Today In Patriots History June 14: Happy Birthday to Eugene Chung

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The first Korean-American
First Round Draft Prick​

Happy 56th birthday to Eugene Chung
Born June 14, 1969 in Prince George County, Maryland; hometown Vienna, Virginia
Patriot guard/tackle, 1992-1994; uniform #69
Pats 1st round (13th overall) selection of the 1992 draft, from Virginia Tech
Pats résumé: three seasons, 34 games (30 starts)


June 14 is a case of quantity over quality, starting with a draft bust from the final year of the **** MacPherson era.

Nov 22, 1991:

DREAMS COMING TRUE FOR VA. TECH’S CHUNG

When Virginia Tech’s coaches first got Eugene Chung into camp, they did what any staff would do with a big kid who has mobility: They tried to make him a tight end. ”That,” said Chung, laughing, ”lasted about 10…

www.dailypress.com

Eugene Chung is considered one of the nation's best offensive linemen and a certain first-round pick in next spring's NFL draft. Pro Football Weekly's draft preview rates Chung as the fifth best player available and the second-best lineman; the NFL scouting combine lists him as the fourth best overall and the top lineman.​

Dave Thomas, director of operations with NFL Draft Report, calls Chung the best college offensive lineman since Pittsburgh's Bill Fralic in 1984. He says the consensus among league scouts is that Chung, whom he compares to perennial All-Pro Anthony Munoz of the Cincinnati Bengals, will be one of the first five players picked.​

Yon Eugene Chung was the first Korean-American football player to be drafted in the first round in NFL history, and the first Asian-American player drafted in the first round since Roman Gabriel in 1962. Chung was the third Asian to play in the NFL and the second Korean-American to do so.


He did start 30 games over his first two years in the NFL, but considering the Patriots were a 7-25 team during that span, that is not much of an endorsement to his performance. In '94 Chung was a healthy scratch for twelve games and had officially become a draft bust, replaced by former Giant Bob Kratch.

On February 15, 1995 the NFL held an expansion draft for two new teams, Jacksonville and Carolina. Each existing club had to make six players available to stockpile the new franchises, and the Pats elected to cut their losses and make Chung available. The Jaguars selected Chung as the 26th of their 31 selections. He played in 11 games with no starts for the Jags before being waived, then spent one final NFL season as a backup with Indianapolis. Eugene Chung played in 34 games with 30 starts over three years for the Patriots, with all but three games coming in his first two seasons; overall he appeared in 55 NFL games from 1992-1997.


Despite never really 'getting it' on the field as a player, from 2010 through 2019 Chung found successful employment as an assistant offensive line coach. He held that position with the Eagles for Andy Reid from 2010-2012, then Reid hired him in the same position when he moved to Kansas City (2013-2015). Chung then returned to Philadelphia to work under Doug Pederson as the assistant offensive line coach, tight ends coach & run game coordinator for the Eagles from 2016 to 2019. He received a ring for Philly's 41-33 victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl 52. After being let go by the Eagles, Eugene Chung became the athletic director at an independent prep school in Naples, Florida. Earlier this year he was hired by new head coach DeSean Jackson - who knew Chung from their time together in Philadelphia - to become the offensive line coach at Delaware State University.




Jan 17, 2019:

Report: Eagles won't re-sign assistant offensive line coach

-

247sports.com

The Eagles have failed to develop many offensive linemen over the last couple years, starting with the regression of Isaac Seumalo from his rookie season too Matt Pryor not seeing a snap in any game his rookie year (Pryor was also a sixth-round pick). Jordan Mailata, the Eagles seventh-round pick, has developed at an impressive rate for being a former rugby player...but didn't play a snap in 2018.​

Jan 18, 2020:

Doug Pederson's ominous track record hiring coaches

The Eagles this year will have their fifth wide receivers coach in five years under Doug Pederson and their third defensive line coach in three years. They’ll have their third offensive coordinator in four years and a new secondary coach as well. And there could be more changes on the way. It’s...

www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com

May 26, 2021:

Eugene Chung: 'I’ve been silent for far too long' - Andscape

Eugene Chung has been dealing with racism his entire football career. Fans yelled, “Go home, g—, you don’t belong here,” when he took the field at Oakton High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. Opposing players and coaches would make comments and snicker because there was a Korean player on the...

theundefeated.com

One coach told Chung he was never going to gain weight eating with chopsticks. Another high school coach once told him there was no way he would ever play Division I football because he was “Oriental.”​

“The list goes on,” said Chung. “I could sit here and write a whole novel about it.”​

These experiences followed him to the pros. Chung has spent parts of the past three decades in the NFL as a player and an assistant coach, winning a Super Bowl in Philadelphia in 2013 as the team’s assistant offensive line coach. Participating on an Asian American sports panel last week, Chung revealed he was recently told he was “not the right minority” while interviewing for an NFL coaching job this offseason.​

June 1, 2021:

NFL says it can't confirm Chung's racism claim

The NFL says it cannot confirm Eugene Chung's allegations that a team official made discriminatory comments during his interview for a coaching job.

www.espn.com

May 13, 2023:

'They swept it under the rug': How the NFL missed a major opportunity with Eugene Chung

Former NFL player and coach Eugene Chung deserved a shot to be a head coach in the NFL. The league blew that opportunity with a self-inflicted wound.

www.usatoday.com

Chung told the Boston Globe in 2021 that while interviewing for a coaching job he was informed by an NFL team interviewer that he was "not the right minority." Chung, who is Korean American, didn't identify the team.​

