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Today In Patriots History May 24: "Catching babies, unlike Nelson Agholor"

Fun historical team facts.

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Today in Patriots History
The Nigerian Nightmare



Happy 33rd birthday to Nelson Agholor
Born May 24, 1993 in Lagos, Nigeria; hometown Tampa
Patriots wide receiver, 2021-2022; uniform #15

Signed as a veteran free agent on March 19, 2021
Pats résumé: two seasons, 31 games (20 starts); 68 receptions for 835 yards (12.3 ypc) and five touchdowns



Nelson Agholor played in 92 games over six NFL seasons prior to coming to Foxborough, with 272 receptions for 3,411 yards and 26 touchdowns during that time. Agholor was a first round draft pick out of USC in 2015 by Philadelphia. He didn't do much his first two years, improved to 768 yards/8 TD in 2017 and 736 yards/4TD in 2018, before dropping to 363/3 the following season.

2020 - the season just prior to joining the Patriots - was his best season as a pro, with 896 yards receiving, eight touchdowns, 18.7 yards per reception and 10.9 yards per pass attempt, after signing a meager one year, $1 million contract for the Raiders.

Agholor regressed with New England though, with fewer yards receiving and touchdowns in two seasons combined, than he had in his one year in Las Vegas. To rub salt in the wound, the Patriots paid $22 million for that (lack of) production.

Over ten NFL seasons Nelson Agholor has 389 receptions for 4,858 yards and 37 touchdowns.





Nelson Agholor Drops Touchdown Catch - Patriots vs. Eagles
46-second lowlight play








As for the thread title, that is due to an off-the-cuff comment from a Philadelphia resident who caught a baby dropped from a burning building, which was caught on video. The hero completely roasted the wide receiver, succinctly stating 'My man just started throwing babies out the window and we was catching them, unlike Agholor.'


The former firefighter and Army veteran jumped into action and helped rescue trapped occupants by literally catching a baby and a woman who were thrown out of the burning building.

"You can believe in me," Laws told NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark in an exclusive interview Tuesday. "I'm not gonna drop her. So she came down. Boom. My first thought actually in the back of my head was like, 'Yeah, no fumble.' So I caught two. And then ran them in for a touchdown."​

The football metaphor showcases what was still on Laws' mind even after the rescue: the Eagles' tough loss to the Detroit Lions Sunday in which Wide Receiver Nelson Agholor dropped a critical pass.

"Messed up my whole day," Laws said. "That was earlier the same day that happened. Maybe 12 hours or so. Less than that. Yeah, I'm gonna think about that all day."​

Laws didn't hesitate to speak on it even while being interviewed after the fire early Monday morning.​

"My man just started throwing babies out the window and we was catching them, unlike Agholor and his mishaps, I'd like to put that out there," Laws told NBC10.​






















Some fun forum commentary from March 2023 when news broke that Baltimore had signed Agholor after the Patriots made no attempt to re-sign him in free agency:











Career Earnings: $49,135,401

 
Today in Patriots History
Before 28-3 there was 24-0



I could not find much of anything notable for May 24 in the history of the New England Patriots, other than being a great excuse to re-watch the Pats come back from a 24-0 deficit to defeat Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. At the time that was the largest comeback in franchise history, and is still second in team history, behind only the amazing 28-3 comeback in Super Bowl 51 versus Atlanta.

Our birthday guy, Tony Carter, had a hand in that outcome.




Happy 40th birthday to Tony Carter
Born May 24, 1986 in Tallahassee, Florida
Patriots cornerback, 2010; uniform #29

Signed to the practice squad on September 7, 2010
Pats résumé: one season, two games
Not to be confused with FB Tony Carter, who played with the Patriots from 1998-2000



After being waived-injured by Denver, the Pats signed corner Tony Carter to their practice squad in early September of 2010. When Jonathan Wilhite was placed on IR with a hip injury, Carter was promoted to the 53-man roster in mid-December. The former Florida State Seminole appeared in two of those three final regular season games, with a final stat line consisting of one tackle.


The Patriots released Carter just prior to the start of the 2011 training camp, and he later re-signed with Denver. Carter is unfortunately most well known for being on the wrong side of a return team miscommunication in November of 2013.


The 7-3 Patriots hosted 9-1 Denver in Week 12 of 2013, on Sunday Night Football. All the hype for Brady vs Manning #14 fizzled early, as the Pats fumbled the ball away on each of their first three possessions. The rest of the half wasn't much better: three punts and a turnover on downs, resulting in a 24-0 halftime deficit.


The second half was a complete reversal, with New England scoring touchdowns on each of their first four possessions, and scoring 31 unanswered points. However, Denver tied it up on a pass to Demaryius Thomas with 3:06 left to play to force overtime. On the cold (22°, six-below wind chill, 22 mph wind) night Bill Belichick elected to ignore conventional overtime wisdom of receiving the ball first, and instead go with the wind at the team's backs - and that decision eventually paid off.


