Steve Nelson
A 2nd-round draft pick out of North Dakota State in 1974. Played 14 seasons for the New England Patriots and was a major part of the 1985 Patriots team that won the AFC Title and faced the 85 Bears in Super Bowl XX. Retired in 1987.
John Hannah NFL Hall of Fame
LC Greenwood & Jack Lambert of the Steelers Defense
Joe Kapp Boston Patriots
Joe Kapp joined the Boston Patriots for the 1970 NFL Season, his last season in the NFL.
Babe Parilli sets up to Pass against the Houston Oilers in 1964
You can check out pictures from the game at Talesfromthe AFL.com
Steve Nelson 1983 New England Patriots Topps Card
1983 - his 10th year with the Patriots. In the strike shortened season of 8 games had an interception, a fumble recovery and a sack.
Harold Jackson Patriots Receiver
Sam Cunningham, John Hannah, Sam Adams & Bob McKay of the 1977 Patriots
The top Patriots runner of 1977 - Sam Cunningham gets behind his offensive line of John Hannah (#73), Sam Adams (#61) & Bob McKay (#66) of the 1977 Patriots. Cunningham gained 1015 yards and the Patriots had the 6th best rushing offense in the league.
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
Sam Cunningham NFL Patriots
John Hannah | 1981 Sports Illustrated Cover
Here honored on the cover on the August 3, 1981 issue of Sports Illustrated. By 1981 he was considered one the NFL elite offensive lineman with 5 consecutive All Pro Team selections. In his 13-year career with the Patriots he started 183 games and 7 All-Pro Teams.
Floyd Little follows a blocker against the Patriots
Broncos runner Floyd Little gets behind George Goeddeke (#67) as he makes yardage against the Boston Patriots defense. Pictured for the patriots are Larry Eisenhauer (#72), Jim Cheyunski (#50) and Houston Antwine (#65).
Julius Adams
Chosen by New England with their second pick of the 1971 draft he played a total of 15 seasons and 206 games for the Patriots. Ranks #3 for Patriots Most Games Played in a Career. Made the Pro bowl in 1980. Officially recorded 19½ sacks but unofficially is the #2 All-Time Sacks Leader with 79½ sacks.
Jim Plunkett, the Patriots 1st Round Pick of 1971
The First player chosen in the 1971 NFL Draft - Jim Plunkett of Stanford, went to the struggling New England Patriots and stayed with them 5 seasons until moving on. He would eventually end up leading the Oakland Raiders not once but twice to Super Bowl victories in the 80s.
John Hannah Lead Blocks for Patriots Runner Horace Ivory
The 1st round pick out of Alabama played 13 seasons in New England making 9 Pro Bowls and 7 All-Pro Teams in that time. Here he pulls out leading the way for patriots runner Horace Ivory.
Tony Sardisco Boston Patriots 1962 Fleer Card
His 1962 Boston Patriots Fleer card.
Babe Parilli Boston Patriots AFL
Babe Parilli, Quarterback 1952-1968
Jim Plunkett 1973 New England Patriots
The Patriots Quarterback of the early 1970s. After winning the Heisman in 1970 the star of Stanford was New England's 1st-round pick in 1971. At the time the Patriots were not a good team and his time there was a struggle.
Tony Sardisco Boston Patriots 1960-1962
The Captain of the Boston Patriots Inaugural Team in 1960 he was named to the AFL's All League in 1961.
Steve Nelson
Inducted into the Patriot Hall of Fame in 1993 Nelson played 14 seasons for New England. He is credited with 1,776 tackles in his career. Led the team in tackles 9 different seasons including an "Unofficial" tally of 207 tackles in 1984. Made the NFL Pro Bowl in 1980, 1984 and in 1985 when he was a major contributor on the Pats team that played in Super Bowl XX.
Mike Haynes
New England Patriots Hall of Fame Defensive Back Mike Haynes
Steve Nelson
A 2nd-round draft pick out of North Dakota State in 1974. Played 14 seasons for the New England Patriots and was a major part of the 1985 Patriots team that won the AFC Title and faced the 85 Bears in Super Bowl XX. Retired in 1987.
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
Andre Tippett takes down Bears Receiver Dennis McKinnon
The Hall of Famer of the Patriots brings Bears receiver Dennis McKinnon to the ground.
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
Greg Pruitt Browns & Ron Bolton of the Patriots
The Browns Greg Pruitt (#34) has a step on the Patriots Ron Bolton (#27) as he breaks into the open field. Pruitt was the Browns leading rusher in 1974 as well the leading kick returner. He was the league's #4 leading All Purpose Yardage gainer as well.
