- Jan 11, 2022

All-Time Teams: New England Patriots

Introduction

In my endless research of all things football and through my passion for the history of the NFL, I have decided to try and compile an All-Time Team for all 32 current NFL franchises. By All-Time Team I mean a starting roster compiled of the very best players to ever put on each franchise’s jersey. I will be starting in alphabetical order by current franchise location, so Arizona Cardinals all the way to The Washington Football Team, with the goal of releasing one to two All-Time teams a week for the duration of the current NFL season. This is meant to be fun and cause some debate and is based on my opinion after all my research and deep dives into each franchise’s history. Of course, not everyone will agree with who I chose, and I’d love to hear from anyone who agrees or disagrees, but first, let’s lay out some ground rules for how I came up with each team.

1. Each team roster will consist of the following:

Offense - 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 2 OT, 2 OG, 1 C

Defense - 2 DE, 2 DT, 3 LB, 2 CB, 2 S

Special Teams - 1 K, 1 P, 1 Returner

Coach - 1 Head Coach

2. I only considered an individual’s stats and contributions with each specific franchise. For example, Peyton Manning’s years with the Broncos were not considered when deciding on the starting QB of the Colts All-Time Team. As a result, the stats and awards listed with each individual player are only those that were achieved with that specific franchise.

3. A player cannot represent two teams as the starter. Players who spent time with more than one team were considered for the franchise they spent the most time with or had the most impact on. This rule led to some interesting scenarios that I will discuss in detail with each specific article to try and clear up any confusion.

4. A player’s stats and impact were considered in context with their era. This won’t simply be a listing of who passed or ran for the most yards in franchise history.

5. All stats are from Pro-Football-Reference and through the 2021 season. I will also be counting sacks from 1960, though the NFL doesn't officially count sacks until 1982.

6. Players in the "Honorable Mentions" section are ordered by year. It's not an indication of where I believe they rank in franchise history.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to it!

New England Patriots All-Time Team

Franchise Information

First Season: 1960

Boston Patriots (1960-1970)
New England Patriots (1971-Present)

Record: 529-411-9 (56.28 W-L%)

Playoff Record: 37-22

Super Bowls Won: 6 (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and 2018) (Lost in 1985, 1996, 2007, 2011 and 2017)

AFL Championships Won: 0 (Lost in 1963)

Passing Leader: Tom Brady 6,377/9,988 | 74,571 Yds | 541 TD

Rushing Leader: Sam Cunningham 1,385 Att | 5,453 Yds | 43 TD

Receiving Leader: Stanley Morgan 534 Rec | 10,352 Yds | 67 TD

Sack Leader: Andre Tippett 100 Sk

Interception Leader: Ty Law and Raymond Clayborn 36 Int

Scoring Leader: Stephon Gostkowski 1,775 Points

Winningest Coach: Bill Belichick 254-99

QB: Tom Brady (2000-2019)

There isn't anything that I can say about Tom Brady that hasn't already been said. He's the GOAT, plain and simple. Brady spent 20 seasons in New England and had a winning record in all 20. Only once did Brady win less than 10 games, coming in 2002 when the Patriots went 9-7. Brady guided the Patriots to 17 playoff appearances, 13 AFC Championship Game appearances, nine Super Bowl appearances and six Super Bowl Championships. Brady holds every passing record in playoff history by a mile and is currently the all-time record holder in completions, yards and touchdowns in NFL history. He led the league in completion percentage once, yards three times, touchdowns four times, yards per attempt once, yards per game twice and quarterback rating twice as well. Brady was voted to 14 Pro-Bowls in a Patriots uniform, 14! He was also named to the All-Pro Team three times, the MVP three times and the Offensive Player of the Year twice. Brady has already been named to the Hall of Fame All-2000s and All-2010s Team and will undoubtably be a first ballot Hall of Famer. He's redefined the limits of father time and just led the league in yards and touchdowns in Tampa Bay at the age of 44. I don't see anyone ever taking down any of his records.

