12 Patriots Who Could Have Their Number Retired After Tom Brady

2. Rob Gronkowski/Ben Coates

Two of the best tight ends in NFL history both wore No. 87 for the same franchise. Talk about pedigree, although current TE Mitchell Wilcox might have trouble living up to his number's reputation in New England.

Before Rob Gronkowski came along, Ben Coates was a three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler at the position for the Patriots. Coates was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, as well as the New England Patriots All-1990s and 50th Anniversary Team. He was given his red jacket when he was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2008.

Gronkowski, the greatest tight end in NFL history, was a three-time Super Bowl Champion in New England. He was a four-time All-Pro and five-team Pro Bowler. His exceptional play earned him a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was also tabbed as one of the Patriots for the All-2010s and All-Dynasty teams. He will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027 and should be a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer.

The pair ranks toward the top in several franchise-receiving categories. Gronkowski and Coates rank fifth and sixth in career receptions, second and seventh in receiving yards, and first and third in receiving touchdowns, respectively.

You can't have the greatest tight end in the history of the gameplay for your franchise and not retire his number? Right?