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

71 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 71 for New England

With 71 days left until the regular season opener for the New England Patriots, we are looking at every player for the franchise that has ever worn the No. 71 jersey.

Offensive guard Michael Onwenu, who is one of the most underrated offensive players in the NFL, currently wears the number for New England. He was snubbed from the Pro Bowl in 2022, despite having the fourth-highest Pro Football Focus grade at his position.

Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio was the only other AFC offensive guard with a higher grade than Onwenu.

Of course, there have been other standouts to wear the jersey, from offensive linemen to defensive linemen. Here’s every Patriots player that has worn the No. 71 jersey throughout franchise history (via Pro Football Reference):

G Michael Onwenu: 2020-2023

AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

DT Danny Shelton: 2018-2019

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

OT Cameron Fleming: 2014-2017

Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

DT Sealver Siliga: 2013

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

DT Andre Neblett: 2013

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

DT Brandon Deaderick: 2010-2012

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

G Kendall Simmons: 2009

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

OL Russ Hochstein: 2002-2008

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

OL Todd Rucci: 1993-1999

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

OL Gregg Rakoczy: 1991-1992

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

NT Fred DeRiggi: 1990

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

DE Ben Reed: 1987

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

DL Ray Hamilton: 1973-1981

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

DE Art May: 1971

Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports

DL Mel Witt: 1970

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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