Patriots tight end Tim Wright will wear Aaron Hernandez's old number
- Author:
- Publish date:
New England Patriots tight end Tim Wright will wear jersey No. 81, which was last worn by Aaron Hernandez, WBZ-TV's Dan Roche reports.
Wright was traded to the Patriots from the Buccaneers for Logan Mankins on Tuesday. He also wore No. 81 with the Bucs. As a rookie in 2013, Wright had 54 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns.
Report: Tom Brady upset Patriots traded Logan Mankins
Best NFL Player by Jersey Number: 00-49
00
James Flores/Getty Images
A team of SI.com's finest numerologists crunched the data on jersey numbers to come up with the best performers in professional football at each number from 00 to 99. We based our decision on a combination of factors, including the player's impact on the game, statistics and his team's success during the time he wore the number. We start with 00. The Hall of Fame center manned the middle for the Raiders for 15 seasons. He was named all-league 12 straight years (1960-71) and played in six AFL title games and one Super Bowl. Runner-up: Ken Burrough
Robert Riger/Getty Images
An All-America halfback-fullback out of Cal and 1953 first-round pick, Olszewski played nine seasons in the NFL (for the Chicago Cardinals, Detroit and Washington) and one AFL season (Denver). He rushed for 3,320 yards and 16 touchdowns.
1
Heinz Kluetmeier/SI
A CFL legend (he won five consecutive Grey Cups with Edmonton) before heading south, Moon completed 3,988 of 6,823 passes for 49,325 yards and 291 touchdowns in 17 NFL seasons. Runner-up: Benny Friedman Worthy of consideration: Gary Anderson, John (Paddy) Driscoll, Ray Flaherty (NYG), Jason Elam, Curly Lambeau
2
AP
The Hall of Fame halfback was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the NFL's 1940 All-Decade team. He played his entire NFL career for the Chicago Cardinals and scored a pair of touchdowns in Chicago’s 28-21 win in the 1947 NFL Championship. Runner-up: David Akers Worthy of consideration: Steve Christie
3
AP
A two-way superstar, Nagurski excelled for the Bears at fullback and linebacker. He gained 4,031 yards over nine NFL seasons (1930-37, 1943) and scored the go-ahead touchdown in the 1943 title game. He was 35 at the time. Runner-up: Jan Stenerud Worthy of consideration: Tony Canadeo, Daryle Lamonica (Oak.), Mark Moseley, Jeff Reed
4
John Biever/SI
Favre has defined toughness and production, from his consecutive start streak to his three MVP awards and 11 Pro Bowl selections. He led the Packers to seven division championships, four title games and two Super Bowls, including a win in Super Bowl XXXI. Last season Favre became the first quarterback to win a playoff game at the age of 40 in leading Minnesota to the NFC Championship Game. Runner-up: Tuffy Leemans Worthy of consideration: John Kasay, Ernie Nevers, Reggie Roby, Adam Vinatieri
5
Damian Strohmeyer/SI
McNabb was the face of the Eagles franchise for a decade before moving to Washington this offseason. A six-time Pro Bowler with five NFC Championship games on his resume, he is one of six quarterbacks to have both 25,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards. Runner-up: Paul Hornung Worthy of consideration: Morten Andersen (Atlanta), Jeff Garcia, George McAfee
6
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
Butler played 11 seasons for the Bears (and two for the Cardinals), hitting on 265 of 361 career field goals and 413 of 426 extra point attempts. He was particularly effective from long range, making 16 of 42 field goals from 50 yards or more. Runner-up: Rolf Benirschke Worthy of consideration: Steve Owens
7
Peter Read Miller/SI
The personification of persistence. Elway lost the first three Super Bowls he appeared in before leading the Broncos to titles in 1997 and '98. He led Denver to a record 47 fourth-quarter comebacks. Runner-up: Ben Roethlisberger Worthy of consideration: Morten Andersen (New Orleans), Dutch Clark, George Halas (Chi.), Mel Hein, Bert Jones, Dan Pastorini, Joe Theismann, Michael Vick, Bob Waterfield.
