Today In Patriots History June 3: Happy Birthday to Jonathan Casillas

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
A Productive Rental​

Happy 38th birthday to Jonathan Casillas
Born June 3, 1987 in Jersey City, New Jersey; hometown New Brunswick, NJ
Patriot linebacker/special teamer, 2014; uniform #52
Acquired in trade from Tampa Bay on October 28, 2014
Pats résumé: one season, 8 games (3 starts); 28 tackles, 1 forced fumble; 3 playoff games; one ring


The Patriots acquired Jonathan Casillas for next to nothing in a late October 2014 trade. The Pats received a sixth round pick plus Casillas in exchange for their own fifth round pick prior to the week 9 game versus Denver. The bottom line is that the Patriots moved down a mere nine spots late in the draft, from selection #168 to #177, for the core special teamer. That is an incredibly good value.

Casillas played in all eight remaining regular season games with three starts, totaling 28 tackles (19 solo) and a forced fumble; he also played in all three postseason games. He was on the field for 29% of the Pats defensive snaps, and 64% of the team's special teams snaps.


The former Wisconsin Badger has two super bowl rings; the first one with the Saints in SB44. Casillas was the Saint who recovered the crucial onside kick to start the second half in the victory over the Colts (the play where Sean Payton figuratively pulled down Tony Dungy's pants and stole his lunch money). The second one came with the Pats in SB49 against the Seahawks; Casillas logged 66 snaps on special teams that postseason. Following that he cashed in on a nice payday, while being able to play close to his childhood home for the final three seasons of his NFL career. Casillas signed a 3-year, $10.5 million contract with the Giants in free agency - where he was able to at least see the playbook.

Giants linebacker Jonathan Casillas: Secretive Patriots didn't even give me a playbook!

A downright Belichickian tidbit

www.nj.com

Jonathan Casillas played in 102 NFL games from 2009 to 2017, with 48 starts (30 of which came with the Giants in his final three seasons). He also appeared in eight playoff games, his teams going a very respectable 6-2 in the postseason. The self proclaimed "product of exit 9" seems to be enjoying family life now back in his native New Jersey, living off investments of the $14 million he made playing professional football.

Jonathan Casillas selected for drug test after posting picture on Instagram

Giants LB Jonathan Casillas was selected for a random drug test one day after posting a picture during a Dominican vacation with what he claimed was a rolled cigar in his hand.

www.espn.com

NFL free agency 2018: Jonathan Casillas knows the business, bracing for Giants exit | Sporting News

www.sportingnews.com

Former Giants linebacker Jonathan Casillas giving back to New Jersey with philanthropic work

For much of his life, focusing on one objective provided Jonathan Casillas with enormous benefits. The Jersey City native dedicated himself to football, excelled for nine seasons as a linebacker in the NFL, won two Super Bowls and earned…

www.trentonian.com

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Jonathan Casillas Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Jonathan Casillas Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Jonathan Casillas Transactions

Jonathan Casillas Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Jonathan Casillas contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $14,002,500

Jonathan Casillas - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

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Today in Patriots History
A Productive Rental​

Happy 38th birthday to Jonathan Casillas
(the play where Sean Payton figuratively pulled down Tony Dungy's pants and stole his lunch money).

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bill Danenhauer​

In memory of Bill Danenhauer, who would have turned 89 today
Patriots 1960 media guide states that the was with the club in training camp, but his obituary says that the Broncos traded him to the Patriots late in that inaugural season. Pro Football Archives staes that Bill was traded by Denver to the Boston Patriots on October 11, 1960. Bill Danenhauer was a longtime NFL scout as well, though I cannot determine what teams he was employed with.

1960 Boston Patriots

William "Bill" A. Danenhauer - Roeder Mortuary

roedermortuary.com

Arkansas Democrat Gazette

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is the largest source for award-winning news and opinion that matters to you. Featuring up to the minute breaking news and the most in-depth Razorback, business, and political coverage in Arkansas.

