Last 10 New England Patriots to rush for 1,000 yards in franchise history

Antowain Smith, 2001

Antowain Smith won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots in 2001 and 2003. But before he was on the Pats, he was drafted in the first round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He rushed for 1,124 yards in his second season with the Bills.

In his first season with the Patriots, Smith rushed for 1,157 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. Throughout the course of his three years with the team, Smith became more active in the team’s growing passing attack that utilized the running backs.

In three years with the Patriots, Smith carried the ball 721 times for 2,781 yards and scored 24 total touchdowns (12th all-time in franchise history), as well as winning two Super Bowls.

Robert Edwards, 1998

The New England Patriots selected Robert Edwards in the first round (18th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft out of Georgia. Edwards carried the ball 291 times for 1,115 yards and scored nine touchdowns in his rookie year.

Unfortunately, Edwards’ career was cut short after a devastating knee injury he suffered in the rookie flag football game during Pro Bowl week in 1998. Although he attempted to play again for the Miami Dolphins, this injury ended his career after just one terrific year.