Established in 1959, the New England Patriots have been dominating the NFL scene in recent years.

As of 2022, they hold the record for the most Super Bowl wins (6 tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers), the most Super Bowl appearances (11), and the most losses (5 tied with the Denver Broncos).

This incredible track record has made them increasingly popular in the NFL lines as everyone expects them to perform well.

Most of their amazing performances can be thanks to the players on the team. In this article, we cover the 10 best players to have ever been a part of the New England Patriots.

1. Tom Brady

Brady was a quarterback for the Patriots from 2000 to 2019. He was selected by the Patriots as their 199th pick in the 6th round and would go on to be their best player.

The Belichick-Brady era is considered to be one of the greatest in football and Brady played a huge part in the Patriots’ success between 2001 and 2019.

He became the Patriots’ starter in his second season and helped them win their first Super Bowl. He would then go on to help them achieve all 6 of their Super Bowl wins. Brady would go on to win his 7th Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 when he chose not to re-sign with the Patriots.

Throughout his career, Brady was named Super Bowl MVP 5 times, NFL MVP 3 times, and Pro Bowler 15 times. He would also be honored to the NFL 100th Anniversary Team.

2. John Hannah

Hannah played guard with the Patriots throughout his whole football career from 1973 to 1985. In his final year with them, he helped the Patriots get their first Super Bowl appearance and then in 1991 became the first Patriot inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He was named First-Team All-Pro 7 times and Pro Bowler 9 times and is considered one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time. He was later named to the NFL 100th Anniversary Team.

3. Rob Gronkowski

Gronkowski is one of the greatest tight ends of all time and played for the Patriots from 2010 to 2018. He won 3 Super Bowls with the Patriots and then 1 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. His trade to the Buccaneers in 2020 also reunited him with another famous Patriot, Tom Brady.

After achieving 5 Pro Bowls and being named to the NFL 100th Anniversary Team, Gronkowski retired in 2022.

4. Andre Tippett

Tippett was an outside linebacker from 1982 to 1993. Throughout his career, he was named Pro Bowler 7 times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

As of 2007, Tippett is the Patriots’ Executive Director of Community Affairs.

5. Ty Law

Law was a cornerback for the Patriots from 1995 to 2004. He would then also play for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Denver Broncos before retiring in 2009.

He is a three-time Super Bowl champion and was named Pro Bowler 5 times, 4 of which were with the Patriots. In 2019 he would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

6. Mike Haynes

Haynes was a cornerback for the Patriots from 1976 to 1982. He would later be a part of the Los Angeles Raiders between 1983 and 1989 and would win his only Super Bowl with them.

Haynes was an outstanding punt returner achieving 9 Pro Bowls in his career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997 and was named to the 100th Anniversary team.

7. Richard Seymour

Seymour played for the Patriots from 2001 to 2008 and then the Oakland Raiders until his retirement in 2012. He was considered one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL during his career.

He won 3 Super Bowls, was named Pro Bowler 7 times, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

8. Vince Wilfork

Wilfork was a nose tackle for 10 years from 2004. He is considered one of the greatest defensive tackles and won 2 Super Bowls and was named Pro Bowler 5 times.

He played his final 2 seasons with the Houston Texans.

9. Logan Mankins

Mankins was a guard from 2005 to 2013 and appeared at the Super Bowl twice. He would be named Pro Bowler 7 times and play his final 2 seasons with the Buccaneers.

10. Wes Welker

Welker is considered one of the greatest undrafted players of all time and played wide receiver for the Patriots from 2007 to 2012.

He got 5 Pro Bowls, all with the Patriots, and currently holds the NFL record for longest receiving touchdown at 99 yards.

Final Thoughts

It is no surprise to anyone that Tom Brady is considered to be the best Patriot of all time, but each of these players has left a lasting impression on the team.

Their impact on football cannot be overstated with them all helping to make the New England Patriots one of the best teams in the NFL.