Honorable Mention

Babe Parilli (1961-1967) | Record: 44-32-7 | 47.2 Cmp% | 16,747 Yds | 132 TD | 138 Int | 949 Rush Yds | 14 Rush TD | Led League in Cmp% 1961 (52.5%) | Led League in Yds 1964 (3,465) | Led League in TD 1964 (31) | Led League in Yds/G 1964 (247.5) | 3x Pro-Bowl (63, 64, 66) | 1x All-Pro (64) | 1963 AFL Championship Appearance
Jim Plunkett (1971-1975) | Record: 23-38 | 48.5 Cmp% | 9,932 Yds | 62 TD | 87 Int | 817 Rush Yds | 9 Rush TD
Steve Grogan (1975-1990) | Record: 75-60 | 52.3 Cmp% | 26,886 Yds | 182 TD | 208 Int | 2,176 Rush Yds | 35 Rush TD | Led League in TD 1979 (28) | Led League in Yds/A 1980 (8.1) | 1985 AFC Champion
Tony Eason (1983-1989) | Record: 28-21 | 58.4 Cmp% | 10,732 Yds | 60 TD | 48 Int | 474 Rush Yds | 6 Rush TD | 1985 AFC Champion
Drew Bledsoe (1993-2001) | Record: 63-69 | 56.3 Cmp% | 29,657 Yds | 166 TD | 138 Int | 553 Rush Yds | 2 Rush TD | Led League in Cmp 1994 and 1996 (400, 373) | Led League in Yds 1994 (4,555) | Led League in Yds/G 1994 (284.7) | 3x Pro-Bowl (94, 96, 97) | 1996 AFC Champion

RB: Jim Nance (1965-1970)

Jim Nance is first up for the Patriots at running back. Nance had a short but dominant career. He led the league in rushing yards twice, touchdowns once, yards per game twice and yards from scrimmage once as well. Nance was voted to two Pro-Bowls and two All-Pro Teams and was even named the 1966 AFL MVP. He was the first great running back in Patriot's history and is still maybe the greatest back the franchise has ever had.

RB: Sam Cunningham (1973-1982)

3.9 Yds/A | 5,453 Yds | 43 TD | 210 Rec | 1,905 Rec Yds | 6 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (78)

The other starting running back is the franchise leader in rushing yards, Sam "Bam" Cunningham. Cunningham still holds the franchise record in yards even after some 40+ seasons. He was voted to his lone Pro-Bowl in 1978. It's surprising how thin the Patriots are at running back. Curtis Martin is maybe the best they ever had, but he only spent three years in New England and is best known for his years with the Jets. Corey Dillon and LeGarrette Blount had a great couple seasons with the team as well.

Honorable Mentions

Larry Garron (1960-1968) | 3.9 Yds/A | 2,981 Yds | 14 TD | 185 Rec | 2,502 Rec Yds | 26 Rec TD | 4x Pro-Bowl (61, 63, 64, 47)
Dan Calhoun (1975-1981) | 4.1 Yds/A | 3,391 Yds | 23 TD | 82 Rec | 614 Rec Yds | 2 Rec TD | Led League in Yds/A 1976 (5.6)
Mosi Tatupu (1978-1990) | 3.9 Yds/A | 2,415 Yds | 18 TD | 96 Rec | 843 Rec Yds | 2 Rec TD | Led League in Yds/A 1983 (5.5)
Tony Collins (1981-1987) | 3.9 Yds/A | 4,647 Yds | 32 TD | 261 Rec | 2,356 Rec Yds | 12 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (83)
Craig James (1984-1988) | 4.2 Yds/A | 2,469 Yds | 11 TD | 81 Rec | 819 Rec Yds | 2 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (85)
John Stephens (1988-1992) | 3.6 Yds/A | 3,249 Yds | 17 TD | 100 Rec | 781 Rec Yds | 1 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (88) | 1988 Offensive Rookie of the Year
Curtis Martin (1995-1997) | 4.0 Yds/A | 3,799 Yds | 32 TD | 117 Rec | 890 Rec Yds | 5 Rec TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (95, 96) | 1995 Offensive Rookie of the Year | Hall of Fame Class 2012
Kevin Faulk (1999-2011) | 4.2 Yds/A | 3,607 Yds | 16 TD | 431 Rec | 3,701 Rec Yds | 15 Rec TD
Corey Dillon (2004-2006) | 4.2 Yds/A | 3,180 Yds | 37 TD | 52 Rec | 431 Rec Yds | 2 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (04)
LeGarrette Blount (2013-2016) | 4.3 Yds/A | 2,917 Yds | 34 TD | 19 Rec | 137 Rec Yds | 1 Rec TD | Led League in TD 2016 (18)

