Ben Coates

Ben Coates played in 142 games over nine seasons as a Patriot with 105 starts. Entering the 2010 season, Coates was third all-time in team history in receptions (490), fourth in receiving yards (5,471) and second in receiving touchdowns (50) – all tops among tight ends in Patriots annals. In 1994, Coates set a single-season record for receptions by a tight end with 96 (now tied for third) and still holds the franchise record for receptions by a tight end. He also led the team in touchdown receptions for six straight seasons between 1993 and 1998 and led the team in overall receptions five times. Coates was named to the Patriots Team of the Century in 2000 and ranks in the top 10 all time among NFL tight ends in career receptions, yards and touchdowns. Coates was Drew Bledsoe’s go-to receiver throughout his career and became a fan favorite for his dependability, toughness and performance. Coates finished his career with the Baltimore Ravens where he was part of the 2000 Super Bowl championship team. He was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2008.