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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jordy McElroy

53 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 53 for New England

The New England Patriots are officially 53 days away from their 2023 regular season opener. That means we’re continuing our ongoing countdown series by listing every Patriots player that has ever worn a No. 53 jersey.

The last player to wear the numbers was Josh Uche in his 2020 rookie season. He obviously came into the league with big shoes to fill as a linebacker wearing the same number as former Patriot and two-time Super Bowl champion Kyle Van Noy.

Former three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro linebacker Larry Izzo also wore the No. 53. when helping kick-start the Patriots’ dynasty by appearing on the franchise’s first three Super Bowl teams.

Here’s every Patriots player that has worn the number throughout franchise history (via Pro Football Reference):

LB Josh Uche: 2020

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

LB Kyle Van Noy: 2016-2021

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

LB Darius Fleming: 2015

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Eric Martin: 2015

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

LB Dekoda Watson: 2015

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Ja'Gared Davis: 2013-2014

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Jeff Tarpinian: 2011-2012

Rich Schultz/Getty Images

LB Pierre Woods: 2010

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Larry Izzo: 2001-2008

Elsa/Getty Images

LB Chris Slade: 1993-2000

Rick Stewart /Allsport

LB Richard Tardits: 1990-1992

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Thomas Benson: 1988

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Clayton Weishuhn: 1982-1986

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Bill Matthews: 1979-1981

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Merv Krakau: 1978

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Jim Romaniszyn: 1976

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB John Tanner: 1973-1974

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Dennis Coleman: 1971

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LB Fred Whittingham: 1970

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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