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 54 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. 54 in New England, and with 54 days until their first game of the year, here's a look at everyone who's worn the number for the team:
DE John Morgan III: Present
- Undrafted rookie out of Arkansas
- Expected to compete for a depth roster/practice squad spot
LB Dont'a Hightower: 2012-21
- Appeared in 117 games for New England over nine seasons, recording 569 tackles (43 for a loss), 67 quarterback hits, 27 sacks, 18 passes defensed, five fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and an interception
- Made two Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowls with the team
OL Brian Waters: 2011
- Appeared in 16 games for New England in his lone season with the team
- Also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys
- Made six Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams
LB Tedy Bruschi: 1996-2008
- Appeared in 189 games for New England over 13 seasons, recording 1,074 tackles (45 for a loss), 57 passes defensed, 30.5 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions and seven fumbles recovered
- Made one Pro Bowl and won three Super Bowls with the team
LB Alcides Catanho: 1995
- Appeared in 12 games for New England in his lone season with the team, recovering one fumble
- Also played for Washington
LB Todd Collins: 1992-94
- Appeared in 76 games for New England over six seasons, recording 354 tackles, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions
- Also played for the St. Louis Rams and won a Super Bowl
LB Ed Williams: 1984-90
- Appeared in 62 games for New England over five seasons, recording four fumble recoveries, two sacks and an interception
LB Greg Moore: 1987
- Appeared in three games for New England as a replacement player during the strike, recording one fumble recovery
LB John Gillen: 1983
- Appeared in eight games for New England in his lone season with the team
- Also played for the St. Louis Cardinals
LB John Zamberlin: 1979-82
- Appeared in 56 games for New England over four seasons, recording 3.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and an interception
- Also played for the Kansas City Chiefs
LB Steve Zabel: 1975-78
- Appeared in 49 games for New England over four seasons, recording 11 sacks, eight fumble recoveries and an interception
- Also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens
LB Gail Clark: 1974
- Appeared in eight games for New England in his lone season with the team
- Also played for the Chicago Bears
LB Kenny Price: 1971
- Appeared in one game for New England in his lone season with the team
LB Marty Schottenheimer: 1969-70
- Appeared in 23 games for Boston over two seasons, recording one interception
- Also played for the Buffalo Bills and made an AFL All-Star and won an AFL championship
- Coached in the NFL from 1975-2006
LB Ed Koontz: 1968
- Appeared in six games for Boston in his lone season with the team
LB Mike Dukes: 1964-65
- Appeared in 25 games for Boston over two seasons, recording 2.5 sacks and two interceptions
- Also played for the New York Jets and Houston Oilers, winning two AFL championships
OL Walt Cudzik: 1961-63
- Appeared in 56 games for New England over four seasons
- Also played for the Buffalo Bills and Washington, winning an AFL championship
LB Bill Brown: 1960
- Appeared in 14 games for New England in his long season wth the team, recording an interception
