The New England Patriots have won six Super Bowls and 11 AFC championships. Although most of those dynastic years came during the era of one starting quarterback, Tom Brady, there were many great players who supported their winning runs along the way.
Before Brady emerged as the clear greatest Patriot of all time, New England had its fair share of legends, from its AFL birth in Boston to its rising NFL glory in Foxborough.
The Sporting News ranks the 18 best players in Patriots history, from their current head coach, Mike Vrabel, to his former teammate and TD pass thrower, Brady.
Players were ranked based on a points system made up of nine categories. Points from a scale of 1-10 were assigned based on each player’s strength in a particular category and added up for a final score.
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18. Bruce Armstrong (1987-2000)
Accolades: 14 seasons, 6 Pro Bowls
Why he made SN’s list: Bruce Armstrong was the classic rock of a left tackle for many seasons before the Brady era, known mostly as Drew Bledsoe’s reliable blindside blocker. He started all 212 games in which played.
Place in Patriots history: Armstrong, a first-rounder who delivered from Louisville, gets the nod as the best tackle New England has ever had over Matt Light and others, honoring the AFC championship run under Bill Parcells.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | N/A |
| Awards | 5 |
| Playoff success | 7 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 7 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 7 |
| Cultural impact | 4 |
| Retirement honors | 4 |
| Total | 52 |
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17. Nick Buoniconti (1962-1968
Accolades: 7 seasons, 5-time AFL All-Star, 4-time first-team All-AFL
Why he made SN’s list: Nick Buoniconti is known to many as starring for the rival Miami Dolphins during their early Super Bowl heyday, but pre-merger, Buoniconti set the tone for his Hall of Fame linebacking career as the top Boston Patriot.
Place in Patriots history: At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, Buoniconti was deemed as undersized coming out of Notre Dame, but he had a big game with his tackling and coverage prowess, ushering in a continued strong linebacker tradition for the franchise.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 6 |
| Stats | 6 |
| Awards | 6 |
| Playoff success | 6 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 4 |
| Cultural impact | 5 |
| Retirement honors | 9 |
| Total | 58 |
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16. Adam Vinatieri (1996-2005)
Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK
Accolades: 10 seasons, 2 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time Super Bowl champion, 1-time NFL scoring leader
Why he made SN’s list: Adam Vinatieri, overdue for the Hall of Fame with his clutch kicking and prolific scoring through longevity, would be much higher had he stayed with the Patriots his entire career. The undrafted gem from South Dakota via the Amsterdam Admirals of now NFL Europe, Vinatieri was the best Italian-American leg not to play in a World Cup. The early Super Bowl dynasty and repeat with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick wouldn’t have been possible without Vinatieri’s game-winning cool.
Place in Patriots history: Although he was replaced by the solid Stephen Gostkowski and ended up playing with Peyton Manning’s Colts for four seasons longer, Vinatieri’s money heroics often conjure up his New England memories first.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 6 |
| Stats | 8 |
| Awards | 7 |
| Playoff success | 10 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 7 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 5 |
| Cultural impact | 7 |
| Retirement honors | 7 |
| Total | 65 |
MORE: Seven crazy stats from Adam Vinatieri’s career
15. Stanley Morgan (1977-1989)
Accolades: 13 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, one-time NFL receiving TDs leader
Why he made SN’s list: Stanley Morgan, a star first-rounder out of Tennessee, was a dynamic downfield threat with his career 19.4 yards per catch as a Patriot to go along with a franchise-best 10,352 receiving yards. His 67 TDs on his 534 receptions put him second only to Rob Gronkowski.
Place in Patriots history: Morgan starred in a different less pass-happy era were the purpose of the passing game was to hit on big plays, a lot different than the Patriots’ dominance in the short-area slot with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 9 |
| Stats | 8 |
| Awards | 7 |
| Playoff success | 5 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 10 |
| Cultural impact | 7 |
| Retirement honors | 4 |
| Total | 66 |
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14. Matthew Slater (2008-2023)
Accolades: 16 seasons, 10 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Matthew Slater was a terrific special teams gunner, making a name for himself as the son of Hall of Fame Rams offensive lineman Jackie Slater. Matthew became a key third-phase captain with his tackling on kickoff and punt return coverage. He also was a durable, ageless fixture in his role, a critical one for Bill Belichick.
