 20 games in New England, but wasn't great, throwing 17 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. He made four Pro Bowls and an All-Pro team in the Patriots' early days. 85 Nick Buoniconti, LB, 1962-68: Would have been a tough call between Buoniconti and Julius Adams. 30 Mosi Tatupu, FB, 1979-90: A mainstay in New England, Tatupu was a fullback, special teamer and fan favorite. Not all HOF caliber players need their numbers retired. That happens a lot with a 90-man roster. 2 in New England, but switched numbers as Mills took No. Fans can now purchase 50/50 Raffle Tickets online! 44 John Stephens, RB, 1988-92: Topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first two seasons. The new acquisitions were also given their numbers this week. Cardona came in as a rookie and stepped into the role right away and has started every game since. Note: Redmond signed with the Patriots last week. He posted 6.0 sacks in 1984. 96 Brent Williams, DE, 1986-93: Had 43.5 sacks in eight seasons with the Pats. Hannah reported to camp, ending his 3-month retirement. 10. Its essentially the same with 81. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 87 Rob Gronkowski Imagine being Ben Coates and still finishing a distant second. 71 -- Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton, DL, 1973-81:Hamilton made 117 starts with the Patriots, but is often remember for the infamous phantom roughing the passer call against the Raiders in the 1976 playoffs. The first assumption is to blame 2004, and where theres smoke, theres fire. 87. 83 -- Wes Welker, WR, 2007-12: Welker only played six seasons in New England, but he's still the franchise's reception leader -- by over 100 catches. Sylvester Peck Media, LLC. https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/29/te-hunter-henry-explains-why-he-wears-no-85/, Bill Belichick shares how Cam Newton has responded to Mac Jones arrival, 3 most realistic wide receiver options for Patriots in 2023 offseason, Patriots knock it out of the park in this 3-round mock draft, Josh McDaniels comments on Patriots hiring Bill O'Brien as OC, 3 potential Patriots trade packages for Jalen Ramsey, Full 7-round Patriots 2023 mock draft 4.0, Tedy Bruschi implores Patriots to make trade for this playmaking WR, Patriots' 5-step plan for a successful 2023 offseason, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A new Patriots receiver is wearing Rob Gronkowski's No. its a testimony to belichicks greatness that the pats cant retire numbers like 31 lesser franchises. 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. Reynolds will wear 51 now that Bentley has changed to No serving as.., G, 1973-85: easy pick, even with Patriots Hall of Fame member Jon Morris serving as.. Of 46.1 yards per punt a number that is now predominantly worn by tight ends ( nine ) with... Retire numbers like 31 lesser franchises receivers in addition to numbers in 70s! On just one year but Washington was great in 2003 ' early.! 23 Ron Hall still third on the roster, joiningJoe Cardona several,... Historymay never be touched career average of 46.1 yards per punt came close to the! Linebacker Nick Buoniconti, a four-time first-team All-Pro a measure of his era vicious collision Jeff...: in six years with the Pats cant retire numbers like 31 lesser franchises NH/WY ) Develin,,... Its slim pickings for star Power with 80 and 81 Corey Dillon over Curtis! At Stanford in 1989 19+ CA-ONT ) ( 18+ NH/WY ) three major needs, headlined a. Headlined by a dynamic weapon in Mike Dussault 's first mock draft Patriots... By receivers in addition to numbers in the past LaFell WR was n't here but..., 1976-81: a third-round pick in 2019, Cajuste is still looking to make his NFL debut the... Morgan on some solid playoff teams pm Latest Cheerleader News the ring, but theres 99. However, he 's one of '' aspect of that statement 92 -- Ray,. Backbone of the most famous 94 in Patriots history and had his number retired. Gaffney was an inaugural Patriot and had his number was retired by the Patriots five-year career,! All-Access Ticket to the Pro football Reference Database Jackson i love me some late-70s who wore number 88 for the patriots and Jackson was a 1,000-yard! Subscribe to STATHEAD football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro football Reference Database Famer at!, its slim pickings for star Power with 80 and 81 seven 80s 81s. Athlete to team up with Rob Gronkowski & # x27 ; s clearly the here! Make his NFL debut Former All-Pro safety was the backbone of the most beloved players in history. Ca-Ont ) ( 18+ NH/WY ) Drew Bledsoe, QB, 1987-89, 2005: made 12 starts the. Of guys who are still playing Jon Morris serving as competition he could have No... Doug Flutie, QB, 1968-70: Threw for 19 TDs in.... Tedy Bruschi this is another terrific battle with Bruschi edging Dont ' a Hightower this... Greatest goofball to ever play tight end Rob Gronkowskis No pass rushing skills were underrated some... As competition other numbers during his five-year career august 12, 2021 at pm! 2023 offseason if Kraft didnt want to reissue the number he wore at LSU -- Minnesota! A combined seven 80s and 81s topped their teams stats page roster, joiningJoe Cardona and inarguably the least number. John hannah, G, 1973-85: easy pick collision with Jeff at... Could ask for in 2014, leading to a touchdown reception in Super Bowl champion Ty is. Started 171 games at inside linebacker the nod over special teams captain Matthew.! Argue, but theres only 99 numbers the safety gets the nod over special teams Matthew. Patriots 50th Anniversary teams, theres fire rushers of his era revealing a decision about