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Today In Patriots History June 28: Ron Wooten

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Today in Patriots History
Pats Businessman: Ron Wooten


Happy 65th birthday to Ron Wooten
Born June 28, 1959 in Bourne, Mass.
Patriot RG, 1982-1988; uniform #61
Pats 6th round (157th overall) pick of the 1981 draft, from North Carolina






Ronald John Wooten was placed on injured reserve with a back injury on August 31, 1981, causing him to miss his rookie season. He became a starter at right guard the following season after Bob Cryder was injured, then proceeded to miss just seven games over the next six seasons. In 1984 Wooten was the recipient of the Jim Lee Hunt Memorial Award, given to the team's top offensive lineman as voted on by the coaches. During the 1985 super bowl season he performed the rare feat of playing in 20 NFL games in a single season (regular season and playoffs combined). The bad back remained such a chronic issue for Wooten that he was unable to lift weights from '86 to '88 - yet rarely missed any playing time.



(L-R) Pete Brock, John Hannah, Ron Wooten


Below is a five-minute video looking back at a day in the life of Ron Wooten, as a guard with the 1984 Patriots. That was the year Ron Meyer was fired midseason, and finished with a better record (5-3) than his replacement (Raymond Berry, 4-4). Second-year QB Tony Eason replaces Steve Grogan in week 3, looks great for most of the season - and then after throwing 7 TDs while scoring 38 and 50 points to advance to 8-4, the offense regresses down the stretch, unable to score more than 17 points in any of the final four games. At least Meyer brought a coach from SMU with him to the Pats: Dante Scarnecchia.


Post-football Wooten went on to get his MBA from Boston University and has had a successful business career, initially working in mergers and acquisitions for First Union. He then served as President at the NovaQuest business unit at Quintiles. Ron Wooten is the Senior Founding Partner and former Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at NovaQuest Capital Management.








 
Today in Patriots History
Pats Businessman: Matt Chatham



Happy 47th birthday to Matt Chatham
Born June 28, 1977 in Newton, Iowa
Patriot ST/LB, 2000-2005; uniform #58
Claimed off waivers from the Rams on August 28, 2000


Matt Chatham was originally signed by the St Louis Rams in 1999 as an undrafted rookie from the University of South Dakota. The Pats claimed Chatham off waivers just prior to the start of the 2000 season, and he went on to become a special teams ace over the next several years. He played in six games in 2000, exclusively on special teams, before landing on injured reserve. In 2001 he began the year on the practice squad but ended up playing in 11 regular season games and all three playoff games, finishing third on the team with 12 special teams tackles. The following year he was second on the team with 15 special team tackles, 12 solo.

In 2003 Chatham had a 38 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, providing the winning points in a game against the Giants. Then in Super Bowl 38 he provided a highlight reel hit, leveling serial streaker Mark Roberts at the start of the second half, just after Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction. During the '03 season Chatham played in every game and filled in with four starts, registering a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and 1½ sacks.



Oct 12, 2003: Patriots linebacker Matt Chatham (#58) races to the end zone with a fumble to give the Patriots a 7-0 lead. The Pats went on to defeat the Giants 17-6.


Matt Chatham played in 66 regular season games for the Patriots, plus 11 playoff games for the Pats - during which time the team went 10-1. With three super bowl rings in his collection, Chatham went on to get his MBA from Babson College, the school renown for its entrepreneurial expertise. He opened a restaurant and founded one of the best football websites ever, FootballByFootball. Unfortunately for us Matt decided to shut that site down, to instead contribute to The Athletic, but his FBF podcasts are still available. Chatham's latest endeavor is agoin food-related: dry smoked rubs.




A fierce defender of the Patriots during the deflategate witch hunt, @Chatham58 has served as New England's preseason color commentator on the Patriots Radio Network while occasionally contributing on WEEI, 98.5 and the Boston Herald.








