Today In Patriots History March 15, 2024: Patriots sign free agent Jacoby Brissett

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats sign Jacoby Brissett after trading Mac Jones​

March 15, 2024:
The Patriots sign QB Jacoby Brissett to a one-year, $8 million contract.

After weeks of speculation and four days of rumors and news reports, the news of the signing was almost anticlimactic.
Unfortunately the production on the field in 2024 was an even larger letdown.
The Patriots also confirmed three other signings that had been reported earlier.


Patriots.com, March 15, 2024:

Patriots Announce Four Signings

The New England Patriots announced today that they have signed QB Jacoby Brissett as an unrestricted free agent from the Washington Commanders, re-signed LB Anfernee Jennings, G Nick Leverett as a free agent and DT Armon Watts as an unrestricted free agent from the Pittsburgh Steelers.​

Brissett, 31, was originally drafted by New England in the third-round (91st overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State. He played in three games with two starts as a rookie and completed 34-of-55 passes for 400 yards. The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder, was traded by New England to the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 2, 2017 for WR Phillip Dorsett.​

Brissett is a veteran of eight NFL seasons with New England (2016), Indianapolis (2017-20), Miami (2021), Cleveland (2022) and Washington (2023). Overall, he has played in 79 regular season games with 48 starts and has completed 981-of-1,600 passes for 10,574 yards with 51 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Last season with Washington, Brissett played in three games and completed 18-of-23 pass attempts for 224 yards with three touchdown passes.​

Source: Patriots to bring QB Jacoby Brissett in on 1-year deal

The New England Patriots are planning to sign quarterback Jacoby Brissett to a one-year, $8 million deal.

www.espn.com

The Patriots need a starting quarterback as well as more depth after trading Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.​

Brissett backed up Sam Howell for the Washington Commanders last season, appearing in three games but playing extensively in the second half of two of them. He led touchdown drives on five of his six full possessions while completing 18 of 23 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns.​

The Commanders' coaches praised Brissett for his mentoring of Howell in his first year as a starter.​

Homecoming: Patriots Sign QB Jacoby Brissett

The New England Patriots have strengthened their quarterback room by agreeing to a contract with ex-Pat Jacoby Brissett, most recently of the Washington Commanders.

www.si.com

The NC State product was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2017 offseason. He spent his first two seasons in Indy as the backup to starter Andrew Luck and reserve Scott Tolzien, before ascending to the starting role after Luck’s unexpected retirement in 2019. He returned to a reserve spot when the team signed former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in 2020. In four years with the Colts, he completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 6059 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also ran for 500 yards and 11 rushing scores.​

After a pair of one year stints with the Miami Dolphins (2021) and Cleveland Browns (2022) — where he earned then career-highs in completions percentage (64.0) and passer rating (88.9) — Brissett signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Commanders last March. He served as Sam Howell’s primary backup until Week 15, when he relieved Washington’s starter against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the team’s 28–20 loss, Brissett logged 124 yards on eight passes and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. When Howell was benched a second time in the following game against the New York Jets, Brissett led three straight touchdown drives to erase a 20-point deficit. Though theteam eventually lost 30–28, the NC State product was impressive, completing 10 passes for 100 yards and one touchdown.​

Patriots 2024 free agency tracker: Offseason moves, signings

Keep track of all the Patriots' free agent moves throughout the 2024 offseason.

www.espn.com

What it means: Brissett returns to the team that selected him in the third round of the 2016 draft and represents a veteran bridge option should the Patriots draft a quarterback with the third overall pick and decide not to play him right away. Brissett was viewed as a positive veteran influence on Washington second-year quarterback Sam Howell last season, and then when called upon to play late in the season, he showed he could still be effective.​

Brissett's background with first-year Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt -- having started 11 games in Cleveland in 2022 when Van Pelt was the quarterbacks coach -- was a link that had many predicting he would ultimately land in New England this year.​

What's the risk: Minimal. The one-year term puts more of a strain on the salary cap than a multiyear deal would have, but the Patriots have plenty of space to work with.​

Patriots' New Quarterback Jacoby Brissett Better Than Bailey Zappe & Mac Jones?