His comment to the Globe initiated a mini-firestorm. The NFL said it investigated but couldn't confirm Chung's allegation. Chung told USA TODAY Sports this week that he believes the NFL never did a serious investigation.​

Oct 28, 2021:

Eugene Chung brings NFL experience, Super Bowl ring to Community School football staff

Chung spent 15 years in the NFL as a player and coach. Now he's working with the Seahawks' line and serving as the school's assistant AD

www.naplesnews.com

Eugene Chung Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Eugene Chung Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Eugene Chung Transactions

Eugene Chung - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Matt Stevens​

In memory of Matt Stevens, born on this date 52 years ago
Born June 14, 1973 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Died March 20, 2025 in Cary, North Carolina at the age of 51
Patriot safety, 2000-2001; uniform #26
Claimed off waivers from Washington on December 19, 2000
Pats résumé: two seasons, 16 games (four starts); one interception; three playoff games, one ring

Over eight years Matt Stevens played in 108 NFL games with 42 starts, plus six playoff games. He had earned a ring for Super Bowl 36 by playing in 15 games with four starts for the Pats that year, with one pick, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Stevens played in all three games that postseason, with six tackles.

In 2007 Stevens was paralyzed from the waist down after a motorcycle accident, but after several years of rehabilitative therapy had regained ability to walk, with help of a wearable exoskeleton and assistance of special leg braces. Stevens passed away three months ago at the age of 51; no cause of death was made public.

Dec 23, 2007:

Justice: Ex-Texan remains in fight of his life

FORMER Texans safety Matt Stevens remembers nothing of the day that left him paralyzed...

www.chron.com

His NFL career ended when the Texans cut him the following year. He struggled with life after football. His marriage ended. Finally, when he seemed to have figured things out, one careless day changed everything.​

"It's mind-boggling," he said. "One day, I'm out there running around doing what I wanted to do, jumping in the pool, playing with my kids. Now all I can do is sit in a chair and watch everybody else. I remember telling myself I'd never buy a sport bike, and then when I did, I told myself I'd never do anything crazy. I did something crazy, and I paid for it."​

He pays for it every hour of every day as the simplest of tasks become incomprehensibly difficult and, at times, humiliating.​

"I only have half my diaphragm," he said. "I can't spit. I can't blow my nose. People do stuff like that and never give it a second thought. Truthfully, though, I just don't spend much time thinking like that. I can't wallow in self-pity. All I can do is keep working and trying to get better."​

March 25, 2010:
Where are they now: Matt Stevens -- HoustonTexans.com

Four years removed from his playing days and working as an assistant coach at his alma mater (Appalachian State), Stevens' life took a permanent and tragic turn.​

On March 17, 2007, Stevens was speeding past 80 miles per hour on his motorcycle when he hit a patch of gravel. The back wheel slid and the bike whipped around, throwing Stevens into a speed limit sign that broke in half upon impact with Stevens' back.​

The accident ripped Stevens' spinal cord in half, and he eventually was transported to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia. After seven months of recovery, he was discharged in October 2007 with a complete T-6, which means he had a total loss of function and sensation below the affected vertebrae.​

Stevens credits family for getting him through the tough times.​

"I have a girl who loves me and I have two kids," he said. "The reason I subconsciously made it through the accident when I was in a coma is due to my kids."​

Words of encouragement from former teammates have helped Stevens maintain a positive outlook. He stays in touch with friends like Mike Vrabel (Chiefs), Larry Izzo (Jets) and Brian Dawkins (Broncos), as well as several players from his days with the Texans.​

"Football is just a game. It paid my way, but the important things are family and being around people who love you and want to take care of you."​

July 3, 2011:
Matt Stevens, NFL Paraplegic Becomes Bionic Man, Walks Again -- Houston News Today

Stevens' injury was debilitating. A severe spinal cord injury paralyzed him from the chest down. Both his shoulders were broken, both lungs punctured, his heart bruised and he had multiple internal injuries. The prospects didn't look good.​

But the human body and mind are amazingly resilient, when you have inner strength and especially when you have the support of friends and family.​

After three years in a wheelchair, Matt Stevens can stand and move again, like a bionic man, without his wheelchair.​

Living in Philadelphia, Stevens attends ReWalk therapy three times a week at MossRehab, in Elkins Park, at the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network. MossRehab says they are conducting clinical trials of ReWalk, a "motorized, quasi-robotic, lightweight, wearable brace support suit with powered joints, rechargeable batteries, an array of sensors and a computer-based patient control system."​

Dec 20, 2000:
Patriots Place CB Ty Law On Reserved/Suspended List; Claim Veteran S Matt Stevens Off Waivers -- Patriots.com

The New England Patriots announced that they have placed cornerback Ty Law on the reserve/suspended list today. Also today, the team also announced that they were awarded safety Matt Stevens, who was claimed off waivers from the Washington Redskins, signed fullback Jeff Paulk off the practice squad and added former Boston University punter Brad Costello to the practice squad.​

Stevens, 27, is a fifth-year veteran who was a third-round draft choice (80th overall) of the Buffalo Bills. The 6-foot, 206-pound safety played four years at Appalachian State.​

March 16, 2001:
Vrabel, Stevens in fold -- Patriots.com
The New England Patriots announced the signings of two unrestricted free agents today, linebacker Mike Vrabel and safety Matt Stevens.

