The New England Patriots will open their 2024 campaign against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, September 8 at 1:00 p.m. ET, which is now 51 days away.
Until the opening kickoff of the season for the Patriots, we'll be counting down each day by looking back at those who have worn each specific jersey number.
Since 1960, 23 players have worn No. 51 in New England, and with 51 days until their first game of the year, here's a look at everyone who's worn the number for the team:
OL Nick Leverett: Present
- Signed with New England this offseason
- Set to compete for a starting job in training camp
- Also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley: 2018-20
- Has appeared in 81 games for New England in his seasons with the team so far, recording 497 tackles (21 for a loss), 28 quarterback hits, 11 passes defensed, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery
- Won one Super Bowl with the Patriots
LB Trevor Reilly: 2017
- Appeared in six games for New England in his lone season with the team, recording 10 tackles (one for a loss)
- Also played for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins
LB Barkevious Mingo: 2016
- Appeared in 16 games for New England in his lone season with the team, recording 11 tackles (one for a loss)
- Won a Super Bowl with the Patriots
- Also played for the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks
LB Jerod Mayo: 2008-15
- Appeared in 103 games for New England over eight seasons, recording 802 tackles (30 for a loss), 28 quarterback hits, 19 passes defensed, 11 sacks, eight forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and three interceptions
- Made two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team
- Won one Super Bowl and 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year for the Patriots
- Currently the team's head coach
LB Don Davis: 2003-06
- Appeared in 59 games for New England over four seasons, recording 82 tackles and one pass defensed
- Won two Super Bowls with the Patriots
- Also played for the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams
LB Bryan Cox: 2001
- Appeared in 11 games for New England in his lone season with the team, recording 49 tackles (five for a loss), one pass defensed and one fumble recovery
- Won a Super Bowl with the Patriots
- Also played for the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints
- Made three Pro Bowls with Miami
LB Olrick Johnson: 2000
- Appeared in 12 games for New England in his lone season with the team, recording nine tackles
- Also played for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets
LB Bernard Russ: 1997-99
- Appeared in nine games for New England over three seasons, recording four tackles
LB David White: 1993
- Appeared in six games for New England in his lone season with the season
- Also played for the Buffalo Bills
LB Eugene Lockhart: 1991-92
- Appeared in 32 games for New England over two seasons, recording one fumble recovery
- Also played for the Dallas Cowboys
LB Bruce Scholtz: 1989
- Appeared in eight games for New England in his lone season with the team
- Also played for the Seattle Seahawks
LB Mel Black: 1987
- Appeared in six games for New England over two seasons
LB Brian Ingram: 1982-85
- Appeared in 39 games for New England over four seasons
- Also played for the San Diego Chargers
DL/LB Bob Golic: 1979-81
- Appeared in 33 games for New England over three seasons, recording one fumble recovery
- Also played for the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Raiders
- Made three Pro Bowls for Cleveland
LB Donnie Thomas: 1976
- Appeared in three games for New England in his lone season with the team
LB Maury Damkroger: 1974-75
- Appeared in 13 games for New England over two seasons
LB Kent Carter: 1974
- Appeared in two games for New England in his lone season with team, recording a half-sack
LB Ron Acks: 1972-73
- Appeared in 28 games for New England over two seasons, recording four fumble recoveries, 1.5 sacks and an interception
- Also played for the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers
LB Randy Edmunds: 1971
- Appeared in 14 games for New England in his lone season with the team, recording a fumble recovery
- Also played for the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Colts
LB Mike Ballou: 1970
- Appeared in 14 games for Boston in his lone season with the team
P Jim Fraser: 1966
- Appeared in 14 games for Boston in his lone season with the team, averaging 37.2 yards on his 55 punts
- Also played for the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints
- Made three AFL All-Stars with Denver
LB/OL Don McKinnon: 1963-64
- Appeared in 17 games for Boston over two seasons
LB Frank Robotti: 1961
- Appeared in 12 games for Boston in his lone season with the team, recording two interceptions and a sack