Manny Fernandez, Dolphins & Jim Plunkett, Patriots
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
NE Patriots Sam Cunningham
Mike Haynes
New England Patriots Hall of Fame Defensive Back Mike Haynes
John Gilliam Saints vs Boston Patriots 1968 AFL/NFL Preseason
Early AFL/NFL Inter League preseason action. Second-year receiver John Gilliam of the Saints battles for a pass against Jay Cunningham of the Boston Patriots in this picture from 1968.
Andre Tippett Rushing Jim Kelly
Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker forces the issue with Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly
Julius Adams
Chosen by New England with their second pick of the 1971 draft he played a total of 15 seasons and 206 games for the Patriots. Ranks #3 for Patriots Most Games Played in a Career. Made the Pro bowl in 1980. Officially recorded 19½ sacks but unofficially is the #2 All-Time Sacks Leader with 79½ sacks.
John Hannah
andre-tippett-linebacker-patriots
The Oilers Robert Brazile and the Patriots Russ Francis
2 of the NFL's stars of the late 1970s lock up on the football field - Linbbacker Robert Brazile of the Oilers and Tight End Russ Francis of the Patriots.
Sam Cunningham Runs through Raiders Defense
Steve Nelson
A 2nd-round draft pick out of North Dakota State in 1974. Played 14 seasons for the New England Patriots and was a major part of the 1985 Patriots team that won the AFC Title and faced the 85 Bears in Super Bowl XX. Retired in 1987.
Drew Bledsoe, New England Patriots Quarterback
Led the Patriots to an AFC Title in 1996.
Joe Kapp
KappJoe16
Mike Haynes 1983 New England Patriots Topps Football Card #332 Pro Bowl
While this card has him with the Patriots, he actually held out and joined the LA Raiders at the end of 1983. Ended up as the Raiders starter throughout the last 5 games and through the playoffs. During Super Bowl XVIII was a major contributor to The Raiders win over the Redskins. Washington managed only 5 pass completions to their wide receivers the whole game.
Julius Adams
Chosen by New England with their second pick of the 1971 draft he played a total of 15 seasons and 206 games for the Patriots. Ranks #3 for Patriots Most Games Played in a Career. Made the Pro bowl in 1980. Officially recorded 19½ sacks but unofficially is the #2 All-Time Sacks Leader with 79½ sacks.
Jim Plunkett 1973 New England Patriots Topps Football Card #355
Jim Plunkett on his 1973 Topps card - 1973 turned out to be a good season for him numbers wise - he started all 14 games, completed over 51% of his passes and threw for 2550 yards and 13 touchdowns, but the Patriots continued to struggle as a team winning only 5 games.
John Hannah 1983 New England Patriots Topps NFL Football Card #330
His 11th season with the Patriots - Started all 16 games in 1983 and was named to the Associated Press All Pro Team
Babe Parilli
Babe Parilli, Quarterback 1952-1968
Jim Plunkett 1975 New England Patriots Topps NFL Football Trading Card #321
Hampered by injuries, Jim Plunkett ended up watching rookie Steve Grogan guide the Patriots offense most of the 1975 NFL season. It would be Plunkett's 5th and final season in New England.
The Chargers Ernie Ladd & Earl Faison close in on the Patriots Ron Burton in 1962 AFL
Early AFL action between San Diego and Boston - Ernie Ladd (#77) and Earl Faison (#86) of the Chargers close in on Boston runner Ron Burton (#22).
Andre Tippett New England Patriots
The Patriots All-Time Sack Leader - 12 seasons, 151 games, 100 sacks
Joe Kapp, Boston Patriots 1970
Patriots QB Joe Kapp gets some help from guard Mike Montler (#64) in 1970. After leading the Vikings to the Super Bowl the previous season Kapp joined Boston and stayed for 1 season.
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
NFL Linebacker Andre Tippett
Patriots All-Pro Guard John Hannah
The Patriots 1st round pick in 1973. Played 13 seasons, 183 games, 9 Pro Bowl Seasons and 7 All-Pro 1st-Team selections.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
Paul Warfield of the Dolphins and John Outlaw of the Patriots Battle for the Football
Paul Warfield & John Outlaw battle for ball in early 1970s Dolphins-Patriots clash. Warfield joined the Dolphins in 1970 and by the time when he left in 1974 he had established himself as the Dolphins franchise top receiver.
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
Julius Adams 1983 New England Patriots Topps Football Card
His 10th season with the Patriots. Was second on the team with 8 sacks.
John Hannah New England Patriots
Selected to a Patriots team record of 10 consecutive NFL All-Pro teams.
Babe Parilli Passes Behind Boston Patriot O-line
Sam Cunningham, Patriots
Nick Buoniconti of the Boston Patriots wraps up Jets Runner Bill Mathis
Some AFL Football. New York Jets runner Bill Mathis (#31) is wrapped up by Nick Buoniconti (#85) of the Boston Patriots.