X.com | Chatham58





(The infamous SB36 streaker turns into Mr. Horizontal)​
 
Today in Patriots History
Matt Chatham



Happy 47th birthday to Matt Chatham
Born June 28, 1977 in Newton, Iowa
Patriot ST/LB, 2000-2005; uniform #58
Claimed off waivers from the Rams on August 28, 2000


Matt Chatham was originally signed by the St Louis Rams in 1999 as an undrafted rookie from the University of South Dakota. The Pats claimed Chatham off waivers just prior to the start of the 2000 season, and he went on to become a special teams ace over the next several years. He played in six games in 2000, exclusively on special teams, before landing on injured reserve. In 2001 he began the year on the practice squad but ended up playing in 11 regular season games and all three playoff games, finishing third on the team with 12 special teams tackles. The following year he was second on the team with 15 special team tackles, 12 solo.

In 2003 Chatham had a 38 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, providing the winning points in a game against the Giants. Then in Super Bowl 38 he provided a highlight reel hit, leveling serial streaker Mark Roberts at the start of the second half, just after Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction. During the '03 season Chatham played in every game and filled in with four starts, registering a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and 1½ sacks.



Oct 12, 2003: Patriots linebacker Matt Chatham (#58) races to the end zone with a fumble to give the Patriots a 7-0 lead. The Pats went on to defeat the Giants 17-6.


Matt Chatham played in 66 regular season games for the Patriots, plus 11 playoff games for the Pats - during which time the team went 10-1. With three super bowl rings in his collection, Chatham went on to get his MBA from Babson College, the school renown for its entrepreneurial expertise. He opened a restaurant and founded one of the best football websites ever, FootballByFootball. Unfortunately for us Matt decided to shut that site down, to instead contribute to The Athletic, but his FBF podcasts are still available. Chatham's latest endeavor is agoin food-related: dry smoked rubs.




A fierce defender of the Patriots during the deflategate witch hunt, @Chatham58 has served as New England's preseason color commentator on the Patriots Radio Network while occasionally contributing on WEEI, 98.5 and the Boston Herald.








X.com | Chatham58



(The infamous SB36 streaker turns into Mr. Horizontal)​


Good backup-caliber LB who in his prime could start here temporarily while his athletic deficiencies would be masked by those around him.

Horrible HORRIBLE anal-yst, however. He's not missed.
 
Good backup-caliber LB who in his prime could start here temporarily while his athletic deficiencies would be masked by those around him.

Horrible HORRIBLE anal-yst, however. He's not missed.
To me he was really good in the beginning when he explained X's and O's on FootballByFootball. Problem was that nobody knew about that site or was reading that though.

But as often happens, the longer a player is away from the game, the more their analysis suffers. (We're beginning to see that with Tony Romo now; we've seen that before with many other former that players needed to be replaced long ago as television analysts on Sundays.)

Chatham's mis-step was getting far too caught up in the Brady-Belichick debate. He went so far down that never-ending rabbit hole there was no way to climb back out. Maybe he was trying too hard to be edgy for ratings? He'd have been better off sticking to the finer points of football, and leaving the contrarian drama and faux angst to the Felgers of the sports world.
 
Today in Patriots History
Christian Gonzalez



Happy 22nd birthday to Christian Gonzalez
Born June 28, 2002 in Carrollton, Texas
Patriot CB, 2023-; uniform #6 ('23), #0 ('24)
Pats 1st round (17th overall) selection in the 2023 draft, from Oregon







Though Gonzalez is already a defensive cornerstone for New England, he still competes for a title among his siblings: best athlete in the family. His sister Melissa, a world-class hurdler, aims to compete in The Paris 2024 Olympic Games for Colombia.​
Christian credits his family for his competitive drive. He is inspired by his father, who immigrated to the United States from Colombia to immerse himself in a new culture and chase his dream of playing basketball. Gonzalez proudly honors Colombia and the sacrifices his father made, as part of his journey to the NFL in hopes of inspiring the next-generation of Latino football players.​





 
Today in Patriots History
Sidy Sow


Happy 26th birthday to Sidy Sow
Born June 28, 1998 in Bromont, Quebec
Patriot G, 2023-; uniform #62
Pats 4th round (117th overall) pick of the 2023 draft, from Eastern Michigan




Eastern Michigan University offensive lineman Sidy Sow (Bromont, Quebec-J-H Leclerc-Champlain Lennoxville) was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft Saturday, April 29, outside of Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The Bromont, Quebec native is the seventh-highest draft pick in Eastern Michigan history and the first draftee since Maxx Crosby went in the fourth round in 2019.​

