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.
Tony Sardisco 1961 Boston Patriots Fleer AFL Football Trading Card #185
The former Tulane star joined the Patriots in 1960 and is shown here on his 1961 Fleer card. Listed as a linebacker he actually played guard and was selected to the AFL All League Team.
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.
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.
Sam Cunningham, Patriots
Doug Flutie
John Hannah NFL Hall of Fame
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.
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.
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 Plunkett, Patriots Quarterback
His win/loss record as the Patriots quarterback was 23 wins and 38 losses. But things would eventually get better.
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 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.
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.
Babe Parilli Boston Patriots AFL
Babe Parilli, Quarterback 1952-1968
Manny Fernandez, Dolphins & Jim Plunkett, Patriots
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).
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.
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 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.
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
Babe Parilli Boston Patriots Quarterback - 1961-1967
Jim Plunkett
NE Patriots Sam Cunningham
Julius Adams
The long-time defensive leader of the Patriots closes in on Houston Oiler great Earl Campbell
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.
Babe Parilli sets up to Pass against the Houston Oilers in 1964
You can check out pictures from the game at Talesfromthe AFL.com
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.
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 New England Patriots
The Patriots All-Time Sack Leader - 12 seasons, 151 games, 100 sacks
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.
John Hannah Patriots Lineman
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.
Jim Plunkett sacked by New Orleans Saints Defense
After playing for a struggling New England Patriots team for 5 years, Jim Plunkett spent 2 seasons in San Francisco where things didn't get much better. Between 1976 and 1977 he was sacked 56 times.
Keith Lincoln carries against the Boston Patriots in the 1963 AFL Championship
San Diego running back Keith Lincoln goes over the left-side in the 1963 AFL Championship game against Boston. Lincoln had a career game in the Chargers 51-10 romp of the Patriots as Lincoln rushed 13 times for 206 cards, caught 7 passes for another 123 yards and scored 2 touchdowns.
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.
Abner Haynes carries against the Boston Patriots in 1960
Rookie Texan Abner Haynes carries in the 34-0 win over the Boston Patriots in 1960. Haynes would lead the league with 875 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns. Lots of Old School names in this picture. In the background is Texans QB Hunter Enis from TCU while on the ground Patriots All-Star linebacker Tom Addison gets tangled up with fullback Jack Spikes and guard Sid Fournet. Patriot linemen Jim Lee Hunt and Bob Dee are in pursuit as end Max Boydston blocks. Hunt a rookie in 1960, remained active throughout the entire existence of the AFL.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Joe Kapp
KappJoe16
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 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.
Sam "Bam" Cunningham, NE Patriots Running Back
Archie Manning & Jim Plunkett's Rookie Season "They both took a good beating in 1971"
Archie Manning reflects on the similarities between him and Patriots Quarterback Jim Plunkett during the 1971 NFL season where both were NFL rookies.
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
Babe Parilli Upper Deck Card
The 15 year veteran is honored on a Special Edition Upper Deck Card.
Raymond Berry Patriots Head Coach
andre-tippett-linebacker-patriots
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.
John Hannah New England Patriots
Selected to a Patriots team record of 10 consecutive NFL All-Pro teams.
Babe Parilli
Babe Parilli, Quarterback 1952-1968
Tony Sardisco of the Patriots stops JD Smith of the Raiders in 1960
Early AFL action between the Patriots and Raiders - former Tulane star Tony Sardisco stops Raider JD Smith. Rookie Jim Otto can be seen wearing #50 at the far right.
Not exactly a sold-out crowd is it?
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.
John Hannah
Andre Tippett takes down Bears Receiver Dennis McKinnon
The Hall of Famer of the Patriots brings Bears receiver Dennis McKinnon to the ground.
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.
Patriots QB Jim Plunkett
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
Boston Patriots Quarterback Babe Parilli in 1966 AFL
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.
Jack Ham of the Steelers covering Russ Francis of the Patriots
Steelers linebacker Jack Ham in coverage on Patriots tight end Russ Francis.
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.
Jim Plunkett hands to Mack Herron, 1974 New England Patriots
Jim Plunkett hands off to the Patriots leading rusher in 1974 Mack Herron. In 1974, New England had one of their better seasons in many years - 7 wins, while touting one the NFL's most improved offenses. The Pats 4474 Total yards ranked 6th and their 289 points scored was 2nd.
Tom Addison Patriots
Linebacker, Boston Patriots 1960-1967
Steve Nelson Game Day Cover November 30, 1986
Steve Nelson on the cover of Gameday Magazine in November of 1986.
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.
Tony Sardisco 1962 Boston Patriots Fleer AFL Card
His 1962 Boston Patriots Fleer card and last season as a player.
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).
Jim Plunkett
Terry Allen
Jim Plunkett Patriots Quarterback in 1974
Patriots quarterback Jim Plunkett with his offense, around 1974.
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.
Mike Haynes
New England Patriots Hall of Fame Defensive Back Mike Haynes
Babe Parilli Passes Behind Boston Patriot O-line
Boston Quarterback Babe Parilli Passes Against the Kansas City Defense
Terry Allen
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.
Babe Parilli of the 1962 Poston Patriots
The AFL #2 rated Quarterback in 1962 - The Patriots Babe Parilli.
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.
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.
Sam Cunningham Runs through Raiders Defense
Mike Haynes
New England Patriots Hall of Fame Defensive Back Mike Haynes
Sam Cunningham, 1977 New England Patriots
The Patriots most productive player of 1977. Had 1385 Total Yards from Scrimmage -1015 rushing yards and 370 receiving yards. Had 5 touchdowns too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rookie Jim Plunkett of the 1971 New England Patriots
Jim Plunkett, 1st round draft pick and the first player taken in the 1971 NFL draft by the New England Patriots, led the Pats to 6 victories his rookie year. It was the best year they had since 1966.
NFL Linebacker Andre Tippett Hall of Fame
A sack of Jets QB Ken O'Brien
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.
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.
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.
Andre Tippett Rushing Jim Kelly
Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker forces the issue with Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly
Drew Bledsoe, New England Patriots Quarterback
Led the Patriots to an AFC Title in 1996.
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.
Andre Tippett 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.
Andre Tippett closes in on Bills Quarterback Joe Ferguson
Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett closes in on Bills quarterback Joe Ferguson. In 1984 Tippett was the NFL's #2 leading pass-rusher with 18½ sacks. He was #2 again in 1985 with 16½.
Patriots Sam Cunningham
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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
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.
NFL Linebacker Andre Tippett
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.
Sam Cunningham NFL Patriots
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.
Harold Jackson Patriots Receiver
LC Greenwood & Jack Lambert of the Steelers Defense
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.
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).
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.
Houston Antwine, Defensive Lineman 1961-1972
Defensive Lineman 1961-1972
Joe Kapp Boston Patriots
Joe Kapp joined the Boston Patriots for the 1970 NFL Season, his last season in the NFL.
Julius Adams 1983 New England Patriots Topps Football Card
His 10th season with the Patriots. Was second on the team with 8 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.
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.
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.
John Hannah
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.