48 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 48 for New England
Another week is in the rearview, and the New England Patriots are now officially 48 days from the start of their 2023 regular season opener.
So we’re continuing our ongoing countdown series by listing every Patriots player that has ever worn a No. 48 jersey.
The number currently belongs to rising linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who started to emerge as a real difference-maker for the team last season. That effort earned the former second-round draft pick a two-year contract extension last year.
Former Patriots linebacker Harvey Langi wore No. 48 before Tavai took up the mantle in 2021. There have been a total of 14 players that have ever worn the number throughout franchise history.
Here’s a full list of those players (via Pro Football Reference)
LB Jahlani Tavai: 2021-present
LB Harvey Langi: 2017-2021
LS Danny Aiken: 2011-2014
C Matt Katula: 2010
LB Tully Banta-Cain: 2003-2004
TE Lovett Purnell: 1996
CB Randy Robbins: 1992
WR Dennis Gadbois: 1988
WR Clay Pickering: 1987
TE Greg Baty: 1986
WR Darryal Wilson: 1983
S Tim Fox: 1976-1981
RB Preston Johnson: 1968
DB Don Webb: 1961
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]