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Bill graduated from Clay Center High School in 1952. He then went on to the College of Emporia in Emporia, Kan., where he played football and was a Three-time Little All-American. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education. While in college he also served in the National Guard. He then married Agatha (Aggie) Smock on June 3, 1956. ​

Bill was then drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 17th round of the 1956 draft and played for two years. He, Aggie and son Bill Jr., moved back to Kansas and Bill worked at the local Gas Company in Glasco. In 1960, the family moved to Denver because the AFL was starting a new league, and team, the Denver Broncos. They asked him if he knew of anyone else who might be good enough. He suggested his brother, Eldon, so they made a deal and the Broncos had their first set of brothers. He played for one year as a defensive lineman for the Broncos and was then traded to the Boston Patriots at the end of the season. ​

He then moved onto coaching and education at Adams City High School in Commerce City, Colo. In 1970 the family moved to Omaha, as Al Caniglia recruited Bill to be the Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Wrestling Coach. In 1975 he became the head football coach at UNO. After 1977 Bill finished out his career as a scout for the NFL. In 1991, Bill and Aggie moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where they lived for 30 years. Bill continued to scout until 1997.​

Bill Danenhauer Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Bill Danenhauer Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Bill Danenhauer Transactions

Bill Danenhauer (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Butt Fumbler​

Happy 45th birthday to Brandon Moore
Born June 3, 1980 in Gary, Indiana
The Butt in the Buttfumble
Thanksgiving game, November 22, 2012; 9:10 to go in 2nd quarter
Pats résumé: A New England Patriots Hall of Fame Play; a Jete Hall of Shame Play

​

6 things you might have forgotten about the infamous 'Butt Fumble'

On this day five years ago, Mark Sanchez, Steve Gregory, and poor, poor Brandon Moore combined for one of the most recognizable blunders in NFL history. The “Butt Fumble” is forever emblazoned in the memories of Patriots and Jets fans, for very different reasons. It represented the painful end...

www.boston.com

ESPN had to formally retire the “Butt Fumble” after an incredible 40-week run on “Not Top 10”: Obviously, the play made SportsCenter’s “Not Top 10” that week, winning easily. What was less obvious (at least initially) was its enduring dominance on the list. SportsCenter anchor Kevin Negandhi recently explained its epic run:​

That highlight just represented the worst of the worst, perfectly. It was No. 1 on our SportsCenter Not Top 10 for going on 20 weeks, and I remember thinking, “This thing is never going to lose.” After 40 weeks, the powers that be made the decision to retire it. They saw that Butt Fumble was an unstoppable force and we had to take matters into our own hands. Think about it: 40 weeks. We were coming back around to the next football season. You’re talking about awful baseball plays, the entire NBA season, bad college football plays, awful soccer plays, even own goals, and for 40 weeks of our Not Top 10, it outlasted more than 400 bad plays.​

The “Butt Fumble” drove Fireman Ed away from Jets games for almost three years: Arguably the best known Jets fan is “Fireman” Ed Anzalone (who leads chants while wearing a fire helmet). In 2012, Anzalone was wearing a Sanchez jersey, but left the Nov. game at halftime – with the Patriots leading 35-3 – because of “confrontations” with other Jets fans.​

He wouldn’t return to another Jets game until Sept. 2015.​

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Today in Patriots History
The Butt Fumbler



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absolutely hilarious

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other June 3 Birthdays​

Happy 78th birthday to Glen Alexander
Born June 3, 1947 in New Orleans
Patriot kick returner/wide receiver, 1971 offseason
Claimed off waivers from Buffalo on August 25, 1971
Pats résumé: thirteen days in the 1971 training camp


Glen/Glenn Elliott Alexander was a third round draft pick by the Bills in 1970, from Grambling, where he was a cornerback and return specialist. After his senior season Alexander was named to the 1969 HBCU All-American Team. As a rookie he played in 13 games in a reserve/special teams role (12 kick returns, one punt return) for Buffalo, with four receptions. He arrived late in camp, making it difficult to showcase himself prior to final cuts. Alexander was released as part of final roster cuts two weeks later and never caught on with another NFL team, thus ending his brief pro football career.