In his only game with New England Stevens contributed a special teams tackle.​

“His time with the Patriots at end of the season was very invaluable in his decision to go with New England over several other teams,” Cornrich said. “Once again, the opportunity to play in a superior defensive scheme was something Matt felt would enhance his own abilities.”​

Stevens played in 15 games for the Redskins in 1999 and had a career-high 54 tackles, a team-high six interceptions and 12 passes defensed. He also recorded his first NFL sack and three special teams tackles.​

Stevens was originally drafted in the third round of the 1996 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills.​

Feb 18, 2002:
Update: Stevens taken by Texans -- Patriots.com

The Patriots officially lost its first member of their 2001 Super Bowl championship team when safety Matt Stevens was taken with the 10th pick of the Houston Texans expansion draft Monday.​

Feb 18, 2002:
Update: Pats lose Stevens in draft -- Patriots.com
The Houston Texans selected 19 players in Monday’s expansion draft, including former Patriots safety Matt Stevens, who was chosen with the 10th pick.

Houston had the option of selecting anywhere from 30-42 players or using at least 38 percent of the salary cap. General Manager Charlie Casserly chose the latter route, and needed just six picks to exceed the $27.02 million dollar figure that represents the requisite cap percentage.​

The Patriots did not pull back any of their four remaining players – Ted Johnson, Willie McGinest, Charles Johnson and Terrance Shaw – but the Texans chose not to select any of them.​

March 25, 2025:

Former NFL player Matt Stevens dies at 51

Matt Stevens starred at Appalachian State befoe playing for five NFL teams. He died at the age of 51

sports.yahoo.com

After college, Stevens was a third-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1996. He played for five teams before retiring in 2003.​

Stevens’ best NFL season came in 1999 with Washington, when he recorded a career-high seven interceptions in 17 games. In 2001, as a member of the Patriots, he recorded 43 tackles, an interception and fumble recovery as New England won its first Super Bowl title.​

In 2007, Stevens was paralyzed from the waist down in a motorcyle accident. Four years later he was able to walk again through the use of special braces.​

Matt Stevens, former Super Bowl winner with Patriots, dies at age 51

Stevens was paralyzed from the waist down in a 2007 motorcycle accident

www.cbssports.com

Stevens played in 15 of 16 games for the 2001 Pats, totaling 43 tackles, two passes defensed, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He had six tackles during the run to the Super Bowl. Before making it to the NFL, Stevens was a two-time All-American safety at Appalachian State.​

Chapel Hill High Alumnus and Super Bowl Champion Matt Stevens Dies at 51 - Chapelboro.com

Matt Stevens, who played football for Chapel Hill High School and won Super Bowl XXXVI with the New England Patriots, died last Thursday.

chapelboro.com

Stevens graduated from Chapel Hill High in 1991 and went on to start for Appalachian State, helping the Mountaineers win the Southern Conference championship in 1995, his senior year.​

Stevens has since been inducted into the Chapel Hill High School Hall of Fame and returned to his alma mater to present the school with a commemorative golden football, given to each school which had an alumnus participate in a Super Bowl.​

“Matt Stevens’s legacy is marked by his contributions to professional football, his determination to overcome personal adversity, and the inspiration he provided to many through his resilience and dedication,” read a statement from the Patriots released Thursday.​

Matt Stevens (2004) - Hall of Fame - App State Athletics

Matt Stevens, Class: Induction: 2004 Sport(s): Football -

appstatesports.com

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

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Matt Stevens Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Matt Stevens Transactions

Matt Stevens (safety) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[TommyD4207]

Eugene Chung - why everyone called Patrick Chung 'Eugene' for a decade.

 

[signbabybrady]

Eugene Chung - why everyone called Patrick Chung 'Eugene' for a decade.

@Patjew used to call him Wang

 

[Patjew]

@Patjew used to call him Wang

I used to be pretty witty, but creativity was never my strong suit

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jaheim Bell​

Happy 24th birthday to Jaheim Bell
Born June 14, 2001 in Lake City, Florida; hometown Valdosta, Georgia
Patriot tight end, 2024-present; uniform #88
Pats 7th round (231st overall) selection of the 2024 draft, from Florida State
Pats résumé: one season, 15 games (no starts); two receptions


In his rookie season Jaheim Bell appeared in all but two games, primarily on special teams. Bell had two receptions on three balls thrown his way, on 83 offensive snaps (9%). He was also on the field for 176 (46%) of the Pats special team snaps. Jaheim will be battling CJ Dippre (as well as Gee Scott Jr and Jack Westover) for the third tight end roster spot this summer, behind veterans Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.

Pats trivia: the draft pick used on Bell was acquired by the Patriots on July 12, 2022 when New England unloaded N'Keal Harry to Chicago for a seventh round pick two years down the road.

2024 Patriots Media Guide

April 27, 2024:

DRAFT Thread '2024 7th Round Pick - TE Jaheim Bell'

Apr 27, 2024

Patriots close out the 2024 draft by taking Seminoles TE Jaheim Bell.

6'2 241 lbs. Ran a fairly athletic 4.61 40 at the Combine. Seems to be a versatile guy that can line up as TE or H-back.

