Today in Patriots History

[jmt57]

More for June 10:

Steve King, 66 (June 10, 1951)
Patriot LB, 1973-1981
Uniform #52
Due to paperwork not being properly filed for his redshirt freshman season at Tulsa, King went from ineligible for the draft, to eligible and then removed for the supplemental draft, to being declared a free agent. Remembering King from when he recruited him in high school, Chuck Fairbanks signed King as a rookie. He went on to play 124 games, mostly in sub packages and on special teams. King was a starter in 1974 and 1976, and was a team captain in 1981. For more on his career, check out Steve Balestrieri's 2013 interview, Catching Up With Steve King.

Jeff White, 69 (June 10, 1948)
Patriot K/P, 1973
Uniform #2
White took over as the Pats kicker in week four of 1973, and somehow lasted the rest of the season. He missed his only field goal try in a two-point week 5 loss to the Jets, then had a horrible game at Philadelphia two weeks later. White went 1-5 on his field goal attempts and missed an extra point in a 24-23 loss to the Eagles. In the final game of the season White missed both field goal attempts and an extra point in an 18-13 loss to the Colts. For the season White connected on just 14 of 25 field goals, including two misses from inside the twenty and going 3 for 9 outside the forty. In week four White had to fill in at punter and did not fare any better, averaging 27.2 yards per punt.

Dewey McDonald, 27 (June 10, 1990)
Patriot S, 2015
Uniform #31
The Pats claimed McDonald off waivers from Indianapolis on 10/28/15, adding him to the roster when LB Rufus Johnson was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list. He was released on November 12 and then went on and off the practice squad a couple times. McDonald was added to the active roster on 11/26 when Aaron Dobson was placed on IR, and then cut for good two days later. McDonald played in only one game for the Pats; he has appeared in 29 NFL games and is now with Seattle.

David Wilson, 47 (June 10, 1970)
Patriot S, 1992
Uniform #26
A late round pick out of Cal for the Vikings, Wilson appeared in one game for the Patriots in '92, a week 7 loss to the Browns.

Dan Kecman, 69 (June 10, 1948)
Patriot LB, 1970
Uniform #45
A literal one hit wonder, Kecman's sole NFL game was in week one of the 1970 season at the age of 22, in a 27-14 win for the Patriots against Miami. He is now an assistant high school footbal coach in Rockville, Maryland.


Mike DeVito, 33 (June 10, 1984)
Went to Nauset Regional High School on Cape Cod, and the University of Maine.
Defensive lineman spent nine years in the NFL, with the Jets and Chiefs.


Also born June 10:
- Dan Fouts (1951); HoF QB for the Chargers, and not-HoF NFL announcer.
- Kyle Williams (1983); 5-time Pro Bowl DT for the Bills.
- Larry Brooks (1950); 5-time Pro Bowl DT for the Rams.
- Kevin Donnalley (1968); Oiler/Dolphin/Panther guard played in 207 games.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Don't you mean "HoF QB for the Chargers, and not-HoF NFL announcer"?

 

[jimnance]

Jmt- yes it still stings a little for me,too. '76 should have been the Patriots 1st SB Championship. And you have to wonder if Sullivan wasn't such an *******- Hannah and gray don't hold out and Fairbanks maybe stays put- they could've had a shot at going back to back in '76 and '77.

I agree 100% Fairbanks is hands-down the 2nd best HC in Patriots history. There's really no telling how much success he could've had. Just a damn shame.

But he brought a ton of excitement and hope to us after 10+ years of mediocrity.

 

[jmt57]

Don't you mean "HoF QB for the Chargers, and not-HoF NFL announcer"?

(In best Homer Simpson voice), Doh! ... little slip of the keyboard there.

Can I use researching Danny DeVito's career with the Chiefs as an excuse?

 

[jmt57]

June 11 birth dates are relatively weak, unless you look at NFL players as well.


