72 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 72 for New England

72 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 72 for New England

The New England Patriots will open their 2024 campaign against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, September 8 at 1:00 p.m. ET, which is now 73 days away.

Until the opening kickoff of the season for the Patriots, we'll be counting down each day by looking back at those who have worn each specific jersey number.

Since 1960, 17 players have worn No. 72 in New England, and with 72 days until their first game of the year, here's a look at everyone who's worn the number for the team:

OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr.: 2023-present

Wheatley went undrafted in 2020 following a collegiate career split between Michigan (2015-17) and Stony Brook (2018). He spent time with the Chicago Bears (2021-22), Las Vegas Raiders (2022) and Cleveland Browns (2022-23) before joining the Patriots last season. He played in two games before landing on injured reserve.

OT Yodny Cajuste: 2021-22

Cajuste was a third-round pick of the Patriots in the 2019 draft out of West Virginia. He spent four years with New England and appeared in 17 games. Since then, he's spent time with the New York Jets (2023) and New York Giants (2023-24).

OL Jermaine Eluemunor: 2020

Eluemunor was a fifth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2017 draft out of Texas A&M. After two seasons in Baltimore, he joined the Patriots for two years and appeared in 22 games. Since then, he's spent time with the Miami Dolphins (2021), Jacksonville Jaguars (2021), Las Vegas Raiders (2021-23) and New York Giants (2024).

OT Marshall Newhouse: 2019

Newhouse was a fifth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 draft out of TCU. Before joining the Patriots in 2019, he also played for the Cincinnati Bengals (2014), New York Giants (2015-16), Oakland Raiders (2017), Buffalo Bills (2018), Carolina Panthers (2018), New Orleans Saints (2019). He appeared in 15 games for New England before playing four with the Tennessee Titans in 2020.

DL Akiem Hicks: 2015

Hick was a third-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 2012 draft out of Regina. The Patriots traded for him during his fourth season with the Saints, and he appeared in 13 games recording 21 tackles and three sacks. He finished his career with the Chicago Bears (2016-21) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022).

DL Joe Vellano: 2013-14

The Patriots signed Vellano as an undrafted free agent in 2013 out of Maryland. Over his two seasons with New England, he appeared in 21 games and recorded 60 tackles and three sacks while helping them with Super Bowl 49. After leaving the Patriots he spent time with the Indianapolis Colts (2015), Atlanta Falcons (2016-17) and Dallas Cowboys (2017-18).

OT Matt Light: 2001-11

Light was a second-round pick of the Patriots in the 2001 draft out of Purdue. He spent his entire career with New England, playing in 155 games over 11 seasons. Light helped them with three Super Bowls, and he made three Pro Bowls and earned First-team All-Pro honors once.

OL Sale Isaia: 2000

Isaiah was signed as an undrafted free agent in 1995 by the Cleveland Browns out of UCLA. He also spent time with the Baltimore Ravens (1996-98), Indianapolis Colts (1999), Frankfurt Galaxy (2000) and Oakland Raiders (2000). He appeared in 16 games with the Patriots in his lone season with the team.

DL Devin Wyman:1996-97

Wymn was a sixth-round pick of the Patriots in 1996 out of Kentucky State. He appeared in 15 games with the Patriots over three seasons before spending time with the Barcelona Dragons in NFL Europe and three different Arena Football League franchises.

DL Tim Goad: 1988-94

Goad was a fourth-round pick of the Patriots in 1988 out of North Carolina. He appeared in 109 games for New England over seven seasons, making their All-1990s team and recording 461 tackles, 11.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He finished his career with one season with the Cleveland Browns (1995) and one with the Baltimore Ravens (1996).

OL Todd Sandham: 1987

The Patriots signed Sandham as a replacement player during the 1987 NFL strike after a collegiate career at Northeastern. He appeared in two games for the team.

DL Lester Williams: 1982-85

Williams was a first-round pick of the Patriots in the 1982 draft out of Miami. He appeared in 40 games over four seasons with New England, recording 5.5 sacks. He then spent time with the San Diego Chargers (1986), St. Louis Cardinals (1987) and Seattle Seahawks (1987).

DE Mel Lunsford: 1973-80

Lunsford was a third-round pick for the Patriots in the 1972 draft out of Central State. He appeared in 92 games for the team over his eight seasons, recording 21 sacks.

DL Jerry Patton: 1975

Patton entered the NFL in 1971 with the Minnesota Vikings following a collegiate career at Nebraska. He also spent time with the Buffalo Bills (1972-73) and Philadelphia Eagles (1974) before joining the Patriots for three games in 1975

DE Larry Eisenhauer: 1961-69

Eisenhauer was a sixth-round pick of the Boston Patriots in the 1961 AFL draft of Boston College. He appeared in 115 games for the team over his nine seasons, recording 43.5 sacks. He was a four-time AFL All-Star and two-time AFL sack leader.

DL Al Crow: 1960

Crow played collegiate football for William & Mary before joining the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. He appeared in three games for the Boston Patriots in their inaugural season.

LB Bill Striegel: 1960

Striegel was an eighth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1958 NFL draft. He also had stints with the Dallas Cowboys (1960) and Oakland Raiders (1960) before finishing his career with the Patriots. He appeared in five games for the team in his lone season.