Signed as a "bridge" to New England Patriots' quarterback of the future Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, is Jacoby Brissett an upgrade over Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe?

www.si.com

The trading of Mac Jones and subsequent signing 36 hours later of Jacoby Brissett means this for the New England Patriots in 2024: They're willing to drive on a spare tire.​

Brissett is the NFL's equivalent of that emergency spare tucked in your car's trunk: Woefully in-equipped. Low-performance. Only to be used in dire situations - driven at speeds no faster than 40 mph until you can find a newer, bigger, better tire. That improved equipment wasn't Jones. The Pats hope it will be a rookie quarterback drafted No. 3 overall next month, either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye.​

5 things to know about returning Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett

Jacoby Brissett reunites with familiar faces in Foxborough, as he returns to the team that drafted him in 2016.

www.boston.com

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to sign Brissett is because of his familiarity with new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney. The three spent time together in Cleveland, where Brissett recorded his career best performances over 11 starts in 2022.​

Starting for a then-suspended Deshaun Watson, Brissett played every offensive snap of the first 11 games, completing 64 percent of his passes for an 88.9 passer rating. His success under Van Pelt’s West Coast style offense is an encouraging indicator that he’ll find his stride in New England.​

Before he was a quarterback, he was a point guard.​

A year after leading Florida’s Dwyer High School to a football state championship as a junior, Brissett won his school another state title – in basketball. He remained a dual-sport athlete through his senior year, winning the Palm Beach County large classification Player of the Year honors in football and basketball.​

From March 7, 2024:

Patriots Already Getting Spurned Ahead of Free Agency | PatsFans.com

Heading into free agency, it was no secret that the New England Patriots were facing an uphill battle when it came to trying to entice top-tier free agents to come to Foxboro.

www.patsfans.com

It’s a tough spot to be in. They’re currently stuck in what’s basically a chicken/egg situation. They can’t attract skill players without a quarterback, and they can’t attract the quarterback due to the lack of skill players.

That’s likely going to be why the Patriots will most likely make a push at the next tier of quarterbacks a priority. That potentially means Jacoby Brissett is likely facing his best opportunity to cash in, and with good reason. Of all the players to have to overpay, he’s probably the best option since you’d rather be stuck paying a guy who is at least a good teammate and a good person, fits your system and has familiarity with your staff (he played under Alex Van Pelt in Cleveland) as well as the fact he’s a decent player on the field. He’s also the type of guy who would likely be a good mentor for whoever they select in April.


March 11, 2024:

Patriots Finish off Monday By Adding a Veteran QB | PatsFans.com

On Monday night, the New England Patriots added a key name that should allow them to have a veteran to stabilize their QB room in 2024 and give them a relatively viable starter to begin the upcoming season.

www.patsfans.com

Following this weekend’s trade of Mac Jones, the Patriots headed into this week with just Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke on the roster at quarterback, likely making it a tough sell for any potential free agents.

On Monday night, they added a key name that should allow them to have a veteran to stabilize their QB room in 2024 and give them a relatively viable starter to begin the upcoming season.


March 12, 2024:

Brissett's Return Provides Patriots QB Room with Veteran Leadership | PatsFans.com

While there wasn’t much news to report for most of Monday when it came to the Patriots, a lot of the work behind the scenes came to light later in the evening when news started to emerge of guys they eventually finalized deals with.

www.patsfans.com

Obviously, the plan will hopefully be to see them draft a quarterback next month, but Brissett’s addition gives them a tangible option, rather than the club trying to lure skill players based on Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke and essentially “a player to be named later.”

For guys who thrive on incentives and the opportunity to possibly earn additional money in the postseason, that likely wouldn’t be enough of a draw, as many of those names tend to look for more competitive situations.

Clearly, the Patriots were transparent in their plans with Brissett moving forward, which likely explains why he’s only here for one season.

Still, it’s an opportunity to take the lead and be the guy who will set the example for whoever they ultimately select next month.