Grey Ruegamer, 41 (June 11, 1976)
Patriot C/OL, 2000-2002
Uniform #67
Ruegamer played in 33 games over three seasons with the Patriots, with three starts. Originally signed off Pittsburgh's practice squad, he was a 3rd round pick by the Dolphins in '99. His claim to fame may be for blocking on Tom Brady's first career rushing touchdown against the Jets. Later defended the wall, with these comments:

“If the quarterback wants to throw a beach ball or a shot put, so what? If the NFL was so worried about competitive advantage, why would they let teams use footballs all week for the game and only then provide brand new kicking balls pregame?”

“The talking heads are trying to manufacture that it’s some significant competitive advantage to have a slightly deflated football. If that were the case then they should ban every conceivable ‘competitive advantage,’ like receivers’ gloves, taped ankles and strength and conditioning coaches.”

“Odell Beckham likely doesn’t make that amazing catch without gloves. Jerome Bettis may have fumbled a lot more in his stellar career without those big neoprene sleeves on his arms to hold the ball in place. DeMarco Murray may not have played as well without piles of ankle tape help him make sharp cuts. And J.J. Watt may not have been the defensive machine he was because of his offseason training. All, at the end of the day, provide some form of competitive advantage depending on the quality and application of use.”​

Ed Koontz, 71 (June 11, 1946)
Patriot LB, 1968
Uniform #54
An extremely late (17th round, 440th overall) selection in the 1968 draft out of Catawba, Koontz played in six games with one start in what was Mike Holovak's final season as the Patriots head coach.



John Morelli (1923-2004)
Born and raised in Revere, Morelli played in 19 games on the offensive line right out of Georgetown for the 1944-45 Boston Yanks.

Darnell Alford , 40 (June 11, 1977)
Sixth round pick by the Chiefs in 2000, the OL from Boston College appeared in three NFL games.

Ron Hallstrom, 58 (June 11, 1959)
Born in Holden MA, Hallstrom was a 1982 first round pick by Green Bay. The guard went on to play 174 games with 132 starts for the Packers.




Also born on June 11 (of 1956) was some guy with a name that sounds like something from a bad Hollywood or truck commercial script, by the name of Joe Montana.

 

[jmt57]

June 12 is highlighted by 70's icon Steve Kiner.


Steve Kiner, 70 (June 12, 1947)
Patriot LB, 1971-1973
Uniform #57
Linebacker started 28 games for the Patriots, but if you weren't there then I can't explain it.
The curious case of Steve Kiner and his missing Cotton Bowl watch.
Concussions and the NFL: Steve Kiner.


Kevin Turner (1969-2016)
Patriot FB, 1992-1994
Uniform #34
Turner played in every game for the Pats from '92-'94, scoring seven touchdowns and gaining 1,238 yards from scrimmage. He played five more seasons in the NFL, before predictable results.


Andre' Davis, 38 (June 12, 1979)
Patriot WR, 2005
Uniform #18
The reclamation project (signed as a free agent after three years with the Browns) played in nine games with four starts for the '05 Patriots. During that time Davis had nine receptions for 190 yards and one touchdown.



Others born June 12 include Dallas Clark and Larry Foote.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

(In best Homer Simpson voice), Doh! ... little slip of the keyboard there.

Can I use researching Danny DeVito's career with the Chiefs as an excuse?

...it must be a homer simpson 'cause the pitcher said...

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

June 12 is highlighted by 70's icon Steve Kiner.


Steve Kiner, 70 (June 12, 1947)
Patriot LB, 1971-1973
Uniform #57
Linebacker started 28 games for the Patriots, but if you weren't there then I can't explain it.

Steve was an incredible college player, who was credited by head coach Bum Phillips "for turning the Houston Oilers into winners."

That Chuck Fairbanks traded him to the Oilers says more about the talent the Pats had at that position(just look at his successor in #57); plus he didn't predict Kiner's turnaround into a leader in Houston.

Articles about him above are a must read.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Kevin Turner (1969-2016)
Patriot FB, 1992-1994
Uniform #34
Turner played in every game for the Pats from '92-'94, scoring seven touchdowns and gaining 1,238 yards from scrimmage.