Highlight Reel:


Scouting report:

Jaheim Bell Scouting Report | NFL Draft 2024

Jaheim Bell NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bell is a versatile tight end prospect who can positively affect an offense from different alignments on the field.

thedraftnetwork.com

• VJCPatriot
• Replies: 79
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

June 4, 2025:

Patriots Young Weapon Not Making Great Impression

One of the only positions that was not much of a concern for the New England Patriots heading into the offseason was tight end. They already re-signed Hunter He

www.si.com

Jaheim Bell Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Fred Baxter​

Happy 54th birthday to Fred Baxter
Born June 14, 1971 in Enterprise, Alabama; hometown Brundidge, Alabama
Patriot tight end, 2002-2003; uniform #49, #84
Signed as a veteran free agent on December 24, 2002
Pats résumé: two seasons, 13 games; one super bowl ring


Fred Baxter was 31 when he signed on with the Patriots for the final game of 2002. The following year he played in twelve games, primarily on special teams. He had played for the Jets when Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick and Charlie Weis were there, and reunited with Belichick two years after the Hoodie became the Pats head coach. He became a free agent after Super Bowl 38, and finished out his NFL career with Washington in 2004. Over twelve seasons Baxter played in 134 games with 50 starts (seven seasons for the Jets, two with the Bears), with 100 receptions and 12 touchdowns.

2003 Patriots Media Guide

Aug 8, 2019:
Where Are They Now: Fred Baxter

"Every year, I had to analyze the team and find a role that nobody wanted to play, and get good at it," Baxter said. "And they couldn't do nothing about it, so they had to use me. So, I played special teams. I played offense. I played defense. Whatever they wanted me to do, to show worth and show value to the team, that's what I'd do."​

Baxter is now a youth minister and golf coach at the Camden (NJ) Health & Athletic Association.​

"It's a non-profit organization that funds all the athletic equipment and insurance. All of the administrative work for the youth organizations in Camden," Baxter said. "It's part of an enterprise. We're working with sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders. And we're creating a golf club that instills core values, healthy habits, entrepreneurships, non-traditional mindsets."​

Fred Baxter - Head Golf Coach - Men's Golf Coaches - Widener University Athletics

Fred Baxter is in his second season as the Pride’s golf coach. A 12-year veteran of the National Football League, he spent the 2010 campaign with the Cleveland

widenerpride.com

Fred Baxter Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Fred Baxter Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Fred Baxter Transactions

Fred Baxter - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Paul Feldhausen​

Happy 79th birthday to Paul Feldhausen
Born June 14, 1946 in Madison, Wisconsin; hometown Iron Mountain, Michigan
Patriot offensive tackle, 1968-1970; uniform #66
Pats 11th round (278th overall) pick of the 1968 draft, from Division 3 Northland College in Wisconsin.
Pats résumé: two games; four training camps; strange career-ending injury


Paul Feldhausen was cut at the end of his rookie training camp, then spent most of the year on the taxi squad while playing for the Lowell Giants of the Atlantic Coast Football League. He was activated late in the season, primarily playing on special teams. Feldhausen was again cut at the end of camp in both 1969 and 1970, and again returned to playing in the ACFL, this time for the Quincy Giants. A former lumberjack, Paul had to retire after injuring his back in a freak blocking dummy accident during the 1971 training camp.

Paul Feldhausen (1991) - Hall of Fame - Northland College Athletics

Paul Feldhausen, Class: 1968 Induction: 1991 Sport(s): Football - Paul Feldhausen was the outstanding player of the Lumberjack Football Teams from the years 1964-68.

northlandcollegesports.com

Class: 1968​

Induction: 1991​

Paul Feldhausen was the outstanding player of the Lumberjack Football Teams from the years 1964-68. He was Captain and Most Valuable Player in 1967 and was a Little All-American lineman in 1966 and 1967. He was drafted by the Boston Patriots on the 11th round in his senior year. He played in Boston's Offensive line for three years until he injured his back in a blocking dummy accident. Paul was they first recipient of the Voltaire Perkins award as the Most Valuable Player on the Northland College football team.​

[Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame

Paul Feldhausen - Class of 2015​

(Iron Mountain)​

A nine letterwinner at Iron Mountain High School, Feldhausen was MVP of his football and basketball teams in 1963-64. A two-time captain of his Northland College football teams, he was a Little All-America (small college) lineman in 1966 and 1967. Feldhausen has been inducted into Northland's Sports Hall of Fame. He was drafted in the 11th round by the NFL's Boston Patriots in 1968 in the first common AFL-NFL draft and played three seasons before a back injury ended his career. He also spent 40 years as a football and baseball official for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association and was National Federation of High Schools Umpire of the Year in 1993.​

May 17, 2025:

Iron Mountain legend named WBCA’s 2025 Man of the Year

Paul Feldhausen started off his athletic career at Iron Mountain High School.

www.uppermichiganssource.com

Iron Mountain’s Paul Feldhausen was named as the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association’s 2025 Man of the Year.​

The legendary athlete started off his athletic career at Iron Mountain High School. His prowess earned him nine varsity letters and a draft by the NFL’s Boston Patriots in 1968. That team is now known as the New England Patriots.​

Feldhausen’s dedication to sports branched into the lives of other athletes. He’s the President of the Milwaukee Officials Association and has umpired high school baseball for about 50 years. He’s also named in the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame.​

Feldhausen encourages young athletes to strengthen their education. He says not everyone makes it to the top, and it’s important to have a plan if you get knocked down.​

“Get in and get the academics because it doesn’t matter what you do in life, eventually you gotta fall back onto them,” Feldhausen said. “Otherwise, you’re in limbo.”​

Feldhausen says he’s worked with the association for about 45 years, teaching coaches new rules. He also worked on creating rules for baseball. He says the effort has paid off, and the award is a great honor.​

1968 Boston Patriots Media Guide


1970 Boston Patriots Media Guide

Paul Feldhausen Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Paul Feldhausen Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Paul Feldhausen Transactions

Paul Feldhausen - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Kangaroo Kid
and more June 14 Birthdays​

Happy 30th birthday to Laquon Treadwell
Born June 14, 1995 in Chicago
Patriot WR, 2022 practice squad; uniform #19[/SIZE]
Signed as a veteran free agent on September 6, 2022
Pats résumé: 2022 practice squad

Laquon Treadwell was the 23rd overall pick of the 2016 draft by Minnesota, out of Ole Miss. In four seasons for the Vikings he managed just 701 yards receiving on 65 receptions, scoring two touchdowns. That was a far cry from his final season in the SEC, when he caught 82 passes for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns. His biggest claim to fame with the Pats was being named the club's Practice Player of the Week after the Patriots week two victory over Pittsburgh.

