54 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 54 for New England

There are 54 days before the New England Patriots kick off their regular season opener. So we’re continuing our countdown series by listing every Patriots player that has ever worn the No. 54 jersey.

The two names that jump out in relation to that number are Patriots Hall of Famer Tedy Bruschi and a surefire future inductee, Dont’a Hightower. Both legendary linebackers spent their entire careers with the Patriots organization and won three Super Bowls each.

They’ve also both had at least one All-Pro nod.

More importantly, they have forever endeared themselves to Patriots fans by coming up with some of the biggest plays in franchise history. Who could ever forget Hightower’s strip sack on Matt Ryan to help New England complete the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history at Super Bowl LI?

And what about the epic stadium snow celebration, following Tedy Bruschi’s game-cinching interception against the Miami Dolphins in 2003?

The No. 54 holds some truly great memories in the Patriots’ organization. Here’s every player that has worn the number throughout franchise history (via Pro Football Reference):

LB Dont'a Hightower: 2012-2022

G Brian Waters: 2011

LB Tedy Bruschi: 1996-2008

LB Alcides Catanho: 1995

LB Todd Collins: 1992-1994

LB Ed Williams: 1984-1990

LB Greg Moore: 1987

LB John Gillen: 1983

LB John Zamberlin: 1979-1982

LB Steve Zabel: 1975-1978

LB Gail Clark: 1974

LB Kenny Price: 1971

LB Marty Schottenheimer: 1969-1970

LB Ed Koontz: 1968

LB Mike Dukes: 1964-1965

LB Walt Cudzik: 1961-1963

LB Bill Brown: 1960

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Story originally appeared on Patriots Wire