A heart-wrenching but informative and important story and man.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Steve King, 66 (June 10, 1951)
Patriot LB, 1973-1981
Uniform #52

 

[Mike the Brit]

(In best Homer Simpson voice), Doh! ... little slip of the keyboard there.

Can I use researching Danny DeVito's career with the Chiefs as an excuse?

 

[jmt57]

Plenty of June 13 birthdays, but only one Patriot starter.

Mel Lunsford, 67 (June 13, 1950)
Patriot DE, 1973-1980
Uniform #72
Lunsford was a 3rd round pick by the Raiders in 1972 and then was with Atlanta and Washington, but had no playing time with any of those three teams. The Pats acquired him from the Skins in exchange for a '74 fifth round pick. Lunsford became a starter the next season, then retired for personal reasons after four games the following year. He returned in '76 and most only one game over the next four seasons. Lunsford was named the Pats best defensive lineman in 1979, and ended up playing 94 games for the Patriots.

Lunsford is also remembered for a 1976 game against the Bills. Keep in mind that OJ Simpson had set an NFL single season rushing record three years earlier, thanks in large part to two 200-plus yard games against the Pats. In the first quarter Simpson ran a sweep, and in the scrum after the tackle Lunsford may have possibly landed a punch to OJ's nether regions. Simpson completely lost control (imagine that), throwing punches and swinging his helmet at anybody and everybody. Both players were ejected, the Patriots went on to win the game and ended having a great season.

Myron Pryor, 31 (June 13, 1986)
Patriot DT, 2009-2012
Uniform #91
Pats 6th round (207th overall) pick of the 2009 draft, from Kentucky.
Pryor played in 13 games his rookie season, and in nine games with two starts the following year. A shoulder injury limited him to two games in 2011, and resulted in his spending 2012 on the reserve/physically unable to play list. He was released in April of 2013.


Earthwind Moreland, 40 (June 13, 1977)
Patriot CB, 2004
Uniform #29
Undrafted out of Georgia Southern, the guy whose mother named him after the R&B band bounced around with the Bucs, Jets, Saints, Jaguars, Browns and Vikings for four years while appearing in just three games. The Pats promoted him from the practice squad after injuries to Ty Law and Tyrone Poole left them with Troy Brown starting in the secondary. Moreland played in nine games with two starts for the Pats, and is now a high school football coach in Georgia.


Sale Isaia, 45 (June 13, 1972)
Patriot G, 2000
Uniform #72
Isaia went undrafted and spent time the Browns, Ravens, Colts, Raiders and in NFL Europe from 1995 to 2000. He had played in nine games for the Ravens in 1996, and was signed by the Pats at the end of training camp in Bill Belichick's first year as head coach in Foxboro. He appeared in all 16 games, with 14 starts, but was released the following spring.


Ted Larsen, 30 (June 13, 1987)
Patriot G, 2010 off season
Uniform #62
Pats 6th round (205th overall) pick of the 2010 draft, from North Carolina State.
Larsen was projected by some to be a 2011 replacement for Dan Koppen at center. Although he had a somewhat inconsistent training camp and preseason, it was still a bit of a surprise that he was waived at the end of camp prior to week one. Any chance of signing him to the practice squad quickly disappeared when the Bucs claimed him on waivers. In retrospect it would have been better to keep Larsen over Nick Kaczur. The veteran had back issues in camp and after four inactive games went on IR, and was released the following spring. Larsen has played in 102 games with 65 starts over the last seven seasons, and is now with the Miami Dolphins - when he is not rescuing teenagers in the Gulf of Mexico.


E.J. Biggers, 30 (June 13, 1987)
Patriot CB, 2016 off season
Uniform #39
The Western Michigan alum had played in 92 games with 34 starts when the Pats signed the veteran free agent in March of 2016. Biggers was competing for a backup role behind Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan, but was a bit of a longshot to make the team, losing out in his roster battle to Jonathan Jones and Justin Coleman and being cut August 23.