Patriots Pick Up Four Players -- Rutland Daily Herald -- Thursday, August 26, 1971

The New England Patriots picked up four players on waivers Wednesday, including linebacker Randy Edmunds, a four-year veteran released by the Miami Dolphins.​

The three other players picked up are rookies. They are Jim Livesay, a wide receiver from the University of Richmond drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals; Glen Alexander, a wide receiver from Grambling and third round pick of the Buffalo Bills; and Steve Starns, a linebacker from Tampa who was on Green Bay's taxi squad last season.​

The acquisitions bring to 57 the number of players on the Patriots roster, which must be pared to 49 by next Tuesday.​

1960s Black All-American Football Teams - HBCU Football

Lists of HBCU All-America teams of the 1960s. Many NFL stars played at HBCUs in the 1960s. Super Bowl teams like the Chiefs and Steelers had many HBCU stars.

www.hbcufootball.org

Pro Football Archives -- Glenn Alexander Player Profile

Pro Sports Transactions -- Glenn Alexander




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

- Roger Caron, 63 (June 3, 1962)
Born in Boston; raised in Norwell; Norwell High School; Harvard
Roger Caron has the distinction of being the one and only pro football player from Norwell MA/Norwell High School. The offensive tackle was a fifth round pick of the 1985 draft by Indianapolis, and spent two-plus seasons with the Colts and Bills.

Roger E. Caron ’84 – Harvard Varsity Club

harvardvarsityclub.org

- Ted Williams (June 3, 1916 - Oct 30, 1993)
Gloucester MA; Gloucester High School; Boston College
Theodore Patrick Williams was born in Newfoundland but spent most of his life in Gloucester; he also went to Boston College after initially enrolling at Notre Dame. Ted was a third round draft pick by the Eagles in 1942; the running back later played at Fenway Park for the Boston Yanks. Ted is one of just four Gloucester grads to play in the NFL.

- Bill Joyce (June 3, 1895 - Aug 29, 1974)
Born and raised in Pittsfield MA; Pittsfield High School; Holy Cross
William Kelly Joyce is one of two players from Pittsfield High School to play in the NFL. The QB went to Holy Cross and Catholic (DC) University, and is one of 295 people to play in only one NFL game during the roaring twenties.

Our Glenn Alexander did not play for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes


Our Ted Williams did play at Fenway Park, but to the best of my knowledge was never decapitated​

Besides Brandon Moore, other notable pro football players born on June 3:

- Frank Nesser (June 3, 1899 - Jan 1, 1953); part of perhaps the largest family of pro football players, Nesser was one of six brothers to play, and also had a brother-in-law and two nephews play in the NFL.

- Sam Mills (June 3, 1959 - April 18, 2005); 5-time Pro Bowl LB played in 181 games for the Saints and Panthers.

- Emmitt Thomas, 82 (June 3, 1943); Hall of Fame CB for the Chiefs had 58 interceptions, went to five Pro Bowls and won a ring for Super Bowl IV.

- Lee Roy Caffey (June 3, 1941 - Jan 18, 1994); Packers linebacker was part of three NFL championship teams.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century June 3rd News​

June 3, 1971:
Patriots hire Pete Hadhazy as administrative assistant to the General Manager.

Hadhazy had moved to the United States at the age of 12 as an immigrant seeking asylum during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. He joined the NFL as a part-time employee in high school, and was hired by the league office on a full-time basis after graduating from Iona College. Hadhazy worked for the Pats until the Browns hired him as executive vice president before the start of the 1976 season, and added the title of general manager in 1977.

The 27-year old Hadhazy worked under Upton Bell, whom the Pats had hired as their general manager earlier in the year. At age 33 Bell - the son of former NFL commissioner Bert Bell - was the youngest GM in the league. Previously Bell had been the personnel director for the Baltimore Colts, who had just won Super Bowl 5. Hadhazy continued to work as the Pats Assistant General Manager after Chuck Fairbanks replaced Bell as the team's GM (and head coach), through 1975.

