Today In Patriots History June 7: End of the Ochocinco Error

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The end of the Ochocinco era error​

June 7, 2012:
Patriots release Chad Johnson

Known at the time by his legally changed name of Chad Ochocinco, the wide receiver was a major disappointment in 2011. Also released was OLB Markell Carter, a move which was probably more of a surprise. Carter had been honored for his work ethic on the practice squad as a rookie, and his PS salary had been more than doubled near the end of the 2011 season.

The Patriots also signed former Tennessee TE Bo Scaife, who had 251 receptions in six seasons with the Titans. A shoulder and neck injury had caused Scaife to miss the entire 2011 season; perhaps lingering effects from that injury led to his lasting just eleven days with the Pats.

Patriots sign Bo Scaife, release three others

The Patriots made some roster moves on Thursday.

www.boston.com

The Patriots have announced the signing of free agent tight end Bo Scaife.​

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The team worked out the six-year tight end two weeks ago. He comes to the Patriots after spending his entire career with the Tennessee Titans. He has 251 career receptions and 2,383 yards receiving as well as 12 career touchdowns.​

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The Patriots also cut DL Markell Carter, TE Nick Mellilo and OL Jon Opperud.​

Melillo was an undrafted rookie free agent tight end from Kentucky. He was more of an h-back/fullback type tight end whose actual role was to provide some depth during mini-camp and OTA's at tight end, while veterans Rob Gronkowski and Daniel Fells rehabbed from their injuries. He had just been signed on May 29, and was no longer needed with the addition of Sciafe.

Opperud was a 6'7 lineman who had spent one season at guard and then two at tackle at the University of Montana. He was originally signed by Seattle in late April as an undrafted rookie. No other team picked him up, so he went back to Oregon to work in a shipyard.



Back to #85. The former Bengal's stat lines as a Patriot are depressing for a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro.
- More misses/drops/incorrect routes than catches: 15 receptions on 32 targets, which is less than a 47% completion rate.
By comparison the Pats completed 67% of their passes in 2011.
- The 15 receptions ranked sixth on the team. Not the number you're looking for from a club's #3 WR.
- 276 yards receiving, a career low. Actually everything was a career low for Johnson that year.
- One touchdown.
- Trading a 5th and a 6th for Johnson sounded like a low-risk, high upside proposition. But the sad reality is that said fifth round pick was Marvin Jones, who by his second season had already progressed into a 50+ reception, 700+ yard, 10 TD receiver.

Ochocinco on drop: "I let that one get away. It happens. It's football"

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw for 387 yards on Sunday, but the best pass he threw may have been the perfect deep ball that hit Chad Ochocinco in the hands -- and then hit the ground.

www.nbcsports.com

 

[PatsFan2]

@jmt57 dude you are not going to believe this all these years I thought your name was jim. I have always mistaken lowercase "j" for an "i" @*facepalm.

 

[jmt57]

@jmt57 dude you are not going to believe this all these years I thought your name was jim. I have always mistaken lowercase "j" for an "i" @*facepalm.

I've been called far worse names by my ex-wife.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
NFL suspends Julian Edelman​

June 7, 2018:
NFL suspends Julian Edelman four games for violation of the league's performance enhancing drug policy.
There was speculation at the time that Jules had taken something to aid in his rehab after missing the previous season with a torn ACL. Eight months later JE11 was named MVP of Super Bowl 53.

Report: Julian Edelman facing 4-game PED suspension

Julian Edelman missed all of last season with a torn ACL.

www.si.com

Julian Edelman's Super Bowl MVP reveals the NFL's selective morality

The New England Patriots receiver was crucial to his team’s sixth championship. But some wondered why his PED suspension was not discussed

www.theguardian.com

Julian Edelman Opens Up About What He Describes As A 'Low Time' In His Life

The New England Patriots star opens up in new documentary.

clutchpoints.com

 

[PancakeBlockPaul]

@jmt57 dude you are not going to believe this all these years I thought your name was jim. I have always mistaken lowercase "j" for an "i" @*facepalm.

You’re not alone…I did too.

MODs: I haven’t been seeing these pats history posts in a while. Was I just not seeing them or were they not being posted for a while?

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Patriots sign former Buffalo Bills RB​

June 7, 2001:
New England signs free agent RB Antowain Smith, who had spent four seasons with Buffalo

I have to admit I thought Antowain was broken down, injury prone and over the hill for a running back when the Pats signed him at age 29. All he did was score 13 touchdowns that 2001 season. In his three years in Foxborough the Patriots went 40-14, including 6-0 in the playoffs, winning super bowls in two of those three seasons.

