New England Names Six Team Captains for 2024 Season

The NFL began putting a “C” on players’ jerseys in 2007 to recognize team captains. A few teams never participated in the patches despite having team captains. This includes the New England Patriots. It was up to individual teams whether to add the captain’s designation to their uniforms, and Bill Belichick repeatedly opted out. This is one of the things that will change in the post-Belichick Era in New England. On Monday, the Patriots announced the six players who will wear those patches in 2024.

This year’s captains consist of three repeat selections and three first-time captains in New England. This year’s group consists of two offensive players, three defensive leaders, and one special teamer. A look at the group:

David Andrews, Center

Andrews being named a team captain has become an annual tradition. With his eighth such honor, he is the longest-tenured team captain. He is tied for the longest-tenured player on the roster as well. An undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 2015, David Andrews enters his tenth season in New England. The two-time Super Bowl champion signed an extension this offseason, which will keep him with the team through at least the 2025 season.

The 2023 Good Guy Award goes to…

Patriots captain David Andrews @dandrews61

This award is presented to a player who respectfully fulfills his media obligations. After each game, Andrews is the first one to the podium and answers all of our tough questions.

Well deserved! pic.twitter.com/eIbDc0uze5

— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) December 20, 2023

Ja’Whaun Bentley, Linebacker

Bentley returns as the team’s leader in the middle of the defense. It is his fourth year as a team captain in New England. He has continued the trend of team leaders at inside linebacker for the Patriots, taking the baton from Tedy Bruschi, Jerod Mayo, and Dont’a Hightower.

Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback

It might seem unusual for a player to be named team captain the first year he joins a team, but it is not unique. Cam Newton was a team captain in his lone season with the Patriots (2020). Brissett is the third-oldest player on the roster. Not only does he play a position that demands leadership, he has become a team leader and mentor throughout the offseason, earning the praise of teammates and coaches alike.

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (14) speaks with quarterback Drake Maye (10) during an NFL football practice, Monday, May 20, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Joe Cardona, Long Snapper

Cardona ties Andrews as the longest-tenured member of the New England Patriots. However, this is Cardona’s first season as a team captain. Matthew Slater held the honor from the special teams unit throughout Cardona’s career up to this point. He has experienced both highs (two Super Bowl titles) and lows (4-13 in 2023) with the Patriots but always seems to remain even-keeled. Cardona, an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve,  won the 2023 NFL Salute to Service Award.

Jabrill Peppers, Safety

The selection of Peppers as a first-year captain comes as no surprise. He leads by both his play on the field as well as being one of the most vocal members of the roster. Peppers joined New England in 2022 after playing for the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. he signed an extension this offseason, which keeps him with the Patriots through 2027. Peppers won Patriots Football Now’s 2023 Vince Wilfork Award as the fan favorite on the team.

Patriots DB Jabrill Peppers: "I'm excited to see what Mayo and his guys can do, go out there and play my a** for them" pic.twitter.com/1d98uUMww0

— Patriots Coverage on NBCS Boston (@NBCSPatriots) April 9, 2024

Deatrich Wise Jr., Defensive End

The Patriots drafted Wise in 2017, and he won a Super Bowl in his second NFL season. He has been a reliable presence for the Patriots defense over the years. Wise enters his eighth NFL season and his third consecutive year as a team captain. Wise won the 2023 Ron Burton Community Service Award in New England, proving his leadership extends beyond the playing field.

Other Notes

Hunter Henry is the lone team captain from 2023, still in New England, and not selected in 2024. Jerod Mayo singled out Mayo as an offensive leader on the team during his first radio interview after being named head coach.

Among the players likely under consideration for the honor, in addition to Henry and the six selections, are wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (beginning the season on PUP), cornerback Jonathan Jones, and special teams player Brenden Schooler.

The 2024 New England Patriots coaching staff includes four former team captains in New England during their playing careers. Jerod Mayo, Troy Brown, Dont’a Hightower, and Matthew Slater were all multi-time Patriots captains.