More importantly, it at least puts the Patriots in a slightly better position to attract talent, which made it an important move that was nice to see come to fruition on Monday.




Speculation/debate on signing Brissett began in February - of 2021:

Thread 'The Case to Sign QB Jacoby Brissett'

Feb 18, 2021

The Colts added Wentz, and Brissett is 28 years old and an unrestricted free agent now.

Here's the case:
- Brissett is only 28 years old, knows the Pats system and has won games here
- Brissett takes care of the ball. Career stats as a 60% passer, 31 TDs and 13 INTs is pretty good.
- Brissett played 15 games in 2019 and was only sacked 27 times. Hopefully gets the ball out faster now.
- Bill Parcells coached this kid down in Florida as he came up and said he has the same elite leadership qualities of a Tedy Bruschi, McGinest, Troy Brown type.

Stats link...

• DropKickFlutie
• Replies: 62
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

15-page thread on the signing:

Player Signing Thread 'Pats sign Jacoby Brissett'

Mar 11, 2024

• Aussie Patriot
• Replies: 290
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Jacoby Brissett Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Checkout the latest stats for Jacoby Brissett. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[Pape]

That signing was a complete disaster. Rookie HC. Rookie OC. Career Backup QB.



and that thread? full of gold...

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The first 'Common Draft'​

Wednesday, March 15, 1967:
Day Two of the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft

The two leagues had agreed to a merger, and this was the first combined, or common draft as it was called. This came 58 days after the first AFL-NFL Championship Game, something that would later be renamed Super Bowl I. An expansion team, the New Orleans Saints, had the first pick; the one-win Giants had the second pick and the third pick belonged to a 2nd year franchise, the Atlanta Falcons.

All three teams traded their draft picks. New Orleans made a blunder right off the bat, sending the first overall pick to the Colts for backup QB Gary Cuozzo. Baltimore used that pick on Bubba Smith. The Vikings erred as well, trading QB Fran Tarkenton to New York, and then selecting RB Clint Jones, who spent most of his career as a backup. The third trade was a lose-lose proposition. San Francisco traded up, sending three nobodies to the needy Falcons - and used that pick on Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier. It was a strange decision because the 49ers already had a good QB, John Brodie - and in the era before free agency he just languished on the bench for the next nine years.

With Spurrier off the board, Miami used their #4 pick on the other 'must-have' QB of that draft class, a player that finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting: future Hall of Famer Bob Griese, from Purdue.


As for the Patriots, Day One (rounds 1-5) went like this:
1st round, #21 overall - CB John Charles, Purdue
Charles spent three seasons with the Pats, one at CB and the next two at SS. In 1970 he - plus the #10 overall pick in the draft, and cash (so unlike Billy Sullivan) were traded to Minnesota for Joe Kapp. Decent player, not much at all to show for a 1st round pick.

2nd round - previously traded in 1964 to KC for Eddie Wilson
Wilson was a backup QB who had one start for the Patriots. Why trade a 2nd round pick when you have Babe Parilli?

3rd round - previously traded in 1966 to the Jets for Jim Colclough
Colclough was a good receiver, but this was just making a bad situation worse. The Pats lost Colclough as a player to be named later when they traded for John Huarte, a QB who had one career start in the AFL/NFL. On top of that Colclough was nearing the end of his pro football career.

4th round, #101 overall - LB Ed Philpott, Miami of Ohio
Philpott played with the Pats for five seasons, the first four as a starter. Good value cosidering when he was drafted.

5th round, #128 overall - DE Mel Witt, Texas-Arlington
Played in 35 games over four seasons for the Pats, with 13 starts. About what you would expect for a 5th rounder.


The prior trades really hurt the Patriots in this draft, which coincided with their descent from a contender to a perennial loser. The team went from 8-4-2 in 1966 to 3-10-1 in 1967, and it would be ten years until the Patriots won more games than they lost.


Day Two (rounds 6-17):
6th round, #154 overall - DE Ron Medlen, SMU
Never played in the NFL.