Place in Patriots history: Slater didn’t get much chance to flash as a receiver or returner, but his impact was still huge and their astute fans know his contributions to their great success remain underappreciated.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | 8 |
| Awards | 7 |
| Playoff success | 10 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 7 |
| Health | 10 |
| Franchise records | 5 |
| Cultural impact | 5 |
| Retirement honors | 5 |
| Total | 67 |
MORE: The key stats in Matthew Slater’s Hall of Fame debate
13. Tedy Bruschi (1996-2008)
Accolades: 13 seasons, one Pro Bowl, 1-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year, 3-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: The third-round pick out of Arizona was a critical linebacker addition to the defense of Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick. Tedy Bruschi battled through injuries and also came back unbelievably strong from suffering a stroke related to a congenital heart defect. He was known for his big playmaking in the clutch, starting off as a versatile situational pass rusher, but also emerging as a top cover man, once returning four consecutive interceptions for touchdowns.
Place in Patriots history: Bruschi was a blue-collar fighter in terms of the spirit it took to keep playing after discovering a hole in his heart. He also was a high-energy special athlete who brought his leadership and soul to the defense, leaving him super beloved despite the limited accolades.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | 8 |
| Awards | 8 |
| Playoff success | 8 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 6 |
| Health | 6 |
| Franchise records | 6 |
| Cultural impact | 10 |
| Retirement honors | 5.5 |
| Total | 67.5 |
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12. Mike Vrabel (2001-2008)
Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images
Accolades: 8 seasons, 1 Pro Bowl, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Mike Vrabel doesn’t have a lot of stellar tangible credentials, but he’s on here for his massive heart and leadership contributions for the first half of the Patriots’ Super Bowl dynasty. He was a great linebacker who could do everything, even crossover and catch key TDs from Tom Brady as a tight end.
Place in Patriots history: Vrabel’s football smarts were evident on and off the field, and he also took that into his tenures with the Steelers and Chiefs surrounding his time in New England. He proved quickly that acumen made him worthy of being an NFL head coach and Belichick’s delayed successor after his Titans breakup.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 6 |
| Stats | 7 |
| Awards | 6 |
| Playoff success | 10 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 10 |
| Health | 7 |
| Franchise records | 4 |
| Cultural impact | 9 |
| Retirement honors | 9 |
| Total | 68 |
MORE: Why did the Patriots hire Mike Vrabel? New England brings former Titans coach home
11. Julian Edelman (2009-2020)
Accolades: 12 seasons, 3-time Super Bowl champion, 1-time Super Bowl MVP
Why he made SN’s list: Julian Edelman ended up being Tom Brady’s top wide receiver over the years as others such as Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Deion Branch, David Patten and Danny Amendola either didn’t last as long or have the same consistent impact from the slot (and elsewhere) as a lifelong Patriot.
Place in Patriots history: Edelman had a modest regular-season career in New England, but he really took off in the playoffs when it counted the most — the second-half dynasty offensive version of Mike Vrabel, where the accolades don’t do his importance to the franchise justice.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | 9 |
| Awards | 7 |
| Playoff success | 9 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 6 |
| Franchise records | 8 |
| Cultural impact | 8 |
| Retirement honors | 6 |
| Total | 71 |
MORE: Julian Edelman’s Hall of Fame case isn’t as crazy as you think
10. Logan Mankins (2005-2013)
Accolades: 9 seasons, 6 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro
Why he made SN’s list: Logan Mankins has a fair Hall of Fame case as Tom Brady’s longtime blocking teammate at guard. He was a consistent first-round pedigreed performer from Fresno State after being drafted.
