New England Patriots: Top 5 tight ends in franchise history
By Duncan Day
2. Ben Coates (1991-99)
Ben Coates and Shannon Sharpe were the top tight ends of the 1990’s. With New England, No. 87 was one of quarterback Drew Bledsoe’s favorite targets.
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The numbers surely don’t lie. The Patriots official website explains that Coates led all tight ends in receptions (375) and touchdown receptions (36) from 1994-1998. Additionally, upon retirement, he held the Patriots single-season record for receptions (96) and broke the NFL record for tight ends, surpassing Todd Christensen’s 95 receptions in 1986.
Belichick released the veteran Coates in 2000, but recognized his place in Patriots lore.
“However painful the process, blending in younger and less expensive players sometimes has to be done,” Belichick said according to CBS News. “Obviously, I respect how much Ben has given to this organization over the last decade and I am sure he will remain one of the most revered players in Patriots history.”
Whenever you get the normally stone-faced Belichick to glow with respect like that, you’ve done something right. Thus, it’s quite clear that Coates is an unforgettable piece of Patriots history.