7th round, #180 overall - RB Bobby Leo, Harvard
The pride of Everett was one of the best high school football players in Massachusetts history, but an injury that put him in the hospital derailed his pro football career after just three games.

8th round, #206 overall - DE Tom Fussell, LSU
Lasted one season, playing in 12 games with four starts.

9th round, #232 overall - S Charlie Thornhill, Michigan State
Never played in the NFL.

10th round, #257 overall - LB John Runnells, Penn State
Never played in the NFL.

11th round, #283 overall - CB Leroy Mitchell, Texas Southern
Mitchell was a late round gem, an AFL All-Star in 1968. Unfortunately the Pats, with many holes to fill, traded him away for four JAGs after just two seasons.

12th round, #310 overall - OT Dave Davis, Harvard
Davis never played in the NFL.

13th round, #336 overall - LB Ray Ilg, Colgate
The Wellesley native played in all 28 games over two seasons, with six starts.

14th round, #361 overall - DB Bobby Beaird, Auburn
Never played in the NFL.

15th round, #388 overall - LB Tom Folliard, Mississippi State
Never played in the NFL.

16th round, #414 overall - HB **** Nocera, Southern Connecticut State
Never played in the NFL.

17th round, #440 overall - TE Bobby Nichols, Boston University
The Southie native played in 15 games (1 start) over two seasons, with one reception.


What was with all the Iocal players; couldn't afford to send scouts further away? In the early days of the AFL it made sense to sign a lot of local guys, to pique fan interest, plus a higher likelihood of signing a local guy versus somebody from 1,000 miles away. But this was a common draft; if they wanted to play pro football, their only choice was the team that drafted them, or play in the CFL. No New England college teams were NCAA powerhouses.

Not a good draft, and not a good use of trades involving draft picks.




Good article by Don Banks on the 1967 draft here:

Oral history of the 1967 NFL Draft: The year Steve Spurrier was the draft's No. 1 quarterback

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats sign JuJu Smith-Schuster​

March 15, 2023:
The 2023 NFL league year began at 4:00 PM ET on March 15.
At that point teams had to be under the salary cap, and after a two-day legal tampering period, clubs could sign free agents.


The Patriots began the day by adding OT Riley Reiff, who was expected to be a starter. The move came a day after signing another OT, Calvin Anderson.





Next the Pats tendered another OT, 2019 3rd round pick and RFA Yodny Cajuste.





The third transaction was the biggest news of the day, when the team signed WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was coming off a 78-reception, 933-yard season with the Chiefs.





Last was the signing of RB James Robinson, who rushed for 1,070 yards and 7 TD with Jacksonville as a rookie in 2020, but bounced around with very little playing time after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon late in the 2021 season.






PatsFans discussions and articles on the day's events below:

Player Signing Thread 'Patriots To Add OT Riley Reiff'

Mar 15, 2023

Another tackle addition:

• Ian
• Replies: 109
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Player Signing Thread 'Patriots Have Tendered Yodney Cajuste'

Mar 15, 2023

Per Andrew Callahan:

• Ian
• Replies: 29
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Patriots Continue Building Tackle Depth, Adding Riley Reiff and Tendering Cajuste

The Patriots reportedly added Chicago Bears free agent offensive tackle Riley Reiff on Wednesday, while also tendering restricted free agent tackle Yodney Cajuste.

www.patsfans.com

Player Signing Thread 'Patriots Showing Serious Interest in JuJu Smith-Schuster (Update: Done)'

Mar 15, 2023

• Ian
• Replies: 540
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Five Thoughts on the Patriots' Signing of JuJu Smith-Schuster

Some thoughts on the New England Patriots' signing of free agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Reportedly "Aren't In it" for WR DeAndre Hopkins

While the Patriots may have added one receiver on Wednesday, it sounds like there might not be one familiar name coming to Foxboro any time soon.

www.patsfans.com

Player Signing Thread 'Patriots Add RB James Robinson'

Mar 15, 2023

Per Jeremy Fowler:

