12 Patriots Who Could Have Their Number Retired After Tom Brady

3. Tedy Bruschi/Dont'a Hightower

Another two-for-one, two legendary Patriots linebackers both wore No. 54. Tedy Bruschi and Dont'a Hightower bookended New England's dynasty run, as Bruschi was a member of the first three Patriots Super Bowl-winning teams, and Hightower won the three most recent titles. Both played key roles during their respective eras and rank in the top six in tackles in franchise history.

Bruschi was a two-time All-Pro and a Pro Bowler. A fan favorite in Foxborough and frequent carrier of the torch for the Patriot Way, Bruschi has already received several well-deserved recognitions from the franchise. He was tabbed to the New England Patriots All-2000s, All-Dynasty, and 50th Anniversary teams. In addition, he was a 2013 inductee into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

Meanwhile, Hightower, an All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, was named to the New England Patriots All-2010s Team and All-Dynasty Team. Hightower made game-changing plays in two of the Patriots' Super Bowl wins. In Super Bowl XLIX, he made an impressive tackle of Marshawn Lynch at the one-yard line with 1:06 left, setting the stage for Malcolm Butler's miraculous interception. In Super Bowl LI, his strip sack of Matt Ryan was a pivotal play in New England's 28-3 comeback. Without those two plays from Hightower, the Patriots could very well be looking at only four banners in Foxborough.

Hightower has returned to the team this season as an assistant coach.

Rookie DE John Morgan III currently has No. 54.

The two linebackers were iconic pieces in each of the two dynasty runs, and both spent their entire career with the Patriots. Both of them would have a strong argument to have their numbers retired, together, it should be a slam dunk.