The New England Patriots’ Mount Rushmore is a who’s who of gridiron greatness. From the GOAT quarterback to a guard who could pancake block defenders into next week, these legends shaped the franchise’s dynasty. But who made the cut, and why are they the cream of the crop in Foxborough?

Tom Brady, the undisputed king of comebacks, leads this star-studded lineup. But it’s not just about the touchdowns and Super Bowl rings. The Patriots are honoring their golden boy in a way that’ll make fans’ jaws drop faster than a Gronk spike. The NFL made the list of Patriots Mount Rushmore in a video. Let’s dive into this Patriot party.

New England Patriots’ Mount Rushmore Unveiled with Tom Brady on top

Brady, the undisputed GOAT of the gridiron, leads the charge on the Patriots’ Mount Rushmore. This quarterback extraordinaire guided the team to six Super Bowl victories, rewriting the NFL record books along the way. At his recent Hall of Fame induction, Brady proclaimed, “I am Tom Brady. And I am a Patriot,” cementing his legacy in Foxborough folklore. Now, the Patriots are taking Brady worship to new heights – quite literally with plans for a 12-foot bronze statue in 2024.

His stats are more impressive than a Hail Mary completion: 89,214 passing yards and 649 touchdowns. Brady’s leadership was the X-factor that led to 17 AFC East titles, proving he could read defenses better than Shakespeare read iambic pentameter. This record showcases Brady’s unparalleled longevity and consistency over his 20-year career with New England.

Joining Brady is John Hannah, the offensive guard who could pancake defenders like he was flipping flapjacks at a New England diner. Hannah’s nine Pro Bowl appearances and seven All-Pro selections are a testament to his dominance in the trenches. Hannah’s charges could clear lanes wider than the Big Dig, paving the way for the Patriots’ record-breaking 3,165 rushing yards in 1978.

And then Brady’s favorite end zone target, Rob Gronkowski who is the human equivalent of a touchdown magnet, also makes the cut. Gronk’s 79 touchdowns in Patriots colors prove he was more reliable than a Boston cabbie during rush hour. As one source aptly put it, “Gronk’s combination of size, speed, and hands made him nearly unstoppable.” His 2011 season was a touchdown fiesta, setting a tight end record with 17 scores.

Rounding out this fantastic four is Ty Law, the cornerback who turned interceptions into an art form, nabbing 36 passes and taking six to the house. Ty Law turned opposing quarterbacks’ passes into “Boston Tea Party” reenactments – dumping them right into Patriot hands. His Super Bowl XXXVI pick-six against the Rams was the football equivalent of Paul Revere’s warning: the Patriots were coming, and they meant business.

But there’s more to this Patriot party. While these four have etched their faces into New England’s football Mount Rushmore, a handful of other legends are knocking on the door harder than a Nor’easter. From AFL pioneers to modern-day marvels, the Patriots’ legacy runs deeper than Bill Belichick’s playbook.

Honoring the almost-Rushmore

While our Fab Four are etched in stone, let’s not forget the gridiron gladiators who nearly made the cut. First up is Andre Tippett, the linebacker who terrorized quarterbacks like a Nor’easter terrorizes the New England coast. Tippett amassed an impressive 100 career sacks, proving he was more disruptive than a snowplow on game day. As NFL.com aptly put it, “In the 1980s, two outside linebackers truly struck fear in opponents’ hearts: Lawrence Taylor and Andre Tippett.”

Next on our highlight reel is Mike Haynes, the cornerback who shut down receivers faster than Bill Belichick shuts down post-game press conferences. Haynes intercepted 28 passes and recovered 11 fumbles during his Patriots tenure, earning six Pro Bowl nods in seven seasons. As The Grueling Truth noted, “Haynes was a true shutdown corner. He made the Pro Bowl in 1980 with just one interception, simply because teams knew better than to throw in his direction.”

Let’s not fumble the opportunity to mention Gino Cappelletti, the original Boston Patriot who could do it all. This Swiss Army knife of a player caught touchdowns, kicked field goals, and even played defense. As one source eloquently stated, “He might have been the only player in NFL history who could catch a touchdown pass and then kick the extra point.” Talk about a triple threat!

These almost-Rushmore players may not have their faces carved in granite, but they’ve certainly carved their names into Patriots lore. They’re the unsung heroes, the workhorses who laid the foundation for the dynasty we know today.

So, whether you’re a die-hard Pats fan who bleeds red, white, and blue, or just a casual observer of the gridiron game, there’s no denying the impact these players have had. Now, who would make the cut in your own Patriots Mount Rushmore?