Patriots land Antowain Smith - UPI Archives

The New England Patriots, after finishing 26th in the NFL in rushing last season with no feature back, Thursday made a move to improve that situation when...

www.upi.com

The New England Patriots, after finishing 26th in the NFL in rushing last season with no feature back, Thursday made a move to improve that situation when they signed free agent running back Antowain Smith.​

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The 29-year-old Smith played the first five years of his career with the Buffalo Bills, but was waived May 18 for salary cap purposes.​

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With New England, the 6-2, 228-pounder could become an immediate starter. The Patriots averaged 87 yards rushing per game last season. Kevin Faulk was the team's leading rusher with 570 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry.​

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After slipping to third on the Bills' depth chart last season, Smith requested a trade, indicating his days in Buffalo were numbered. When the Bills signed Larry Centers as a free agent and drafted Travis Henry this offseason, that paved the way for them to cut Smith, slashing more than $1 million off the 2001 salary cap.​

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He rushed for a career-high 1,124 yards in 1998, but regressed the past two seasons, partly because of injuries, and fell behind Shawn Bryson and Sammy Morris on the depth chart. Bryson led the Bills in rushing with 591 yards last season. Smith was second with 354 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry.​

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The 1997 first-round pick out of the University of Houston rushed for 840 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie. After surpassing 1,000 yards the following year, Smith was hobbled by a hamstring problem and turf toe in 1999 and rushed for just 614 yards.​

2001: Antowain Smith Signs with Patriots

On June 7, 2001 the New England Patriots took a step toward improving their running game by signing RB Antowain Smith to a one-year contr...

fs64sports.blogspot.com

The team as a whole dropped to 5-11 in the first season under Head Coach Bill Belichick and was seeking to retool. Smith was the sort of player that New England was rebuilding with – another club’s misfit who nevertheless was also a highly-motivated, team-oriented type and played with passion.​

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Smith moved into the lineup and became part of a surprising turnaround by the Patriots that culminated in a NFL Championship. While the biggest story was the injury to QB Drew Bledsoe that opened the door for the unsung Tom Brady, Smith helped by having his best season. A slow start gave way to a 94-yard, two-TD performance against the Colts in the third contest and he had three hundred-yard performances in four weeks at midseason. He reached a high of 156 yards on 26 carries against Miami in the next-to-last game and ended up with 287 rushes for 1157 yards (4.0 avg.) and 12 touchdowns. In the playoffs, Smith gained another 204 yards that included 92 on 18 attempts in the Super Bowl upset of the Rams.​

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Smith spent two more seasons with the Patriots, rushing for 982 yards in 2002 and catching a career-high 31 passes for 243 yards, although he scored only six touchdowns on the ground and, at age 31, appeared to be wearing down. While New England again reached the top in ’03, Smith was less productive and was released in the offseason. His last hundred-yard game for the Patriots was an even 100 on 22 carries against the Colts in the AFC Championship game, and he rushed for 83 yards on 26 attempts in the Super Bowl vs. Carolina, his final game with the club.​

 

[jmt57]

You’re not alone…I did too.

MODs: I haven’t been seeing these pats history posts in a while. Was I just not seeing them or were they not being posted for a while?

For about a month or so I was tacking them on to Ian's "Patriots Daily News" articles/threads. I just started placing them on their own threads a few days ago.

 

[Steve102]

You’re not alone…I did too.

MODs: I haven’t been seeing these pats history posts in a while. Was I just not seeing them or were they not being posted for a while?

Am I missing something? Where does it show his name?

 

[PatsFan2]

Am I missing something? Where does it show his name?

jmt57 for some reason my perception inserted an "i".

 

[Real fan 02]

@jmt57 dude you are not going to believe this all these years I thought your name was jim. I have always mistaken lowercase "j" for an "i" @*facepalm.

My brother on ochos show called night cap... he mentioned his time here... and how he couldn't be himself, his Ocho persona, and it affected his ability on the field.. he said that's why he didn't work out.

 

[Real fan 02]

For about a month or so I was tacking them on to Ian's "Patriots Daily News" articles/threads. I just started placing them on their own threads a few days ago.

@jmt57 always giving us the good stuff!!

 

[Steve102]

jmt57 for some reason my perception inserted an "i".

Got it. Thought I was losing it.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Vince Wilfork's cousin, and other June 7 Transactions​

June 7, 2007:
Patriots sign free agent WR/PR/KR C.J. Jones
Jones caught nine TDs in 2002 while at Iowa, and ran the opening kickoff in the Orange Bowl back for a touchdown against USC. Prior to becoming a Hawkeye he scored eight touchdowns on punt returns for Garden City Community College.