Several other pro football players born today with New England connections:

- Dave O'Brien, 76 (June 13, 1941); did not start playing football until his senior year at Watertown High School. He was a walk on at BC and was drafted by the Pats in 1963, but instead signed with Minnesota. O'Brien was on the field for Jim Marshall's infamous wrong-way touchdown/safety. The lineman played in 60 games over five seasons before a broken fibula ended his MFL career at the age of 26. In a bit of trivia, he was part of the only Massachusetts high school football game that had five players that would go on to play in the NFL.

- Fritz Barzilauskas (6/13/20-11/30/90); born and raised in Waterbury, then went to Holy Cross and Yale. The guard was the 3rd overall pick in the 1947 draft by the Boston Yanks. Spent two seasons in Boston and two in New York, playing in 36 games.

- Veto Kissell (6/13/27-3/19/97); born and raised in Nashua, then went to Holy Cross. The fullback and linebacker played in 20 games in 1949-50.

- Tom Cichowski (6/13/63-9/17/15); grew up in Southington CT, was a 2nd round pick by the Packers in 1966, and played in 13 games for Denver at tackle in 1967-68.

- Mike Dwyer, 54 (6/13/63); Dwyer went to Barnstable High School, the University of Rhode Island and UMass. The defensive tackle played in three games as a replacement player for Dallas in 1987, and is now back home as an assistant football coach in Barnstable.

- George Smith (6/13/41-3/5/86); center/linebacker won two NFL championships and was named to one Pro Bowl over seven seasons; played for the 1945 Boston Yanks.

- Jack Riley (6/13/09-3/22/93); starting tackle for the 1933 Boston Redskins.

- Frank Martin, 98 (6/13/1919); halfback spent four years in the league, including three games for the 1945 Boston Yanks.



Also born today in 1903:
- Red Grange, Hall of Fame halfback and one of the greatest players in football history.
- Sam Adams, 44; Seattle defensive lineman is the son of Patriot guard Sam Adams. member of the Pats 1970s all-decade team who played 119 games for the Patriots.
- Ted Cottrell, 70; spent 36 years coaching football, including ten as an NFL defensive coordinator.

 

[jmt57]

June 14 is a case of quantity over quality, starting with a draft bust from the final year of the **** MacPherson era.


Eugene Chung, 48 (June 14, 1969)
Patriot G/T, 1992-1994
Uniform #69
Pats 1st round (13th overall) pick of the 1992 draft, from Virginia Tech
Chung started 30 games his first two years, but considering the Pats went 7-25 during that time that's not saying much. You know it's bad when that early of a draft pick is replaced by Bob Kratch and is a healthy scratch for 12 games, as was the case in '94. Soon after Chung was left available for the expansion draft and selected by Jacksonville. Despite never really 'getting it' on the field, since 2010 Chung has worked as an assistant offensive line coach, currently with Philadelphia.

Matt Stevens, 44 (June 14, 1973)
Patriot S, 2000-2001
Uniform #26
Over eight years Stevens played in 108 NFL games with 42 starts, plus six playoff games. He had earned a ring for Super Bowl 36, playing in 15 games with four starts for the Pats that year, with one pick, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. In 2007 Stevens was paralyzed from the chest down after a motorcycle accident, but after several years has regained ability to walk - and still supports the Patriots.

Fred Baxter, 46 (June 14, 1971)
Patriot TE, 2002-2003
Uniform #49 and #84
Baxter was 31 when he signed on with the Patriots for the final game of 2002. The following year he played in twelve games, on special teams and as a reserve (zero receptions on two targets). Over twelve NFL seasons Baxter played in 134 games with 50 starts (mostly for the Jets), with 100 receptions and 12 touchdowns.

Paul Feldhausen, 70 (June 14, 1946)
Patriot OT, 1968-1970
Uniform #66
Pats 11th round (278th overall) pick of the 1968 draft, from Division 3 Northland College in Wisconsin.
Feldhausen was cut at the end of his rookie training camp, then spent most of the year on the taxi squad while playing for the Lowell Giants of the ACFL. He was activated late in the season, playing on special teams. He was again cut at the end of camp in '69 and '70, and again played in the ACFL. Feldhausen had to retire after injuring his back in a blocking dummy accident.