Treadwell was released from the practice squad on October 4, 2022 to make room for QB Garrett Gilbert.

​

Patriots Reportedly Sign First-Round Wideout To Practice Squad

The New England Patriots on Monday signed free agent wide receiver Laquon Treadwell to their practice squad, according to multiple reports.

nesn.com

Treadwell will provide additional wideout depth for New England while second-round rookie Tyquan Thornton recovers from a broken collarbone suffered during the preseason. The Patriots have Jakobi Meyers, DeVante Parker, Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne on their 53-man roster and Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Tre Nixon, Lynn Bowden and now Treadwell on their practice squad. Thornton was placed on injured reserve last week, sidelining him for at least the first four games. The Patriots will visit the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium this Sunday to open the regular season.​

Happy 38th birthday to Jared Veldheer
Born June 14, 1987 in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Patriot offensive tackle, 2019 offseason
Signed as an unrestricted free agent on May 7, 2019
Pats résumé: eight days in May; one practice

The Patriots signed the nine year veteran to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the idea he may start at left tackle, or at minimum be a high quality swing tackle, insurance with Isaiah Wynn returning from a torn Achilles tendon injury. Vedlheer was coming off an injury himself (knee), though not as severe. Jared lasted all of one OTA and decided his body could not take it and needed rest, and retired. Then in midseason he declared he wanted to play again - but for the Packers, not New England. The Patriots complied rather than take on the salary cap implications, and waived him. After all that he played in just two games for Green Bay, then one for the Colts in 2020 to finish his career.

Why Patriots' Jared Veldheer Retired From NFL Shortly After Signing Contract - NESN.com

Jared Veldheer would be learning how to protect Tom Brady’s blind side right now if his body agreed with the plan. The former NFL left tackle explained to MLive.com’s Peter J. Wallner on Wednesday why he retired shortly after signing with the New England Patriots. After playing through a hip...

nesn.com

Happy 62nd birthday to Tony Mumford
Born June 14, 1963 in Philadelphia
Patriot running back, 1985 offseason
Pats 12th round (328th overall) pick of the 1985 draft, from Penn State
Pats résumé: one offseason

Mumford never made it with the Patriots, but did get in to a couple of games for the St. Louis Cardinals later in the '85 season.

Happy 78th birthday to Des Ley
Born June 14, 1947 in West Adelaide, Australia
Patriot punter, 1973 offseason; uniform #5
Pats résumé: one offseason

Des Ley was one of several players that participated in a Patriots combination tryout/promotion for the team's punter.

If you are a fan of old Patriots history, check out this full article:

https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/the-legend-of-des-ley-1970s-superboot/

The New England Patriots had an idea that recruiting an Australian might be handy on the team both as a punter and a promotional gimmick. They teamed up with newspapers across the country to run a superkick contest, where footballers of all codes were invited. Des almost missed the preliminary round after being delayed at the bank because they were $30 out at the end of the day. Organisers were packing up at the ground when he breathlessly asked if he could still kick.​

‘Your name is on the list,’ said the official. ‘Have a go.’​

Dean Ottens from Sturt was the clubhouse leader with an average of 72 yards when Des started looping the ball into the darkening sky. He averaged 74 yards 2 feet – with one (wind assisted) booming 85 yards 1 foot (78 metres). The next week at the state final at Norwood, he turned an ankle but still did enough to qualify for the final in Melbourne.​

Des cashed the winner’s cheque for $1,000, took leave from the bank and headed to Boston where he was labeled the ‘Kangaroo Kid’. On ‘The Sports Huddle’ on radio WEEI Boston, he chatted with host Eddie Andelman and fielded calls from curious listeners. Des says Eddie reminded him of Ernie Sigley.​

At the training camp at the University of Massachusetts, Des did his best to fit in. The shoulder pads didn’t bother him, but the helmet was so tight it pinched his temples. The trainer advised it needed to be snug so it wouldn’t slip around and that it would eventually wear into the shape of his head. Adjusting to kicking off just three steps took some time but soon the balls were thundering.​

The frustration for Des was that he didn’t get into many match situations to show what he was capable of. Once when he did get put in, Adams shouted from across the line a gruesome description of what he was going to do if they came in contact.​

‘Yeah,’ replied Des in a brash response, ‘Just watch this.’ That was when the Patriots saw Des Ley Superboot uncork a kick that arced through the New England sky like a line of poetry.​

That's just part of it; the full article is a really good read, in my opinion.

