25 years ago (sticking it to Don Shula)

[FrontSeven]

Steve Buckley wrote a comprehensive piece for the Herald on the "SnowPlow Game" of Dec. 12, 1982. It's actually a complicated story because of the social ramifications for the Patriots, and they did take heat for it.

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/patriots/view.bg?articleid=1049627

He destroys a few myths in the process (like Henderson being dead.)

Also, I'd like to say, John Smith, if you're out there, kudos for making a tough kick in the snow to win that game. You were the man that day, not Mark Henderson. John Smith did it long before Adam Vinitieri, and he said he didn't need to snow cleared (he needed Matt Cavanaugh to chihp a hole in the ice), and that it was a nuisance. And that is reality!

But Twenty five years later this still makes me laugh. Man, did they stick it to the Dolphins with both substance and style that day.

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

and it took all of two days for Shula to get a rule enacted that you couldn't use snowblowers to clear away the field......
did you notice it doesn't say anything about blowtorches .so in the event it ever happens again..........

 

[Sundayjack]

I suppose this is one of the few areas of common ground between Patriots and Jets fans. Anything that makes Don Shula run for his enema bag is fine by me.

 

[sieglo]

“It was to nice to meet him, but also eerie,” Kraft said. “Everyone told me this dude was dead.”


I can't se Kraft using the word "dude" for some reason.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

An interesting tidbit from the article:

As for the actual tractor that made history on Dec. 12, 1982, it will soon begin a new role with the Patriots [team stats]: When the team’s new hall of fame, The Hall at Patriot Place, opens next year at Gillette Stadium, Mark Henderson’s famous ride will be placed on permanent display in the building’s “Great Moments” section.

 

[ALP]

haha, theyre gonna put the tractor in the Patriots Place, HILARIOUS

 

[Michael]

25 years ago today.

:eat3:

 

[RayClay]

The story that Henderson died was before some reunion at least 5 years ago.

I wonder if Buckley changes some of the words, or does he just slap his name on old stories hoping nobody notices?

Oh, BTW, when hacks have reunions they take their hack vows while saluting a picture of Buckley.

 

[Lloyd_Christmas]

The story that Henderson died was before some reunion at least 5 years ago.

WTF? I have no idea what that was supposed to mean.

I wonder if Buckley changes some of the words, or does he just slap his name on old stories hoping nobody notices?

Oh, BTW, when hacks have reunions they take their hack vows while saluting a picture of Buckley.

If you saying that Buckley ripped off someone else's work, how about some evidence. Not trying to defend the guy, but I also don't believe everything I read on the internet.

 

[fourthandmiles]

I think Ray means he just rehashed parts of this from one of his old columns. Barnicle used to do this. Shank just uses madlibs approach. Jerry Thorton had "write your own Shaugnessy column" story in Barstool Sports that was pretty funny.

But I still like the story and don't mind hearing it again. I like the quote from Henderson.

“I think people remember it because somebody besides a ref, a player or a coach played a role in the outcome of the game,” he said. “If it could have been you, or you or you or you, I think any one of us would have been glad to do it.”

 

[italian pat patriot]

25 years ago today.

:eat3:

salute from my side too

what a moment must have been for the fans at Schaefer Stadium !

 

[Rawky77]

An interesting tidbit from the article:

after we have the perfect season this year Kraft needs to invite Shula to visit our new museum without letting him know in advance that the TRACTOR is the final stop on the tour.

 

[Tunescribe]

What are the chances that kick is made WITHOUT the snow plow clearing space? I wonder how important it really was.

 

[Armen Da Pats Fan]

Great story!

I remember watching that game on TV in Miami.

One of those rare bright moments back in those days of being a Patriots fan...

Plunkett to Vataha, the 1976 season, Hog Hannah/Pete Brock/Shelby Jordan, Stanley Steamer, Steve Nelson...

There wasn't much back then!

We got it REAL good now, thank you very much Mr. Kraft and Mr. Belichick!

 

[Disco Volante]

Outside the Lines just did a cool segment on it, including interviews with Henderson, Grogan, Smith and Don Shula.

 

[mgteich]

I just watched the special on ESPN. If henderson had not gone gone way beyond what was asked of him, there would have been little chance of making the kick.

What are the chances that kick is made WITHOUT the snow plow clearing space? I wonder how important it really was.