Toucher & Hardy

Toucher & Hardy

Toucher & Hardy

The New England Patriots, a team steeped in history and celebrated for its consistent success, have left an enduring mark on football. Since its inception in 1959, the team has been a source of immense pride and passion for its devoted fanbase. With wealth of Super Bowl appearances and championships, the Patriots’ legacy is deeply entrenched in the annals of the sport.

In the course of their illustrious history, the Patriots have been graced by a parade of exceptional players who proudly sported the iconic blue, red, and white jerseys. Among these legends, a select few shine brightly as paragons of excellence, their contributions etching their names into the very essence of the team’s identity.

In the 1960s, Gino Cappelletti, known as “Mr. Patriot,” showcased the team’s spirit with his standout career as a wide receiver, including 5 all-star selections, 5 AFL scoring titles, 4 second-team All-AFL selections, and the 1964 league MVP award. He became a symbol of that era when inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1992. Mike Haynes, a defensive cornerstone, earned 9 Pro Bowl selections, 6 second-team All-Pro honors, and 2 first-team All-Pro honors as a cornerback, going on to be part of the NFL’s 100th-anniversary team and entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997. Andre Tippett, a formidable linebacker, marked his 12-year Patriots tenure with 100 career sacks, a two-year sack record of 35, and the 1985 Defensive Player of the Year title. His impact endures as the Executive Director of Community Affairs and a local youth football team coach, solidifying his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

These revered players, among a constellation of others, have collectively molded the Patriots into a formidable force, forging a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire football enthusiasts across the globe. As the Patriots retired their jersey numbers, they not only honored these players’ extraordinary accomplishments but also celebrated the unwavering spirit that defines the essence of this storied franchise.

HERE’S THE FULL LIST OF JERSEY NUMBERS RETIRED BY THE PATRIOTS:

  • Gino Cappelletti: 20

    Gino Gappelletti at a Patriots Hall of Fame induction. (Courtesy of the New England Patriots)

    Gino Gappelletti at a Patriots Hall of Fame induction. (Courtesy of the New England Patriots)

    Known as “Mr. Patriot,” Gino Cappelletti was a prominent wide receiver in the 1960s, earning 5 all-star selections, 5 AFL scoring titles, 4 second-team All-AFL selections, and the league MVP award in 1964. He was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1992.

  • Mike Haynes: 40

    mike haynes

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 03: SiriusXM host and NFL Hall of Fame QB Fran Tarkenton (R) broadcasts live from Radio Row during Super Bowl XLVI Week in Indianapolis with guest Mike Haynes at the JW Marriott on February 3, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

    With a remarkable career, Mike Haynes achieved 9 Pro Bowl selections, 6 second-team All-Pro honors, and 2 first-team All-Pro honors as a Patriots cornerback. Part of the NFL’s 100th-anniversary team, he entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

  • Andre Tippett: 56

    Andre Tippett

    CANTON, OH – AUGUST 2: Andre Tippett of the New England Patriots salutes fans during the Class of 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on August 2, 2008 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

    Outstanding linebacker Andre Tippett enjoyed a remarkable 12-year NFL career with the Patriots, garnering 100 career sacks and holding a two-year sack record of 35. He earned accolades including the 1985 Defensive Player of the Year and currently serves as the Executive Director of Community Affairs for the Patriots. He’s also a Pro Football Hall of Famer and coaches a local youth football team.

  • Steve Nelson: 57

    Gillette

    FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 28: A general view of Gillette Stadium before the game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots on December 28, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

    Recognized as a top tackler for the Patriots, Steve Nelson led the team in tackles for 8 of his 14 seasons and earned 3 Pro Bowl selections, one first-team All-Pro selection, and one second-team All-Pro selection. He entered the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993.

  • John Hannah: 73

    John Hannah

    CANTON, OH – AUGUST 2: Andre Tippett, John Hannah (center) and owner Robert Kraft (right) of the New England Patriots pose with Tippett’s bust after his induction during the Class of 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on August 2, 2008 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

    Considered among the greatest guards in NFL history, John Hannah amassed an illustrious career with 7 first-team All-Pro selections, 3 second-team All-Pro selections, and 9 Pro Bowl selections. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991 and was also chosen for the NFL’s 100th-anniversary team.

  • Bruce Armstrong: 78

    Bruce Armstrong

    25 Oct 1998: Tackle Bruce Armstrong #78 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Miami Dolphins at the Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 12-9.

    Throughout his 13-year career, Bruce Armstrong proved to be a dependable offensive tackle with 3 second-team All-Pro selections and 6 Pro Bowl selections. Remaining loyal to the Patriots, he was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2001.

  • Jim Lee Hunt: 79

    Gillette Stadium

    FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 04: A general view during the first half of the game between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

    Known as “Earthquake,” Jim Lee Hunt was a disruptive defensive tackle in the 1960s, securing 4 AFL All-Star selections and 4 second-team All-Pro selections during his 10-year career with the Patriots. He joined the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993.

  • Bob Dee: 89

    Gillette Stadium

    FOXBOROUGH, MA – OCTOBER 04: A general view before the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

    Achieving 4 AFL All-Star selections and 4 second-team All-Pro selections, Bob Dee notably scored the AFL’s first points by recovering a fumble for a touchdown in 1960. Despite being a 19th-round pick in 1955, he defied expectations and entered the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993.

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