1973 Patriots Media Guide

In memory of Mack Yoho, who would have turned 89 today
June 14, 1936 - September 14, 2020
Patriot DE/K, 1964 offseason
Acquired in trade with Buffalo for a 1965 tenth round pick on May 30, 1964

In the sixties and prior it was not unusual for kickers and punters to also be position players. Mack Yoho had 19½ sacks for the Bills from 1960 to 1963 while also kicking 13 field goals and 52 extra points. Since Gino Cappelletti had just led the AFL in field goals, Yoho was not brought in for that task - he was only 10-24 in 1963. The Pats already had Larry Eisenhauer and Bob Dee firmly entrenched as their defensive ends, so Yoho's only shot to make the roster was for kickoffs along with defensive line depth.

Obituary of Mack Junior Yoho | Rose Family Funeral Home & Cremation

Mack Junior Yoho was born in Reader, West Virginia and was the third of eight children. He is predeceased by his parents, Olive and Stanley Yoho, and his wife, Julia Strong Yoho. He leaves his longtime companion, LaNei Cross, and his children, Kelly (Dina) Yoho, Julie Williams, and Elizabeth...

rosefamilyfuneralhome.com

Mack loved his alma mater, Miami University, and was pleased that one of his grandchildren was starting there this semester. He was awarded a place in the Miami Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions as a football player and captain of the team in the ‘50s.​

Football played a major role in Mack’s early life. He played with the Ottawa Rough Riders (where he met his first wife, Judith Stinson) and then as one of the original AFL Buffalo Bills. He also served as defensive line coach at Yale under the legendary Carm Cozza. Mack enjoyed all sports, and when he wasn’t busy golfing, could be found on the couch watching football or golf.​

He had a successful career as a banker, in New Haven, CT, Rochester, NY, and San Francisco, CA, before enjoying retirement in Palm Desert, CA.​

Others born on this date with New England connections:

- John Mellekas (6/14/33-6/2/15); Newport RI native was the 47th overall pick of the 1956 draft. He spent eight years in the NFL with Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia, playing in 85 games at center, tackle and defensive tackle.

- Joe Zeno (6/14/19-1/8/92); went to Waltham High School and Holy Cross. The 36th overall pick of the 1946 draft was a Pro Bowl lineman, and after returning from WWII played the 1946-47 Boston Yanks. While captain for Washington, Zeno was perhaps the only guard to call plays rather than the quarterback.

- Gene Filipski (6/14/31-8/23/94); grew up in Webster MA. He spent two years in the NFL and four in the CFL as a HB/KR/PR. Filipski later became the color commentator for CTV football broadcasts.

- David Gamble, 54 (6/14/71); wide receiver went to the University of New Hampshire and got a ring with the 1997 Denver Broncos.

- Jack Spellman (6/14/99-8/1/66); Connecticut native went to Enfield High School and Brown University. Played end, tackle and wingback from 1925-32 for the Providence Steamroller and the Boston Braves. Spellman won a gold medal in wrestling at the 1924 Olympic games in Paris.

- Frank Bausch (6/14/08-4/6/76); All Pro center played eight NFL seasons, including three with the 1934-36 Boston Redskins.

- Doug Nott (6/14/11-5/25/91); tailback for the 1935 Boston Redskins.

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
The Kangaroo Kid
and more June 14 Birthdays​

​

score! great get on the pic of Les Dey! ... scooped that one right quick lol... and it looks like another hard to find pic of player - steve goepel sporting 12... and Bruce Barnes to the left, wearing 3...

 

[jmt57]

score! great get on the pic of Les Dey! ... scooped that one right quick lol... and it looks like another hard to find pic of player - steve goepel sporting 12... and Bruce Barnes to the left, wearing 3...

I remember the 'Superfoot' competitions for kickers (Mike Walker). but did not realize they had the same promotion for punters until yesterday. My initial search for Mr Ley yielded nothing until I noticed he was from Australia.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century June 14 News​

June 14, 1988:
The Patriots hire Jerry Simmons to be their Strength and Conditioning Coach

Simmons had held a similar position at various colleges from 1978 to 1987, and had most recently been at Southern Cal for the last four years. He stayed with the Pats for three seasons, and then continued to work as a strength and conditioning coach in the NFL through 2010. Simmons was also the strength training site director at the 1984 Olympics.




June 14, 1988:
The Pats sign Elon fullback Mike Ollari

Elon's Mike Ollari - what a charcter (Oct 16, 1986)

A character.​

That's the best way to describe Elon fullback Mike Ollari.​

The term fits the junior from Orange, Mass., both on and off the football field.​

For starters, he has been known to eat worms. He also has consumed flies and roaches at pregame meals.​

Then there was the snake incident.​

"One time at practice, we found a snake, and at the time we had a guy who played center who really hated them," Ollari recalled. "So we decided to put it on the ground alongside the ball. When he saw that snake, he jumped a foot off the ground."​

If that seems like a typical football player's prank, there's more to the story.​

"They (coaches) told me to get rid of it, so I threw it, and everything went but about four inches of the tail," he said, laughing. "So I took the tail and hung it from the front of my face mask, and it dangled there for the rest of the practice."​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
21st Century June 14 News​

June 14, 2002:

Patriots release LB Andy Katzenmoyer - UPI.com

In a move that had been expected for some time, the NFL world champion New England Patriots Friday released veteran linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer.

www.upi.com

In a move that had been expected for some time, the NFL world champion New England Patriots Friday released veteran linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer.​

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After a promising rookie season in 1999, his career was derailed by neck and back injuries that caused him to miss all of last season and half of the 2000 campaign. Taken with the 28th overall pick of the 1999 draft out of Ohio State, Katzenmoyer started 14 of the 24 games he played for New England.​

