Today In Patriots History May 17: Happy Birthday to Matt Cassel

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
What? We just drafted a guy that
hasn't started since high school?!!!​

Happy 43rd birthday to Matt Cassel
Born May 17, 1982 in Los Angeles; raised in Northridge CA and Chatsworth CA
Patriot quarterback, 2005-2008; uniform #16
Seventh round (230th overall) selection of the 2005 NFL draft, out of Southern Cal
Pats résumé: four seasons, 30 games (11-4 in 15 starts); 3,946 yards (62.9% complete), 7.1 ypa, 23 TD/13 Int; 2 rushing touchdowns


* Thanks to Bernard Pollard, Cassel played in all sixteen 2008 games, with 15 starts.

* Despite having not started at any level of play in eight years, the Pats went 11-5, with Cassel throwing for 3,693 yards (8th in the NFL that season), with 21 TDs against 11 interceptions.

* His 3,946 career passing yards ranked 8th in franchise history at that time (9th now, passed by Mac Jones' three-season total).

* Managed to stay in the league long enough (14 years) to have been paid over $65 million. In contrast, the player he backed up in college (Matt Leinart) lasted only seven years and made $18 million. having played for seven different teams, Cassel apparently was well-regarded as professional backup QB, and a positive presence in the locker room as well as quarterback room.

* In 2005 the Raiders wanted to move up, to draft DL Anttaj Hawthorne. The Patriots received two picks in return, which turned into Cassel and OT Ryan O'Callaghan. Those two played for a combined 159 games over 19 seasons, plus nine playoff games. Hawthorne lasted two seasons, playing in 18 games.

* In 2009 the Patriots traded Cassel and Mike Vrabel to KC for a draft pick that was used to select safety Patrick Chung.

* Cassel married his college sweetheart, USC volleyball player Lauren Killian in February of 2007. College teammate QB Carson Palmer was his best man. Matt and Lauren started dating in 2002, and are still together 23 years later. They have four children.

* His mother Barbara Cassel is an Emmy-winning television set decorator, and two brothers played professional baseball.


Behind the Scenes with...Quarterback Matt Cassel -- Patriots.com
Rookie quarterback Matt Cassel sat down with us to look at his life both on and off the football field

Neighbor calls Matt Cassel a hero after house fire

Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel sprang into action late Thursday night when a neighbor's house caught on fire, and he's being hailed as a hero in the neighborhood.

www.nbcsports.com

Matt Cassel joins NBC's Big Ten coverage

NBC has brought in former USC Trojans QB Matt Cassel to join their Big Ten coverage pregame show as a studio analyst.

awfulannouncing.com

Matt Cassel 3rd down punt, Patriots-Bills 2008
4th quarter, 13-0, 5:01 left to play
1:27 Highlight Video -- check out the roll on the 57-yard punt!

Matt Cassel Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Matt Cassel Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Matt Cassel Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Matt Cassel Transactions

Matt Cassel Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Matt Cassel contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $65,494,000

Matt Cassel - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Korey Cunningham​

In memory of Korey Cunningham, who would have turned 30 today
Born May 17, 1995 in Montevalo, Alabama
Died April 25, 2024 at the age of 28 in Clifton, New Jersey
Patriot offensive tackle, 2019-2020; uniform #74
Acquired in a trade with Arizona on August 29, 2019, for a 2020 sixth round pick
Pats résumé: two season, 12 games (zero starts)


Korey Cunningham was a tight end in high school, before converting to tackle while at the University of Cincinnati. Arizona selected him in the 7th round of the 2018 draft. Cunningham appeared in 11 games for the Pats in 2020, and was on the field for 155 snaps over his two seasons with New England. Most of his playing time came as a sixth offensive lineman, often as an eligible receiver. He was released as part of final roster cuts in 2021, then spent the next two seasons with the Giants.

Cunningham died in 2024 at the age of 28. Initially it was reported that the cause of death was suicide, but it was later revealed that the 6'6, 305 lb lineman died of heat stroke.

