Richard Seymour

The New England Patriots selected University of Georgia defensive All-American lineman Richard Seymour in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. At 6-6, 310 pounds, Seymour was a versatile player who spent time as both a defensive end and defensive tackle. He was feared by quarterbacks throughout the league as he recorded three or more sacks every year of his career except one.

Seymour was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team in 2001 and was an integral member of a New England team that earned the franchise’s first world championship with an upset victory over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. The win was the first of three championship teams Seymour played on as he also helped the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXVIII and XXXIX titles.

Seymour spent his first eight seasons with the Patriots (2001-08) before he was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 2009 where he remained for the final four years through his retirement after the 2012 season. His success continued in Oakland as Seymour posted remarkable stats on the field.

In all, Seymour played 164 career games. He recorded 57.5 sacks and his team’s record when he recorded a sack was an astonishing 46-8-0. He amassed a total of 496 tackles (324 solo), intercepted two passes, and forced four fumbles. Seymour also made eight fumble recoveries, one of which he scored on a franchise record 68-yard return.

A seven-time Pro Bowler, Seymour was named First-Team All-Pro three straight times. In addition to being named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s, Seymour is a member of the Patriots 50th Anniversary Team and the Patriots All-2000s Team.