Jones has two well known cousins who played in the NFL: Vince Wilfork and Anquan Boldin.

Iowa Hawkeyes Bio: C.J. Jones

‘There are no excuses and shortcuts’: Former NFL player back in Boynton to teach skills camp

Boynton Beach native C.J. Jones starred on the gridiron at Santaluces High School in Lantana. The former NFL wide receiver recently had the opportunity to give back to the community by providing instruction during the 2023 West Boynton…

www.sun-sentinel.com

Jones signed

WR C.J. Jones, who played at Iowa, signed to a free-agent deal with the Pats.

www.boston.com

The Patriots have taken the field for their minicamp practice today and there is a new player on board — receiver C.J. Jones. Jones was signed as a free agent and would have to be considered a longshot to make the roster. He’s wearing jersey No. 2.​

June 2, 2002:

Pats add special teamer to mix

STAFF REPORT FOXBORO -- The New England Patriots announced the signing of linebacker Ratcliff Thomas today. Terms of the deal were not announced. Thomas, 28, has played in 34 career games with th…

www.southcoasttoday.com

Patriots.com - Pats sign LB Ratcliff Thomas

The 6-foot, 240-pound linebacker led the Colts with a career-high 31 special team tackles during the 1999 season and finished second on the club with 20 in 2000. Thomas was a four-year letterman at Maryland and recorded 427 career tackles, the third-highest total in school history.​

Thomas was a four-year letterman at the University of Maryland. He was named to the Freshman All-American team alongside another linebacker named Ray Lewis. He was the special teams captain for the Colts, with 57 tackles in 2-plus seasons for Indy. Considering Belichick's fondness of special teamers, the signing was not a surprise. But that team already had Larry Izzo and Matt Chatham for the ST role; Thomas was waived as part of final roster cuts and never played in the NFL again. For several years he has worked as a defensive coordinator at the high school level in Alexandria, Virginia.

Ratcliff Thomas Foundation

At the conclusion of his professional career Ratcliff returned to the DMV area where his notoriety would be influential in creating a network of youth mentors sharing a common commitment to enacting social change. Continuing his history of selfless benevolence Ratcliff served his community as a role model, mentor, coach, athletic trainer and volunteering in the public school system. Ratcliff went on to serve on the Board of Directors for several non-profit organizations, including the Alexandria Sportsman's Club which once honored him with the Ratcliff Thomas Night of Remembrance and declared him the "Son of the City". In 2016, Ratcliff was again honored with the "Man of Courage Lifetime Achievement Award". This award recognized him for a life dedicated to excellence in sports, leadership, character, mentorship and youth advocacy--all traits that eventually led him to the establishment of the Ratcliff Thomas Foundation which has had tremendous impact on the local community bridging the gap between underserved and opportunity. Through this foundation he has created the DMV Sports Group an organization spotlighting local athletes and guiding them through the challenging high school years, the college recruitment process and beyond.​

Oct 4, 1998: Ratliff Thomas (#51) sacks Ryan Leaf​

June 7, 1994
New England signs veteran free agent Mike Jones

This Mike Jones - Michael David Jones - is one of at least eight Mike Jones to play in the NFL. He's the only defensive end (there was a WR and SIX linebackers by that name). Our Mike Jones was a 2nd round pick out of NC State in '91, and played in 61 of a possible 64 games for the Patriots from 1994-1997.

Oddly enough he played for Tennessee in Super Bowl 34, the game when Mike Jones of the St Louis Rams made the game saving tackle on Kevin Dyson at the one-yard line as time expired. Stranger still is the fact that the Patriots traded Jones to the Rams in late August of '98 for a 5th round draft pick - resulting in the Rams having two 29 year old Mike Jones in their starting lineup, one at RDE and another at LLB.

Patriots trade Jones, Jells

FOXBORO -- The Patriots swung two minor trades yesterday to help them reach the NFL-mandated 53-player roster limit. The Patriots traded two veterans, put another on injured-reserve, and released f…

www.southcoasttoday.com

From page 132 of the 1997 Patriots Media Guide:

Jones has started 31 of 45 games since joining the patriots as a free agent in 1994 ... entering his seventh NFL season, Jones has compiled 196 career tackles, including 20 sacks ... he has totaled 104 tackles and 11 sacks as a Patriot, playing defensive end and nose tackle.​

June 7, 1993:
The Patriots sign veteran free agent DE Mike Pitts

Pitts was an All-American at Alabama and drafted 16th overall by Atlanta in 1983. He was part of the Philadelphia defense known as Gang Green that, one year after HC Buddy Ryan was fired, ranked first in most defensive categories, including total yardage, passing yards, turnovers and first downs.

