While some may say being a team captain is a meaningless accolade, most New England Patriot players will disagree. In the past, players like safety Devin McCourty and quarterback Tom Brady have said being named a captain is one of the most prized titles to posses. Typically, yearly captains are announced just before week one of the regular season, and they are decided by a vote from the 53-man roster. With the departure of Brady, an 18-time captain, linebacker Elandon Roberts, a first-time captain, as well as two-time captain Rob Gronkowski, there very well could be some new faces in the mix.
Generally, the team rolls with six captains. Last season the team voted for seven captains and five in 2016. As for 2020, there are some players who are seemingly locks for the captain’s title. This includes special teams standout Matthew Slater and Devin McCourty, both of whom have been captains since 2011. Center David Andrews, who was named a captain last year despite missing the entire season, is also seemingly a lock, as he has been a captain since 2017.
The remaining three or four spots are a bit of guessing game. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, a three-time captain since joining the team in 2012, is a sure possibility. Running back James White was a first time captain last season and could also be in the running for a second stint as a captain.
Many pundits have speculated that wide receiver Julian Edelman could very well become a captain for the first time. The receiver is entering his 11th season with the team, which is the second longest tenure behind Slater.
Another possible selection could be safety Patrick Chung. The 10-year veteran has been a crucial aspect to the Patriots backfield since his return to the team in 2014 after a quick stint with the Eagles. Chung was named a captain for the first time in 2018. Defensive tackle Lawrence Guy could also be in the running this season. Guy has been the anchor on the defensive line since joining the team in 2017.
However, younger players like quarterback Jarrett Stidham should not be ruled out as possible captain selection. Although Stidham has yet to start a game in the NFL, but is seemingly slated to be the team’s week one starter, McCourty recently praised Stidham for his incredible work ethic.
“I think (Stidham is) a young guy who’s eager to learn,” McCourty said. “That quarterback position is always a hard position. I think between him and Brian Hoyer, two guys I’ve gotten to be around – (Brian) Hoyer longer, but even Stidham last year – how much they put into just getting better.”
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