Tony Mumford, 54 (June 14, 1963)
Patriot RB, 1985 off season
Pats 12th round (328th overall) pick of the 1985 draft, from Penn State.
Mumford never made it with the Patriots, but did get in to a couple of games for the St. Louis Cardinals later in '85.


Others with New England connections:

- John Mellekas (6/14/33-6/2/15); Newport RI native was the 47th overall pick of the 1956 draft. He spent eight years in the NFL with Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia, playing in 85 games at center, tackle and defensive tackle.

- Joe Zeno (6/14/19-1/8/92); went to Waltham High School and Holy Cross. The 36th overall pick of the 1946 draft was a Pro Bowl lineman, and after returning from WWII played the 1946-47 Boston Yanks. While captain for Washington, Zeno was perhaps the only guard to call plays rather than the quarterback.

- Gene Filipski (6/14/31-8/23/94); grew up in Webster MA. Spent two years in the NFL and four in the CFL as a HB/KR/PR. Filipski later became the color commentator for CTV football broadcasts.

- David Gamble, 46 (6/14/71); wide receiver went to UNH and got a ring with the 1997 Denver Broncos.

- Jack Spellman (6/14/99-8/1/66); Connecticut native went to Enfield High School and Brown University. Played end, tackle and wingback from 1925-32 for the Providence Steamrollers and the Boston Braves. Spellman won a gold medal in wrestling at the 1924 Olympic games in Paris.

- Frank Bausch (6/14/08-4/6/76); All Pro center played eight NFL seasons, including three with the 1934-36 Boston Redskins.

- Doug Nott (6/14/11-5/25/91); tailback for the 1935 Boston Redskins.



Also born June 14:
- Ben Davidson (6/14/40-7/3/12); the 6'8 defensive end with the distinctive handlebar 'stache was the face of the great Raider teams of the sixties and early seventies.
- Tom Matte, 78 (6/14/39); Colts' Pro Bowl RB still holds a superbowl record for his 10.5 yards per carry in SB3. Matte scored 57 touchdowns and had 7,515 yards from scrimmage in his career. He is most well known for having to come in and start at quarterback when Johnny Unitas and his backup were both injured, becoming the first QB to have plays taped to a wrist band.
- Stew Barber, 78 (6/14/39); Bills' tackle was named to five consecutive AFL All-Star teams; later became Buffalo's assistant GM and VP.

 

[jmt57]

June 15 is a very special day at PatFans.com because it is the birthday of a most legendary player on this forum, yet was never part of the Patriot organization.


Adam Seward, 35 (June 15, 1982)
NFL ILB, 2005-2009
Uniform #59
Seward was misfit in Carolina's 4-3 defense, and visited New England as a restricted free agent in 2008. Seward felt he would fit in nicely to the Patriots 3-4, and it appeared that the asking price (a 5th round draft pick) would make him a great addition. The Pats had just drafted Jerod Mayo, but the rest of the starting linebacking corps was all on the wrong side of 30. Others saw Seward's lack of playing time (just two starts, stuck behind Dan Morgan and Jon Beason) as evidence that he was Monty Beisel v2.0. The Pats did not sign Seward to an offer sheet and instead headed in to camp with Bo Ruud, Victor Hobson, Eric Alexander and Vince Redd as backups to Mayo and Tedy Bruschi.

The real story of course is the epic debate that Seward's visit sparked. That topic was reactivated a year later when he became an unrestricted free agent (Seward ended up signing with the Colts). Just as every season some player will be Ventroned, in every off season some free agent will be the next Adam Seward.


Jonathan Freeny, 28 (June 15, 1989)
Patriot LB, 2015 - present
Uniform #55
Rutgers alum spent three seasons with Miami before being signed as a free agent. Appeared in first 13 games of 2015 before missing the last three with an injury, then played in both playoff games. In late August of 2016 Freeny was given a healthy two-year contract extension that raised eyebrows. He played in five games with four starts before going on IR with a shoulder injury. In 2015 Freeny was on the field for 389 defensive snaps (36%, 14th) and 249 special teams snaps (51%, 6th). In his limited 2016 time Freeny had 97 defensive snaps and 49 special teams snaps. I would have to think that Freeny is a longshot to be on the roster for week one and see his 2017 $1,000,000 salary.