In 1993 Pitts began the season as a reserve, then started in each of the next 31 games. He was sixth on the team with 75 total tackles, including three sacks in '93. The following season Pitts had 43 total tackles (33 solo), a sack, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, three pass deflections and a blocked punt. The Patriots re-signed him to a third one year contract in 1995, but released the 35 year old at the end of training camp.

Mike Pitts remembered for his role with Gang Green

The former Alabama All-American and NFL defensive tackle has died at age 61.

www.al.com

Mike Pitts lasted longer as an NFL defensive lineman than any other Alabama alumnus, and the Philadelphia Eagles recognized his role in one of the league’s greatest defenses after the former Crimson Tide All-American died on Thursday.​

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Pitts was 61 years old.​

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Pitts played in 169 NFL regular-season games from 1983 through 1994. That ranks 14th among Alabama alumni, but none of the players ahead of Pitts spent his career as a defensive lineman.​

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A consensus All-American for Alabama in 1982, Pitts entered the NFL as the 16th player picked in the 1983 draft. He made the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team in a seven-sack season for the Atlanta Falcons.​

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After six seasons in Philadelphia, Pitts completed his 12-year NFL career with two seasons with the New England Patriots.​

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Pitts was credited with at least 100 tackles more seasons than any other defensive tackle in the stathead.com database, reaching triple digits in 1985 with the Falcons and 1988, 1989 and 1991 with the Eagles.​

June 7, 1992:
Patriots re-sign free agents Greg McMurtry and Richard Tardits

McMurtry was a wide receiver who grew up locally (Brockton), and was a third round pick out of Michigan in 1990. He had 120 receptions and four TDs in four seasons with the Pats. Tardits was a linebacker who was born in France, played on the French junior national rugby team and participated in the Running of the Bulls before becoming a walk-on football player at Georgia. He played in 27 games for the Pats from 1990-92, and later was a member of the US Rugby World Cup team.

June 7, 1988:
Stephen Starring is released on $500 bond after being arrested on a misdemeanor indecent-exposure charge, which occurred after a bit too much alcohol at a charity fund raising golf tournament.



June 7, 1982:
New England signs NT Lester Williams their first round draft pick out of Miaami

Lester Williams - University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame

Learn more about University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame member Lester Williams

www.umsportshalloffame.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Terrell Buckley​

Happy 53rd birthday to Terrell Buckley
Born June 7, 1971 in Pascagoula, Mississippi
Patriot CB, 2001-2002; uniform #27 and #22
Signed as a veteran free agent on July 13, 2001 (Broncos)

T-Buck was a standout at Florida State and the fifth overall pick by Green Bay in the 1992 draft. Although Packer fans considered him to be a draft bust, Buckley did play in 209 NFL games (plus 16 playoff games), with 50 interceptions and six touchdowns. He is the only player to have 50 picks without ever being named to a Pro Bowl, and is among the NFL leaders in consecutive seasons with at least one interception, with 13. (Darrell Green is first with 19, a record that will likely never be broken; Charles Woodson is next with 18.)

Terrell Buckley had seven interceptions and one pick-six in his 31 games regular season games with the Patriots. He also played in all three 2001 postseason games - with a crucial interception in the AFCCG at Pittsburgh, and then a key fumble recovery in Super Bowl 36 versus the Rams. The 15-yard return off that fumble flipped field position and led to the David Patten touchdown reception just before halftime, giving the Patriots a 14-3 lead. Not too shabby of a performance for a player who had been languishing as an unsigned free agent for four months, signed just prior to the start of training camp.

The Patriots re-signed Buckley in 2004, but he was released as part of final roster cutdowns in September.

In his post-NFL career Buckley first went back to FSU as an assistant coach for five seasons, from 2007 to 2011. Next up were four stints as a college cornerbacks coach: two seasons at Akron, two at Louisville, three at Mississippi State and two at Ole Miss. In 2023 Buckley was named head coach for the Orlando Guardians of the XFL. When the USFL and XFL joined in 2024 to create the UFL, Orlando was one of several franchises not included in the merger. Perhaps it was just as well; the team went 1-9 under Buckley.

