Over the past 10 years, the New England Patriots have been the NFL prototype for success. While other teams have gone through a number of peaks and valleys, the Patriots have remained the NFL’s most successful and stable franchise.
Since 2001, the Patriots have won three Super Bowls in four appearances and have made the playoffs eight times during that span. New England has won at least nine games in 10 of the 11 seasons Bill Belichick has coached the team.
Much of New England’s success is built around getting the most out of the players they have. Rarely do they have a roster chalked full of big name stars. Many of the free agents they bring in are often thought to be over-the-hill.
So it should have come as a surprise to no one when troubled DT Albert Hayensworth and attention seeking Chad “Ochocinco” were traded away by their respective clubs and landed in Foxboro.
If either player has anything left Bill Belichick will get it out of them.
Here are 10 veterans who found new life with the New England Patriots.