Sow grew up in Quebec, Canada, where he was a two-time member of Team Canada's football squad. He was rated the third-best prospect for the Canadian Football League draft going into the 2021 season but deferred his draft status to the 2023 class. He started 11 of 13 games played at left tackle as a "true" freshman in 2018 at Eastern Michigan, then moved to left guard for 12 starts in 2019. Mid-American Conference coaches voted him third-team all-conference in 2020 for his work in six starts at left guard and he was a first-team pick in 2021 and 2022 as he started all 13 contests at that spot both seasons for the Eagles.​

The all-time leader in Eastern Michigan history in games played (56) and games started (54), Sow will go down as one of the best offensive linemen to don the green and white.​

On the field for 949 snaps in 2022, Sow helped the Eagles lead the MAC in red zone offense (93.9 percent) and third down percentage (44.9), while finishing second in team passing efficiency (137.86). All told, the Bromont, Quebec, native allowed just two sacks during the 2023 season and only six in his distinguished career.​

Sow ended his time at EMU with a 98.1 pass blocking efficiency, per Pro Football Focus. After more than 3,600 snaps in college, he allowed just 66 pressures as an Eagle. PFF graded Sow in the top 35 guards in the country and 29th for run blocking last season. Sow displayed next-level lateral quickness at EMU and was also explosive during drills at the NFL Combine.​





He’s from Canada and played hockey as a kid, rooting for a Bruins’ rival, but was a Patriots fan.

Sow hit the rink before he hit the gridiron as a kid. Growing up in Bromont, Quebec, Sow played hockey before playing football at 10 years old.​

When asked if he rooted for Quebec’s lone NHL team on Saturday, Sow wasn’t slow to respond.​

“Of course. Til the day I die,” Sow said when asked if the Canadiens were his favorite team. “The Montreal Canadiens are my favorite sports team growing up, and they might be second now because the Patriots are my favorite now. But yeah, I’m a Montreal Canadiens fan until the day I die.”​

But Sow also became very familiar with the Patriots growing up, saying they’re the most popular team in his native province.​

“As a little kid, watching Tom Brady slinging the football all around and being amazed by it, and giving me the love of football,” Sow said. “And now get them to call me on draft day and tell me they want me, it’s just an amazing feeling.”​

In addition to playing hockey and football, Sow played handball and competed in Olympic weightlifting in high school.​





 
Today in Patriots History
Thunderfoot and other Birthdays



Happy 66th birthday to Brian Clark
Born June 28, 1958 in Canton, Ohio
Patriot K, 1982 off season; uniform #5
Pats 10th round (253rd overall) selection of the 1982 draft, from Florida

While in college Brian "Thunderfoot" Clark was involved in a controversial field goal attempt. Florida losst at Auburn in 1981, 14-12, when Clark's 40-yard field goal attempt with seconds remaining was ruled inches wide. Clark, his holder and several reporters standing directly behind the uprights thought the kick had easily made it within the standards and was good.

Despite that setback Clark was still considered talented enough to be drafted; at the time he held school records for career field goals made, single season field goals made, and most field goals made in a single game (5). The Pats incumbent kicker, John Smith, was not available after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee - but Clark was waived in favor of Rex Robinson to start the 1982 season. Perhaps it was for the best; how would the warm weather Florida native reacted had he been called upon for a game winning field goal in the snowplow game later that season?

Clark was with the Falcons and Bucs, spent one season on IR and another in the USFL; he only appeared in one NFL game before retiring from pro football.

For nearly 40 years Brian Clark worked his way up the corporate ladder with Steelcase Office Solutions, where he is now the Business Development Manager at their Birmingham location.

There are several interesting Florida Gators football records in the following article.
PAT percentage (career): Brian Clark was a steady kicker at UF and made all 62 of his extra point tries during his career. One bad hold, one slip in the mud and a kicker's streak can end suddenly. This record could be exceeded if a kicker made 63-of-63, but the percentage can never be eclipsed.​


LinkedIn - Brian Clark




- Jim Prestel, 87 (June 28, 1937); 1960 Patriots draft pick
The defensive tackle from Idaho was also drafted by Cleveland in 1959 but chose to remain in college. He had missed most of the 1957 season to return to Indianapolis, where his mother was terminally ill, and returned to the University of Idaho for another year. Prestel chose to sign with the Browns rather sign with the Pats in 1960, and played in the NFL through 1967, mostly with the Vikings.