Former NY Giant lineman Korey Cunningham, 28, found dead in his Clifton home

Korey Cunningham, a former NFL lineman who last played for the New York Giants, was found dead in his Clifton home Thursday, police said. He was 28.

www.northjersey.com

Former Giants OL Cunningham dies at age 28

Former Giants offensive lineman Korey Cunningham was found dead at his New Jersey home, according to the team. He was 28 years old.

www.espn.com

Korey Cunningham Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Korey Cunningham Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Korey Cunningham Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Korey Cunningham Transactions

Korey Cunningham Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Korey Cunningham contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $2,864,534

Korey Cunningham - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[ctpatsfan77]

One minor point on Cassel: he hadn't started a game in 8 years at quarterback. He did start one game at USC as a TE.

Also, a fun fact: In high school, he played on defense as well, and some people felt that his NFL future might be as a John Lynch-like safety.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Roberto Aguayo​

Happy 31st birthday to Roberto Aguayo
Born May 17, 1994 in Mascotte, Florida
Patriot kicker, 2020 practice squad & 2021 offseason; uniform #9
Signed to the practice squad on December 26, 2020
Pats résumé: one offseason; zero games


Tampa Bay traded up to select Roberto Jose Aguayo Jr. in the second round of the 2016 draft, out of Florida State. Nicknamed 'Mr. Perfect' for his accuracy at FSU, he was far from that at the next level. As a rookie Aguayo was an abysmal 4-11 on field goal attempts of 40+ yards, and he was waived at the end of the following preseason. After that he was in training camps for the Bears, Panthers and Chargers, but never again played in a regular season NFL game. Foxboro was his last NFL shot, 27 months since being waived by San Diego.

Ironically the player he lost his job to in 2017 was the same one he would be competing with for a roster spot four years later: kicker Nick Folk.


Dec 16, 2020:

Patriots Reportedly Sign Draft-Bust Kicker Roberto Aguayo To Practice Squad - NESN.com

The New England Patriots on Saturday reportedly signed kicker Roberto Aguayo, a second-round pick in 2016, to their practice squad.

nesn.com

June 17, 2021:

Patriots waive Roberto Aguayo, sign offensive lineman

The New England Patriots have waived kicker Roberto Aguayo and signed offensive lineman R.J. Prince.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Aguayo Shakes Nightmare Start & Kicks Game Winner! | Bucs vs. Panthers | NFL Wk 5 Player Highlights
1:34 Lowlight/Highlight Video produced by the NFL
​

Roberto Aguayo Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Roberto Aguayo Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Roberto Aguayo Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Roberto Aguayo Transactions

Roberto Aguayo Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Roberto Aguayo contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $2,042,120

Roberto Aguayo - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Today in Patriots History
Roberto Aguayo​

Tampa Bay traded up to select Roberto Jose Aguayo Jr. in the second round of the 2016 draft, out of Florida State. Nicknamed 'Mr. Perfect' for his accuracy at FSU, he was far from that at the next level. As a rookie Aguayo was an abysmal 4-11 on field goal attempts of 40+ yards, and he was waived at the end of the following preseason. After that he was in training camps for the Bears, Panthers and Chargers, but never again played in a regular season NFL game. Foxboro was his last NFL shot, 27 months since being waived by San Diego.

Aguayo is still one of the biggest draftnik FAILs I've ever seen. His junior year at FSU, he went 5/10 from 40+. How that translated as him having a second-round grade . . . I have no damn idea.

 

[TheRainMaker]

It's crazy how Matt Leinart was the star QB at USC and Matt Cassel never saw the field. Leinart was a baller and thought he'd have a better career than he did. He absolutely messed up not declaring for the 2005 draft as he easily would've been the #1 pick. Cassel having a better career than him was wild.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Terrance Mitchell​

Happy 33rd birthday to Terrance Mitchell
Born May 17, 1992 in Sacramento
Patriot cornerback, 2022 offseason/practice squad; uniform #39
Signed as a free agent March 16, 2022
Pats résumé: one offseason; practice squad; zero games


The Patriots added 30-year old Terrance Mitchell III to the roster after free agent J.C. Jackson signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Pats signed Mitchell to a one-year, $3 million contract to replace the void left by Jackson's departure. Mitchell was released as part of final roster cuts, and immediately signed to the practice squad. Three weeks later Tennessee signed Mitchell to their 53 off the Pats practice squad.

