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There is never a shortage of greats in the New England Patriots’ rich history. With that said, we did the daunting task of listing the top five players who left their indelible mark in New England lore.
5. Matt Light
It goes on without saying that Light’s arrival in 2001 helped spark a revolution in New England. The Patriots’ running game thrived with Light in the offensive line, as they averaged 112.2 yards a game en route to their first-ever Super Bowl versus the St. Louis Rams.
Light continued to shine in his role in the seasons that followed, including gallant stands against the tough defensive lines of the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowls XXXVIII and XXXIX — walking away victorious each time.
New England recognized Light’s admirable efforts by inducting the latter in the team’s Hall of Fame in 2018.
4. Bruce Armstrong
New England certainly got what they asked for when they drafted Bruce Armstrong 23rd overall in 1987. Hailed as the Most Outstanding Lineman out of the University of Louisville, Armstrong’s steady presence in the offensive line powered the Patriots’ playoff teams of the 1990s. During this period, Armstrong made the Pro Bowl six times.
As a way of honoring his valuable contributions to the team, the Patriots retired Armstrong’s #78 jersey after his career came to a close in 2000. He is only the seventh, and thus far, the last player to have his number retired by the franchise.
3. Andre Tippett
Perhaps the greatest linebacker in Patriots history, Andre Tippett had an unbelievable knack in stopping the opposing team’s quarterback. While already displaying a solid defensive game in his first couple of seasons, it was in his third year when the league began to feel Tippett’s wrath on the gridiron. He recorded 18.5 sacks that season to begin a run of five straight invites to the Pro Bowl.
Aside from an injury-riddled 1989 campaign, Tippett had a solid run in 11 seasons with New England. His 100 career sacks rank number one in franchise history. Tippett took his rightful place in Patriots lore by being inducted in the team’s Hall of Fame in 1999.
2. John Hannah
Affectionately known as “Hog” among the Patriots faithful, John Hannah was an intimidating force that powered the offensive line. At 6-foot-2, Hannah’s explosiveness was instrumental in protecting the run and his quarterback. In 1981, Sports Illustrated dubbed Hannah as “The Best Offensive Lineman of All Time.”
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With Hog‘s consistency, the Patriots were able to make a run at the Super Bowl during the 1985 season.
Hannah spent his entire 13-year career with New England and racked up accolades along the way. He was a 10-time member of the All-Pro team and made the Pro Bowl nine times. In 1991, Hog was honored as the inaugural inductee in the Patriots Hall of Fame.
1. Tom Brady
Fourteen Pro Bowl appearances.
Three First-team All-Pro nods.
Three regular-season most valuable player awards.
Six Super Bowl championships.
Four Super Bowl MVPs.
The list of outstanding feats could go on and on but we would be hard-pressed for time if we enumerate what Tom Brady was able to accomplish in New England. Brady’s rise to legendary status remains one of the most fascinating tales in all of sports, going from an unknown 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft to being unarguably the greatest player ever to put on a Patriots jersey.
New England never experienced a losing season with #12 under center. The Patriots’ run since the new millennium is often considered as one of the most dominant in modern NFL history.
