So much has happened to this core of players since Feb. 3, 2002, when Vinatieri kicked a football 48 yards through a set of indoor uprights as time expired and changed the fortunes of the Patriots' franchise -- and its players -- forever.
In the frenzied four-year Super Bowl run, Brady transformed himself from a charismatic young buck who captured lightning in a bottle to a poised, seasoned quarterback who has become the standard by which most young upstart throwers are measured (that's you, Philip Rivers).
Neal, a kid who never played college football and was barely a factor in the first championship, worked his way into a starting job alongside Light, who has established himself as one of the mainstays of the offensive line. Izzo carved out a niche as a special teams wizard, and Faulk thrived in his role as the irrepressible all-purpose back.
Brown, the team's redoubtable receiver, immortalized bingo, while Paxton cornered the market on snow angels -- with or without the white stuff.
Vrabel became the envy of every linebacker in the league -- an offensive "decoy" who actually caught touchdown passes with adeptness and style.
Bruschi, whose guile and energy came to epitomize the bend-but-don't-break defensive mentality of this franchise, finally earned a coveted Pro Bowl slot in 2004, then nearly lost his life days later after suffering a stroke.
As they prepare for another crack at a championship with the league's best team, the San Diego Chargers, standing squarely in their path, a number of things have changed for the members of The Club.
Brady and Seymour are in their prime, stalwarts on opposite sides of the ball. Yet each lost his coaching guru, Charlie Weis to Notre Dame and Romeo Crennel to the Cleveland Browns.
Brown is still, in his own, quiet way, one of the most respected players on the team, but has been lumped into a group of receivers that has been maligned for lacking the talent and firepower its quarterback so richly deserves.