WR: Stanley Morgan (1977-1989)

534 Rec | 10,352 Yds | 67 TD | Led League in Yds/Rec 1979, 1980 and 1981 (22.8, 22, 23.4) | Led League in TD 1979 (12) | 4x Pro-Bowl (79, 80, 86, 87)

First up at wide receiver is the most prolific receiver in franchise history, Stanley Morgan. Morgan holds the franchise record in yards and touchdowns. He spent 13 seasons in New England and had at least 1,000 yards in three of them. Morgan also led the league in yards per reception three different times and touchdowns once. He was named to the Pro-Bowl in 1979, 1980, 1986 and 1987.

WR: Wes Welker (2007-2012)

672 Rec | 7,459 Yds | 37 TD | Led League in Rec 2007, 2009 and 2011 (112, 123, 122) | 5x Pro-Bowl (08, 09, 10, 11, 12) | 2x All-Pro (09, 11)

Next up is the great Wes Welker. Welker may be the best slot receiver in the history of the NFL. Standing at only five feet nine inches, Welker exceeded all expectations during his stellar career. He had at least 111 receptions in five of his six seasons in New England, including leading the league in receptions in 2007, 2009 and 2011. Welker was voted to five straight Pro-Bowls from 2008-2012 and the All-Pro Team in 2009 and 2011. He's a Hall of Famer in my book.

WR: Gino Cappelletti (1960-1970)

292 Rec | 4,589 Yds | 42 TD | 5x Pro-Bowl (61, 63, 64, 65, 66) | 1964 AFL MVP

We're going back all the way to the very beginning of the franchise for the final starting receiver. Gino Cappelletti was a member of the Patriots for their first 11 seasons and was their first star. He exceled as both a receiver and kicker and was named to five Pro-Bowls. Cappelletti's best season came in 1964 when he was named the AFL MVP. New England has had a few other good receivers in their history, including Irving Fryar, Troy Brown and Julian Edelman, but it's hard for me to put any of them over Morgan, Welker or Cappelletti.

Honorable Mentions

Jim Colclough (1960-1968) | 283 Rec | 5,001 Yds | 39 TD | Led League in Yds/Rec 1962 (21.7) | 1x Pro-Bowl (62)
Irving Fryar (1984-1992) | 363 Rec | 5,726 Yds | 38 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (85)
Troy Brown (1993-2007) | 557 Rec | 6,366 Yds | 31 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (01)
Terry Glenn (1996-2001) | 329 Rec | 4,669 Yds | 22 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (99)
Randy Moss (2007-2010) | 259 Rec | 3,904 Yds | 50 TD | Led League in TD 2007 and 2009 (23, 13) | 1x Pro-Bowl (07) | 1x All-Pro (07) | 2007 Comeback Player of the Year | Hall of Fame All-2000s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2018
Matthew Slater (2008-Present) | 10x Pro-Bowl (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21) | 2x All-Pro (16, 19) *
Julian Edelman (2009-2020) | 620 Rec | 6,822 Yds | 36 TD

* Matthew Slater's accolades are as a special team's player.

TE: Rob Gronkowski (2010-2018)

Obviously, the starting tight end is Rob Gronkowski. Gronk is maybe the most dominant player to ever play tight end. In nine seasons with the Patriots, Gronk produced four 1,000-yard seasons and five seasons of at least 10 touchdowns. His best seasons came in 2011 when he set the single season records in yards and touchdowns by a tight end. His 17 touchdowns are still the most ever by a tight end. Gronk was named to five Pro-Bowls, four All-Pro Teams and the Hall of Fame All-2010s Team. He will be a first ballot Hall of Famer without question. It's worth noting that Ben Coates is also one of the best tight ends in NFL history and probably deserves a gold jacket as well.

