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 53 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, 21 players have worn No. 53 in New England, and with 53 days until their first game of the year, here's a look at everyone who's worn the number for the team:
LB Christian Elliss: 2023-Present
- Appeared in four games for New England in his first season, recording just two tackles
- Also played for the Philadelphia Eagles
- Expected to compete for a depth spot in 2024
LB Kyle Van Noy: 2016-19, 2021
- Appeared in 67 games for New England over five seasons, recording 287 tackles (26 for a loss), 42 quarterback hits, 19 passes defended, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and three interceptions
- Won two Super Bowls with the Patriots
- Also played for the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens
LB Josh Uche: 2020
- Has appeared in 51 games for New England over four seasons, recording 63 tackles (17 for a loss), 31 quarterback hits, 18.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery
- Expected to be a key edge rusher in 2024
LB Darius Fleming: 2015
- Appeared in 11 games for New England over two seasons, recording 10 tackles
- Won a Super Bowl with the Patriots
LB Eric Martin: 2015
- Appeared in four games for New England in his lone season with the team, recording two tackles and one interception
- Also played for the Cleveland Browns
LB Dekoda Watson: 2015
- Appeared in three games for New England in his lone season with the team, recording two tackles
- Also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks
LB Ja'Gared Davis: 2013-14
- Appeared in four games for New England over two seasons, recording a tackle
- Also played for the Kanas City Chiefs and Washington
LB Jeff Tarpinian: 2011-12
- Appeared in 10 games for New England over two seasons, recording eight tackles
- Also played for the Houston Texans
LB Pierre Woods: 2010
- Appeared in 54 games for New England over five seasons, recording 105 tackles (six for a loss), four quarterback hits, two sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble
- Also played for the Buffalo Bills
LB Larry Izzo: 2001-08
- Appeared in 127 games for New England over eight seasons, recording 157 tackles, three passes defensed and an interception
- Won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and made three Pro Bowls (two with New England)
- Also played for the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets
LB Chris Slade: 1993-2000
- Appeared in 127 games for New England over eight seasons, recording 640 tackles (12 for a loss), 51 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, four passes defensed, three interceptions and three fumble recovery
- Made one Pro Bowl
- Also played for the Carolina Panthers
LB Richard Tardits: 1990-92
- Appeared in 27 games for New England over three seasons, recording one fumble recovery
LB Thomas Benson: 1988
- Appeared in 12 games for New England in his lone season with the team
- Also played for the Los Angeles Raiders, San Diego Chargers and Atlanta Falcons
LB Clayton Weishuhn: 1982-86
- Appeared in 30 games for New England over four seasons, recording four sacks and four fumble recoveries
- Also played for the Green Bay Packers
LB Bill Matthews: 1979-81
- Appeared in 48 games for New England over three seasons, recording one interception and a fumble recovery
LB Merv Krakau: 1978
- Appeared in one game for New England in his lone season with the team
- Also played for the Buffalo Bills
LB Jim Romaniszyn: 1976
- Appeared in 11 games for New England in his lone season with the team
- Also played for the Cleveland Browns
LB John Tanner: 1973-74
- Appeared in 26 games for New England over two seasons, recording two receptions for 23 yards and one reception
- Also played for the San Diego Chargers
LB Dennis Coleman: 1971
- Appeared in nine games for New England in his lone season with the team
LB Fred Whittingham: 1970
- Appeared in 13 games for Boston in his lone season with the team
- Also played for the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams
LB Tom Addison: 1960-67
- Appeared in 106 games for Boston over eight seasons, recording 16 interceptions and 15 sacks
- Made four AFL All-Star teams and earned All-AFL honors three times