Over eight NFL seasons Terrance Renardo Mitchell II has appeared in 94 Games with 56 starts, nine interceptions, 4,115 defensive snaps and 230 snaps on special teams.

Terrance Mitchell Might Be Patriots Best Interview -- And New Starting Corner

Terrance Mitchell just might be the new starting outside cornerback for the New England Patriots, as well as the team's best interview.

nesn.com

New Patriots CB explains why he's always first on field, and why he was doing sumo squats

Terrance Mitchell has made it a point to be the first player on the field every day so far during Patriots training camp.

www.masslive.com

Terrance Mitchell Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Terrance Mitchell Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Terrance Mitchell Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Terrance Mitchell Transactions

Terrance Mitchell Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Terrance Mitchell contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $16,332,829

Terrance Mitchell - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jace Billingsley​

Happy 32nd birthday to Jace Billingsley
Born May 17, 1993 in Winnemucca, Nevada
Patriot wide receiver, 2018 practice squad; uniform #19
Signed to the practice squad on Sept 4, 2018, and again on Sept 18, 2018
Pats résumé: two short stints (16 days combined) on the practice squad


5'9, 189 lb slot receiver Jace Billingsley was originally signed as an undrafted rookie by Detroit in 2016. His NFL stat line consists of two games played for the Lions, with seven snaps on special teams (with two solo tackles), plus two snaps on offense.

Patriots Reportedly Add WR Jace Billingsley, OT Eric Smith To Practice Squad

The Patriots reportedly added wide receiver Jace Billingsley and offensive tackle Eric Smith to their practice squad.

www.cbsnews.com

Billingsley is the second receiver to sign with the New England practice squad, joining weekend roster cut Riley McCarron. The 25-year-old Billingsley played his college ball at Eastern Oregon where he was a dual-threat receiver/running back. He finished his four years with 249 receptions for 2,596 yards and 23 touchdowns while rushing for another 1,784 yards and 17 touchdowns. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry over his collegiate career.​

The 5-foot-9, 189-pound receiver signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and split time between their practice squad and active roster. The Lions reportedly wanted to keep Billingsley this season and cross-train him as a running back, according to Edholm, but he chose the Patriots instead.​

It's not hard to understand why he chose New England, as he appears to be a fan of their receivers past and present. Billingsley has been studying film of Patriots receiver Julian Edelman since coming into the league, and he even listed Wes Welker as his favorite athlete on his bio page at Eastern Oregon.​

The Patriots now have the maximum 10 players on their practice squad: Offensive linemen Cole Croston, James Ferentz and Eric Smith, quarterback Danny Etling, wide receivers Riley McCarron and Jace Billingsley, running back Ralph Webb, defensive tackles Trent Harris and Vincent Valentine, and cornerback Jomal Wiltz on the squad.​

Other players born on this date with a New England connection:

Nick Scott, 30 (May 17, 1995)
Draft Pick Trade
April 27, 2019: Pats trade down, sending two 5th round picks (#162, subsequently traded; #167, also subsequently traded) to the Rams for their 4th round pick (#134, Greg Gaines) and 7th (243rd overall, Nick Scott).

The Patriots eventually turned those two draft picks into DT Byron Cowart and punter Jake Bailey

Scott played for six seasons, playing in 91 games (34 starts) for the Rams, Bengals and Panthers.


Matt Ryan, 40 (May 17, 1985)
Boston College QB, 2004-2007
Atlanta Falcon QB, 2008-2021; Colts QB, 2022
The ACC Offensive Player of the Year in '07, Ryan is the highest (3rd overall) former Eagle to ever be drafted in the NFL. Ryan ranks eighth all-time in NFL history with 62,792 career passing yards (7th when he retired) and ninth with 381 career passing touchdowns.

