The New England Patriots are officially 51 days away from their regular season opener, which means we’re continuing out countdown series by listing every player that has ever worn the No. 51 throughout franchise history.
Third-year linebacker Ronnie Perkins currently wears the number that has been draped across the jerseys of 24 total Patriots players in the past. Former All-Pro linebacker and current Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo was one of those players.
The former first-round draft pick stepped in as one of the new-age players to take over roles previously held by defensive legends like Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel. He helped kick-start the second half of the Patriots’ three Super Bowl victories in a 17-year span.
Here’s every Patriots player that has ever worn the No. 51 (via Pro Football Reference):
LB Ronnie Perkins: 2021-2023
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley: 2018-2020
LB Trevor Reilly: 2017
LB Barkevious Mingo: 2016
LB Jerod Mayo: 2008-2015
LB Don Davis: 2003-2006
LB Bryan Cox: 2001
LB Olrick Johnson: 2000
LB Bernard Russ: 1997-1999
LB David White: 1993
LB Eugene Lockhart: 1991-1992
LB Bruce Scholtz: 1989
LB Mel Black: 1987
LB Brian Ingram: 1982-1985
LB Bob Golic: 1979-1981
LB Donnie Thomas: 1976
LB Maury Damkroger: 1974-1975
LB Kent Carter: 1974
LB Ron Acks: 1972-1973
LB Randy Edmunds: 1971
LB Mike Ballou: 1970
LB Jim Fraser: 1966
LB Don McKinnon: 1963-1964
LB Frank Robotti: 1961