8
John Biever/SI
As the trigger man for the Cowboys dynastic teams in the 1990s, Hall of Famer Aikman led the team to three Super Bowl titles. Runner-up: Steve Young Worthy of consideration: Mark Brunell, Ray Guy, Archie Manning, Davey O'Brien, Larry Wilson
9
Phillip Leonian/SI
A drop-back passer with exceptional accuracy, Jurgensen threw for 32,224 passing yards and 255 touchdowns over 18 NFL seasons (11 with the Redskins and seven with the Eagles). Runner-up: Drew Brees Worthy of consideration: Tommy Kramer, Jim McMahon, Steve McNair, Carson Palmer
10
Neil Leifer/SI
A dual-threat thanks to his remarkable scrambling ability, Tarkenton set NFL records (since broken) for attempts (6,467), completions (3,686), yards (47,003) and touchdowns (342). He led the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances. Runner-up: Steve Bartkowski Worthy of consideration: Eli Manning, Byron (Whizzer) White, Jim Zorn
11
Marvin E. Newman/SI
"The Dutchman" led the Eagles to an NFL Championship in 1960, the same year he was named NFL MVP. Van Brocklin won passing titles in 1950 and 1952 and was named to nine Pro Bowls. Runner-up: Phil Simms Worthy of consideration: Drew Bledsoe, Larry Fitzgerald, Danny White
12
John Biever/SI
Tough call over Terry Bradshaw but Brady gets the top spot for winning in a tougher era. He's 111-34 as a starter, including 14-4 in the postseason and holds the NFL record for the most consecutive wins (10) in the postseason. Plus, well, Gisele. Runner-up: Terry Bradshaw Worthy of consideration: John Brodie, Randall Cunningham, Bob Griese, Jim Kelly, Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Roger Staubach, Doug Williams
13
John Biever/SI
With 61,361 yards passing and 420 touchdowns, Marino is the second most prolific passer in NFL history. He was the first player to pass for 5,000 yards in a season and finished 13 seasons with at least 3,000 yards passing. He was selected to nine Pro Bowls and led the Dolphins to a Super Bowl appearance in the 1984 season. Runner-up: Kurt Warner Worthy of consideration: Dave Jennings, Don Maynard, Frank Ryan, Ken Riley, Jake Scott
14
AP
Paul Brown's perfect quarterback: Under Graham the Browns played in 10 straight titles games and won four AAFC and three NFL Championships. He wore No. 14 from 1952 to 1956, leading the league in passing in ‘52 and ’53. Runner-up: Y.A. Tittle Worthy of consideration: Ken Anderson, Steve Grogan, Don Hutson, Ed Podolak
15
Fred Kaplan/SI
The great conductor of the Packers offense, Starr won NFL Championships in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966 and 1967. He was named MVP of the first two Super Bowls. Runner-up: Steve Van Buren Worthy of consideration: Jack Kemp, Earl Morrall, Jim Turner
16
Andy Hayt/SI
Joe Cool was at his best when the money was on the line. He quarterbacked the Niners to four Super Bowl wins and was named Super Bowl MVP on three occasions. Runner-up: Len Dawson Worthy of consideration: George Blanda, Frank Gifford, Vinny Testaverde
17
John Iacono/SI
The long and lean Carmichael (he was 6-foot-8) played 13 seasons for the Eagles and one for the Cowboys. A sure-handed receiver, Carmichael finished his career with 590 receptions for 8,985 yards and 79 touchdowns. Runner-up: Turk Edwards Worthy of consideration: Red Badgro, Jim Hart, Cecil Isbell, Billy Kilmer, Dave Krieg, Don Meredith
18
Simon Bruty/SI
When his career concludes sometime this decade, Manning will likely hold every major NFL passing record. He's a four-time MVP who has completed 4,232 of 6,531 passes for 50,128 yards. Runner-up: Charlie Joiner Worthy of consideration: Roman Gabriel, Emmitt Thomas, Gene Washington
19
Walter Iooss Jr./SI