As cold as ice: Perception of Matt Ryan’s legacy after ‘28-3’ | Pro Football Hall of Fame

The expression “28-3” didn’t acknowledge only the Patriots for their historic 25-point comeback, it eventually morphed into a disparaging social media term aimed to mock Matt Ryan for — bereft of any and all context — his failure to leave the field as a Super Bowl champion.

www.profootballhof.com

How one Super Bowl loss helped define Matt Ryan's legacy

Matt Ryan officially announced his retirement on Monday, and his football legacy will remain distinctive.

www.espn.com

Lou Kirouac, 85 (May 17, 1940)
Born and raised in Manchester NH, Kirouac went to Bishop Bradley High School in Manchester and then Boston College
Kirouac was an offensive lineman and kicker with the Giants, Colts and Falcons from 1963-1967.


Clarence 'Ace' Parker (May 17, 1912 - Nov 6, 2013)
Old defunct Boston professional football team
Ace Parker is a Hall of Fame quarterback, tailback and defensive back from the late 30s and early 40s. After his football career was interrupted by four years of fighting in World War II, he spent one season playing at Fenway Park for the Boston Yanks in 1945.

Clarence (Ace) Parker | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

Inductee | Clarence McKay Parker 1955

Clarence McKay Parker was a Halfback for Duke Universityand inducted into College Football Hall of Fame in 1955

www.cfbhall.com

Bob Campiglio (May 17, 1908 - Oct 22, 1995)
Old defunct Boston professional football team
Tailback played for two seasons in the NFL, including 1933 with the Boston Redskins.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other May 17 Trivia​

May 17, 1973:
Patriots waive Don Webb

An AFL All-Star in 1969, the cornerback-turned-free safety is a member of the Pats All-1960s Team.
Webb played in 134 games with the Pats from 1961-1971, with 21 interceptions.
To this day that still ranks 13th in franchise history, two ahead of Lawyer Milloy and one behind Asante Samuel.




May 17, 1983:
Patriots re-sign FB Mark van Eeghen to a $200,000 per year, two-year contract. The Rhode Island native played in all but one game in '83, scoring two touchdowns in what would be the final season of his ten-year NFL career. At the time he ranked 15th in NFL history in rushing yardage; his 6,651 yards now ranks #74 all time.




May 17, 1984:
The Pats sign rookie free agents K Domingo Carlos, K Herb Menhardt, DE Jerome Ley, DE Matthew Lovelady, Michael DeSanto, Michael Thomas and Phillip Harrison.

Domingo Carlos kicked a school record four field goals... - UPI Archives

Domingo Carlos kicked a school record four field goals Saturday, including the winning score, to lift Connecticut to a 20-17 victory over New Hampshire in a...

www.upi.com

Talking Penn State Football History: Herb Menhardt | PennSports.LIVE

pennsports.live

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-ley-72369516

FRIDAY FLASHBACK: Ole Miss - Mississippi State 1983 - Ole Miss Athletics - Hotty Toddy

--> FRIDAY FLASHBACK rewinds to some of the memorable Ole Miss games from this week's all-time series. The Ole Miss-Mississippi State series is one of the ol...

olemisssports.com

May 17, 1990:
New England signs undrafted rookies QB Michael "The General" Proctor and WR Mike Murphy

Michael Proctor (2000) - Hall of Fame - Murray State University Athletics

Murray State University Athletics

goracers.com

Patriots cut 12 players - UPI Archives

The New England Patriots reduced their roster to 66 players Sunday, cutting 10 free agents and two rookies.

www.upi.com

May 17, 1994:
Pats sign first round draft pick Willie McGinest, the first draft pick of the Robert Kraft era.