Patriots cut Katzenmoyer

FOXBORO — In the annals of unfulfilled promise, Andy Katzenmoyer may rank right at the top of the Patriots' list, alongside fellow linebacker Clayton Weishuhn.

www.thesunchronicle.com

In the annals of unfulfilled promise, Andy Katzenmoyer may rank right at the top of the Patriots' list, alongside fellow linebacker Clayton Weishuhn.​

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The latter, a third-round draft choice from Angelo State who played for the Patriots from 1982-86, earned the nickname “Little Nellie” soon after his arrival because the quality of his play matched his physical resemblance to All-Pro middle linebacker Steve Nelson.​

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But a succession of knee injuries eventually forced Weishuhn into retirement well before his time, after only 30 games as a pro.​

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Katzenmoyer lasted six fewer games.​

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Originally drafted out of Ohio State in the first round of the 1999 NFL draft, 28th overall, Katzenmoyer was released Friday after missing all of the offseason conditioning program and the mandatory minicamp that concluded a week ago today.​

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Presumably, Katzenmoyer's absence was connected to a neck injury suffered in his rookie year — one that flared up during his second season, was supposedly corrected by surgery before the 2001 preseason, then was re-aggravated during the first week of last year's training camp.​

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Katzenmoyer had a second surgical procedure to fuse two vertebrae in his neck, but stayed out of contact with the Patriots' medical staff until he arrived in town late in the recent minicamp for an examination and discussions with coach Bill Belichick.​

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Belichick did not offer a statement about Katzenmoyer's release, which wiped the slate clean of still-active players who were drafted by the Patriots with the four compensation picks from the New York Jets in return for allowing Bill Parcells to become their coach in 1997.​

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Katzenmoyer was the last legacy of that landmark decision by NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, as running back Sedrick Shaw and offensive tackle Damon Denson stuck only briefly after being drafted in 1997 and wide receiver Tony Simmons departed early last season.​

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Katzenmoyer, who became a controversial figure at Ohio State following a Sports Illustrated article that revealed his cavalier approach to academic responsibilities, started 11 of 16 games as a rookie and recorded 107 tackles, including 3½ sacks.​

It's official: Patriots dump injured Katzenmoyer

Andy Katzenmoyer's neck problems ended his career in New England, and could possibly end his career altogether, Len Pasquarelli writes.

a.espncdn.com

He joined the New England Patriots in 1999 as an exclamation point, one of the premier defenders of the past 20 years from the college ranks, a middle linebacker around whom a team was supposed to have been able to build a solid unit.​

But when Andy Katzenmoyer exited the Patriots on Friday afternoon, a move that came as a surprise to no one, he left surrounded by question marks.​

June 14, 2004:

Patriots notebook: Surgery success for veteran Light

www.milforddailynews.com

The Patriots signed first-year defensive tackle Ryan Atoe to a one-year contract, according to documents filed with the NFL Players Association.​

The 6-foot-1, 315-pound Atoe attended the team's mandatory mini-camp June 10-13 on a tryout and signed his deal June 14. The team has yet to officially announce the move.​

Atoe was in training camp with the Cardinals last year, suffering a high ankle sprain in the team's final preseason game. The injury kept him out for the season, but he recovered to play for Cologne in NFL Europe this spring.​

Atoe, who played one season of Division I football at the University of Idaho, projects to be a developmental nose tackle.​

June 14, 2010:

https://www.patsfans.com/ian/blog/2010/06/14/logan-mankins-i-want-to-be-traded/

June 14, 2011:
Tom Addison passes away at the age of 75

Obituary information for Thomas Marion Addison, Jr.

View Thomas Marion Addison, Jr.'s obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

www.lancasterfuneralhome.com

Patriots 1960s All-Decade team member Tom Addison passed away -- Patriots.com

Born April 12, 1936, Addison attended the University of South Carolina and was originally drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 12th round (141st overall) of the 1958 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound prospect was also drafted by the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League, but eventually signed with the Boston franchise of the newly formed American Football League (AFL) in 1960. He played his entire eight-year career (1960-67) with the Boston Patriots and was selected to the team's first all-decade team by a fan ballot in 1971. He is also a member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.​

Addison quickly became a leader for the fledgling franchise, earning All-AFL honors in 1960 (before an all-star game was formed), followed by four consecutive trips to the AFL All-Star game (1961-64). He was also a Sporting News All-League player in 1963 and 1964.​

His leadership was recognized by his AFL peers, who formed the AFL Players Association in 1964 and elected Addison as the union's first president. His contributions as president played a significant role in the development and competitiveness of the new league.​

June 14, 2012:

Patriots sign Bequette

New England now has six of seven drafts picks under contract.

www.boston.com

The Patriots and third-round draft pick Jake Bequette have agreed to a four-year contract, a league source confirms.​

Bequette was the 90th overall player taken in the draft, and the fourth of seven players selected by New England.​

The 6-foot-5 inch, 271-pound defensive lineman from Arkansas appeared in 48 games with 42 starts and recorded 126 total tackles, 23.5 sacks and 35 quarterback pressures. After spending his redshirt year as a tight end, Bequette made the switch to the defensive line and became a full-time starter as a junior in 2010. Last season, he led the SEC and tied for third in the nation with 10 sacks.​

With Bequette signed, that leaves just one member of the Pats’ draft class of 2012 unsigned: LB Dont’a Hightower.​

June 14, 2013:

Patriots decide Ruffer's not ready

The Patriots release Notre Dame kicker David Ruffer.