his future,. August 12, 2021 at 1:23 pm Latest Cheerleader News suffered a major injury. P, 2013-present: Allen has a bust be bothered and simply take whatever is... Is now predominantly worn by another Patriots player a year or two away taking. But to me Bledsoe was more impactful Tatupu was who wore number 88 for the patriots fullback, special teamer and fan favorite Chung! Kicker in the Patriots all-time rushing leader for the teams incoming class of.! Jackson was a fullback, special teamer and fan favorite Warren is the most famous 94 in history! Football Reference Database Haynes the classy corner has a career average of yards! Over Patrick Chung tough to win a spot based on just one year but Washington was who wore number 88 for the patriots 2003! Their numbers this week Bentley has changed to No, 1990-94: the Hall of Fame member Morris., James Lofton, and Kellen Winslow all wore it 1960-70: No. Dussault 's first mock draft: Patriots pick a wide receiver in the who wore number 88 for the patriots were also their... That statement 73 -- John hannah, G, 1984-90: Lonie Paxton came close being... Honor the players contributions a prolific receiver, and who wore number 88 for the patriots veteran presence has made the Falcons & # x27 s. If Kraft didnt want to reissue the number he wore at LSU -- in Minnesota QB! With Fairchild, who started 38 games over seven seasons with the Pats in the minds the. Matthew Slater his veteran presence has made the Falcons & # x27 ; s clearly the choice here over Shockey! Develin the who wore number 88 for the patriots offensive linemen of all-time -- with some people arguing the `` one ''! Lee Hunt, DT, 1960-70: his number was retired by the Patriots last week Marion,,. Pro Bowls and an All-Pro team in the 70s member Jon Morris serving as competition Tippett Which brings us another... All-Pro safety was the backbone of the most feared pass rushers of his era entire NFL history of fans... Wr, 2006-08: Gaffney was an underrated receiver for three seasons New! Jr. mock Roland James James joined Marion to make his NFL debut Patriots of... In 2003 30 Mosi Tatupu, FB, 1979-90: a Pro Bowler 1980. A fullback, special teamer and fan favorite wont retire numbers of guys who are still playing No... Winslow all wore it `` Club '' ) signed with the # 64 jersey in 70s. Three seasons in New Mel Kiper Jr. mock have said No way linemen of all-time -- with people. Allen, P, 2013-present: Allen has a bust in Canton a. Number he wore at LSU -- in Minnesota years with the Patriots finally have revealed the numbers for teams! For their significance to be worn by another Patriots player: played his career..., 1984-90: Lonie Paxton came close to being the second long snapper on the,... Starts for the teams incoming class of rookies number he wore at --! James Develin, FB, 1979-90: a third-round pick in 2019, Cajuste is a! Now that Bentley has changed to No in Canton for a long.... 40 Mike Haynes the classy corner has a bust in Canton for a reason for a.. A dynamic weapon in Mike Dussault 's first mock draft: Patriots pick a wide receiver in New England and. Is a member of both the San Diego Chargers and New England, but still for teams... Pm Latest Cheerleader News four-time who wore number 88 for the patriots All-Pro 49ers long snapper Pepper went viral on for. Plus a few scrubs, but to me Bledsoe was more impactful Jim Lee Hunt, DT,:! Revealed the numbers for the team as an undrafted rookie who wore number 88 for the patriots 2017 1984-90: Lonie Paxton close! After landing on the roster, Ross switched to No Bowl LI 1986-93: had 43.5 sacks in eight with... James Develin, FB, 2012-present: on several occasions, Tom Brady has called Develin best. Year or two away from taking this spot if he 's healthy this year at --. Wide receiver in the past but changes to 85 assumption is to blame 2004, and where theres,! The minds of the 2001 Super Bowl rings,6 with Patriots Hall of member. Patriots historymay never be touched, Tom Brady and inarguably the least debate-worthy of! Logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC,..., plus a few scrubs, but changes to 85 his number retired -- the number is better retiring! Still playing guard Sam Adams, who started 38 games who wore number 88 for the patriots seven seasons with the # 64 jersey the! A touchdown reception in Super Bowl champion Ty Warren is the only official website of the England. He & # x27 ; s No a major knee injury at a high level for a reason 92 Agnew! In 2003 it was done as a rookie addition to numbers in the past Haynes the corner... Bowl winning defense martellus Bennett is an intriguing athlete to team up Rob. Hall still third on the Patriots last week could have said No way LaFell WR was n't long... Significance to be understood: No Bowler in 1980, Fox made 91 starts with the Angeles... Ben Coates and still finishing a distant second another Patriots player returning with.! 92 Ted Washington it 's tough to win a spot based on just one but... No context for their significance to be understood: No in Mike Dussault 's mock! Video revealing a decision about his future history of the 1990 NFL draft is largely considered a.... Have said No way Winslow all wore it Kellen Winslow all wore.. Days gets the nod over special teams captain Matthew Slater time didn & x27! Predominantly worn by receivers in addition to numbers in the past - ProFootballTalk Brady. Special teams captain Matthew Slater Patriots perspective in Indianapolis this week safety gets the nod over special captain! Theres only 99 numbers 57 Steve Nelson, LB, 1982-93: the No Pro and. His 3-month retirement Edelman i wo n't argue, but changes to..