From left, DE Jim Marshall (70), DT John Joyce (83), DT Jim Prestel (79) and DE Jim Leo (59) during Vikings training camp on July 22, 1962.




-Jordan Glasgow, 28 (June 28, 1996); draft trade
The Patriots sent two sixth round draft picks - one of which was used for Glasgow - to Indy in order to trade up in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft in order to select Michael Onwenu. The linebacker from played in 25 games for the Colts in 2020-2021, but has not played since he was released at the start of training camp in 2020 after a failed physical.

- Cedric Houston, 42 (June 28, 1982); draft trade
The pick used on the running back from Tennessee was part of a draft pick that was traded again, and eventually used on Matt Cassel. Houston's career was destroyed due to being drafted by the Jets, where he endured for two seasons - one under Herm Edwards and another with Eric Mangini.

- Gosder Cherilus, 40 (June 28, 1984); raised in Somerville, Somerville High School and Boston College
Detroit chose Cherilus with the 17th pick of the 2008 draft. He was a fixture at right tackle for the Lions, Colts and Bucs from 2008-2016.




Some other pro football players born on June 28:

- John Elway, 64 (6/28/60); Hall of Fame quarterback passed for 51,475 yards (second most in NFL history at that time) before becoming a successful automobile dealership owner and Broncos general manager. In his playing days the nine-time Pro Bowler became both a noun (The Elway) and verb (we got Elwayed) to opposing team's fans (such as the Pats) for his clutch play.

- Chuck Howley, 88 (6/28/36); five time first team All Pro linebacker with the Cowboys was MVP of Super Bowl V, a shocking news story at that time that the award would be bestowed on a defensive player.

- Raymond Chester, 76 (6/28/48); one of the premier tight ends of his era, he was named to four Pro Bowls, with over 5,000 yards receiving and 48 touchdowns.

- Marvin Jones, 52 (6/28/72); had 1,029 tackles over 11 seasons with the Jets.

- Bryan Barker, 60 (6/28/64); had 878 consecutive punts without a block (2nd all-time in NFL history), 326 career punts inside the 20 (3rd all-time), and more than 40,000 yards punting over his career (3rd most at that point in time).

- Randy McMichael, 45 (6/28/79); over the course of three seasons (2004-06) the Miami Dolphins tight end was outstanding, hauling in 195 receptions during that time.

- Clarence Davis, 75 (6/28/49); averaged 4.5 yards per carry and scored 28 touchdowns with the Raiders in the seventies.
'

- Karim Abdul-Jabbar, 50 (6/28/74); rushed for 26 touchdowns his first two years for Miami, but bad knees prematurely ended his NFL career. Rumor has it he may have become a commercial airplane pilot.

- Don Nottingham, 75 (6/28/49); 'the human bowling ball' from Kent State was a fullback for the Colts and Dolphins in the seventies, rushing for 34 touchdowns.

- Jay Schroeder, 63 (6/28/61); went 24-7 in Washington after Joe Theisman broke his leg, then was the Raiders starting QB for five seasons.
 
Today in Patriots History
June 28 Events



June 28, 2023:
The Patriots reportedly signed a boundary receiver to a new contract on Wednesday evening.​

And no, it’s not DeAndre Hopkins.​

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots and receiver DeVante Parker have agreed to a new three-year contract worth up to $33 million. The deal includes $14 million in guarantees and per-game roster bonuses.​

Parker was set to head into the final year of his current contract, with the 30-year-old wideout expected to earn a $5.7 million base salary.​

Acquired by the Patriots in a trade with the Dolphins back in April 2022, Parker played in 13 games in his first season in Foxborough. The 6-foot-3 receiver reeled in 31 catches for 539 yards and three touchdowns.​



June 28, 2020:
Reports circulate that Cam Newton will sign with the Patriots

Former MVP QB Cam Newton agrees to 1-year deal with Patriots | NFL.com



June 28, 2020
Patriots docked third-round pick, fined $1.1M for filming Bengals' sideline | NFL.com
Jan 4, 2020:



June 28, 2005:
Patriots sign seventh round draft pick Matt Cassel





Patriots.com | Pats sign four
The New England Patriots signed free agent running back Chad Morton and free agent guard Bryan Anderson today. Additionally, the team announced the signings of two 2005 draft picks, linebacker Ryan Claridge (selected in the fifth round) and quarterback Matt Cassel (selected in the seventh round).​

Morton, 28, is entering his sixth NFL season and has played in 62 career games with five starts for the New Orleans Saints (2000), New York Jets (2001-02) and Washington Redskins (2003-04). The 5-foot-8-inch, 203-pound Morton has made his greatest impact as a kickoff returner, recording 174 career returns for 4,172 yards (24.0 avg.) and three touchdowns.​

Anderson, 25, has played in four games in his professional career and joins the Patriots from the Chicago Bears, where he spent the bulk of the 2003 and 2004 seasons on the practice squad. The 6-foot-4-inch, 330-pound offensive lineman was originally selected by the Bears in the seventh round (261st overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.​

Claridge, 24, was selected by the Patriots in the fifth round (170th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2-inch, 254-pound linebacker started 39 of 49 games at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, where he earned All-Mountain West Conference honors three times. As a senior in 2004, Claridge led the conference and ranked ninth in the country with nine sacks, while starting all 10 games at inside linebacker. In his collegiate career, the Almont, Mich. native recorded 290 tackles (143 solo) with 18.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, 10 forced fumbles, two interceptions and 10 passes defensed.​

Cassel, 23, was selected by the Patriots in the seventh round (230th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2-inch, 222-pound quarterback played for Southern Cal, where he served as the backup signal caller to Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. His numbers with the Trojans include appearances in 25 games, completing 20 of 33 passes for 192 yards. Cassel is a native of Northridge, Calif.​






June 28, 2000:
Patriots.com | Patriots claim WR Hamler off waivers
The New England Patriots claimed wide receiver Tony Hamler off waivers from the Miami Dolphins.​

Hamler, 24, was signed to the Patriots practice squad on Dec. 8, 1999 and spent the remainder of the season with New England. He later signed with the Miami Dolphins on Feb. 22, 2000 but was released on June 15.​

The 6-foot, 186-pound wide receiver originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as a rookie free agent on April 30, 1999. He spent the 1999 preseason with Arizona and recorded six catches for 59 yards and four kickoff returns for 91 yards (22.8 avg.). He was later released on Sept. 7, 1999.​

He attended Morehouse College and caught 31 passes for 387 yards and three touchdowns during his senior season. He also recorded six kickoff returns for a 21.8-yard average and punted 49 times for a 37.3-yard average.​



June 28, 1990:
Patriots sign Tim Jordan to a two-year contract

The OLB from Wisconsin was a fourth round pick by the Pats in 1987. He played in 30 games from '87-'89 with one pick and three fumble recoveries. Jordan was waived by new head coach Rod Rust as part of final roster cuts on September 3, 1990.




June 28, 1972:
Patriots trade Ron Gardin to Pittsburgh for a sixth round pick

The next day the Pats sent that draft pick to New Orleans for Jim Flanigan

Gardin had averaged 22.9 yards on 14 kickoff returns in 1971.

Flanigan was a linebacker that played in 54 games for the Packers and Saints from 1967-70.

Neither one played in the NFL in 1972 or beyond.

Ron Gardin was selected by the Colts in the 6th round of the 1970 draft from Arizona. He was traded to the Pats on Sept 27, 1971 for a 5th round draft pick. In 1970 he ranked 3rd in the NFL with 330 punt return yards and an average of 11.8 yards per return. He lined up at both RB (776 yards, 7 TD) and WR (73 receptions, 1,013 yards, 4 TD) for the Wildcats. Injuries (shoulder in '72, ACL in '73) kept he from playing in the NFL after the 1971 season.





June 28, 1971:
Patriots sign free agent Roland Moss


The tight end from Toledo had played in 12 games for the Colts, Bills and Chargers in 1969-1970. He played in every game under John Mazur's 6-8 1971 team, with nine receptions and one touchdown.

Like Gardin and Flanigan, 1971 was Roland's final year in the NFL as well.

