Leon Gray joined the Patriots in 1973 after being released from the Dolphins before the start of the season. Gray spent six years with the Patriots and played a major role in leading the most prolific rushing attack in NFL history. Accompanied by Patriots Hall of Famers John Hannah, Sam Cunningham and Steve Grogan, Gray and the 1978 Patriots rushed for an NFL record 3,165 yards on the season – a number that has never been challenged. The 1978 club was also the first Patriots team to win the AFC Eastern Division title. In 1977, Gray was part of an offensive line that was also prolific in pass protection as Grogan was sacked only 14 times all season. The Gray-Hannah combination on the left side of the Patriots line was widely regarded as the NFL’s best tackle-guard duo. Gray became the 28th member of the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2019 and the third elected by the Senior Selection Committee.
Selected to the Patriots 1970s All-Decade Team
A crucial member of the most explosive running offense in NFL hisotry
Selected to four Pro Bowls and named First Team All Pro in 1978, 1979 and 1980
Number: 70
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6-3
Weight: 256
College: Jackson State
Seasons with the Patriots (6): 1973-1978
Inducted: 2019