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
Patriots Sam Cunningham
Jim Plunkett
John Hannah Patriots Lineman
Julius Adams
Chosen by New England with their second pick of the 1971 draft he played a total of 15 seasons and 206 games for the Patriots. Ranks #3 for Patriots Most Games Played in a Career. Made the Pro bowl in 1980. Officially recorded 19½ sacks but unofficially is the #2 All-Time Sacks Leader with 79½ sacks.
Andre Tippett 1984 New England Patriots Topps Football Card #184
1984 saw Andre Tippett with the first of his 5 Pro Bowl selections he would have during his 11-year career. Here is his Topps card from that season. He was also second in the league with 18½ sacks.
Julius Adams
The long-time defensive leader of the Patriots closes in on Houston Oiler great Earl Campbell
John Hannah 1984 New England Patriots Topps Football Card #137
The Hall of Famer's 1984 Topps card reflected his Pro Bowl selection from the previous season. In 1984 (his 12th year in the NFL), he repeated as a Pro Bowler for the 7th straight time.
Steve Nelson Game Day Cover November 30, 1986
Steve Nelson on the cover of Gameday Magazine in November of 1986.
Jim Nance Carries Against Saints | 1968 Preseason
In 1968 Exhibition action against the New Orleans Saints. Les Kelly (#30) hangs on while Dave Whitsell (#23) moves in.
Steve Nelson
A 2nd-round draft pick out of North Dakota State in 1974. Played 14 seasons for the New England Patriots and was a major part of the 1985 Patriots team that won the AFC Title and faced the 85 Bears in Super Bowl XX. Retired in 1987.
Sam Cunningham, Andy Johnson of the Patriots and Jack Tatum of the Raiders
Pariots runner Sam Cunningham goes up an over behind the blocking of Andy Johnson (#32) as Raiders hit-man Jack Tatum moves in.
Patriots Linebacker Steve Nelson
3-time Pro Bowl Linebacker Steve Nelson (#57) and Free Safety Tim Fox (#48) stop a Baltimore Colts runner in his tracks.
Terry Allen
Babe Parilli Boston Patriots Quarterback - 1961-1967
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
Steve Nelson
A 2nd-round draft pick out of North Dakota State in 1974. Played 14 seasons for the New England Patriots and was a major part of the 1985 Patriots team that won the AFC Title and faced the 85 Bears in Super Bowl XX. Retired in 1987.
Julius Adams 1979 New England Patriot Topps NFL Football Trading Card #242
His 1979 Topps card. Had 7 starts and accounted for 49½ tackles, 13 QB pressures and a fumble . . . his best day was a six tackle effort vs. Denver
Nick Buoniconti
13th round draft pick of the Boston Patriots in 1963 from Notre Dame. Played 14 years between the Patriots and the Miami Dolphins - won 2 Super Bowls with the Dolphins. Named to the AFL All-Star team 6 times and the NFL Pro Bowl twice. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.
Don Maynard - New York Titans
Don Maynard of the New York Titans has his helmet removed in an early AFL game against the Boston Patriots.
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
Mike Garrett of the Chiefs gets away from Boston's Ron Hall
Heisman Award winner Mike Garrett (#21) eludes Boston's Ron Hall (#23). Garrett averaged 5.4 yards a carry his Rookie season with the Chiefs in 1966. Longtime Patriot Don Webb (#42) is in the background.
Rookie Sam "Bam" Cunningham scores against Kansas City in 1973
Sam "Bam" Cunningham goes up and over Kansas City Chiefs veteran safety Jim Kearney (#46) to score in 1973. Cunningham was the Patriot's leading rusher as a rookie in 1973 with 516 yards on the ground.
Julius Adams puts pressure on Joe Namath in 1975
Patriots lineman Juluis Adams (#85) puts the heat on Jets QB Joe Namath. Adams played his entire 16-year NFL career in New England. Made the Pro Bowl as a back-up in 1980. Credited with 80½ sacks "unofficially". That would put him at #2 on the Patriots All Time Sack Leader List.
Boston Patriot All League Tony Sardisco
Originally a 6th round draft pick from Tulane by the San Francisco 49ers inn 1956. He was traded to Washington during his rookie season and left football to serve in the Air Force, where he played for the football team there. He spent 1 season in the Canadian League before joining the Boston Patriots and the fledgling American Football League in 1960. He stayed wit the Patriots until 1962.
Andre Tippett 1992 New England Patriots Pro Set NFL Football Trading Card #250
Nearing the end of his career this 1992 Pro Set card marked his 11th of 12 seasons he spent with the Patriots. Started al 14 games and had 7 sacks.