 
Today in Patriots History
Thunderfoot and other Birthdays



Happy 66th birthday to Brian Clark
Born June 28, 1958 in Canton, Ohio
Patriot K, 1982 off season; uniform #5
Pats 10th round (253rd overall) selection of the 1982 draft, from Florida

While in college Brian "Thunderfoot" Clark was involved in a controversial field goal attempt. Florida losst at Auburn in 1981, 14-12, when Clark's 40-yard field goal attempt with seconds remaining was ruled inches wide. Clark, his holder and several reporters standing directly behind the uprights thought the kick had easily made it within the standards and was good.

Despite that setback Clark was still considered talented enough to be drafted; at the time he held school records for career field goals made, single season field goals made, and most field goals made in a single game (5). The Pats incumbent kicker, John Smith, was not available after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee - but Clark was waived in favor of Rex Robinson to start the 1982 season. Perhaps it was for the best; how would the warm weather Florida native reacted had he been called upon for a game winning field goal in the snowplow game later that season?

Clark was with the Falcons and Bucs, spent one season on IR and another in the USFL; he only appeared in one NFL game before retiring from pro football.

For nearly 40 years Brian Clark worked his way up the corporate ladder with Steelcase Office Solutions, where he is now the Business Development Manager at their Birmingham location.

There are several interesting Florida Gators football records in the following article.
PAT percentage (career): Brian Clark was a steady kicker at UF and made all 62 of his extra point tries during his career. One bad hold, one slip in the mud and a kicker's streak can end suddenly. This record could be exceeded if a kicker made 63-of-63, but the percentage can never be eclipsed.​


LinkedIn - Brian Clark




- Jim Prestel, 87 (June 28, 1937); 1960 Patriots draft pick
The defensive tackle from Idaho was also drafted by Cleveland in 1959 but chose to remain in college. He had missed most of the 1957 season to return to Indianapolis, where his mother was terminally ill, and returned to the University of Idaho for another year. Prestel chose to sign with the Browns rather sign with the Pats in 1960, and played in the NFL through 1967, mostly with the Vikings.


From left, DE Jim Marshall (70), DT John Joyce (83), DT Jim Prestel (79) and DE Jim Leo (59) during Vikings training camp on July 22, 1962.




-Jordan Glasgow, 28 (June 28, 1996); draft trade
The Patriots sent two sixth round draft picks - one of which was used for Glasgow - to Indy in order to trade up in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft in order to select Michael Onwenu. The linebacker from played in 25 games for the Colts in 2020-2021, but has not played since he was released at the start of training camp in 2020 after a failed physical.

- Cedric Houston, 42 (June 28, 1982); draft trade
The pick used on the running back from Tennessee was part of a draft pick that was traded again, and eventually used on Matt Cassel. Houston's career was destroyed due to being drafted by the Jets, where he endured for two seasons - one under Herm Edwards and another with Eric Mangini.

- Gosder Cherilus, 40 (June 28, 1984); raised in Somerville, Somerville High School and Boston College
Detroit chose Cherilus with the 17th pick of the 2008 draft. He was a fixture at right tackle for the Lions, Colts and Bucs from 2008-2016.




Some other pro football players born on June 28:

- John Elway, 64 (6/28/60); Hall of Fame quarterback passed for 51,475 yards (second most in NFL history at that time) before becoming a successful automobile dealership owner and Broncos general manager. In his playing days the nine-time Pro Bowler became both a noun (The Elway) and verb (we got Elwayed) to opposing team's fans (such as the Pats) for his clutch play.

- Chuck Howley, 88 (6/28/36); five time first team All Pro linebacker with the Cowboys was MVP of Super Bowl V, a shocking news story at that time that the award would be bestowed on a defensive player.

- Raymond Chester, 76 (6/28/48); one of the premier tight ends of his era, he was named to four Pro Bowls, with over 5,000 yards receiving and 48 touchdowns.

- Marvin Jones, 52 (6/28/72); had 1,029 tackles over 11 seasons with the Jets.

- Bryan Barker, 60 (6/28/64); had 878 consecutive punts without a block (2nd all-time in NFL history), 326 career punts inside the 20 (3rd all-time), and more than 40,000 yards punting over his career (3rd most at that point in time).