He's on the short list for the game's greatest quarterbacks. Unitas was the first passer to throw for 40,000 yards and was the quarterback selected for the NFL's All-Time team as voted by the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters in 2000. Runner-up: Lance Alworth Worthy of consideration: Bernie Kosar
20
John Biever/SI
An electrifying runner whose uncanny ability to cut back often made defenders feel like Wile E. Coyote, Sanders was the first player to rush for 1,000 yards in his first 10 seasons. He led the NFL in rushing four times. Runner-up: Ed Reed Worthy of consideration: Lem Barney, Ronde Barber, Cliff Battles, Gino Cappelletti, Joe Cribbs, Brian Dawkins, Mel Renfro, Louis Wright
21
George Lange/SI
A shutdown corner with track star speed, Sanders was a perennial Pro Bowl selection and a two-time Super Bowl champion. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1994 and selected to the NFL’s 1990 All-Decade Team. Runner-up: LaDainian Tomlinson Worthy of consideration: Eric Allen, Tiki Barber, Cliff Branch, James Brooks, Nolan Cromwell, Jim Kiick, Bob Sanders, Charles Woodson
22
Walter Iooss Jr./SI
The NFL's alltime rushing leader won three Super Bowls as a member of the Cowboys. In 1993 he won the league's MVP, rushing crown (1,486 yards) and Super Bowl MVP, the only player to hit that triple in NFL history. Runner-up: Bobby Layne (Lions) Worthy of consideration: Dave Brown, Frank Gatski, Bob Hayes, Mike Haynes, Paul Krause, Bobby Layne, Asante Samuel, Buddy Young
23
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
A five-time Pro Bowl cornerback over his 14 seasons, Vincent was a major player in the Eagles’ dominant defense of the late ‘90s. He played for four teams (Dolphins, Eagles, Bills and Redskins) and finished with 47 career interceptions. Runner-up: Mel Gray (Lions) Worthy of consideration: Blaine Bishop, Devin Hester
24
Robert Riger/Getty Images
The Hall of Fame flanker and running back was All-NFL five times and the NFL Player of the Year in 1964. He starred for the Colts for 12 seasons (1956-67). Runner-up: Willie Wood Worthy of consideration: Champ Bailey, Willie Brown, Ty Law, Freeman McNeil, Everson Walls, Charles Woodson.
25
Walter Iooss Jr./SI
A sure-handed receiver for the Raiders, Biletnikoff had 589 career receptions for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns. He was the MVP In Super Bowl XI. Runner-up: Tommy McDonald Worthy of consideration: Eric Davis, Haven Moses, Louis Oliver
26
Walter Iooss Jr./SI
Woodson was the premier cornerback of his era and was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary team, the only active player on the list when it was selected in 1994. He played 17 seasons (1987-2003) for four teams (Steelers, Niners, Raiders and Ravens). Runner-up: Herb Adderley Worthy of consideration: Raymond Clayborn, Lydell Mitchell, Clinton Portis
27
Al Tielemans/SI
After winning a Heisman Trophy at Ohio State, George put up big numbers for both Houston and Tennessee as a member of the Oilers/Titans franchise. He was a workhorse running back, routinely amassing more than 300 carries per season. Over nine seasons he rushed for 10,441 yards and 68 touchdowns. Runner-up: Steve Atwater Worthy of consideration: Terrell Buckley, Rodney Hampton, Ken Houston
28
John Biever/SI
A key cog of the Rams' "Greatest Show On Turf," Faulk played his last game in 2005, ending a career in which he produced 19,154 combined yards from scrimmage. His 6,875 yards receiving are the most by any running back. Runner-up: Darrell Green Worthy of consideration: Warrick Dunn, Abner Haynes, Chris Johnson. Curtis Martin, Adrian Peterson, Ahmad Rashad, Curt Warner, Darren Woodson
29
Peter Read Miller/SI
