The New England Patriots have become the NFL's model franchise since winning their first Super Bowl in 2001, but their rich history expands long before their recent successful run. Here are the best players in Patriots history:
8) LB Tedy Bruschi
Bruschi was an excellent player for the Patriots during his 13-year career, and he was the unquestioned leader of their defense during New England's first three Super Bowl runs.
7) WR Randy Moss
Yes, Moss only played three seasons in New England, but they were the most prolific seasons in franchise history. He had the best year in NFL history in 2007 when he caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and an NFL-record 23 touchdowns.
6) CB Ty Law
Law holds the franchise record for career interceptions (36) and made eight Pro Bowls in his 10 seasons in New England. He also was a vital part of their first three championship teams.
5) CB Mike Haynes
Haynes made the Pro Bowl in six of his seven years with the team despite opponents rarely throwing the ball his way. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 1997.
4) WR Stanley Morgan
Morgan is the franchise leader in receiving yards (10,352), yards per catch (19.4) and touchdowns (67), and is second in receptions. His 13 years in New England resulted in four Pro Bowls and is in the Patriots Hall of Fame.
3) G John Hannah
Hannah made nine Pro Bowls in all 13 seasons of his career with New England. Until Tom Brady took over, Hannah was known as the most reliable Patriot in team history.
2) OLB Andre Tippett
Tippett holds the franchise record for career sacks (100) and fumble recoveries (19), which paved they way for his introduction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
He played 11 seasons with the Patriots and was named an All-Pro twice. He recorded a franchise record 18.5 sacks in 1984, arguably the best season by a Patriots defender ever.
1) QB Tom Brady
This one's pretty self explanatory. All four of New England's Super Bowl titles can be linked directly to Brady, who's the biggest reason behind the Patriots' longstanding success.
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