With Zdeno Chara becoming the latest Boston athlete from this golden era in New England sports history to have his number retired, it\u2019s as good a time as any to examine who is still coming.<\/p>\n
So far, from Boston\u2019s 13 championships since 2000, Chara became the sixth player to have his number retired. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at all four teams and who they\u2019ve already put in the rafters and who might be on the way there from the present and the past:<\/p>\n
Bruins<\/p>\n
Whose numbers are already retired from this century: Chara is the first for the Bruins. <\/p>\n
![\"Kraken](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/VLCMRIWJK5HTVLW7VH3HX5RYCY.jpg\")
Former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara and his family watch as his number “33” is raised to the rafters before an NHL hockey game between the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo\/Winslow Townson)AP<\/p>\n
Next: Patrice Bergeron, followed by Brad Marchand<\/p>\n
Debate-worthy: David Krejci. He\u2019s underrated, played his career in Bergeron\u2019s shadow, and was a very good postseason player.<\/p>\n
Eventually: David Pastrnak is headed for some huge career numbers. As long as he doesn\u2019t leave, he\u2019ll likely eventually be up there with several former teammates.<\/p>\n
Overlooked in the past: Gerry Cheevers, Wayne Cashman, Bill Cowley<\/p>\n
Notes: Bergeron is an easy choice and Marchand won\u2019t be far behind. After that, it could be a while before a new number goes up.<\/p>\n
Red Sox<\/p>\n
Whose numbers are already retired from this century: Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz<\/p>\n
![\"David](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/7ESMYLBLSVFUBDK5PJQMDKMWUY.jpg\")
Boston Red Sox baseball great David Ortiz, right, laughs with Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez, Friday, June 23, 2017, at Fenway Park in Boston as the team retired Ortiz’s jersey No. 34 worn when he led the franchise to three World Series titles. It is the 11th number retired by the Red Sox. (AP Photo\/Elise Amendola)AP<\/p>\n
Next: There\u2019s not an obvious next guy.<\/p>\n
Debate-worthy: Dustin Pedroia, Tim Wakefield, Roger Clemens, Jason Varitek<\/p>\n
Maybe?: If Dwight Evans or Clemens get into the Hall of Fame via an Eras Committee, they\u2019d get very strong consideration.<\/p>\n
Overlooked: Pumpsie Green<\/p>\n
Notes: The Red Sox have inducted their obvious candidates and guys who were on that track \u2014 Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Jon Lester, etc. \u2014 didn\u2019t stay in Boston. Wakefield and Pedroia are interesting sentimental debates. <\/p>\n
Celtics<\/p>\n
Whose numbers are already retired from this century\u2019s championships: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett<\/p>\n
Next: It might not be until Tatum or Brown retires.<\/p>\n
Debate-worthy: Ray Allen. Al Horford<\/p>\n
Eventually: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown<\/p>\n
Overlooked: Nobody.<\/p>\n
Notes: Allen wasn\u2019t in Boston as long as Garnett and signing with the Heat felt like a betrayal. He\u2019s mended some fences, but still feels like a long shot.<\/p>\n
Horford wasn\u2019t a superstar, but his signing was critical to getting the Celtics to championship contender status again. Plus, the Celtics like to retire numbers, so both are possible.<\/p>\n
Patriots<\/p>\n
Who\u2019s numbers are already retired from this century\u2019s championships: Tom Brady<\/p>\n
Next: There are no definite players on the horizon.<\/p>\n
![\"Tom](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ZF4VX2AS7RFAVDDDYEGDBIJBIQ.jpg\")
The New England Patriots unveiled a 12-foot statue of Tom Brady outside Gillette Stadium.(Nick O’Malley\/MassLive)<\/p>\n
Debate-worthy: Rob Gronkowski<\/p>\n
Notes: The Patriots generally haven\u2019t retire numbers other than Brady under Robert Kraft\u2019s ownership. Obviously, it\u2019s harder in the NFL with much larger rosters. But Gronk is the best tight end in history. He won three Super Bowls and was an All-Pro four times. He at least deserves consideration.<\/p>\n
Outtakes from a busy week<\/a>…Credit where credit is due<\/p>\n