FOXBOROUGH – This season has just started, and already, Hunter Henry is leaving a lasting legacy in New England. In the Patriots’ loss to Pittsburgh, Henry led the way with eight catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns. In doing so, he also entered the team record books.

With eight receptions, he moved past Russ Francis and Marv Cook for third place all-time in Patriots tight end history with 212 receptions. Henry trails only Rob Gronkowski (521) and Ben Coates (490). His two touchdown catches gave him 21 career scores with the Patriots. That ranks him fourth in team tight end history behind Gronkowski (79), Coates (50), and Francis (28).

In his fifth season with the Patriots, Henry said it’s an honor to be mentioned amongst the team’s greatest tight ends.

“Two guys that are special, special players,” Henry said of Gronkowski and Coates. “To be kind of mentioned in the same breath as those guys is an honor. Still got a lot of work to do, a lot of work ahead of me, but those two guys are special. Patriot Hall of Famers, Gronk will get in for sure and will be a first ballot. To be in the same breath as those guys is an honor.”

Sunday marked Henry’s fifth career two-touchdown game. He also tied a career-high with eight receptions.

After leading the Patriots in receiving yards (674) last season, Henry leads the team through three weeks with 165 yards. He’s also averaging a career-high 55.0 yards per game.

The 30-year-old signed with the Patriots in 2021. Over the first five years of his career, Henry battled through several injuries, including a knee injury that cost him the 2018 season. In New England, however, the tight end has shown durability.

This has led to him being considered one of the greatest players at the position in franchise history.