Place in Patriots history: Brady might not have too much Canton company from the Bill Belichick dynasty, but Mankins may get there as the team’s second-best offensive lineman.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | N/A |
| Awards | 9 |
| Playoff success | 9.5 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 10 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 9 |
| Cultural impact | 8 |
| Retirement honors | 9 |
| Total | 72.5 |
MORE: Logan Mankins retires from NFL after 11 seasons
9. Willie McGinest (1994-2005)
Accolades: 12 seasons, 2 Pro Bowls, 3-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Because of Bill Belichick’s defensive scheming intelligence, he had a sharp eye for finding the most disruptive, versatile players. Willie McGinest also fit that bill, delivering as the No. 4 overall pick in 1994 once he got the right coach and complementary QB.
Place in Patriots history: McGinest was a productive pass-rusher and tended to save his best for clutch moments and the biggest playoff games, including his four Super Bowls.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 9 |
| Stats | 9 |
| Awards | 6 |
| Playoff success | 9 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 9 |
| Health | 9 |
| Franchise records | 9 |
| Cultural impact | 6 |
| Retirement honors | 7 |
| Total | 73 |
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8. Vinee Wilfork (2004-2014)
Accolades: 11 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: The 2004 first-round nose tackle for Miami became beloved early for his blocker-eating ways, disrupting plenty of plays with great athleticism for his 6-foot-2, 325-pound frame.
Place in Patriots history: Vince Wilfork, pun intended, remains a massive presence in New England lore, just beyond Richard Seymour at his position.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | 6 |
| Awards | 8 |
| Playoff success | 9 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 9 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 6 |
| Cultural impact | 9 |
| Retirement honors | 9 |
| Total | 74 |
MORE: The 10 most shocking NFL Draft slides of all time
7. Andre Tippett (1982-1993)
Accolades: 12 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time co-NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Why he made SN’s list: Andre Tippett missed out on the Bill Belichick dynasty as a defender, but he was there to produce in the 1980s and lead the Patriots to Super Bowl 20. The Hall of Famer was menacing after being stolen in the second round of the 1982 draft out of Iowa, recording 100 sacks in 131 regular-season games.
Place in Patriots history: Tippett put the Patriots on the map during his time as a star linebacker who often got to the quarterback as one of the AFC’s best-known defenders. He is their best-ever second-level player.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 9 |
| Stats | 9 |
| Awards | 9 |
| Playoff success | 6 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 9 |
| Cultural impact | 8 |
| Retirement honors | 9 |
| Total | 75 |
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6. Richard Seymour (2001-2008)
Accolades: 8 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Richard Seymour stands out in a sea of great front seven players from the Bill Belichick era as a Hall of Famer, never letting up on the immense pass-rushing production from defensive tackle as the worthy No. 6 overall pick in 2001. That pick was critical for Belichick finding his early disruptive centerpiece.
Place in Patriots history: Seymour ended up finishing his career well with the Raiders, but this classy havoc-wreaker will always been seen as a big-time Patriot first.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 8 |
| Awards | 10 |
| Playoff success | 9 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 9 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 7 |
| Cultural impact | 9 |
| Retirement honors | 10 |
| Total | 78 |
MORE: The 10 most shocking NFL Draft slides of all time
5. Mike Haynes (1976-1982)
Accolades: 7 seasons, 6 Pro Bowls, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Why he made SN’s list: This is one of two Hall of Fame cornerbacks to make the cut, and Mike Haynes just might be worthy of being on the Raiders’ list, too, with 7 more seasons playing for that team. As a shutdown cover man with great size (6-foot-2, 192 pounds), the 1976 No. 5 overall pick from Arizona State recorded 28 regular-season interceptions while with New England.