Terrell Buckley chases Ricky Proehl's fumble in Super Bowl 36​

January 7, 2019:

Former Florida State defensive back Terrell Buckley named to College Football Hall of Fame

FSU's newest Hall of Fame inductee was one of the best defensive backs in college football history.

www.tallahassee.com

Florida State legend Terrell Buckley is a member of the 2019 College Football Hall of Fame class, it was announced Monday morning.​

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Buckley authored one of the best careers in FSU history while playing cornerback from 1989-91. During his three-year career he broke nearly all of the program’s interception records and still holds records for single-season interceptions with 12 and career interceptions with 21, which is tied for 10th all-time in FBS history. His 501 career interception return yards still stand as the NCAA record, and he added seven career touchdowns with four interception return scores and three punt return touchdowns.​

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Buckley was a consensus All-American, won the Jim Thorpe Award and finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy vote in 1991. He also was a second-team All-American in 1990 and a two-time first-team All-South Independent selection. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was inducted into the Florida State Hall of Fame in 2003 and in 2011 his No. 27 jersey was retired.​

June 8, 2004:

Release: Patriots sign CB Terrell Buckley

The 5-foot-9-inch, 176-pound Florida State product returns to the team with which he earned a Super Bowl ring following the 2001 season. New England signed Buckley as an unrestricted free agent on July 13, 2001, and he played in 15 regular season games and all three of the Patriots postseason games that season. Buckley contributed to the Patriots’ first championship with an interception in the 2001 AFC Championship Game and a fumble recovery in Super Bowl XXXVI that led to a Patriots touchdown. He signed with Tampa Bay as an unrestricted free agent prior to the 2002 season, but rejoined the Patriots four days before the season opener after being released by the Buccaneers. Buckley quickly settled back into his role in New England in 2002, starting in two of 16 games and tying for the team lead with four interceptions, including two picks in the season opener against Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football. He signed with Miami as an unrestricted free agent prior to the 2003 season.​

Jan 7, 2016:
Pascagoula legend Terrell Buckley 'coming home' to Mississippi State

Terrell Buckley - Football Coach - Mississippi State

Mississippian through and through, Terrell Buckley returned to his home state in 2016 as an assistant coach at Mississippi State. In 2018, Buckley enters his third season overseeing a very talented group of cornerbacks. He adds working with the Bulldogs’ special teams return men to his repertoire this season.​

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Buckley, a 14-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion, was one of the most dynamic players in Mississippi history, guiding Pascagoula High School to a 1987 football state championship and undefeated season. He was inducted into the Pascagoula Athletic Hall of Fame in June. He was born in Columbia, Miss., and spent most of his childhood in Gautier.​

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Buckley was instrumental in helping MSU haul in back-to-back Top 25 recruiting classes. During his entire coaching tenure, Buckley has coached 13 players who have signed professional contracts, including most recently Lashard Durr (Indianapolis Colts) and 2018 NFL first rounder Jaire Alexander (Green Bay Packers).​

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The 2017 season was one of the best on record in terms of pass defense at MSU. Buckley’s group spearheaded a Bulldog pass defense that allowed only 174.7 yards per game through the air, which ranked fourth in the SEC and 12th nationally. That figure was also the best by a State defense in 13 years when the 2004 squad allowed 174.5 yards per game passing.​

Terrell Buckley - Assistant Coach/Cornerbacks - Staff Directory - Ole Miss Athletics - Hotty Toddy

A College Football Hall of Famer, Terrell Buckley is in his second season as cornerbacks coach at Ole Miss. A native Mississippian, Buckley joined the Rebels...

olemisssports.com

Buckley’s 2018 cornerbacks unit was part of arguably the most dominant defense in MSU history and in all of college football. Led by Associated Press second-team All-SEC selection Cameron Dantzler, Peters, Maurice Smitherman and Chris Rayford, State’s cornerbacks did not allow a touchdown during the 2018 regular season.​

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The 2017 and 2018 seasons have been two of the best on record in terms of pass defense at MSU. Buckley’s group spearheaded a Bulldog pass defense that was tops in the SEC and seventh nationally at 168.0 yards allowed per game. That figure was also the best by a State defense in 16 years when the 2002 squad allowed 153.9 yards per game passing. The Bulldogs allowed the fewest yards per passing attempt (5.5) in the nation and finished second in passer rating allowed (101.39). Dantzler, a preseason All-American for 2019, led MSU cornerbacks in 2018 with two interceptions.​