Steve Nelson
A 2nd-round draft pick out of North Dakota State in 1974. Played 14 seasons for the New England Patriots and was a major part of the 1985 Patriots team that won the AFC Title and faced the 85 Bears in Super Bowl XX. Retired in 1987.
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
Jim Nance
Graduate of Syracuse was drafted in the 19th round by Boston in the 1965 AFL draft. Led the AFL in rushing 1966 and 1967. Finished with 5401 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career when he retired in 1972.
Nick Buoniconti in 1962 as a Boston Patriots Rookie
A rookie out of Notre Dame with the 1962 Boston Patriots. He started 13 of 14 games that season and went on to have a 14-year Hall of Fame career with the Patriots and Dolphins.
Lionel Taylor Denver Broncos vs Boston Patriots 1960 AFL
From opening year of AFL play. 1960 contest between Denver and Boston. Broncos receiver Lionel Taylor picks up yards after a catch. Patriots cornerback Clyde Washington #31) moves up to make the stop. Also pictured are former Packer Al Carmichael #40 of the Broncos and in the background is rookie Patriot Gino Cappelletti #20.
Drew Bledsoe
His numbers with the Patriots:
124 Games Played
63 Victories
4518 Attempts
2544 Completions
56.3% Completion Percentage
29367 Yrads Passing
166 Touchdowns
138 Interceptions
3 Pro Bowls
6-Times NFL Player of the Week
Patriots QB Drew Bledsoe
The 1992 Pac-10 Player of the Year, he was the 1st player chosen in the 1993 draft by the New England Patriots. He played 9 seasons for the Patriots passing for almost 30,000 yards and 166 touchdowns. A 3-Time Pro Bowler he led the league in passing yards in 1993 with 4555.
Mike Curtis of the Colts makes his move as Jim Plunkett takes the snap
The second the ball is snapped and the play develops Colts linebacker Mike Curtis (#32) reacts to Patriots Jim Plunkett (#16). Colts-Patriots action from 1973.
Andre Tippett 1988 New England Patriots Topps All Pro Football Card #186
His 1988 Topps card reflecting his selection as a 1987 All Pro. Made the Pro Bowl for the 5th time in 1988.
NFL Linebacker Andre Tippett Hall of Fame
A sack of Jets QB Ken O'Brien
Andre Tippe of the Patriots Sacks Seahawks QB Dave Kreig
A takedown of Seahawks QB Dave Kreig. Tippett ended his career as the Patriots All-Time Team Leader with 100 sacks.
Jim Plunkett
Steve Nelson
A 2nd-round draft pick out of North Dakota State in 1974. Played 14 seasons for the New England Patriots and was a major part of the 1985 Patriots team that won the AFC Title and faced the 85 Bears in Super Bowl XX. Retired in 1987.
Boston Patriots Quarterback Babe Parilli in 1966 AFL
Andre Tippett Patriots
Andre Tippett Puts Pressure on Colts QB Jeff George
Colts quarterback Jeff George (#11) gets rid of the ball as Tippett sits between him and Colts runner Albert Bentley (#20).
Babe Parilli Upper Deck Card
The 15 year veteran is honored on a Special Edition Upper Deck Card.
Doug Flutie
Terry Allen
Steve Nelson
A 2nd-round draft pick out of North Dakota State in 1974. Played 14 seasons for the New England Patriots and was a major part of the 1985 Patriots team that won the AFC Title and faced the 85 Bears in Super Bowl XX. Retired in 1987.
Andre Tippett 1989 New England Patriots NFL Football Trading Card #196
His 1989 Topps card - missed season due to a shoulder injury suffered during the pre-season.
Boston Quarterback Babe Parilli Passes Against the Kansas City Defense
Babe Parilli of the 1962 Poston Patriots
The AFL #2 rated Quarterback in 1962 - The Patriots Babe Parilli.
Mike Haynes
New England Patriots Hall of Fame Defensive Back Mike Haynes
John Hannah Patriots All Pro Guard
The first Patriots player to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame that spent his entire career with New England.
Tom Addison Boston Patroits Bill Mathis New York Jets
Boston Patroits defenders Tom Addison and Bob Dee close in on New York Jets runner Bill Mathis
John Hannah
Houston Antwine, Defensive Lineman 1961-1972
Defensive Lineman 1961-1972
Tom Addison Patriots
Linebacker, Boston Patriots 1960-1967
Harold Jackson 1980 New England Patriots Topps Football Card #7
In 1980 Harold Jackson was entering his 13th season in the NFL and still playing a very competitive level. He was the Patriots #3 receiver with 35 catches. He averaged 21.1 yards a catch as well (737 yards, 5 TDs).
Nick Buoniconti 1965 Boston Patriots Topps AFL Football Trading Card #3
1965 Topps Card - Nick Buoniconti made the AFL All League Team for the second straight season. Started all 14 games for the Patriots.