Patriots sign their top draft pick - UPI Archives

The New England Patriots Tuesday announced the signing of first round draft choice Willie McGinest....

www.upi.com

May 17, 2006:

Smith waived

The Patriots waived rookie free agent safety Sam Smith of Delaware State.

www.boston.com

May 17, 2012:

Patriots sign seventh-round pick Alfonzo Dennard

Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe reports that the Patriots have agreed to terms with seventh-round pick Alfonzo Dennard on a four-year contract.

www.nbcsports.com

May 17, 2013:

Patriots sign top pick Collins and Beauharnais

The Patriots announce the signings of a couple of draft picks.

www.enterprisenews.com

May 17, 2014:

Agent: New England Patriots Sign Rookie Defensive Back Jemea Thomas - NESN.com

The New England Patriots signed another 2014 NFL draft pick on Friday. Sixth-round draft pick Jemea Thomas signed his rookie contract with the Patriots, his agency tweeted on Friday. The former Georgia Tech defensive back was selected No. 206 overall in last weekend’s draft. Thomas played...

nesn.com

May 17, 2017:

LeGarrette Blount signs one-year deal with Eagles

LeGarrette Blount found a home and the Patriots may reap some benefits because of it. On Wednesday, the running back signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. According to the NFL Netwo…

www.providencejournal.com

May 17, 2019:

New England Patriots extend LB Brandon King through 2021 season (Report)

King is a core special teamer for the Patriots.

www.masslive.com

May 17, 2021:

Report: Patriots sign guard Alex Redmond, center James Ferentz

The New England Patriots are signing guard Alex Redmond, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The team will also re-sign center James Ferentz, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. Redmond spent his first four season in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals after going undraft

patriotswire.usatoday.com

Patriots To Sign Alex Redmond, James Ferentz

The Patriots are set to sign guard Alex Redmond (Twitter link via NFL.com's Tom Pelissero). In addition, the Pats have …

www.profootballrumors.com

May 17, 2022:

Patriots Cut D’Eriq King; Experiment Ends Before it Begins

Despite generating hype from Patriots fans and media, D’Eriq King’s tenure with the team is over.

www.si.com

Patriots waive undrafted rookies D’Eriq King, Devin Hafford amid series of roster moves

Long snapper Ross Reiter and two members of the 2022 draft class signed Monday.

www.patspulpit.com

And here are the subjects that we were discussing 365 days ago:

Thread 'Watching the NFL This Season? You’ll Need at Least 5 Streaming Services'

May 17, 2024

If you want to watch every NFL game this upcoming season, it'll cost you nearly a thousand dollars and require five different streaming services and apps. So much for cutting the cord; now it's a requirement. Watching the NFL This Season? You’ll Need at Least 5 Streaming Services

Okay guys, I try to block all the money out of my mind and just focus on football and enjoy it. But they are sure are making it difficult. Is there a point where we finally just say, forget it? I usually watch at a sports bar anyway, since I'm out of town. And we don't need to watch every game. BUT...

• UrbanCowboy
• Replies: 50
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

MORSE: Patriots 2024 Schedule Analysis

Looking at the schedule, the first 5 games are very tough. I see 1-4, maybe even 0-5 to start. Joe Burrow to start at Cincy is a tough hill to climb for the opener. SEA at home is a winnable game, but that depends upon how quickly the Offense gels.

www.patsfans.com

The Patriots are underdogs in all 17 games this season.

Early prediction of 7-10 record is optimistic. I predict they will lose 6 straight to open the season followed by 5 straight wins. A loss in MIA and a win against Colts, the BYE and win against the Cards bring them to .500. It’s a mirage as they drop their final three to finish 7-10.

Here are the reasons why:

Head Coach – Jerod Mayo has no experience as a Head Coach . . .

 

[ctpatsfan77]

It's crazy how Matt Leinart was the star QB at USC and Matt Cassel never saw the field. Leinart was a baller and thought he'd have a better career than he did. He absolutely messed up not declaring for the 2005 draft as he easily would've been the #1 pick. Cassel having a better career than him was wild.

If memory serves, Leinart just barely beat out Cassel. But the Pats scouts saw Cassel as, essentially, human QB clay they could mold.

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Other May 17 Trivia​

May 17, 1990:
New England signs undrafted rookies QB Michael "The General" Proctor