Honorable Mentions

Jim Whalen (1965-1969) | 153 Rec | 2,487 Yds | 17 TD | 1x All-Pro (68)
Russ Francis (1975-1980, 1987-1988) | 207 Rec | 3,157 Yds | 28 TD | 3x Pro-Bowl (76, 77, 78)
Marv Cook (1989-1993) | 210 Rec | 1,843 Yds | 11 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (91, 92) | 1x All-Pro (91)
Ben Coates (1991-1999) | 490 Rec | 5,471 Yds | 50 TD | 5x Pro-Bowl (94, 95, 96, 97, 98) | 2x All-Pro (94, 95) | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team

OT: Bruce Armstrong (1987-2000)

Started 212 of 212 Games | 6x Pro-Bowl (90, 91, 94, 95, 96, 97)

First up on the offensive line is Bruce Armstrong. Armstrong started every game in 12 of his 14 seasons, starting a grand total of 212 games in a Patriots uniform. He was voted to six Pro-Bowls, all coming in the 1990s.

OT: Matt Light (2001-2011)

Started 153 of 153 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (06, 07, 10) | 1x All-Pro (07)

Back to the Brady/Belichick era for this one. Matt Light was great with the Patriots for 11 seasons from 2001-2011. Light started every game in seven seasons and started a total of 153 games. He was a key member of three Super Bowl winning teams and was voted to three Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team.

Honorable Mentions

Dan Oakes (1963-1968) | Started 68 of 82 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (67)
Tom Neville (1965-1977) | Started 123 of 160 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (66)
Leon Gray (1973-1978) | Started 77 of 78 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (76, 78) | 1x All-Pro (78)
Brian Holloway (1981-1986) | Started 77 of 88 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (83, 84, 85)
Max Lane (1994-2000) | Started 70 of 100 Games

OG: John Hannah (1973-1985)

John Hannah was Mr. Patriot before Tom Brady took the mantle. Hannah spent 13 seasons with the Patriots from 1973-1985, starting in over 180 games. He started every game in eight different seasons and was voted to the Pro-Bowl nine times and the All-Pro Team seven times. Hannah was named to the Hall of Fame All-1970s and All-1980s Team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.

OG: Logan Mankins (2005-2013)

Started 130 of 130 Games | 6x Pro-Bowl (07, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13) | 1x All-Pro (10)

Logan Mankins will man down the other offensive guard position. He unfortunately was sandwiched in between the two eras of Super Bowl victories under Brady and Belichick but was still one of the best linemen the team ever had. He started 130 games and was named to six Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team.

Honorable Mentions

Charley Long (1961-1969) | Started 96 of 124 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (62, 63)
Billy Neighbors (1962-1965) | Started 56 of 56 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (63) | 1x All-Pro (64)
Len St. Jean (1964-1973) | Started 112 of 140 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (66)
Sam Adams (1972-1980) | Started 105 of 119 Games

C: Jon Morris (1964-1974)

Started 125 of 130 Games | 7x Pro-Bowl (64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70) | 1x All-Pro (66) | AFL All-1960s Team

The starting center is Hall of Fame snub, Jon Morris. Morris started every game in six seasons and was voted to seven Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team. Morris was even named to the AFL All-1960s Team. Sounds like a Hall of Fame resume to me.

Honorable Mentions

Bill Lenkaitis (1971-1981) | Started 119 of 151 Games
Damien Woody (1999-2003) | Started 76 of 78 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (02)
Dan Koppen (2003-2011) | Started 120 of 121 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (07)

DE: Richard Seymour (2001-2008)

2 Int | 3 FF | 6 FR | 39 Sk | 359 Tackles | 64 TFL | 5x Pro-Bowl (02, 03, 04, 05, 06) | 3x All-Pro (03, 04, 05) | Hall of Fame All-2000s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2022