An electrifying open-field runner, Dickerson ran for an NFL-record 2,105 yards in 1984 and gained 1,800 or more rushing yards in three of his first four seasons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. Runner-up: Alex Webster Worthy of consideration: Joseph Addai, Hanford Dixon, Albert Lewis (Kansas City), Sam Madison
30
Mickey Pfleger/SI
The initials (T.D.) fit: Davis ran for a franchise-best 7,607 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns during his eight seasons in Denver. He was the NFL MVP in 1998 and helped lead the Broncos to a pair of Super Bowl titles. Runner-up: Bill Willis Worthy of consideration: Ahman Green, Lawrence McCutcheon, Brian Mitchell, Mark Van Eeghen
31
Marvin E. Newman/SI
As one of the offensive pillars of Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay attack, Taylor rushed for 8,597 yards, caught 225 passes and scored 558 points. He had 19 rushing touchdowns in 1962. Runner-up: Donnie Shell Worthy of consideration: William Andrews, Priest Holmes, Wilbert Montgomery
32
Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Many consider him the NFL’s greatest player. Brown led the NFL in rushing for eight seasons and was the Most Valuable Player three times. He retired at 30 at the peak of his career. Runner-up: O.J. Simpson Worthy of consideration: Marcus Allen, Ottis Anderson, Jamal Anderson, Mike Curtis, Franco Harris, Jack Tatum, Ricky Watters, John L. Williams
33
AP
One of the game’s great passers, "Slingin" Sammy was a record six-time NFL passing leader and finished his career with 21,886 passing yards and 187 touchdowns. He also led the NFL in punting four straight years, beginning in 1940. Runner-up: Tony Dorsett Worthy of consideration: Roger Craig, David Fulcher, Ollie Matson, Mike Rozier
34
Jerry Wachter/SI
Sweet in disposition -- and talent. Payton retired as the NFL's alltime leading rusher (16,726) and is considered by many to be the NFL's greatest modern-day running back. Runner-up: Earl Campbell Wothy of consideration: Dale Carter, Cookie Gilchrist, Don Chandler, Bo Jackson, Andy Russell, Thurman Thomas
35
Sporting News Archives/Icon SMI
A two-way star for the Eagles' championship teams in 1948 and 1949, Pihos made all-NFL six times in nine seasons. He led the NFL in receiving for three straight seasons and had 373 career catches . Runner-up: John Henry Johnson Worthy of consideration: Alan Ameche, Neal Anderson, Marion Butts, Calvin Hill, Jim Nance, Christian Okoye, Riley Smith
36
David Bergman/SI
The Bus, at 5-11 and 255 pounds, powered his way to 13,662 rushing yards over 13 seasons with the Rams and Steelers. Runner-up: Brian Westbrook Worthy of consideration: Merton Hanks, Lawyer Milloy, Marion Motley, Ken Reaves
37
Hy Peskin/SI
How the Lions could use him today. Walker was a five-time Pro Bowl selection for Detroit and led the NFL in scoring in 1950 and 1955. Runner-up: Lester Hayes Worthy of consideration: Shaun Alexander, Tommy Casanova, Larry Centers, Rodney Harrison, Carnell Lake
38
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
Over a seven-year career with the Redskins and Saints, Rogers rushed for 7,176 yards with 54 touchdowns. He led the league as a rookie in 1981 with 1,647 yards and was selected as the league’s Rookie of the Year . Runner-up: Arnie Herber Worthy of consideration: Mike Anderson, Kimble Anders
39
Neil Leifer/SI
He defined punishing running for the great Miami teams of the 1970s. Csonka was a three-time All-Pro and the MVP in Super Bowl VIII. His career totals: 8,081 yards rushing, 106 receptions and 68 touchdowns. Runner-up: Hugh McElhenny, Worthy of consideration: Sam Cunningham, Steven Jackson
40
Tony Tomsic/Getty Images
