We’re eight days into our look back at the 25th anniversary of the Patriots winning the 1996 AFC title and we’re going to go with the double eights today and take a look back at Terry Glenn.

Glenn was drafted seventh overall out of Ohio State in the 1996 NFL Draft and made an immediate impact on the organization. That year, Glenn grabbed 90 balls on 167 targets for 1,132 yards and six touchdowns. In New England’s three postseason games that year, Glenn had 12 catches on 26 targets for 164 yards but didn’t get in the end zone. Still, that’s one hell of a rookie campaign and it was capped off with Glenn being named to the 1996 All-Rookie team.

The 90 catches that season ended up being the most of his career, a career that spanned 11 years and three teams, New England, Green Bay and Dallas. Glenn finished his career with 8,823 yards, 593 catches and 44 touchdowns.

It’s tough to say what Glenn’s best game was during the 1996 campaign because there were several to choose from. His highest yardage total came in the critical 23-22 win over the Giants in Week 17 where Glenn racked up 124 yards on eight catches with a touchdown. Glenn caught eight balls the week before that in a low-scoring loss to Dallas and had three other games where he caught seven balls.

Only twice all season long was he held with two or fewer catches, he was truly an impact player from the very first time he stepped on the field. Glenn’s 10-catch, 112-yard performance in the November 3rd blowout win over Miami was his highest catch total.

Of course, Glenn will mostly be remembered as a polarizing figure off the field who was often challenged by Bill Parcells. Glenn’s Patriots career ended rather unceremoniously in 2001, appearing in just four games during that magical run. The famous “I D.I.D..did” interview from that season will live in Patriots lore forever.

Bill Parcells addressing Glenn as “she” when questioning his toughness will also never be forgotten, but Glenn’s contribution to that stunning run in 1996 can’t be overlooked. Along with Shawn Jefferson and Ben Coates, Glenn helped Drew Bledsoe take another step into the upper echelon of quarterbacks that season whether fans like to admit it or not.

Glenn tragically passed away at the age of 43 in 2017. His legacy may not live on as much as other Patriots from that time period, but what he meant to the improbable run in 1996 should never be forgotten.

Check back tomorrow for Day 9 of our 25 days celebrating the 1996 AFC Champion New England Patriots.