MIDDLEBORO — A quartet of former New England Patriots gave their hands a workout at Vintage Vault on Sunday, Sept. 30, signing hundreds of pictures and footballs for kids and collectors. 

Steve Nelson and Ronnie Lippett were two of the players when the Patriots played in their first ever Super Bowl in 1986. Matt Chatham and Tully Banta-Cain played for the team in the early 2000’s — the beginning of an era of dominance for the Patriots lasting nearly two decades. Chatham is an owner of three Super Bowl rings, Banta-Cain has two. 

The event was put on to celebrate Vintage Vault’s first anniversary, according to owner Chris Langdon, who said running the business is fun for him because collecting sports memorabilia is a hobby of his.  

“I grew up watching these guys,” said Langdon. “[Nelson and Lippett] played in the first Super Bowl I ever watched, so it’s awesome.” 

While signing autographs and getting to answer some questions from Patriots fans, the event also gave the two pairs of former teammates a chance to catch up and share stories. 

“I always enjoy getting to meet the fans and getting reminded of the glory days,” said Banta-Cain, who spent six seasons with the Patriots. 

Chatham agreed, saying “it’s always great to reminisce a little bit about times fans enjoyed. It’s great to be face-to-face, out of the stands and off the field into a small room to chat with the fans.”

Banta-Cain said there is “no better support system” to play for than New England Patriots fans. 

“They have seen the droughts, the peaks and valleys, they definitely were spoiled over the last 20 years but they have stood by the team.” 

Part of two Super Bowl winning teams, Banta-Cain said his best memories as a Patriot come during championship parades, where he and family members celebrated on duck boats through the streets of Boston. 

“Looking out into the crowd of people… That to me was gold,” said Banta-Cain. “To be able to share it with my family was really special.”