New England Patriots #73 Jersey History: A Look at the Players Who Have Worn It

In just 73 days, the New England Patriots will kick off their 2024 season against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. To pass the time until the big game, the team and its fans are taking a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the players who have worn each specific jersey number in Patriots history.

Today, we focus on the number 73, a number that holds special significance as it has been retired for over 30 years. Since 1960, only seven players have donned the No. 73 for the Patriots. Let’s take a look back at each of these players and their contributions to the team:

One standout player who wore No. 73 was offensive lineman Danny Villa, who played for the Patriots from 1987-89. Villa was a fifth-round pick in the 1978 draft and appeared in 75 games over his six seasons with the team.

Another notable player who sported the number 73 jersey was offensive lineman John Hannah. A fourth-overall pick in the 1973 draft, Hannah was a force on the Patriots’ offensive line for 13 seasons. He was a seven-time First-team All-Pro, three-time Second-team All-Pro, and nine-time Pro Bowler. Hannah’s impact was so significant that the number 73 was retired in his honor in 1991 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Other players who have worn No. 73 for the Patriots include defensive end Bill Atessis, offensive tackle Tom Funchess, defensive lineman Ed Khayat, offensive lineman Billy Neighbors, and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Harry Jagielski.

As we count down the days until the Patriots’ season opener, revisiting the legacy of these players who wore the number 73 serves as a reminder of the rich history and tradition of the New England Patriots franchise. Stay tuned for more jersey number retrospectives as we approach kickoff day.