Now to the defensive side of the ball, which is New England's strong suit. First up is defensive end Richard Seymour. Seymour spent eight seasons in New England and racked up 39 sacks and 64 tackles for loss. He was voted to five Pro-Bowls and three All-Pro Teams. Seymour was also named to the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

DE: Larry Eisenhauer (1961-1969)

1 Int | 43.5 Sk | Led League in Sk 1963 and 1965 (8, 9.5) | 4x Pro-Bowl (62, 63, 64, 66) | 3x All-Pro (62, 63, 64)

The other defensive end is Larry Eisenhauer. Eisenhauer played for the Patriots for nine seasons, racking up over 40 sacks. He led the league in sacks in both 1963 and in 1965. Eisenhauer was named to the Pro-Bowl four times and the All-Pro Team three times. He seems to be somewhat forgotten about, but he was a great defensive end and one of the best in Patriot's history.

Honorable Mentions

Bob Dee (1960-1967) | 1 Int | 5 FR | 17.5 Sk | Led League in FR 1961 (5) | 4x Pro-Bowl (61, 63, 64, 65)
Julius Adams (1971-1987) | 7 FR | 80.5 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (80)
Tony McGee (1974-1981) | 3 FR | 77 Sk
Brent Williams (1986-1993) | 11 FR | 43.5 Sk | 430 Tackles
Chandler Jones (2012-2015) | 1 Int | 10 FF | 2 FR | 36 Sk | 211 Tackles | 38 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (15)
Rob Ninkovich (2009-2016) | 5 Int | 12 FF | 14 FR | 46 Sk | 454 Tackles | 55 TFL

DT: Vince Wilfork (2004-2014)

3 Int | 5 FF | 12 FR | 16 Sk | 517 Tackles | 37 TFL | 5x Pro-Bowl (07, 09, 10, 11, 12) | 1x All-Pro (12)

Vince Wilfork, who is another defender from the recent Super Bowl winning teams is first up at defensive tackle. Wilfork clogged up the middle for 11 seasons in New England, compiling 16 sacks and over 500 tackles. He was named to five Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team and won a Super Bowl in both his first and last year with the team. I expect him to one day get a bust in Canton.

DT: Houston Antwine (1961-1971)

1 Int | 2 FR | 36 Sk | 6x Pro-Bowl (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) | 1x All-Pro (63) | AFL All-1960s Team

Here's another player from the early Patriot's teams that seems to get overlooked. Houston Antwine spent 11 seasons with the Patriots from 1961-1971 and racked up just under 40 sacks. He was voted to six straight Pro-Bowls from 1963-1968 and the All-Pro Team in 1963. Antwine was also named to the AFL All-1960s team and deserves more consideration from Hall of Fame voters.

Honorable Mentions

Jim Lee Hunt (1960-1970) | 1 Int | 8 FR | 30 Sk | Led League in FR 1968 (4) | 4x Pro-Bowl (61, 66, 67, 69)
Ray Hamilton (1971-1981) | 14 FR | 53.5 Sk
Tim Good (1988-1994) | 1 FF | 4 FR | 11.5 Sk | 461 Tackles

LB: Andre Tippett (1982-1993)

1 Int | 19 FR | 100 Sk | 5x Pro-Bowl (84, 85, 86, 87, 88) | 2x All-Pro (85, 87) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2008

Linebacker is a strong spot for the Patriots and Andre Tippett is the first up here. He spent 12 seasons in New England from 1982-1993 and is the franchise record holder in sacks with 100. Tippett was named to five straight Pro-Bowls from 1984-1988 and the All-Pro Team in both 1985 and 1987. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.