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In 2017, MSU allowed only 174.7 yards per game through the air, which ranked fourth in the SEC and 12th nationally. Buckley’s squad of Lashard Durr, Tolando Cleveland, Peters, Rayford and Dantzler was rarely challenged. As a whole, the Bulldog defense ranked 10th nationally, allowing only 306.3 yards per game. MSU ranked fourth in the SEC in interceptions with 13, including a 90-yard pick six from Peters.​

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Buckley helped the Bulldogs claim nine victories for the third time in four years, and it culminated with an impressive victory against Louisville in the TaxSlayer Bowl. His disruptive unit forced 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson into a career-high four interceptions, including one from Dantzler.​

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Prior to MSU, Buckley spent the 2014-15 seasons coaching cornerbacks at Louisville and helping the Cardinals to back-to-back bowl appearances, including a Music City Bowl victory over Texas A&M in December 2015. In both of Buckley's seasons, Louisville led the Atlantic Coast Conference in interceptions and turnovers gained.​

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His two starting cornerbacks – Trumaine Washington and Shaq Wiggins -- earned honorable mention All-ACC honors. Despite a young secondary in 2015, Louisville ranked 14th nationally in interceptions with 14. The Cardinals also led the league in turnovers gained (26, 20th nationally) and were second in the ACC in passes defended (66, 30th nationally).​

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In Buckley’s first season of 2014, Louisville boasted one of the elite secondary’s in all of college football. The Cardinals led the nation in interceptions with 26. As a unit, the squad ranked sixth nationally in total defense (308.5 ypg) and 11th nationally in turnovers gained (30). Buckley mentored corners Charles Gaines and Terell Floyd, both of whom inked NFL contracts following their collegiate careers.​

Terrell Buckley (2019) - Hall of Fame - National Football Foundation

footballfoundation.org

An absolute terror to opposing quarterbacks throughout his Florida State career, Terrell Buckley cemented his name among the all-time greats when he took home the 1991 Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in the nation. He becomes the seventh Seminole player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.​

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A unanimous First Team All-American in 1991, Buckley took home the Thorpe Award and finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting after leading the nation with 12 interceptions and 238 interception return yards (both single-season school records). The Pascagoula, Mississippi, native’s 501 career interception return yards remain an NCAA record while his 21 career interceptions remain atop the Florida State record books. A Second Team All-American in 1990, Buckley helped the Seminoles finish with a top four national ranking in each year of his career. The two-time All-South Independent First Team selection guided the Seminoles to three consecutive bowl victories, including wins over Nebraska in the 1990 Fiesta Bowl and Texas A&M in the 1992 Cotton Bowl.​

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Leading the Seminoles to an overall record of 31-6 during his career, Buckley is tied for many other Florida State records, including career punt returns for a touchdown (three), career interceptions returned for a touchdown (four) and consecutive games with an interception (five in 1991). He played for College Football Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden and alongside Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks and Charlie Ward during his remarkable career in Tallahassee. A member of the Florida State Hall of Fame, Buckley’s No. 27 jersey was retired by the Seminoles in 2011.​

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A multi-sport athlete, Buckley also played two seasons for Florida State’s baseball team and ran track for the Seminoles.​

 

[Real fan 02]

For about a month or so I was tacking them on to Ian's "Patriots Daily News" articles/threads. I just started placing them on their own threads a few days ago.

Good stuff reliving those wonderful moments in patriots history. Bill did a masterful job with signing veterans, and getting something out of them... like Smith, phifer and many others. ..

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
June 7 Final Edition​

Happy 36th birthday to Andre Neblett
Born June 7, 1988 in Rahway, New Jersey
Patriot DT, 2013; uniform #71
Signed as a veteran free agent on October 9, 2013

Andre Neblett was signed as an undrafted rookie from Temple by Carolina right after the 2010 draft. He spent three seasons with the Panthers, compiling 40 tackles and three sacks in 30 games. He signed with Tampa Bay in May of 2013 as a free agent but was waived as part of final roster cuts. In the span of twelve days he was signed twice and waived twice, playing in one game against the Jets in-between.