Nate Jones, 35 (June 15, 1982)
Patriot S, 2011
Uniform #23
Another Rutgers alum, Jones was 29 and in his eight NFL season when they signed him at the end of November 2011. He played in the final five games with one start, and also in the 23-20 playoff victory over the Ravens. Since retiring Jones has been working as a referee in the MEAC.


Others with New England area connections:

- Mike Flynn, 43 (June 15, 1974); Agawam native went to Springfield Cathedral High School and the University of Maine. The center played in 142 games for the Baltimore Ravens from 1998 to 2007.

- Jack Rizzo, 68 (June 15, 1949); born in Boston, went to Weston High School and Kimball Union Academy in Meriden NH. The running back played for the CFL's Ottawa Rough Riders in 1972, the New York Giants in '73, and for Houston and Shreveport in the WFL in '74.

- Leo Stasica (6/15/16-9/23/82); all-purpose back was a third round pick in the 1941 draft. For the 1944 Boston Yanks he completed 21 passes and also had two punts, three kick returns, three punt returns, an interception - and 22 rushes for minus-16 yards, despite a long gain of ten yards.


Other NFL players born today include draft busts Jake Locker and Curtis Enis.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

June 14

Happy Flag Day

June 14, 1777 - The Stars and Stripes adopted by Congress as the Flag of the United States of America.

February 21, 1960 - The Birth of Pat Patriot.

April 19, 1960 - Pat Patriot adopted as official team logo.

 

[supafly]

--Had some hope for Myron Pryor. Still remember that hit to Favre that knocked him out of the game.

--It will be interesting to see what happens with Freeny. I forgot all about him going to IR after signing the extension in the summer. He seems like a good choice to be cut, but perhaps Belichick sees him as a quality ST only candidate?

--Still get slightly annoyed when I see Larsen mentioned. Not going to lie. I remember having him penciled in, not at C though, as a guard.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

jmt57 doing the Lord's work in here.

Regards,
Chris

 

[jmt57]

June 16 is as slow as it gets, with a cumulative one regular season game played for Patriots born today. It's a slow day for NFL players too, led by OJ's driver of the Ford Bronco, and the last NFL player that was born in Cuba.


Andre President, 46 (June 16, 1971)
Patriot TE, 1995
Uniform #88
The 6'3, 255 TE from Angelo State played in the '95 season opener, a 17-14 comeback victory over Bill Belichick's Cleveland Browns. He played in the last two games of the season for the Bears, and was later signed by Philadelphia.

Andre Holmes, 29 (June 16, 1988)
Patriot WR, 2013 off season
The 6'5 Holmes was originally signed by the Vikings in 2011; after being cut at the end of camp he spent 2011 and 2012 in Dallas. He made the 53-man roster for seven games but spent most of his time there on the practice squad. The Pats signed him to their practice squad on January 8, 2013. The Pats signed veterans Danny Amendola and Donald Jones in free agency, drafted Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce, and then signed veterans Michael Jenkins and Lavelle Hawkins as well as rookie Kenbrell Thompkins. With 13 receivers on the roster the Pats waived Holmes and Jeremy Ebert.

Holmes quick departure may have also had something to do with the fact that he was soon suspended four games for ped's. He was claimed by Oakland and caught on with a talent-thin Raider club. Over the next four seasons Holmes missed only two games (plus the four on suspension), scoring 12 touchdowns. In March the Bills signed Holmes to a three-year, $6.5 million contract.



Others with New England connections:

- Nick Easton, 25 (June 16, 1992); Harvard grad played in 11 games with five starts at center for the Vikings last year. He has also been with Baltimore and San Francisco, traded twice in his rookie season.

- Robert Watts, 63 (June 16, 1954); went to Vermont Academy and Boston College. Linebacker got in to a couple games with the Raiders in '78.



Then there is also:

- Al 'AC' Cowlings, 70 (6/16/47); boyhood friend of OJ Simpson and driver of the white Ford Bronco, Cowlings was a bust as bust as the 5th overall pick of the 1970 draft.