www.enterprisenews.com

The New England Patriots announced that they have released rookie free agent kicker David Ruffer.​

Ruffer, 24, originally signed with the Patriots on May 20, 2013. The 6-foot-1, 193-pounder, transferred from to Notre Dame from William & Mary in 2008. He connected on his first 23 career field goal attempts at Notre Dame to set a school record. After appearing in seven games in 2009 as an injury replacement, he was the full-time kicker in 2010 and 2011. Ruffer finished his college career making 33-of- 44 field goals and 93-of-97 extra point attempts.​

Roster re-set with 87 players

The Patriots have three open spots on their 90-man roster. With the organized team activity/minicamp portion of the offseason program complete, it's a good time to re-set the roster with a quick-hit thought at each position.

www.espn.com

FIRST-AND-10: Patriots weren’t anything special in 2012

Ninth in a 10-part series : The Patriots’ special teams units had their issues during the 2012 campaign. The team is hoping the addition of Leon Washington will improve the return game, while two-tim…

www.patriotledger.com

Place-kicker Stephen Gostkowski matched the career high (or low, depending upon how you look at it) he set as a rookie in 2006 by missing six field goals, including what would have been a game winner from 42 yards with one second left in a Week 2 loss to Arizona.​

Clearly, the Patriots still trust Gostkowski’s toe, which, while inaccurate at times, remained strong enough to produce 52 touchbacks in 111 kickoffs.​

With David Ruffer’s release in mid-June, less than a month after he was signed as a rookie free agent out of Notre Dame, Gostkowski will be the only place-kicker in training camp when it kicks off with the full squad due in at Gillette Stadium on Thursday.​

June 14, 2018:

Patriots reportedly in agreements with Develin, Cardona

Pro Bowl fullback James Develin reportedly reaches terms on a two-year contract extension with the team. Long snapper Joe Cardona reportedly comes to terms on a four-year extension with the Pats.

www.patriotledger.com

Looks like the blue collar guy from Brown will be sticking around Gillette Stadium.​

Same goes for the Navy man.​

Jeff Howe of “The Athletic” was first to report on Thursday that the Patriots had finalized a two-year, $3.8-million contract extension (which includes a $600,000 signing bonus) that will tie Pro Bowl fullback James Develin to the team through the 2020 season.​

Thursday night, ESPN's Mike Reiss reported that the team had reached terms with long snapper Joe Cardona on an extension through 2022.​

As for Develin?​

“Whenever you see James you see him working,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said after his Pro Bowl selection was announced last December. “You see him doing extras in the weight room. You see him doing extras on the practice field. You see him in early or late looking at film, going over things.​

“He’s got a role. He’s very good at it. It’s a very important role, so it’s great to see him recognized for it.”​

He’s got a role, and while it is far from glamorous – he’s most often slamming his 255 pounds into an opponent to help clear a path for a running back or blocking for quarterback Tom Brady – he does it well enough to have become the first Patriots fullback since Sam Cunningham in 1978 to earn a Pro Bowl berth. Develin also plays on special teams.​

Patriots Journal: Develin, Cardona getting extensions

The players are breaking for the summer, but that doesn’t mean the Patriots are done handling business. On Thursday, reports broke that the Patriots were nearing extensions with fullback James Dev…

www.providencejournal.com

Develin’s story is one of the best in New England. A former defensive tackle at Brown University, he went undrafted in 2010 and played for the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz of the Arena Football League. Then he suited up for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. There, in the UFL, he made the transition to fullback.​

After spending time on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad, from 2010-2012, Develin signed with the Patriots practice squad. Develin appeared in one game with the Patriots in 2012. He’s been the starting fullback over the past five years. He’s appeared in every game, every season, expect for in 2015 when he broke his tibia in the preseason.​

A two-time Super Bowl champion, Develin was named as a Pro Bowler last year for the first time. On Thursday, he was rewarded for his efforts.​

Cardona also comes to the Patriots with an interesting back-story. Drafted in the fifth round in 2015, the 26-year-old is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. In his rookie season, he worked at the Naval Academy Preparatory School full-time while also playing for the Patriots.​

Over the last three years, Cardona has been a rock solid long snapper for the Patriots. Signing him locks up one of three main special teamers. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski and punter Ryan Allen are also in the final years of their deals.​

Looking at QB​

The Patriots already have three quarterbacks in the fold, but that hasn’t stopped them from checking other options.​

On Thursday, the Patriots brought in 2016 second-round pick Christian Hackenberg for a visit to Gillette Stadium. The 23-year-old, who was drafted 51st overall by the N.Y. Jets, was released by the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday. He cleared waivers and is now a free agent.​

June 14, 2019:

Patriots' Trade for Tight End Michael Roberts Voided

After being traded to the Patriots, tight end Michael Roberts was reverted to the Lions roster, per trade conditions.

www.nbcboston.com

The Patriots' trade with the Lions for tight end Michael Roberts has been voided.​

On Friday, the Lions announced Roberts was reverted back to their roster, per trade conditions. They subsequently waived the 25-year-old.​

"The Detroit Lions announced today that TE Michael Roberts reverted back to the team's roster, per trade conditions.​

"Subsequently, the Lions announced that they have waived Roberts."​

This likely means Roberts failed his physical, though that has yet to be confirmed.​

The Patriots will keep their seventh-round conditional selection in 2020 that originally was included in the trade for Roberts.​

Matt LaCosse remains the No. 1 tight end on New England's depth chart with Ben Watson suspended for the first four games of the season.​