Oct 9, 2013:

Patriots Sign Veteran Andre Neblett, Add Depth at Defensive Tackle - NESN.com

The Patriots finally added some depth at defensive tackle on Wednesday. After losing Vince Wilfork for the season more than a week ago, the Patriots addressed their waning depth on the interior of the defensive line by signing veteran Andre Neblett. Neblett, 25, spent the past three seasons with...

nesn.com

The Patriots finally added some depth at defensive tackle on Wednesday.​

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After losing Vince Wilfork for the season more than a week ago, the Patriots addressed their waning depth on the interior of the defensive line by signing veteran Andre Neblett.​

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He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason but was one of the team’s final cuts in the preseason. His connection to Greg Schiano, who is a close associate of Bill Belichick, in Tampa raises some intrigue, especially considering Belichick’s penchant for Rutgers players over the last few seasons.​

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The Patriots now have four defensive tackles on the active roster, including veteran Tommy Kelly and undrafted rookies Joe Vellano and Chris Jones. Kelly suffered an injury and was unable to finish Sunday’s game in Cincinnati, which may have heightened the need to add another interior lineman.​

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The Patriots also announced that they re-signed linebacker Ja’Gared Davis and safety Kanorris Davis to the practice squad on Wednesday. Both players were signed to the active 53-man roster and played on special teams during the loss to the Bengals over the weekend.​

Oct 21, 2013: Patriots.com | Patriots release DT Andre Neblett

The New England Patriots announced that they have released DT Andre Neblett.​

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Neblett, 25, was originally signed by the Patriots on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and released on Oct. 12 to make room on the 53-man roster for DL Marcus Forston. Neblett was then re-signed on Oct. 16 and appeared in Sunday's game vs. the N.Y. Jets. He did not record any statistics.​

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He is a veteran of three NFL seasons with the Carolina Panthers after joining the team as a rookie free agent out of Temple in in 2010. The 6-foot, 310-pounder signed with Tampa Bay as an unrestricted free agent on May 6, 2013, but was released by the Buccaneers on Aug. 31, 2013. Neblett has played in 31 NFL games with seven starts during his three-plus seasons in the NFL and has registered 28 total tackles, three sacks and two fumble recoveries. Last season, he played in 11 games with two starts and recorded 11 tackles and a 1/2 sack.​

Happy 52nd birthday to Jeff Burris
Born June 7, 1972 in Rock Hill, South Carolina
Patriot CB, 2004 offseason; no uniform #
Signed as a veteran free agent on April 21, 2004

Patriots sign CB Burris to one-year deal

Patriots sign CB Burris to one-year deal

www.espn.com

Burris, 31, spent the last two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Last season, he played in 13 games with eight starts at left cornerback, registering 44 tackles and two interceptions.​

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Burris adds depth and experience to a New England cornerback spot that now includes veteran Pro Bowler Ty Law, Tyrone Poole, Otis Smith and second-year player Asante Samuel.​

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A 1994 first-round pick of Buffalo, Burris spent his four seasons with the Bills. He played the next four campaigns with Indianapolis and has 540 tackles and 19 interceptions in 144 career games.​

https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Patriots-may-be-entertaining-a-deal-for-Law-11914804.php

Ty Law would do just about anything for a one-way ticket out of New England, but the question is whether or not the Patriots are willing to part with their top cornerback over irreconcilable differences.​

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Law's maddening offseason began when he and the Patriots failed to come to terms on a contract extension. Then he called Bill Belichick a liar and appeared on several nationally-syndicated sports shows pleading his case. Law said he no longer wanted to play for the Patriots.​

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The Patriots chose not to dignify his comments with a response, so things died down until the last week and a half. The controversy heated up again on April 13 when they re-signed 38-year-old cornerback Otis Smith, who played alongside Law in 1996 and from 2000-2002.​

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Law got arrested during a routine traffic stop in Miami Beach four days later. He reportedly led police on a foot chase and was charged with two misdemeanors for failing to obey a police officer and resisting an officer.​

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The sequence of events led many to wonder if this was a sign that the Patriots were preparing to trade Law on draft weekend and rid themselves of public relations nightmare in training camp. Rumors came and went, and most of them were vehemently denied, but then the Patriots added another piece to their defensive backfield by signing cornerback Jeff Burris from Cincinnati on Tuesday.​

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Two cornerbacks in one week? This must mean that Law is as good as gone. Or does it?​

RFAs who emerged

A look back on surprising rookie free agents who earned roster spots out of camp.

www.boston.com

On the day the Patriots announced the signing of seven rookie free agents, here is a look back at some players who surprised by making the Patriots’ roster as rookie free agents out of training camp.​

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Randall Gay — In 2004, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Gay beat out veteran Terrell Buckley and seventh-round pick Christian Morton with a strong camp showing. The Patriots were also expecting veteran Jeff Burris to report to camp, but Burris never arrived, creating more opportunities for Gay (12 starts as a rookie).​

Burris has worked as cornerbacks or defensive backs coach at various levels since 2011, including a one-year stint at UMass. He has been with the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns since 2021.