- Luis Sharpe, 57 (6/16/60); 16th overall pick of the '82 draft started 189 games for the Cardinals from 1982-1994, before addiction derailed his life. Sharpe is also the most recent of just four NFL players to have born in Cuba.

- Larry Brown, 68 (6/16/49); TE/OT won four rings while appearing in 167 games for the Steelers from 1971 to 1984.

- Matt Turk, 49 (6/16/68); three time Pro Bowl punter played in 244 games.

 

[jmt57]

June 17 birthdays are highlighted by three pro football hall of famers, and low-lighted by a swing and a miss.


Albert Haynesworth, 36 (June 17, 1981)
Patriot DT, 2011
Uniform #92
The 15th overall pick of the 2002 draft is most well known his dirty play. At training camp in Tennessee he kicked a teammate in the chest. Then in a game against the Cowboys Haynesworth took off center Andre Gurode's helmet, and after missing the first time stomped on his face, resulting in 30 stitches. Roger Goodell suspended Haynesworth a mere five games. The Titans had seen enough and released Haynesworth even though it meant eating $5.5 million in cap space. That didn't stop other teams from drooling over the two time All Pro and 2008 Defensive Player of the Year when he hit free agency though. Haynesworth signed a seven year $100 million contract with Washington, even though Tampa Bay offered $120 million. Haynesworth didn't like playing in a 3-4, clashed with coaches, and was eventually suspended. After two seasons Washington traded Haynesworth to the Patriots for a 2013 fifth round pick.

The acquisition was a low risk, high upside move. Haynesworth's 2011 salary was not exorbitant (worked out to $100,000 per game); Washington took the brunt of the deal with upfront money. In a week 8 game against the Giants the officials missed a hold on Haynesworth. After protesting to no avail he seemed to completely lose focus and intensity, and was beat badly on the next three plays, the last which resulted in a 10-yard touchdown run. Haynesworth did not get back on the field again, and was seen having words with coach Pepper Johnson. Two days later he was released. In six games with the Patriots he was on the field for 133 of 561 defensive snaps, missing two games with a back injury; his stat line consisted of two tackles and one assist. Unable to beat Kyle Love for a starting position alongside Vince Wilfork and with Gerard Warren and Ron Brace available for depth, Haynesworth was already expendable; the confrontation with Peppers after the poor play in the previous games made the decision easy.


Doug Skene, 47 (June 17, 1970)
Patriot G, 1993-1994
Uniform #74
Skene was an 8th round draft pick by the Eagles in '93, and the Pats picked the rookie up off waivers in November. Out of training camp in '94 he was the starting right guard, and played in the first six games. In an October game against the Raiders he was making a block when 310 pound Chester McGlockton fell on the back of his knee, resulting in season ending surgery. Skene came back to camp hoping to compete with Todd Rucci, who finished the season at RG. However the knee was not 100% and he was cut at the end of camp, and retired.



Others born today with New England connections:
- Alec Anderson (6/17/94-11/14/53); Somerville native went to BC and Holy Cross. Guard played briefly for the 1921 Washington (football) Senators.

- Jonathan Jenkins (6/17/26-6/30/99); Dartmouth alum was a tackle with the Colts and Yanks in 1949 and 1950.

- Ed Smith (6/17/13-1/29/98); FB/QB/DB for the 1936 Boston Redskins.



Notable NFL players born today:
- Kyle Boller, 36 (June 17, 1981); the Ravens were so desperate for a QB they traded their second round 2003 pick and 2004 first for the Pats first round (19th overall) pick of the 2003 draft, and used it on Boller. The Pats used the 2003 pick in a trade with Houston that allowed them to draft Eugene Wilson, and then selected Vince Wilfork with the Ravens' first rounder in 2004.

- Elroy 'Crazy Legs' Hirsch (6/17/23-1/28/04); Hall of Fame end/halfback had an unheard of at that time season in 1951, catching 66 passes for 1495 yards, averaging 22.7 yards per receptions and scoring 17 receiving touchdowns - in 12 games.