LB: Nick Buoniconti (1962-1968)

24 Int | 2 FR | 18 Sk | 5x Pro-Bowl (63, 64, 65, 66, 67) | 4x All-Pro (64, 65, 66, 67) | AFL All-1960s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2001

From one Hall of Famer to the next. Nick Buoniconti was the first great defender in the franchise's history. He intercepted 24 passes and racked up 18 sacks during his seven seasons with the Patriots. Buoniconti was named to five straight Pro-Bowls from 1963-1967 and four straight All-Pro Teams from 1964-1967. He was also named to the AFL All-1960s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

LB: Willie McGinest (1994-2005)

4 Int | 16 FF | 15 FR | 78 Sk | 672 Tackles | 79 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (96, 03)

I struggled a little bit with this decision. Ultimately, it came down to Tedy Bruschi or Willie McGinest and I've decided on McGinest. It's hard to leave either one off the team and maybe I should have made this a 3-4 team and had four starting linebackers. That being said, McGinest spent 12 seasons in New England and racked up 78 sacks and over 670 tackles. He had at least 9 sacks in four seasons and was voted to the Pro-Bowl in both 1996 and 2003. He won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, as did Tedy, so I could realistically see some people disagreeing here. If I have to pick one, I'm going with Willie.

Honorable Mentions

Tom Addison (1960-1967) | 16 Int | 15 Sk | 4x Pro-Bowl (61, 62, 63, 64) | 1x All-Pro (61)
Steve Nelson (1974-1987) | 17 Int | 16 FR | 19.5 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (80, 84, 85)
Johnny Rembert (1983-1992) | 7 Int | 11 FR | 16 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (88, 89)
Vincent Brown (1988-1995) | 10 Int | 6 FF | 7 FR | 16.5 Sk | 811 Tackles
Chris Slade (1993-2000) | 3 Int | 16 FF | 3 FR | 51 Sk | 640 Tackles | 12 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (97)
Ted Johnson (1995-2004) | 1 Int | 5 FF | 7 FR | 11.5 Sk | 760 Tackles | 16 TFL
Tedy Bruschi (1996-2008) | 12 Int | 17 FF | 7 FR | 30.5 Sk | 1,074 Tackles | 45 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (04) | 2005 Comeback Player of the Year
Mike Vrabel (2001-2008) | 11 Int | 13 FF | 5 FR | 48 Sk | 606 Tackles | 55 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (07) | 1x All-Pro (07)
Jerrod Mayo (2008-2015) | 3 Int | 8 FF | 7 FR | 11 Sk | 802 Tackles | 30 TFL | Led League in Tackles 2010 (174) | Led League in Solo Tackles 2010 (113) | 2x Pro-Bowl (10, 12) | 1x All-Pro (10) | 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year
Dont’a Hightower (2012-2019) | 1 Int | 2 FF | 5 FR | 25.5 Sk | 505 Tackles | 42 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (16, 19)
Jamie Collins (2013-2016, 2019) | 8 Int | 13 FF | 5 FR | 17.5 Sk | 328 Tackles | 29 TFL | Led League in FF 2015 (5) | 1x Pro-Bowl (15)

CB: Ty Law (1995-2004)

36 Int | 3 FF | 4 FR | 4 Sk | 638 Tackles | 12 TFL | Led League in Int 1998 (9) | 4x Pro-Bowl (98, 01, 02, 03) | 2x All-Pro (98, 03) | Hall of Fame All-2000s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2019

Ty Law is first up at cornerback for the All-Time Patriots. Law spent 10 seasons in New England, intercepting 36 passes and compiling over 600 tackles. Law's 36 interceptions are tied for the most ever in franchise history. He led the league in interceptions in 1998 and was voted to four Pro-Bowls and two All-Pro Teams. Law was named to the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.

CB: Mike Haynes (1976-1982)

28 Int | 11 FR | 1 Sk | 6x Pro-Bowl (76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 82) | 1976 Defensive Rookie of the Year | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1997

Next up at corner is another Hall of Famer, Mike Haynes. Haynes intercepted 28 passes during his seven seasons and was voted to six Pro-Bowls. He was also named to the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team as well as the 1976 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Haynes was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Honorable Mentions

Chuck Shonta (1960-1967) | 15 Int | 2 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (66)
Raymond Clayborn (1977-1989) | 36 Int | 8 FR | 2 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (83, 85, 86)
Ronnie Lippett (1983-1991) | 24 Int | 8 FR | 1 Sk
Maurice Hurst (1989-1995) | 27 Int | 4 FF | 3 Sk | 386 Tackles
Asante Samuel (2003-2007) | 22 Int | 4 FF | 237 Tackles | 8 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (07) | 1x All-Pro (07)
Stephon Gilmore (2017-2020) | 11 Int | 3 FF | 2 FR | 1 Sk | 185 Tackles | 3 TFL | Led League in Int 2019 (6) | 3x Pro-Bowl (18, 19, 20) | 2x All-Pro (18, 19)