With just over three minutes left to play in overtime, the Pats were forced to punt after three straight incomplete passes. Wes Welker - at this point a Denver Bronco - was the return man. Carter was also on Denver's return unit, and Welker made a very late call that he would not catch the punt, alerting the return team to clear away from the ball. But Welker's call was too late; by that time Carter was too close, moving fast, and the ball bounced and hit him - and Nate Ebner recovered. The play set up a 34-31 game-winning field goal by Stephen Gostkowski to cap the comeback, with just two minutes left to play in OT.









Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots. 2nd Half. Patriots Comeback
14:57 Highlight Video

Classic Peyton Manning faces at 4:02 and 4:48







Tony Carter played in 50 NFL games (including five in the postseason) over seven seasons, from 2009 to 2015. He scored three touchdowns, two on fumble returns and one on an interception. He retired after the 2016 season, and since 2018 has been employed as a coach at both the NFL and collegiate levels. Carter is currently the head coach for the division two Central State Marauders in Wilberforce, Ohio.




Broncos cornerback Tony Carter breaks up a pass intended for Patriots receiver Matthew Slater in the 1st quarter of the 2013 AFC championship game.




2006: FSU's Tony Carter returns a blocked kick for a touchdown against Clemson







 
Today in Patriots History
20th Century May 24 Trivialities



May 24, 1960:
The Patriots sign undrafted rookie free agent RB Roger Kranz from the University of New Mexico.

Kranz must have been an incredible blocking back for Los Lobos, because his 1959 stat sheet doesn't exactly jump out at you: ten carries in ten games, with one touchdown - though the 9.7 yards per carry is impressive. Roger has no Patriots/AFL stats to be found, so I assume he didn't make the regular season roster.

From his obituary:
Roger was a talented athlete excelling in many sports including track, basketball, baseball and football. He came to New Mexico on a football scholarship to UNM where he proudly played for the Lobos. He went on to play professional football for the New England Patriots. Roger also honored his country by serving in the Air National Guard. After college he began a successful career in sales. For the last twenty plus years he has been employed with Rio Grande Drywall Supply. Roger was an avid fisherman and hunter. He had many other loves which included gardening, singing in the church choir, dancing, golf and being with family and friends. Known as "Big Rog" to many, his huge heart and radiant smile will be greatly missed.





May 24, 1980:
New England signs undrafted free agent OL Bobby McIntyre, from Salem (WV) College.

Bobby McIntyre was four years removed from his Salem College graduation when he signed with the Patriots. He stuck with the club through all of the offseason, appearing in all the preseason games - but did not survive final roster cuts and never played in a regular season NFL game. At the time he was a high school defensive coordinator in Sandusky, Ohio, getting his one shot at the big time.

After being cut by the Pats, McIntyre settled in Long Island and progressed through the coaching ranks. He was DC and HC at West Hempstead High School, DB coach at Nassau Community College, LB coach at Hofstra and at Bryant, then DC/LB coach at Stony Brook University from 2011 until his retirement in 2020.




* This entry was a tad confusing to compile, because in 1980 there was also a linebacker by the name of Bob McIntyre from Eastern Kentucky who was an undrafted free agent as well, who was signed by the Packers.





May 24, 1994:
Patriots re-sign veteran unrestricted free agent Michael Timpson

1993 was Timpson's fifth season in the NFL, and he was finally getting a bit of playing time under first year head coach Bill Parcells. He had seven starts that year, with 42 receptions for 656 yards and two touchdowns. Most notable was a 36-yard TD catch in overtime in the season finale to give the Pats their fourth consecutive win, 33-27 over Miami - thus knocking Don Shula's Dolphins out of the playoffs.

Throwback: Patriots Thrill in Overtime Win Over Dolphins - January 2, 1994 -- Patriots.com
1:43 Highlight Video
Today is the 30th anniversary (January 2,1994) of the Drew Bledsoe overtime touchdown pass to Michael Timpson for the thrilling season-ending win over the Miami Dolphins on January 2, 1994. The game featured 4 lead changes in the 4th quarter.



Timpson would go on to have a breakout season in 1994, with career highs in catches (74) and receiving yards (941). That led to his getting a decent free agent payday, with the Bears - though his production dropped dramatically with Erik Kramer passing the football to him rather than Drew Bledsoe.













May 24, 1995:
Linebacker Dwayne Sabb is re-signed by the Patriots

A fifth round draft pick in 1992 out of the University of New Hampshire, Sabb played in 74 regular season games plus four playoff games with the Pats from 1992 to 1996.







 
Today in Patriots History
May 24 fun factoids
from the Aughts



May 24, 2000:
The Patriots waive three undrafted free agents who apparently failed to make a good first impression during Bill Belichick's initial rookie mini-camp. Mississippi State LB Barrin Simpson, Washington State punter Kareem Anderson and New Mexico State WR Ryan Shaw were all waived within weeks of being signed, ending their extremely brief NFL careers.


Simpson went on to play 11 seasons in the Canada, where he was a seven-time CFL All-Star, five-time league-leading tackler, and two-time defensive player of the year. Shaw is a manager of asset information, workflow, and quality control at Bristol Myers Squibb. Anderson is apparently off the grid.