- Bobby Bell, 77 (6/17/40); Hall of Fame LB for the Chiefs played in 168 games, with 26 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries and nine touchdowns - including one on a kick return.

- Dermonti Dawson, 52 (6/17/65); Hall of Fame center was a six-time All Pro for the Steelers in the nineties.

- Jason Hanson, 47 (6/17/70); kicker played in 333 games for the Lions and scored 2,150 points.

- Wayne Hawkins, 79 (6/17/38); Raider guard was named to five consecutive All Star teams but sadly now suffers from dementia and CTE.

 

[jmt57]

Here you go with June 18. Hang in there; give or take a day or two, it is only about 40 days until training camp opens.


Harry Crump, 77 (June 18, 1940)
Patriot FB, 1963
Uniform #31
Crump grew up in the west suburban town of Westborough, and went to Boston College. Pats HC Mike Holovak brought Crump in after having seen him first hand at Chestnut Hill. "Harry the Thump" rushed for five touchdowns in a season that saw the Pats make it to the AFL championship game, but that was the extent of his career with the Patriots.


Rodney Rice, 51 (June 18, 1966)
Patriot CB/KR, 1989
Uniform #43
Pats 8th round (210th overall) pick of the 1989 draft, from BYU.
Rice played in ten games for the Pats. He had one fumble recovery and returned 11 kicks for an average of 22 yards. In 1990 he signed with the Bucs as a Plan B free agent, and was out of pro football after that.


Visanthe Shiancoe, 37 (June 18, 1980)
Patriot TE, 2012
Uniform #80
After nine NFL seasons with the Giants and Vikings, the Pats signed the 6'4 tight end just before the start of the 2012 training camp to a one year, $1.2 million deal. In a move that was questioned by many fans, he received the team's sole IR with designation to return four days prior to week one. Shiancoe was activated on November 10 after an injury to inmate 174954 was injured. He appeared in four games, with no receptions on one target. On December 12 he was released to make room for the re-signing of Deion Branch.


Michael Jenkins, 35 (June 18, 1982)
Patriot WR, 2013 off season
Uniform #10
The Pats signed the 6'4 31 year old veteran after seven seasons with Atlanta and two with Minnesota, in March of 2013. In a news cycle that was dominated with the addition of Tim Tebow, Jenkins, Austin Collie, Donald Jones, Danny Amendola, LeGarrette Blount and Leon Washington were brought in to compete for roster spots after the losses of skill players Wes Welker, Danny Woodhead, Brandon Lloyd and inmate 174954. Jenkins did not make it to the final cuts as he was released in mid-August. The former first round pick finished his NFL career with 354 receptions for 4,427 yards, and 25 touchdowns.



Others with New England connections:

- Angelo Bertelli (6/18/21-6/26/99); Springfield born and raised, went to high school at Springfield Cathedral. Was the first Notre Dame player to win the Heisman Trophy, with the Irish winning by an average of 43-5 before being called upon to enlist in the Marines. Although he was the first overall pick of the 1944 draft - despite his war obligations - his pro football career was ruined by injuries leading to multiple knee surgeries. In a bit of trivia, his son 'Bob Bert' became a drummer for several bands, including Sonic Youth.

- Charley Malone (6/18/10-5/23/92); pro bowl end for the Boston (and later Washington) Redskins, led the NFL in receiving in 1935.

- Mike Micka (6/18/21-1/4/89); FB/QB/HB/DB for the 1945-48 Boston Yanks was the 8th overall pick of the 1944 draft.

- Joe Watt (6/18/19-6/27/83); HB/DB for the 1947 Boston Yanks.

- Freeman Rexer (6/18/18-4/19/64); end for the 1944 Boston Yanks.



Other pro football players born today:

- Bruce Smith, 54 (6/18/63): HoF DE was named to 11 Pro Bowls with Buffalo.

- Antonio Gates, 37 (6/18/80); 111 TD with the Chargers.

- Jeff Saturday, 42 (6/18/75); six-time Pro Bowl center played in 231 games.

- Chris Harris, 28 (6/18/89); CB with the Broncos.