Place in Patriots history: Haynes was so good in his entire Patriots tenure that he had to crack the top five, even with big move to the Raiders during his prime.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 9 |
| Awards | 9 |
| Playoff success | 8 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 10 |
| Health | 9 |
| Franchise records | 6 |
| Cultural impact | 9 |
| Retirement honors | 9.5 |
| Total | 78.5 |
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4. Ty Law (1995-2004)
Accolades: 10 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL interceptions leader, 3-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Ty Law was huge in physical coverage for Bill Belichick to the point he was critical in the big upset over the Rams in Super Bowl 36. He ended up tying for the franchise lead in interceptions with 36. The No. 23 overall pick out of Michigan in 1995 joined Brady as a key Wolverine attached to the dynastic turnaround.
Place in Patriots history: Law’s playmaking and coverage skills were good enough over a decade to vault him over Haynes and land him in Canton, too. It’s impressive on this team in particular to be its best-ever defensive player.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | 9 |
| Awards | 8 |
| Playoff success | 9 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 9 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 9 |
| Cultural impact | 7 |
| Retirement honors | 10 |
| Total | 79 |
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3. John Hannah (1973-1985)
Accolades: 13 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 7-time first-team All-Pro
Why he made SN’s list: John Hannah has had few challengers to his throne as the best all-around blocking offensive lineman in NFL history, starring as a dominant guard for a decade-plus after being taken No. 4 overall out of Alabama in 1973. He was mountainous and athletic at the time at 6-foot-2, 265 pounds, moving blocking boulders out of his way with tremendous strength.
Place in Patriots history: Despite a lot of stars across positions coming and going since his old-school offensive line heyday, only two players have been able to do enough as skill players to be ahead of him all-time.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | N/A |
| Awards | 10 |
| Playoff success | 9.5 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 10 |
| Health | 10 |
| Franchise records | 10 |
| Cultural impact | 10 |
| Retirement honors | 10 |
| Total | 79.5 |
MORE: Who are the oldest players drafted in NFL history?
2. Rob Gronkowski (2010-2018)
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Accolades: 9 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL receiving TDs leader, 1-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year, 4-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Rob Gronkowski spiked the competition as one of the most intimidating and dangerous downfield receiving tight ends in NFL history — a rare blend of size, athleticism and soft hands. He ended up as Tom Brady’s favorite clutch target and battled through injuries to have some monster seasons that hold up vs. top wide receivers.
Place in Patriots history: If Brady is the easy best Patriot of all time, Gronk might have the massive edge as the most fun-loving as he was beloved for his larger-than-life personality and hard work on and off the field.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 9 |
| Stats | 10 |
| Awards | 8 |
| Playoff success | 10 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 10 |
| Health | 5.5 |
| Franchise records | 9 |
| Cultural impact | 10 |
| Retirement honors | 9 |
| Total | 80.5 |
MORE: Rob Gronkowski retires (again) from NFL: Why former Patriots tight end called it a career
1. Tom Brady (2000-2019)
Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Accolades: 20 seasons, 14 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time NFL MVP, 2-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 1-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year, 4-time Super Bowl MVP, 6-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: The GOAT quarterback would be the universal No. 1 had he played for another team and had this type of his consistent big-winning career with stats, longevity and championships. Tom Brady might be challenged for that leaguewide spot soon by Patrick Mahomes, but he even stands out against era legends Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. Brady will go down for a while as the best, most clutch pocket passer.
Place in Patriots history: Brady did make a few New Englanders upset by how he ended his career with Tampa Bay and got another team a Super Bowl ring. But he also gave the organization two decades of elite passing play, with little decline and age-defying performances through an extended prime. Anything related to Deflategate or his departure aren’t deleted from memory, but there’s no doubt all those rings and records far outweigh any controversy. Brady is back to being beloved like he once was, and he continues to further stamp his career with his prominent presence on national TV broadcasts.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | 10 |
| Awards | 10 |
| Playoff success | 10 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 10 |
| Health | 9 |
| Franchise records | 10 |
| Cultural impact | 10 |
| Retirement honors | 10 |
| Total | 89 |
MORE: Tom Brady vs. Patrick Mahomes: Key stats you need to know in the NFL’s GOAT debate