- Randy McMichael, 45 (6/28/79); over the course of three seasons (2004-06) the Miami Dolphins tight end was outstanding, hauling in 195 receptions during that time.

- Clarence Davis, 75 (6/28/49); averaged 4.5 yards per carry and scored 28 touchdowns with the Raiders in the seventies.
'

- Karim Abdul-Jabbar, 50 (6/28/74); rushed for 26 touchdowns his first two years for Miami, but bad knees prematurely ended his NFL career. Rumor has it he may have become a commercial airplane pilot.

- Don Nottingham, 75 (6/28/49); 'the human bowling ball' from Kent State was a fullback for the Colts and Dolphins in the seventies, rushing for 34 touchdowns.

- Jay Schroeder, 63 (6/28/61); went 24-7 in Washington after Joe Theisman broke his leg, then was the Raiders starting QB for five seasons.

Thunderfoot?

Jerrel Wilson says hi...
 
Today in Patriots History
Pats Businessman: Ron Wooten


Happy 65th birthday to Ron Wooten
Born June 28, 1959 in Bourne, Mass.
Patriot RG, 1982-1988; uniform #61
Pats 6th round (157th overall) pick of the 1981 draft, from North Carolina
I didn't realize Wooten was so local. I wonder what a pin map of all Pats players would look like. Who was born closest to where the team played when they were born?
 
Today in Patriots History
Sidy Sow


Happy 26th birthday to Sidy Sow
Born June 28, 1998 in Bromont, Quebec
Patriot G, 2023-; uniform #62
Pats 4th round (117th overall) pick of the 2023 draft, from Eastern Michigan




Eastern Michigan University offensive lineman Sidy Sow (Bromont, Quebec-J-H Leclerc-Champlain Lennoxville) was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft Saturday, April 29, outside of Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The Bromont, Quebec native is the seventh-highest draft pick in Eastern Michigan history and the first draftee since Maxx Crosby went in the fourth round in 2019.​

Sow grew up in Quebec, Canada, where he was a two-time member of Team Canada's football squad. He was rated the third-best prospect for the Canadian Football League draft going into the 2021 season but deferred his draft status to the 2023 class. He started 11 of 13 games played at left tackle as a "true" freshman in 2018 at Eastern Michigan, then moved to left guard for 12 starts in 2019. Mid-American Conference coaches voted him third-team all-conference in 2020 for his work in six starts at left guard and he was a first-team pick in 2021 and 2022 as he started all 13 contests at that spot both seasons for the Eagles.​

The all-time leader in Eastern Michigan history in games played (56) and games started (54), Sow will go down as one of the best offensive linemen to don the green and white.​

On the field for 949 snaps in 2022, Sow helped the Eagles lead the MAC in red zone offense (93.9 percent) and third down percentage (44.9), while finishing second in team passing efficiency (137.86). All told, the Bromont, Quebec, native allowed just two sacks during the 2023 season and only six in his distinguished career.​

Sow ended his time at EMU with a 98.1 pass blocking efficiency, per Pro Football Focus. After more than 3,600 snaps in college, he allowed just 66 pressures as an Eagle. PFF graded Sow in the top 35 guards in the country and 29th for run blocking last season. Sow displayed next-level lateral quickness at EMU and was also explosive during drills at the NFL Combine.​





He’s from Canada and played hockey as a kid, rooting for a Bruins’ rival, but was a Patriots fan.

Sow hit the rink before he hit the gridiron as a kid. Growing up in Bromont, Quebec, Sow played hockey before playing football at 10 years old.​

When asked if he rooted for Quebec’s lone NHL team on Saturday, Sow wasn’t slow to respond.​

“Of course. Til the day I die,” Sow said when asked if the Canadiens were his favorite team. “The Montreal Canadiens are my favorite sports team growing up, and they might be second now because the Patriots are my favorite now. But yeah, I’m a Montreal Canadiens fan until the day I die.”​

But Sow also became very familiar with the Patriots growing up, saying they’re the most popular team in his native province.​

“As a little kid, watching Tom Brady slinging the football all around and being amazed by it, and giving me the love of football,” Sow said. “And now get them to call me on draft day and tell me they want me, it’s just an amazing feeling.”​

In addition to playing hockey and football, Sow played handball and competed in Olympic weightlifting in high school.​






aka Our New Starting Left Guard.
 