• Ian
• Replies: 112
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Patriots Add RB James Robinson to Their Backfield

After adding wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Wednesday, the Patriots added another player on the offensive side of the football late last night.

www.patsfans.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ted Karras​

Happy 32nd birthday to Ted Karras
Born March 15, 1993 in Chicago
Patriot G/C, 2016-2019 (uniform #75), and 2021(uniform #67)
Patriots 6th round (221st overall) selection of the 2016 NFL Draft, from Illinois
Pats résumé: 5 seasons, 77 games (33 starts); 2 seasons as starter, 3 as reserve; 11 playoff games, two super bowl rings


Ted Karras has been an iron man, missing just four games in his NFL career - three early in 2018, and one in 2019. In 2025 he will be entering his fourth season as the center for the Cincinnati Bengals. Great production for somebody drafted in the sixth round; it's too bad the Patriots let him go (twice).


May 2, 2016:

Selection of Karras Brings Some Intensity to the Patriots Offensive Line

The selection of Ted Karras will go down as one of the more interesting selections during the 2016 Patriots draft, primarily because it's always fun to have guys who are a little out there, bringing attitude and a bit of an edge with them.

www.patsfans.com

The selection of Ted Karras will go down as one of the more interesting selections during the 2016 Patriots draft, primarily because it’s always fun to have guys who are a little out there, bringing attitude and a bit of an edge with them.​

It’s always nice to see a little intensity added to the locker room and Karras certainly brings that. The former standout from Illinois is known for his pregame rituals, where he pours water over his head and yells “like a Viking”, but the thing that was interesting listening to him during his press conference is the fact he’s a guy who has enjoyed what he’s been doing from a young age.​

From the time he was young Karras has loved his position and worked hard to grow and bulk up in order to play it well. He spent his days drinking a gallon of milk each day heading into high school as he tried to add weight and put himself in position to continue the family tradition. Karras had seven family members play football in the Big Ten, with four more making it to the NFL. Karras’ achievement this weekend made him number five.​

He loves football. He’s tough, and he loves being an offensive lineman. Those are exactly the traits you look for at that position, which should make him a fun guy to follow in the coming months.​

In a lot of ways he’s sort of reminiscent of former offensive lineman Logan Mankins, who brought a toughness and attitude that made him a great asset during his time in New England. Mankins was a first-round pick while Karras was obviously a late-round selection. The two are obviously very different players, but Karras seems to bring a similar drive.​

“I felt I was a leader. I felt I brought a hard-nose attitude,” said Karras. “I worked every day, maybe not considered the most elite athlete but I got the job done and excelled at the job. I not only got the job done but did the job well. That’s kind of how I’ve always been.”​

April 30, 2016 - Mike Reiss seems to imply Karras would have a difficult time making the roster:

Football is family business for Patriots sixth-round pick Ted Karras

Ted Karras has good football bloodlines (great-uncle Alex Karras was a Pro Bowler), but he has his work cut out if he's to make the Patriots roster.

www.espn.com

My take: A four-year starter at right guard, the 6-foot-4, 307-pound Karras is the seventh member of his family to play football in the Big Ten. His great-uncle, the late Alex Karras, was named to the Pro Bowl four times with the Detroit Lions before going into acting, including a starring role in the 1980s sitcom "Webster." Ted Karras was a team captain for the Fighting Illini in 2015, fitting the profile of leader and intelligent hard worker the Patriots generally like. He started 43 games at Illinois.​

Where does he fit: The Patriots are loaded on the interior of the offensive line, especially if that's where third-round pick Joe Thuney ends up fitting best. The three players who rotated as starters at guard last season -- Shaq Mason, Josh Kline and Tre' Jackson -- return in 2016. Meanwhile, 2013 first-round pick Jonathan Cooper was acquired in a trade from the Cardinals, and there's also Chris Barker and centers Bryan Stork and David Andrews.​

April 30, 2016 - Mark Daniels also notes the logjam at the interior offensive line:

