Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay just ranked the top 10 New England Patriots players of all time. Here’s what Kay came up with:
10. WR/ST Matthew Slater (2008-2023)
9. K Adam Vinatieri (1996-2005)
8. WR Julian Edelman (2009-2020)
7. DL Vince Wilfork (2004-2014)
6. DL Richard Seymour (2001-2008)
5. LB Andre Tippett (1982-1993)
4. CB Mike Haynes (1976-1982)
3. TE Rob Gronkowski (2010-2018)
2. OG John Hannah (1973-1985)
1. QB Tom Brady (2000-2019)
Some of these names are indisputable, even if their positioning on the list is up for debate. Outside of Brady at No. 1, there’s plenty of different variations you could go with.
There are some notable snubs from Kay’s list, including Randy Moss, Rodney Harrison, Wes Welker, Tedy Bruschi, and Ty Law.
Even guys like Logan Mankins and Devin McCourty deserve some love here.
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It’s difficult to narrow a list down to 10 players, considering all of the success that the Patriots have experienced.
Over the past 25-30 years (roughly 1995–2025), the Patriots transformed from a mediocre franchise into the NFL’s most dominant dynasty, largely under owner Robert Kraft (since 1994), coach Bill Belichick (2000–2023), and Brady.
They won 6 Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII), tying the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most in NFL history, with a record 12 Super Bowl appearances (including the current one). The Brady-Belichick era featured unparalleled consistency: 16 AFC East titles, multiple 12+ win seasons, the only 16-0 regular season (2007), and iconic moments like the 28-3 comeback in Super Bowl LI.
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Post-Brady struggles followed until a glorious resurgence this season.
Featured image via Robert Deutsch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