S: Lawyer Milloy (1996-2002)

19 Int | 7 FF | 7 FR | 7 Sk | 763 Tackles | 14 TFL | 4x Pro-Bowl (98, 99, 01, 02) | 1x All-Pro (99)

First up at safety is the great Lawyer Milloy. Milloy spent seven seasons in New England, intercepting 19 passes and racking up over 760 tackles. He was named to four straight Pro-Bowls from 1998-2002 and the 1999 All-Pro Team. Milloy was surprisingly traded after the 2002 season, missing out on two of the Patriots three Super Bowl victories.

S: Devin McCourty (2010-Present)

31 Int | 11 FF | 6 FR | 3 Sk | 900 Tackles | 20 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (10, 16)

Devin McCourty is the other starting safety here. He's been with the Patriots since 2010 and has intercepted 31 passes and compiled over 900 tackles. McCourty has been a cornerstone for the Patriot's defense for over a decade and is a key reason for their three most recent Super Bowl victories. He was voted to the Pro-Bowl in 2010 and 2016.

Honorable Mentions

Ron Hall (1961-1967) | 29 Int | 3.5 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (63) | 1x All-Pro (64)
Don Webb (1961-1971) | 21 Int | 5 FR | 1 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (69)
Tim Fox (1976-1981) | 17 Int | 7 FR | 3 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (80)
Roland James (1980-1990) | 29 Int | 9 FR | 5 Sk
Fred Marion (1982-1991) | 29 Int | 13 FR | 1 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (85)
Rodney Harrison (2003-2008) | 8 Int | 7 FF | 2 FR | 9 Sk | 446 Tackles | 18 TFL | 1x All-Pro (03)
Brandon Meriweather (2007-2010) | 12 Int | 5 FF | 1 FR | 2 Sk | 263 Tackles | 11 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (09, 10)

K: Stephen Gostkowski (2006-2019)

If you've been reading my other All-Time Teams, then this isn't a surprise. I know Vinatieri kicked two Super Bowl winning kicks, I get it. But Gostkowski is the franchise leader in points, led the league in points five times, field goals made three times and long once. He also won three Super Bowls with the Patriots himself and was voted to four Pro-Bowls, two All-Pro Teams and the Hall of Fame All-2010s Team. Vinatieri had a more prolific career with the Colts as well, so I'm sticking with this decision.

Honorable Mentions

Gino Cappelletti (1960-1970) | 52.9 FG% | 53 Long | 1,130 Points | Led League in Points 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1966 (147, 113, 155, 132, 119) | Led League in FGM 1961, 1963 and 1964 (17, 22, 25) | Led League in Long 1964 and 1965 (51, 53) | Led League in Cmp% 1965 (63%) | 5x Pro-Bowl (61, 63, 64, 65, 66) | 1964 AFL MVP
John Smith (1974-1983) | 67 FG% | 50 Long | 692 Points | Led League in Points 1979 and 1980 (115, 129) | 1x Pro-Bowl (80)
Tony Franklin (1984-1987) | 74.4 FG% | 50 Long | 442 Points | Led League in FGM 1986 (32) | Led League in Points 1986 (140) | 1x Pro-Bowl (86)
Adam Vinatieri (1996-2005) | 81.9 FG% | 57 Long | 1,158 Points | Led League in Points 2004 (141) | Led League in FGM 2004 (31) | Led League in Long 2002 (57) | Led League in FG% 2002 and 2004 (90%, 93.9%) | 2x Pro-Bowl (02, 04) | 2x All-Pro (02, 04) | Hall of Fame All-2000s Team

P: Ryan Allen (2013-2018)

18,526 Punt Yds | 67 Long | 45.3 Yds/Punt

The Patriot's haven't really had any long-lasting punters, so no one clearly stands out. Ryan Allen gets the nod for averaging over 45 yards per punt and winning three Super Bowls. Rich Camarillo is the starting punter for the All-Time Cardinals.