1973 Patriots Media Guide

Hadhazy, former NFL official and Browns GM, dies

Peter Hadhazy, a former general manager of the Cleveland Browns and a longtime NFL official, died Monday after a brief illness, the league said. He was 62.

www.espn.com

Hadhazy, who began his career with the NFL as a college student in 1961, left 10 years later to become assistant general manager of the New England Patriots and was hired as general manager of the Browns in 1976.​

He returned to the NFL office in 1981, then worked for the USFL from 1982-86. He also served as a general manager in the World League of American Football until rejoining the NFL in 1994.​

At the time of his death, he was the NFL's director of game operations.​

June 3, 1975:
The Patriots claim veteran TE John Beasley off waivers from New Orleans.

Beasley was a 6'3 228 lb blocking tight end who caught 13 touchdown passes in an NFL career that began in 1967. He failed to make the Pats roster and later became a commentator for college football game. Most notably he was on the microphone for "The Play" in 1982, when Cal lateraled five times and score the game winning touchdown as time expired, weaving through the Stanford band and fans to win the game.

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June 3, 1980:
Patriots sign free agent WR Mike Cusumano from the University of Cincinnati via Gloucester, and fifth round draft pick Doug McDouglad, a defensive end from Virginia Tech. McDougald played in eight games for the Pats in 1980.

Gloucester's Mike Cusumano, left, played football for the Fishermen in the early 1970s.
A standout receiver, Cusumano holds all the receiving records at Gloucester High School.
His cousin, Brandon Cusumano, is pictured on the right.​

June 3, 1996:
Backup QB Scott Zolak is re-signed to lower, three-year contract.

Zolak in a fight for job

FOXBORO -- Scott Zolak is once again fighting for the Patriots backup quarterback spot, a position he likely thought he had locked up after taking one for the team in the offseason. Zolak, 28, had …

www.southcoasttoday.com

Scott Zolak is once again fighting for the Patriots backup quarterback spot, a position he likely thought he had locked up after taking one for the team in the offseason.​

Zolak, 28, had his contract restructured in June, taking nearly a $500,000 pay cut.​

Zolak was scheduled to make nearly $800,000 this season but the Pats chose to re-sign him for three more seasons. The team also forced him to take a big cut in pay, down to $300,000 this season. The Pats gave Zolak a $100,000 signing bonus for his troubles.​

Greg Diulus, a representative of Zolak's agent, Ralph Cindrich, said Zolak took the pay cut "for the good of the team."​

He also did it to preserve his place on the team for a sixth season. Zolak is liked by most of the Patriot players, especially starter Drew Bledsoe. But Jay Barker is pushing Zolak in this training camp. Earlier this week, Bill Parcells said the backup quarterback position was one of the "things I still have to sort out."​

Zolak will keep his signing bonus no matter if he's released or not. If he stays for the next two years, his contract will bump up to $400,000 and $450,000 a year.​

"Nobody wants to take a pay cut, but in the interest of the team he decided to do this," Diulus said.​

If he remained at $800,000, Zolak would have been one of the highest-paid reserves on the team. His spot on the team's salary cap is now lowered from a little more than $800,000 down to about $370,000.​

1996 Patriots Media Guide

June 3, 1997:
WR Larry Ryans retires.

The Pats had signed him as a veteran free agent in February. Ryans had been with Detroit, Carolina and Tampa Bay over the previous four seasons, appearing in three games for the Bucs in 1996. Taking his place on the roster was undrafted rookie DL Therone McQueen, a Boston native who went to Ohio State.

Larry Ryans

About Me Achievements 1989 Coca-Cola Athlete of the Year 1989 Gatorade Athlete of the Year Multiple time ACC Champion at Clemson University Multiple time All-American Clemson University Member of Clemson University Track and Field Hall of Fame ACC 55 meter hurdle record holder 1992 Olympic...

www.imgacademy.com

Therone McQueen: Ohio State Football Bio | Buckeye Rosters

www.buckeyerosters.com

When Patriots get run down, they'll just pass

FOXBORO -- Thanks to the emergence of Curtis Martin as a true star, opposing defenses will try to stack up the line to slow the running game. Or at least the Patriots hope so. Denver frequently thr…

www.southcoasttoday.com

(Aug 19, 1997)
Half of the cuts look easy. Six rookie free agents who probably won't make it are defensive linemen Therone McQueen and Jermaine Miles, offensive linemen Juan Porter and Curtis McGee, safety Jason Parker and linebacker Richard Alvarado. Veterans Monty Brown, Ray Lucas and Kantroy Barber also could be on thin ice.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
21st Century June 3rd News​

