The six-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots officially have seven former players' numbers retired by the franchise, although the AFC East organization could see two more added to the vaunted collection.
With Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski departed for sunny Tampa Bay, perhaps the Patriots will, after they leave the game, formally retire the numbers of those two multi-title winners.
In the meantime, here are the current individuals whose numbers are retired by New England.
No. 20: Gino Cappelletti
Former Minnesota standout Gino Cappelletti was an early star for the then-Boston Patriots of the AFL. Cappelletti was both a receiver and placekicker for the franchise, joining the New England organization at its inception in 1960 as a free agent after a professional stint in rugby and the CFL along with draft into the U.S. Army.
Cappelletti spent his entire 11-year tenure with the Patriots and was the franchise's early leader in touchdown receptions and second to Jim Colclough in receiving yards. Cappelletti was the AFL's MVP for the 1964 season and a five-time “All-Star” in the pre-merger era.
He joined the Patriots' Hall of Fame as an early member in 1992 (entering with linebacker Nick Buoniconti as the second and third members) and had his No. 20 jersey retired.
No. 40: Mike Haynes
Next up is the first Hall of Fame selection on this list: cornerback Mike Haynes.
In his 14-year NFL career, Haynes spent the first seven seasons with the New England Patriots, finding himself selected with the fifth overall pick in the 1976 draft by the former AFL franchise. Haynes was a hit on the gridiron, making an immediate impact; he made his first Pro Bowl appearance in his rookie season, a streak that would last five consecutive years with the Patriots.
Haynes took away 46 career interceptions, including eight alone in his debut season with New England and 28 overall with the Pats. He was also an excellent punt return man to boot.
Haynes would later win a Super Bowl with the then-Los Angeles Raiders, retiring after the 1989 season. Haynes joined the Patriots' Hall of Fame in 1994, joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame in '97, and had No. 40 retired.
No. 57: Steve Nelson
Linebacker Steve Nelson spent 14 seasons with the Patriots, joining the club as a second-round selection out of North Dakota State in the 1974 NFL Draft.
Nelson was a three-time Pro Bowler and a major contributor to the Pats team that made an appearance in Super Bowl XX, the franchise's title game appearance, although they lost to the 1985 Chicago Bears.
Nelson had his No. 57 jersey retired by the organization shortly after his retirement in 1988 and he joined the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993.
No. 73: John Hannah
One of the all-time greatest offensive lineman by consensus, Hall of Fame left guard John Hannah was the inaugural inductee of the Patriots' Hall of Fame, starting the honor in 1991.
Hannah spent 13 seasons with the Pats after a college stint with Alabama as New England selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft. Hannah established himself as a premier pass-rush-blocking guard up of the front five, earning nine total Pro Bowl appearances and seven All-Pro First Team selections, including both distinctions in his final year in 1985.
Hannah was later inducted into both college and pro Hall of Fames and had his No. 73 retired by the Pats.
No. 78: Bruce Armstrong
Another offensive lineman, the most recent inclusion to New England's retired numbers is No. 78, Bruce Armstrong.
Armstrong was a first-round pick by the Patriots in the 1987 NFL Draft out of Louisville and ended up playing his entire 14-year career with the Pats.
The offensive tackle was a fixture for the Patriots' front five in the 1990s and earned six Pro Bowl appearances in the span of eight years.
Armstrong was a consistent presence up front, too, only missing a total of eight games due to injury in his long career. He's not a Hall of Famer, but he did join the Patriots' honor roll along with having his number retired by the franchise.
No. 79 Jim Lee Hunt
Another original Patriot was defensive tackle Jim Lee Hunt, who competed in 11 seasons for the then-Boston squad.
Hunt was a four-time Pro Bowler (AFL “All-Star) who played in every game (then 14 each regular season) for 10 straight years after only six appearances during his rookie campaign.
While Hunt was drafted by the NFL's Bears, he instead decided to play for the Patriots. “Earthquake” was one of the most dangerous pass rushers of his time. Sadly, Hunt died at the age of 37 (after retiring).
Hunt's number was retired by the franchise and he joined their Hall of Fame in 1993.
No. 89 Bob Dee
Lastly is a third original Patriot in Bob Dee, a defensive end starring alongside Hunt.
After two seasons with Washington, Dee joined the first year of the Boston Patriots in 1960, turning into an All-Star in his second season and recovering a league-high five fumbles that year.
Dee later earned three more All-Star selections and retired following eight seasons with the Pats in 1967. He passed away in 1979 at 45 years old.
The Patriots honored Dee in 1993 with their Hall of Fame inclusion along with retiring No. 89 for the defensive end.
Follow Us
Subscribe