Happy 27th birthday to RB David Montgomery
Montgomery was never part of the Patriots organization, but he was part of a Pats trade.
On April 28, 2018 the Pats sent their fourth round draft pick (4.114) to the Lions for Detroit's 2019 third (3.73)
A year later the Pats traded down, sending 3.73 and 6.205 to Chicago for their 3.87, 5.162 and a 2020 4th.
- The Bears used 3.73 on Montgomery, who has rushed for at least 800 yards every season (with two 1,000+ yard campaigns), while scoring 43 touchdowns.
- The Patriots used 3.87 on another RB, Damien Harris, who produced less than half that amount (2,188 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns), and is now retired.

Other pro football players born on this date with New England connections:

Richard Gordon, 37 (June 7, 1987); the TE went to Milford Academy in CT and played in 35 games for four teams from 2011-15.

Broncos Sign TE Richard Gordon, Waive TE Mitchell Henry

The Denver Broncos bolstered their tight end corps by signing five-year veteran Richard Gordon and waiving rookie Mitchell Henry.

denver.cbslocal.com

Alf Cobb (June 7, 1893-Sept 7, 1974); born in Athol, grew up in Waltham and died in West Hartford. Played in 21 games in the twenties as an offensive and defensive lineman for the Akron Pros and Cleveland Bulldogs.

Alf Cobb Pro Football Stats, Position, College, Transactions

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for Alf Cobb pro football statistics, stats, transactions, awards, biographical data and more.

profootballarchives.com

George Mulligan (June 7, 1914 - May 15, 1962); the Waterbury CT native was an end that played nine games for the Eagles in 1936. This person does not appear to be related to another George Mulligan of that era, a sports promoter that owned the Hartford Blues football team.

George Mulligan Pro Football Stats, Position, College, Transactions

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for George Mulligan pro football statistics, stats, transactions, awards, biographical data and more.

www.profootballarchives.com

George Mulligan - Google Arts & Culture

George F. Mulligan was the leading sports promoter in Connecticut during the early 1900s.

artsandculture.google.com

When the NFL Played in Connecticut: The Hartford Blues - Connecticut History | a CTHumanities Project

In 1926, the Hartford Blues became the first and only NFL team to call Connecticut home. After a disappointing season, the NFL voted them out of the league.

connecticuthistory.org

The Hartford Blues | The Coffin Corner

Mike 'Lefty' Sebastian (June 7, 1910-June 28, 1989); wingback for the 1935 Boston Redskins.

Mike Sebastian - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Other pro football players of note born today:

Goose Gonsoulin (June 7, 1938 - Sept 8, 2014); six time AFL all star safety for the Broncos is the all time AFL interception leader with 43 picks, including eleven interceptions in 1960[/URL].

George Theodore Willey (1913-1918) - Find a Grave...

Ossw/ Lucille Dorothy Willey.

www.findagrave.com

Goose Gonsoulin dead at 76: Broncos Ring of Famer was known for interceptions

Goose Gonsoulin dead at 76: Broncos Ring of Famer was known for interceptions

www.denverpost.com

Goose Gonsoulin, an Original Denver Bronco, Is Dead at 76 (Published 2014)

Gonsoulin’s 11 interceptions in his rookie season set a team record that still stands more than 50 years later.

www.nytimes.com

Terance Mathis, 57 (June 7, 1967); after the Jets gave up on him Mathis became a star with Atlanta, totaling 689 receptions for 8,809 yards and 65 touchdowns from 1990 to 2002.

Two-Bits Homan (June 7, 1898 - May 11, 1953); the blocking back for the Frankford Yellow Jackets from 1925 to 1930 makes the list because I like his name.

Fred Failing (June 7, 1904 - Sept 7, 1972) failed to make it in the NFL, playing in just one game. Do you think he or his grandchildren were tortured in grade school? Hopefully not.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-failing-bb70ab2b

 

[captain stone]

- More misses/drops/incorrect routes than catches: 15 receptions on 32 targets, which is less than a 47% completion rate.
By comparison the Pats completed 67% of their passes in 2011.
- The 15 receptions ranked sixth on the team. Not the number you're looking for from a club's #3 WR.
- 276 yards receiving, a career low. Actually everything was a career low for Johnson that year.
- One touchdown.
- Trading a 5th and a 6th for Johnson sounded like a low-risk, high upside proposition. But the sad reality is that said fifth round pick was Marvin Jones, who by his second season had already progressed into a 50+ reception, 700+ yard, 10 TD receiver.

Billy was always doing stupid **** like that, especially during his second decade here when all his contemporaries in the FO had gone.

And that's why not drafting Golden Tate was a championship-costing blunder.