June 3, 2013:
Patriots waive WR T.J. Moe and sign OL R.J. Mattes

T.J. Moe clears waivers, reverts to New England Patriots' injured reserve

T.J. Moe will be taking a red-shirt year with the Patriots.

www.masslive.com

T.J. Moe will be taking a red-shirt year with the Patriots.​

The undrafted rookie wide receiver, who was waived by the Patriots Friday after suffering an Achilles injury, cleared waivers and has been placed on New England's injured reserve. He does not count against the 90-man roster limit.​

Moe apparently became injured during Thursday's organized team activity. He received $30,000 in guaranteed money from the Patriots to sign after the draft.​

In three years as a starter at Missouri, Moe caught 186 passes for 2,093 yards with 11 touchdowns.​

Moe was courted by other teams following the draft, so it would have likely been difficult to sneak him onto the practice squad following training camp if he had remained healthy.​

Patriots re-sign OL R.J. Mattes

By Shalise Manza Young, Globe Staff The Patriots announced Monday afternoon that they have brought back rookie offensive lineman R.J. Mattes. Initially signed by New England on May 13, Mattes, who was undrafted out of North Carolina State, was released 10 days later. He is listed at 6 feet 6...

www.boston.com

The Patriots announced Monday afternoon that they have brought back rookie offensive lineman R.J. Mattes.​

Initially signed by New England on May 13, Mattes, who was undrafted out of North Carolina State, was released 10 days later.​

He is listed at 6 feet 6 inches, 313 pounds, and started at both tackle and guard during his four years at North Carolina State.​

June 3, 2019:
Patriots sign their 3rd round draft pick, edge rusher Chase Winovich, of Michigan

Report: Patriots sign third-round rookie DE Chase Winovich to 4-year deal

Winovich was selected with the 77th overall pick in last April's draft.

www.masslive.com

The New England Patriots and third-round rookie defensive end Chase Winovich have agreed to a four-year contract worth up to $3.83 million, according to a report from ESPN’s Field Yates. The Michigan product will reportedly receive a $997,313 signing bonus.​

He is currently listed as the third-string left defensive end on the team’s official depth chart. Winovich was drafted with the 77th overall pick in last April’s draft​

June 3, 2024:
Patriots waive Andrew Stueber, and sign David Wallis

Patriots to waive Andrew Stueber

The Patriots are moving on from one of their recent draft picks.

www.nbcsports.com

Guard Andrew Stueber, 24, was a seventh-round selection in 2022. He did not appear in a regular-season game in either of his first two seasons.​

After missing the 2022 season with a torn hamstring, Stueber was on the practice squad in 2023. He signed a futures deal with New England in January.​

Patriots sign former Division III WR after minicamp tryout | Sporting News

New England fills their open roster spot on Monday.

www.sportingnews.com

David Wallis, 23, played collegiately for Division III's Randolph-Macon, where he was All-Conference three times.​

The 5-foot-11 wideout recorded 146 receptions for 3,144 yards and 34 touchdowns as well as 127 rushing yards on 18 carries in his 42 games over five years at the school.​

New England is having an open competition at a number of positions this offseason, and wide receiver appears to be one of the most open.​

June 3, 2025:
New England Patriots sign their first round draft pick, LSU OT Will Campbell, to a four-year contract with $43.66m guaranteed

Will Campbell officially signs rookie contract with Patriots

The left tackle has officially inked his first contract with New England, leaving just one top-10 rookie left to sign.

985thesportshub.com

Will Campbell has officially signed, agreeing to terms on a four-year deal worth $43.66 million, fully guaranteed. Campbell's rookie deal includes a $28.39 million signing bonus.​

Now that Campbell has signed, that leaves Jaguars wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter as the only top-10 pick left who has not.​