"- Chuck Howley, 88 (6/28/36); five time first team All Pro linebacker with the Cowboys was MVP of Super Bowl V, a shocking news story at that time that the award would be bestowed on a defensive player..."

And on the losing team to boot! Hasn't happened since either...
 
I didn't realize Wooten was so local. I wonder what a pin map of all Pats players would look like. Who was born closest to where the team played when they were born?
Very interesting question, at least to me. My first inclination was that there would be some 1960's Boston Patriots from the city; in those first few years they reached out for a lot of local guys in order to attempt to generate fan interest in the name of provincial pride.

Here's what I found. I included their high schools since that is probably a better indicator of where they grew up than the city/hospital they were born in. Tom Hennessy may be the winner of 'born closest to where the team played when they were born', although Jim Whalen is up there too since the Pats once played at Harvard Stadium. Chris Sullivan (North Attleboro) is really close as well.

DT Paul Lindquist (1961) - born in Brockton, Abington High School
QB Butch Songin (1960-61) - born in Walpole, Walpole HS
FB Harry Crump (1963) - born in Framingham, Westborough HS
OT Milt Graham (1961-63) - born in Chatham, out of state (NY) HS
LB Don McKinnon (1963-64) - born in Arlington, Matignon HS
OT Jerry DeLucca (1960-64) - born in Peabody, Peabody HS
DT George Pyne (1964) - born in Milford, Milford HS
S Ross O'Hanley (1960-65) - born in Everett, Columbus HS (North End, Boston)
CB Tom Hennessy (1965-66) - born in Boston, Brookline HS
RB Joe Bellino (1965-67) - born in Winchester, Winchester HS
DE Bob Dee (1960-67) - born in Quincy, Braintree HS
LB Ray Ilg (1967-68) - born in Wellesley, Wellesley HS
RB Bobby Leo (1967) - born in Everett, Everett HS
TE Bobby Nichols (1967-68) - born in Boston, South Boston HS
RB Bob Cappadona (1966-67) - born in Watertown, Watertown HS
WR Art Graham (1963-68) - born in Somerville, Matignon HS
WR Jim Colclough (1960-68) - born in Medford, Quincy HS
P Terry Swanson (1967-68) - born in Cambridge, Belmont HS
DT Ed Toner (1967-69) - born in Reading, Lynn English HS
TE Barry Brown (1969-70) - born in Boston, out of state (MI) HS
TE Jim Whalen (1965-69) - born in Cambridge, Cambridge Latin HS
LB Fred Whittingham (1970) - born in Boston, Warwick (RI) HS
LB Jim Cheyunski (1968-72) - born in Bridgewater, West Bridgewater HS
LB Nick Buoniconti (1962-68) - born in Springfield, Springfield Cathedral HS
OT Kevin Hunt (1973) - born in Framingham, Burlington (VT) HS
RB Mark van Eeghen (1982-83) - born in Cambridge, W Cranston (RI) HS
WR Brian Carey (1987) - born Woburn, Gloucester HS - Replacement Player
LB Rico Corsetti (1987) - born in Newton, Belmont Hill HS - Replacement Player
NT Tom Porell (1987) - born in Cambridge, Winchester HS - Replacement Player
G Bill Turner (1987) - born in Norwood, unknown HS - Replacement Player
LB Steve Doig (1986-87) - born in Melrose, North Reading HS
G Ron Wooten (1982-88) - born in Bourne, out of state (NC) HS
NT Fred Smerlas (1991-92) - born in Waltham, Waltham HS
LB Dana Cottrell (1998) - born in Boston, Billerica HS
LB Marc Megna (2000) - born in Fall River, Durfee (Fall River) HS
DE Chris Sullivan (1996-99) - born in North Attleboro, N Attleboro HS
TE Jermain Wiggins (2000-01) - born in East Boston, East Boston HS
ST Sean Morey (1999) - born in Marshfield, Marshfield HS
DT Ron Brace (2009-12) - born in Springfield, Worcester Burncoat HS
SS James Ihedigbo (2011) - born in Northampton, Amherst Regional HS

Zero matches for former Patriots born in Rhode Island.
 
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