Patriots draft guard Ted Karras with their final sixth-round pick

FOXBORO – Patriots continue to stockpile interior offensive linemen. On Friday, with their last pick in the sixth round, the team drafted Illinois guard Ted Karras. Karras, whose great uncle is for…

www.providencejournal.com

Patriots continue to stockpile interior offensive linemen. On Friday, with their last pick in the sixth round, the team drafted Illinois guard Ted Karras.​

Karras, whose great uncle is former Pro Bowler Alex Karras, started all four years in college at right guard (43 starts). A team captain, he was named All-Big Ten third team by media and honorable mention honors from coaches. Karras missed some time his junior year after suffering a torn ACL and MCL.​

After drafting two guards (Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason) and extending Josh Kline last season, the Patriots traded for Jonathan Cooper this offseason. All that action didn’t stop them as they drafted offensive lineman Joe Thuney in the third round on Friday and then still adding Karras on Saturday.​

Perhaps I am forgetting something, but I don't follow the negotiation tactic of offering less money to a free agent.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Steve Schubert​

Happy 74th birthday to Steve Schubert
Born March 15, 1951 in Brooklyn
Patriot WR, 1974; uniform #87
Signed as an undrafted rookie on May 13, 1974
Pats résumé: 1 season, 8 games (2 starts); 22.4 yard avg on 5 kick returns, 5.0 avg on 3 punt returns; 1 catch, a 21-yard touchdown


Although he was born in Brookly, Steve Schubert was a local guy. He grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, went to Manchester Central High School, and then was a standout at UMass. His biggest claim to fame with the Patriots was catching a 21-yard touchdown pass from Jim Plunkett on October 27, 1974. That was the same game that Bob Windsor famously caught a pass with no time left on the clock, and willed his way across the goal line to upset Fran Tarkenton and the defending NFC champion Minnesota Vikings, 17-14. The victory gave the upstart Patriots a 6-1 record, though injuries would catch up to them in the second half of that season.

On This Day: Bob Windsor lays his career on the line for the game-winning score

Schubert was released by the Patriots just before the start of the 1975 season, and signed with Chicago two weeks later. He spent five seasons with the Bears, primarily as a punt and kickoff return man.


Outstanding in His Arena - UMass Mag

Success, it seems, has been a constant companion to Steve Schubert ’72.​

He was an all-American wide receiver during his senior season for the Minutemen, and his name is still in the record books. (He was inducted into the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame this past summer.) He played six years in the NFL, for the Chicago Bears, and the New England Patriots. He is senior vice president of UBS, a wealth management firm, and a civic leader in his hometown of Manchester, New Hampshire, tirelessly raising money for a wide range of charities.​

He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Sandy, for 34 years and has three children and three grandchildren.​

Life has been good to Steve Schubert, and he is the first to admit it. But he will also tell you that none of it would have been possible if then UMass Amherst football coach Vic Fusia didn’t take a chance on him 37 years ago.​

Schubert admits he spent more time on the playing fields at Manchester Central High School, where he was a four-sport standout, than studying. Fusia took a chance on him when other colleges wouldn’t.​

“They had study halls for us. . . they were ahead of other colleges at that time, from the standpoint of helping athletes stay in school,” Schubert said. “One of the things I’m most proud of is getting my degree [in hotel and restaurant management] in four years, because I never thought I would.”​

Maybe that’s why Schubert makes sure others are given the same kind of chance. For all his personal success, it’s what Schubert has given back that distinguishes him.​

He has hosted an annual charity golf tournament for the past 30 years, raising over $500,000 for youth and high school sports organizations. Involved with Easter Seals since 1974, he spearheaded a drive last year that generated close to $250,000 for juvenile diabetes research.​

Steve Schubert (2006) - Hall of Fame - University of Massachusetts Athletics

University of Massachusetts Athletics

umassathletics.com

During an era often dominated by the run game, Steve Schubert became a record-setting receiver for Massachusetts who guided the program to the 1972 Yankee Conference title and a win over UC Davis in the Boardwalk Bowl. He earned first team all-America and first team all-New England as a senior and went on to play for New England Patriots in 1974 before a five-year stint with the Chicago Bears.​

