As The Hall enjoys another season of New England Patriots football, it keeps the archives up-to-date with the newest record-breaking and record-setting milestone artifacts. This season, the Patriots and many Patriots players look to land in the record books, or in The Hall’s display case.
Some of the new items on display from the 2019 season include:
Special teams play continues to dominate this season. On December 8, in a rematch of the 2018 AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Patriots special teamer Nate Ebner blocked a third quarter punt to force a crucial turnover. This was the Patriots 4th punt block of the season, passing the 1986 Patriots (3 blocked punts) to set a new single-season franchise record. The NFL record, held by the 1990 Chiefs, currently stands at 6 blocked punts in a season. Nate Ebner’s color rush jersey is now at The Hall to represent the new franchise record.
2019 first-round draft pick WR N’Keal Harry scored his first NFL touchdown on 10-yard reception from Tom Brady in a week 12 game against the Cowboys. Along with the catch being his first career score, Harry also became the 75th different player to catch a touchdown pass from Tom Brady (extending Brady’s NFL record). The Hall has received Harry’s jersey from the game to represent two amazing accomplishments in one play.
From that same 13-9 win over the Cowboys, The Hall has received the game-ball to represent the teams’ victory and to celebrate the 17th consecutive season (2003-2019) with 10 or more wins. The Patriots passed the San Francisco 49ers (16 consecutive seasons) for the most consecutive seasons in NFL history with 10+ wins.
In a week 9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Patriots WR Julian Edelman moved past Troy Brown (557) into second place on the Patriots all-time receptions list. Edelman also eclipsed 6,000 regular season receiving yards with his performance in Baltimore. He joins, Stanley Morgan, Rob Gronkowski, Wes Welker and Troy Brown as the only Patriots in the 6K club. The Hall has Edelman’s cleats on display to represent these milestones.
Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick has extended his success into the 2019 season and is rapidly climbing the all-time wins list. In a week 8 match up against his former team, the Cleveland Browns, Belichick led his team to his 300th career victory. Belichick is just the third head coach to win 300 games (Don Shula 347 and George Halas 324). To commemorate this milestone victory, The Hall has received Belichick’s rain coat that he wore during win number 300. The jacket and other Belichick milestone artifacts and photos can be found at our pop up Belichick 300 display.
Tom Brady continues to attack the NFL record book. In a week 3 win over the Jets, Tom Brady threw his 523rd regular season touchdown. This pass moved Brady out of a tie with Saints quarterback Drew Brees and into sole possession of second place on the NFL’s all-time touchdown list. Brady aims to pass Peyton Manning (539) for most regular season touchdowns in NFL history. The Hall has added this milestone football to its collection.
The Patriots second straight decade of unprecedented success has continued into 2019. The Patriots continue to add to their existing NFL record for most wins in a decade (133 and counting). On September 22, 2019, the Patriots beat the New York Jets for their 116th regular season win of this decade (2010-present). They now hold the record for most regular season wins and most overall wins in a decade. The Hall has acquired the game ball to represent the team’s accomplishment.
In his 12th season with the Patriots, Matthew Slater recorded his first career touchdown off a JC Jackson blocked punt in a week 4 matchup in Buffalo. This milestone touchdown by the seven-time Pro Bowler has certainly earned its place inside The Hall. We received Slater’s game-used cleats and gloves, which he wore when he slid across the goal line for touchdown number one.
Safety Devin McCourty tied a team record when he intercepted a pass in a fourth consecutive game at Buffalo on Sept. 29. He tied Patriots Hall of Famer Mike Haynes, who also intercepted a pass in four straight games as a rookie back in 1976. McCourty’s cleats and gloves from the 16-10 win in Buffalo are on display at The Hall.
Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II had a career best performance in week one against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dorsett had 4 receptions for 95 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Hall has received Dorsett’s game-worn gloves to showcase his performance.
A new addition to The Hall #PatsRecords pic.twitter.com/Rxlmiwtwi2
— The Hall presented by Raytheon (@TheHall) September 19, 2019
Julian Edelman’s 500th career reception jersey, which also launched him into 6th on the Patriots all-time receiving yards list (5,473). In week one against the Steelers, Edelman became just the 5th Patriots player to reach the 500 reception mark. Other Patriots to reach that milestone are – Wes Welker, Troy Brown, Stanley Morgan and Rob Gronkowski.
Because we love all things Gronk. We also have the football Rob Gronkowski spiked as part of the season-opening Super Bowl LIII banner ceremony. He signed the football and it’s on display at The Hall.
Visit the Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon to see many more incredible moments and artifacts from Patriots history.