Honorable Mentions

Rich Camarillo (1981-1987) | 19,922 Punt Yds | 76 Long | 42.6 Yds/Punt | Led League in Punt Yds 1985 (3,953) | Led League in Long 1981, 1983 and 1985 (75, 70, 75) | 1x Pro-Bowl (83)

Returner: Troy Brown (1993-2007)

Troy Brown, Irving Fryer and Julian Edelman all have great claims for this spot and I'm going with Brown. Brown has over 2,600 punt return yards and 1,800 kick return yards and returned three punts for touchdowns. He led the league in punt return touchdowns and yards per punt return in 2001, the same year he was named to his lone Pro-Bowl.

Honorable Mentions

Larry Garron (1960-1968) | 2,299 Kick Rt Yds | 2 Kick Rt TD | 25.8 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Kick Rt TD 1961 and 1962 (1, 1) | 4x Pro-Bowl (61, 63, 64, 67)
Irving Fryer (1984-1992) | 2,055 Punt Rt Yds | 3 Punt Rt TD | 10.0 Yds/Punt Rt | 495 Kick Rt Yds | 19 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Punt Rt TD 1985 (2) | Led League in Punt Rt Long 1985 (85) | Led League in Yds/Punt Rt 1985 (14.1) | 1x Pro-Bowl (85)
Julian Edelman (2009-2019) | 1,986 Punt Rt Yds | 4 Punt Rt TD | 11.2 Yds/Punt Rt | 626 Kick Rt Yds | 20.9 Yds/Kick Rt

Head Coach: Bill Belichick (2000-Present)

No surprises here. Just like Brady is the GOAT of quarterbacks, Belichick is the GOAT of coaches. Belichick has coached the Patriots for 22 seasons, making the playoffs in 18 of them. He's won at least 10 games 19 times and guided the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances and six Super Bowl Championships, both all-time records. Belichick has also been named the coach of the year three times and will be a first ballot Hall of Fame if he ever decides to retire.

Honorable Mentions

Mike Holovak (1961-1968) | Regular Season: 52-46-9 | 53.1 W-L% | Playoffs: 1-1 | 1963 AFL Championship Appearance
Chuck Fairbanks (1973-1978) | Regular Season: 46-39 | 54.1 W-L% | Playoffs: 0-2
Raymond Berry (1984-1989) | Regular Season: 48-39 | 55.2 W-L% | Playoffs: 3-2 | 1985 AFC Champion
Bill Parcells (1993-1996) | Regular Season: 32-32 | 50 W-L% | Playoffs: 2-2 | 1994 Coach of the Year | 1996 AFC Champion | Hall of Fame Class 2013

All-Time Teams: New England Patriots

New England Patriots All-Time Team

QB: Tom Brady (2000-2019)

RB: Jim Nance (1965-1970)

RB: Sam Cunningham (1973-1982)

WR: Stanley Morgan (1977-1989)

WR: Wes Welker (2007-2012)

WR: Gino Cappelletti (1960-1970)

TE: Rob Gronkowski (2010-2018)

OT: Bruce Armstrong (1987-2000)

OT: Matt Light (2001-2011)

OG: John Hannah (1973-1985)

OG: Logan Mankins (2005-2013)

C: Jon Morris (1964-1974)

DE: Richard Seymour (2001-2008)

DE: Larry Eisenhauer (1961-1969)

DT: Vince Wilfork (2004-2014)

DT: Houston Antwine (1961-1971)

LB: Andre Tippett (1982-1993)

LB: Nick Buoniconti (1962-1968)

LB: Willie McGinest (1994-2005)

CB: Ty Law (1995-2004)

CB: Mike Haynes (1976-1982)

S: Lawyer Milloy (1996-2002)

S: Devin McCourty (2010-Present)

K: Stephen Gostkowski (2006-2019)

P: Ryan Allen (2013-2018)

Returner: Troy Brown (1993-2007)

Head Coach: Bill Belichick (2000-Present)

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