After five seasons with the Chargers, tight end Hunter Henry took his talents to the Patriots this offseason, where he signed a multi-year deal.
Now with a new team, Henry will also be sporting a new number, one of which holds significance to the Bolts.
Henry, who previously wore No. 86 with Los Angeles, announced that he will be wearing No. 85 with New England as a tribute to his former teammate, Antonio Gates.
“Obviously I played with one of the great ’85s’ to ever play the game and one of the best tight ends to play the game in Antonio Gates,” Henry said. “So maybe it’s a little slight honor to him, and hopefully I can do the number right for him.”
Henry played three seasons with Gates, who made eight Pro Bowls and three times was All-Pro.
Injuries derailed Henry while he was with the Chargers, but he was still one of the more productive tight ends in the league, finishing his time in the blue and gold with 196 receptions for 2,322 yards and 21 touchdowns in 55 games.