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This concludes my series of polls, questions I've been thinking about a long time and been curious about others thoughts. I think this recent SB win brings a lot of them to the forefront.
During the Patriots run from 2001-present, many great players have won multiple rings, yet a 10-year gap between titles left a few great, memorable guys without a title. My question isn't who most deserved one but who you most wish had won one (though that could be virtually the same thing?)
I think the choices are obvious and no need for a huge list.
Wes Welker (2007-12). Welker's ending was bitter and he is often remembered for a certain missed connection, but he was one of the toughest, best Patriots of the era and one of the great slot receivers of all-time. He set numerous franchise records and was arguably Brady's favorite receiver over Brady's career. Welker was tough as nails and a total warrior. Including with Denver, he won three conference titles, nothing to be ashamed of there but heartbreaking nonetheless.
Randy Moss (2007-10.). Another somewhat bitter ending, but the overall sentiment remains that Moss was one of the most beloved Patriots during his short stint, having set an all-time record of 23 TDs during the 2007 magical season. Considering the injuries to Brady in 2008 and Moss in 2009, he really only had one full season at full health. Moss did things athletically that we once thought were impossible and is probably the most talented receiver to ever play the game. He bought into the system for much longer than anyone thought before his skills declined and contract talks caused things to go south fast. He also remains a huge Patriots cheerleader and takes every opportunity to kneel to Brady and Belichick.
Logan Mankins (2005-13). Oddly, Mankins career with the Patriots was the exact period of their Super Bowl drought. A perennial all-pro star guard, Mankins was immensely talented, tough, and one of the team's most revered locker room guys. He did have a nasty contract dispute but ultimately reamained here until Bill decided his end was near. A great overall player. Mankins' performances in memorable losses, though, are also part of his legacy, as he it often appeared he was manhandled by physical teams like the Giants and Ravens. Of course, he played with many undisclosed injuries, including a torn ACL in 2011.
Junior Seau (2006-09). Maybe nothing was more heartbreaking in the wake of the SB42 loss than Seau's postgame AFCCG speech: "In two weeks, we have a chance to be part of forever." A hall of fame player who badly coveted that final accolade, the ultimate team player and inspirational leader, Seau fit in great as a situational veteran player who continued to go all-out from age 37-40 under Belichick and was an ultimate Patriot. His tragic death makes us feel even worse that he never experienced the glory he chased for so long.
Honorable Mentions
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (2008-11) and Danny Woodhead (2010-12). Two running backs who I really wanted to see experience glory. Was disappointed Woodhead left for the money and always loved his gritty work ethic and that we stole him from the Jets. BJGE, the law firm, never fumbled in a Patriots uniform and constantly exceeded expectations. Both were undrafted free agents.
Jabar Gaffney (2006-08). Maybe a homer pick, just always loved this guy and his reliable hands. Was never the most talented receiver but made a lot of big plays when called upon.
Guys who won a ring from the sidelines
Jerod Mayo (2008-14). Mayo is one of three players on here who has a ring but did not play in the Super Bowl. He did, however, play half of the 2014 season, and it's not like his ring is illigitimate. Just hard to have him watching on the sidelines after being the defense's heart and soul for so long. Mayo is one of the best defensive players of the Belichick era but was sadly cut short by injuries.
Ben Watson (2004-09). Watson technically has a ring but was a bit player in 2004. I believe he was inactive most of the season and the playoffs. He was never a contributor to a championship team. He has a solid career and is a great guy, very smart player, though he never seemed to breakout as a star. Doesn't technically belong on this list but worth a footnote on his championship. Solid player who played bigger roles when needed.
Roosevelt Colvin (2003-08). Like Watson, he was part of a championship team, actually two, but due to a major injury he missed virtually all of 2003 and returned in a tiny role in 2004. Was not reallya contributor to either team. Had some great years in the NFL and with the Pats, but unluckily, those were the two he missed.
During the Patriots run from 2001-present, many great players have won multiple rings, yet a 10-year gap between titles left a few great, memorable guys without a title. My question isn't who most deserved one but who you most wish had won one (though that could be virtually the same thing?)
I think the choices are obvious and no need for a huge list.
Wes Welker (2007-12). Welker's ending was bitter and he is often remembered for a certain missed connection, but he was one of the toughest, best Patriots of the era and one of the great slot receivers of all-time. He set numerous franchise records and was arguably Brady's favorite receiver over Brady's career. Welker was tough as nails and a total warrior. Including with Denver, he won three conference titles, nothing to be ashamed of there but heartbreaking nonetheless.
Randy Moss (2007-10.). Another somewhat bitter ending, but the overall sentiment remains that Moss was one of the most beloved Patriots during his short stint, having set an all-time record of 23 TDs during the 2007 magical season. Considering the injuries to Brady in 2008 and Moss in 2009, he really only had one full season at full health. Moss did things athletically that we once thought were impossible and is probably the most talented receiver to ever play the game. He bought into the system for much longer than anyone thought before his skills declined and contract talks caused things to go south fast. He also remains a huge Patriots cheerleader and takes every opportunity to kneel to Brady and Belichick.
Logan Mankins (2005-13). Oddly, Mankins career with the Patriots was the exact period of their Super Bowl drought. A perennial all-pro star guard, Mankins was immensely talented, tough, and one of the team's most revered locker room guys. He did have a nasty contract dispute but ultimately reamained here until Bill decided his end was near. A great overall player. Mankins' performances in memorable losses, though, are also part of his legacy, as he it often appeared he was manhandled by physical teams like the Giants and Ravens. Of course, he played with many undisclosed injuries, including a torn ACL in 2011.
Junior Seau (2006-09). Maybe nothing was more heartbreaking in the wake of the SB42 loss than Seau's postgame AFCCG speech: "In two weeks, we have a chance to be part of forever." A hall of fame player who badly coveted that final accolade, the ultimate team player and inspirational leader, Seau fit in great as a situational veteran player who continued to go all-out from age 37-40 under Belichick and was an ultimate Patriot. His tragic death makes us feel even worse that he never experienced the glory he chased for so long.
Honorable Mentions
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (2008-11) and Danny Woodhead (2010-12). Two running backs who I really wanted to see experience glory. Was disappointed Woodhead left for the money and always loved his gritty work ethic and that we stole him from the Jets. BJGE, the law firm, never fumbled in a Patriots uniform and constantly exceeded expectations. Both were undrafted free agents.
Jabar Gaffney (2006-08). Maybe a homer pick, just always loved this guy and his reliable hands. Was never the most talented receiver but made a lot of big plays when called upon.
Guys who won a ring from the sidelines
Jerod Mayo (2008-14). Mayo is one of three players on here who has a ring but did not play in the Super Bowl. He did, however, play half of the 2014 season, and it's not like his ring is illigitimate. Just hard to have him watching on the sidelines after being the defense's heart and soul for so long. Mayo is one of the best defensive players of the Belichick era but was sadly cut short by injuries.
Ben Watson (2004-09). Watson technically has a ring but was a bit player in 2004. I believe he was inactive most of the season and the playoffs. He was never a contributor to a championship team. He has a solid career and is a great guy, very smart player, though he never seemed to breakout as a star. Doesn't technically belong on this list but worth a footnote on his championship. Solid player who played bigger roles when needed.
Roosevelt Colvin (2003-08). Like Watson, he was part of a championship team, actually two, but due to a major injury he missed virtually all of 2003 and returned in a tiny role in 2004. Was not reallya contributor to either team. Had some great years in the NFL and with the Pats, but unluckily, those were the two he missed.