Has anyone looked more graceful on a football field? Sayers's career was cut short by injuries but he still managed to finish with 9,435 combined net yards. Runner-up: Elroy (Crazy Legs) Hirsch Worthy of consideration: Mike Alstott, Dick Anderson, Tom Brookshier, Mike Haynes, Wayne Millner
41
John Iacono/SI
A fullback with soft hands and precise route-running, Byars had 610 career receptions for 5,661 yards and 54 touchdowns during his 13-year career. Runner-up: Lorenzo Neal Worthy of consideration: Tom Matte, Terence Newman, Matt Snell, Eugene Robinson, Charlie Waters
42
John Iacono/SI
An All-Pro free safety who intimidated wide receivers with his bone-crushing hits, Lott won four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers. He earned All-Pro honors at three positions (cornerback, free safety, strong safety). Runner-up: Sid Luckman Worthy of consideration: Ricky Bell, Charlie Conerly, Dick Hoak, Chuck Muncie, Gerald Riggs, Charley Taylor, Paul Warfield, Chris Warren
43
Damian Strohmeyer/SI
In the spirit of great Steeler defenders, Polamalu is a game-changing safety, a hard-hitting force with speed and great anticipation. He is a five-time Pro Bowl selection. Runner-up: Larry Brown Worthy of consideration: Steve Foley, Cliff Harris, Don Perkins, Roynell Young, Jim Norton
44
Andy Hayt/SI
Forever known (thanks to NFL Films) for his 43-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XVII – he was the MVP with a then-record 38 carries for 166 yards -- the iconoclastic back had 11,352 rushing yards over 14 seasons. Runner-up: Chuck Foreman Worthy of consideration: John David Crow, Elbert Dubenion, Floyd Little, Leroy Kelly, Dick LeBeau, Kyle Rote, Pete Retzlaff
45
John Iacono/SI
The Pro Bowl strong safety – and we mean strong – was selected to five Pro Bowls during his seven seasons in Seattle. In a seven-year career, Easley picked off 32 passes, including 10 in 1984 to earn NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. Runner-up: Gary Fencik Worthy of consideration: Homer Jones, Emlen Tunnell
46
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
A fullback-turned pass-catching tight end, Christensen was a five-time Pro Bowl selection. He led the NFL with 95 catches in 1986 and finished his 10-year career with 461 receptions. Runner-up: Chuck Muncie (San Diego) Worthy of consideration: Pete Johnson, Tim McDonald, Doug Plank
47
Heinz Kluetmeier/SI
Blount was the best cornerback of his era and a four-time champion with the Steelers. He was the NFL's defensive MVP in 1975 and played in five Pro Bowls. Runner-up: Joey Browner Worthy of consideration: Glenn Blackwood, LeRoy Irvin, John Lynch
48
Al Tielemans/SI
Not as famed as his Triplet colleagues (Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith), "Moose" played 11 seasons in Dallas (he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection at fullback) and won three Super Bowl titles. Runner-up: Beattie Feathers Worthy of consideration: Stephen Davis, Ken Ellis, Tim Fox, Wes Hopkins
49
Nate Fine/Getty Images
The dynamic Mitchell, a daring halfback and wide receiver, had 14,078 combined yards (and 91 touchdowns) in his 11 seasons with the Browns and Redskins. Runner-up: Dennis Smith Worthy of consideration: Ernie Barnes, Tony Richardson
Hernandez is currently awaiting a January murder trial for allegedly shooting Odin Lloyd in June 2013. In a separate incident, Hernandez was charged with killing two men after one of them spilled a drink on Hernandez at a club.
Earlier this week, a judge granted Hernandez's request to have evidence suppressed after electronics were taken from his home without a warrant during an investigation.
Josh Gordon will not be allowed to play in CFL
- Paul Palladino