Between his professional tenures with the Patriots and Bears, Schubert competed in 74 total games, had 24 catches for 362 yards and scored a touchdown. As a punt returner, he posted 103 returns covering 866 yards and three scores.​

A 2006 inductee into the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame, Schubert still remains one of the premier receivers and returners in program history. His 901 receiving yards as a senior in 1972 ranks near the top-10 for a single season in team history nearly 50 years later. That season, Schubert notched 20.1 yards per catch - the fourth-highest all-time average. During his career, he ranked third at UMass with an average of 17.7 yards per catch, thanks to 81 receptions covering 1,435 yards.​

As a punt returner, Schubert stands second all-time with his 1972 season average of 16.8 yards, while also ranking third for career return yardage (12.2). He maintains two of the top-10 UMass single-game longest punt returns, including an 80-yarder versus Boston University in 1972 and a 66-yard return against Boston University in 1970.​

In 2006, Schubert earned the Distinguished American Award from the Joe Yukica New Hampshire Chapter of the National Football Foundation. He is also a member of the Manchester and Central High School Halls of Fame.​

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
The first 'Common Draft'​

As for the Patriots, Day One (rounds 1-5) went like this:
1st round, #21 overall - CB John Charles, Purdue
Charles spent three seasons with the Pats, one at CB and the next two at SS. In 1970 he - plus the #10 overall pick in the draft, and cash (so unlike Billy Sullivan) were traded to Minnesota for Joe Kapp. Decent player, not much at all to show for a 1st round pick.

2nd round - previously traded in 1964 to KC for Eddie Wilson
Wilson was a backup QB who had one start for the Patriots. Why trade a 2nd round pick when you have Babe Parilli?

3rd round - previously traded in 1966 to the Jets for Jim Colclough
Colclough was a good receiver, but this was just making a bad situation worse. The Pats lost Colclough as a player to be named later when they traded for John Huarte, a QB who had one career start in the AFL/NFL. On top of that Colclough was nearing the end of his pro football career.

4th round, #101 overall - LB Ed Philpott, Miami of Ohio
Philpott played with the Pats for five seasons, the first four as a starter. Good value cosidering when he was drafted.

Philpott 52

5th round, #128 overall - DE Mel Witt, Texas-Arlington
Played in 35 games over four seasons for the Pats, with 13 starts. About what you would expect for a 5th rounder.

7th round, #180 overall - RB Bobby Leo, Harvard
The pride of Everett was one of the best high school football players in Massachusetts history, but an injury that put him in the hospital derailed his pro football career after just three games.

8th round, #206 overall - DE Tom Fussell, LSU
Lasted one season, playing in 12 games with four starts.

From the '67 team photo...

11th round, #283 overall - CB Leroy Mitchell, Texas Southern
Mitchell was a late round gem, an AFL All-Star in 1968. Unfortunately the Pats, with many holes to fill, traded him away for four JAGs after just two seasons.

13th round, #336 overall - LB Ray Ilg, Colgate
The Wellesley native played in all 28 games over two seasons, with six starts.
17th round, #440 overall - TE Bobby Nichols, Boston University
The Southie native played in 15 games (1 start) over two seasons, with one reception.

27 Joe Bellino, 75 Ed Toner, 87 Bobby Nichols, 45 Ray Ilg

9th round, #232 overall - S Charlie Thornhill, Michigan State
Never played in the NFL.
10th round, #257 overall - LB John Runnells, Penn State
Never played in the NFL.
12th round, #310 overall - OT Dave Davis, Harvard
Davis never played in the NFL.
14th round, #361 overall - DB Bobby Beaird, Auburn
Never played in the NFL.
15th round, #388 overall - LB Tom Folliard, Mississippi State
Never played in the NFL.
16th round, #414 overall - HB **** Nocera, Southern Connecticut State
Never played in the NFL.

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Steve Schubert​

Happy 74th birthday to Steve Schubert

Best i got, some lousy screen caps...