WBOB Original Reads

Tom Brady’s 5 Best Teammates of All Time

4/14/2020

Christian Martinelli

For the last 20 years, six states have been in great hands with the New England Patriots domination on the field. The best player over those years has been of course, Tom Brady, but now he’s moved on to Tampa Bay and it begs the question; who were TB12’s best teammates ever?

Brady has probably had close to 1000 teammates, and 100s of great ones. My criteria for who his best teammates are won’t be too difficult, whoever made the biggest impact on the Patriots during Brady’s tenure will make the list.

Here are Tom Brady’s best teammates of all time.

5. Ty Law (2000-2004)

Ty Law is one of two Tom Brady teammates to make the Hall of Fame by 2020 (the other being Randy Moss). Ty making the list was a no brainer. Law won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, and was arguably the best defensive player on those defensively gifted Super Bowl teams. He made three Pro Bowls, and was a one time All-Pro while teamed up with TB12. Law is still ranked first in picks sixes and interceptions in Patriots history.

4. Richard Seymour (2001-2008)

This man is one of the least recognized Patriots of all-time. People forget that he was an absolute animal on the defensive line for eight seasons, and is a three time champion. Seymour was a standout during his tenure; making five consecutive Pro Bowls, and three first team All-Pro squads. He ranks second all time in tackles for a loss in Patriots history, and will be a Hall of Famer very soon.

3. Julian Edelman (2009-2020)

Edelman went from a primarily unknown college quarterback to undoubtedly one of the greatest Patriots there’s ever been. Throughout his eleven seasons in New England, Edelman has done it all; from special teams, to playing cornerback to throwing the ball, and of course a great wide receiver. Edelman is a football player simple as that, and his leadership and ability to buy into the team has led to great success during his tenure. Brady has had great connections over the years, but no wide receiver has been as successful with Brady for as long and has won as much as Edelman has. Three Super Bowls, five appearances, and so many records along the way. Edelman earned his way onto this list, although Brady has played with much more talented players.

2. Adam Vinatieri (2000-2005)

The GOAT, Adam Vinatieri not making this list would’ve been a mortal sin. He’s the best kicker of all time and also the most clutch. In his six seasons as Brady’s teammate, Vinatieri made himself a legend, winning three Super Bowls, and kicking the game winning kick in each one. Although kickers are often looked upon as lesser players, Vinatieri showed his importance and that is why he’s still playing today. The man will one day be an NFL Hall of Famer... if he ever decides to retire. Stephen Gostkowski now has all of his Patriots records, but Vinatieri’s clutchness in the biggest moments remains unmatched.

Honorable Mentions (not in any order, either they weren’t in New England long enough or they were just edged out): Willie McGinest, Matthew Slater, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Devin McCourty, Stephen Gostkowski, Mike Vrabel, Vince Wilfork, Troy Brown, Deion Branch, Matt Light, Dont’a Hightower, Logan Mankins, and Tedy Bruschi.

1. Rob Gronkowski (2010-2019)

Gronk is just a different specimen of human being. The dude was built like a house. Not only was Gronk strong, but he was also one of the most dominant and dynamic players to ever step onto a football field. Brady was lucky to stumble upon this football catching frat boy. Gronk was a mismatch for linebackers and safeties in the passing game that defensive ends and outside linebackers couldn’t stop in the blocking game. Gronk’s all around skill made him arguably the best tight end in the 100 year history of the NFL. His career was cut short due to tons of injuries, but when he was healthy he couldn’t be stopped. When he retired he was first all time in Patriots receiving TDs(91), first all time in yards(9,024), was a three time Super Bowl champ, four time first team All-Pro, five time Pro Bowler, and owned many more records. Gronk is Brady’s best teammate ever and in my mind it’s unquestionabl. You’ll never see a better connection than that. Brady to Gronk was unlike any other duo the league had ever seen before.

He had tons of great teammates, but he was the best of them all. We’ll miss you, GOAT.