The New England Patriots are the NFL’s best franchise, but things haven’t always been that way. Creating a team Mount Rushmore, of course, focuses on recent success.
When you think of the New England Patriots, you probably think of Bill Belichick or Tom Brady. It should come as no surprise that those two will be a part of my Patriots Mount Rushmore, but the next two spots are open for debate.
While New England’s team success has all come in the 2000’s, the team did have some great players prior to this era. Patriots from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s all left their mark, but only one of those players made this list.
For my Mount Rushmore, I focused on an individuals’ overall contribution to the New England Patriots organization. Team success was important, but it’s not the only factor. I know many will disagree with my picks for the Mount Rushmore, so I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave them in the comments here or on Twitter @CandCFansided.
Let’s get this thing started with the obvious choices.
Tom Brady
Duh. Of course, Tom Brady is first to make the New England Patriots Mount Rushmore. He is the face of the franchise, and he will be forever. Even when he’s not playing anymore, Brady will be who everyone looks back on as they remember the good old days.
TB12 has delivered 5 Super Bowl championships to the Patriots, after a rocky few decades before his arrival. When he replaced an injured Drew Bledsoe back in 2001, who knew he would become the greatest QB of all-time? Not me. Like many others in New England, I thought Bledsoe would obviously get his job back when he was healthy. Thank god Bill Belichick was able to recognize Brady’s talents to keep him in as the starter.
Brady never looked back. He has received numerous accolades over the course of his career, but winning remains the most important thing to him. Winning his sixth ring is clearly priority number one for Tom in 2017, and that’s just how we like it in New England.
Over his long career (so far), Brady has 61,582 yards, a 63.8% completion percentage, 456 touchdowns, and just 152 interceptions. Most of those INTs came between 2001 and 2006. Over the last three seasons, Brady has thrown just 18 interceptions with 97 touchdowns in 44 games.
GOAT.
Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick almost single-handily turned the New England Patriots franchise around. Yes, Tom Brady was a major factor, but without Belichick, Brady may have never even become a starter. He was able to recognize Brady and make the right choice, while also adjusting year to year to a new NFL game.
At first, Belichick built up and relied on his defense to win games. As Tom Brady progressed, Bill was able to lean more on the offense. Now, is the master of year to year adjustments as well as in game adjustments. Anything that is beating the New England Patriots in the first half of a game, is not going to work in the second half. Belichick can even make adjustments prior to a trip to the locker room. He is simply brilliant. Players want to play in New England because they know Belichick will give them the best chance to win.
Bill Belichick has also groomed strong assistants, like Charlie Weis, Romeo Crennel, Bill O’Brien, Josh McDaniels, and Matt Patricia.
Since taking over as the head coach of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick is 201-71 in the regular season. He’s delivered five rings to New England, and he’s looking for more.
Robert Kraft
Last week, I wrote that Robert Kraft belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Patriots owner also belongs on the team’s Mount Rushmore. Kraft knows when to get involved, and when to step back as an owner, which is crucial to team success.
Kraft was a Patriots fan, and he purchased the team in 1994, bringing them to eight total Super Bowls with five wins. He saved the franchise, blocking them from moving to either St. Louis or Jacksonville. Kraft helped to end the long NFL lockout a few years ago, and he is one of the most respected owners in the league.
Without Robert Kraft, the Patriots may not be in Foxboro at Gillette Stadium. The way he has built up Patriot Place as well is amazing. You’re not the brightest if you don’t think this owner deserves a spot on the New England Patriots Mount Rushmore.
Andre Tippett
This final spot was a tough choice. It came down to either Andre Tippett or John Hannah for me. In the end, it was a bit easier to give the nod to a linebacker over a lineman. John Hannah would be a stellar choice though as well, and I wouldn’t argue against anyone that chose him over Tippett.
Tippett spent 11 seasons in the NFL, all with the Patriots, from 1982-1993. In that time, he tallied 100 sacks and 19 fumble recoveries in 151 games. His 100 sacks place him 31st all-time in the NFL and 1st overall with the Patriots. Tippett has more sacks than Warren Sapp, Willie McGinest, Howie Long, and Joey Porter. He was a member of the 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, and he’s still a staple in Foxboro. Tippett is a true Patriot, and he would be a star player even if he was playing in today’s game.
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So, where did I screw up? Who belongs on the New England Patriots Mount Rushmore and who doesn’t? Let me know in the comments below!