May 24, 2001:
Patriots sign veteran DT Emarlos Leroy after claiming him off waivers, and waive Boston College LS Ryan Burch

A 1999 sixth round draft pick by Jacksonville, the former Georgia Bulldog played in 23 games for the Jaguars over two seasons. The Pats released him less than three weeks later.





May 24, 2001:
The tight end spot gained some experience Thursday when New England signed free agent Johnny McWilliams, who is entering his sixth season in the NFL. The Patriots also waived rookie long-snapper Ryan Burch.

McWilliams gives the Patriots a huge target for Drew Bledsoe. The former third-round pick for the Arizona Cardinals has recorded 73 catches for 690 yards and nine touchdowns since coming into the league in 1996.

New England already has five tight ends on its roster, but the only one with significant playing time is Rod Rutledge. Rutledge's roster spot was in jeopardy before McWilliams' arrival, and now his days with the Patriots seem even more numbered. In three seasons Rutledge has not been able to prove himself in the receiving game, and the tight end spot needs to be productive in New England's offense.

Other than McWilliams and Rutledge, the Patriots also have second-year men Jermaine Wiggins and Chris Eitzmann, and draft picks Jabari Holloway and Arther Love. Wiggins made an impression at the end of last season with 16 catches for 203 yards and a touchdown in just four games, but he is not yet an established all-around tight end.


Johnny McWilliams, a tight end who started seven games for Minnesota last season, signed with the New England Patriots. McWilliams, a 6-foot-4, 271-pound free agent, caught 22 passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns with the Vikings in 2000.

The six-year veteran was a third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals. He had his best season with Arizona in 1998 when he had 26 catches for 284 yards and four touchdowns.

McWilliams becomes the sixth tight end on the Patriots' roster. He joins veterans Rod Rutledge, Jermaine Wiggins and Chris Eitzmann and draft picks Jabari Holloway and Arther Love.

McWilliams was waived-injured on September 2, and never played in the NFL after that. Rutledge ended up keeping his job as the starter, and Wiggins emerged with clutch performances in the playoffs. Harvard grad Chris Eitzmann was also released on September 2, and spent the season on the Cleveland Browns' practice squad.

As for the draft picks, 4th rounder Jabari Holloway spent the 2001 season on injured reserve, and was released at the end of the 2002 preseason; he then spent two seasons with the Houston Texans. Fifth round selection Arther Love began the season on the reserve/PUP list, was activated in November, but never got on the field. He spent the first two weeks of 2002 on the practice squad before being released. Love later signed with Denver, but he never got into a regular season NFL game.





May 24, 2004:
According to a report in Tuesday's Boston Herald the Patriots have guaranteed wide receiver Troy Brown's 2004 $2.25 million salary while also extending the contract through 2005 for salary cap purposes.

Brown, 32, had been slated to earn $2.25 million in salary this season with a reported cap number of approximately $4 million. The reworked deal and extension now leave the 11-year veteran's cap number close to $3 million.

While there had been speculation that Brown might be asked to cut his salary this offseason, heading into the final season of a five-year, $12.5 million deal that he signed in 2000, the reworked agreement that was reportedly reached last week virtually guarantees that the longest-tenured Patriot will be catching passes from Tom Brady at Gillette Stadium this fall.



The Patriots also waived rookie free agent defensive tackle Louis Gachelin on Monday. The 6-1, 287-pound, 23-year-old Syracuse alum had signed with the Patriots on April 29.






May 24, 2007:
Restricted free agent Randall Gay signs his one year RFA tender, worth $1.3 million

The deal, based on the tender the Patriots made Gay three months ago, is worth $1.3 million. The three-year veteran was one of the few remaining restricted free agents in the league who had not signed his tender. Signing the deal means that Gay can participate in the organized team activities practices (OTAs) without having to sign an injury waiver, and can attempt to jump start a promising career stalled by the injuries.

Having Gay healthy again would certainly be a boon for a New England secondary that has been decimated by injuries the past three seasons.

Signed as an undrafted college free agent in 2004, Gay started in nine of his 15 appearances as a rookie and in all three of the Patriots' postseason victories that year. He had 38 tackles, two interceptions and six passes defensed as a rookie and, in the Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles, led all Pats' defenders with 11 solo tackles and added a pass defensed and a forced fumble.

In 2005, though, Gay suffered an ankle injury that limited him to five games. The injury required offseason surgery and Gay's rehabilitation stretched into the summer of 2006, when he started training camp on the physically unable to perform list. He then sustained a severe hamstring and appeared in just three games in 2006.

A former LSU standout, Gay, 25, is still highly regarded and, if he can regain his health and his playing form, figures to draw interest in the unrestricted free agent market next spring. The New York Jets brought Gay in for a visit last month as a restricted free agent, but did not propose an offer sheet to him.

Once the deadline for signing restricted free agents passed in mid-April, the Patriots gained Gay's exclusive rights, and he could not negotiate with another team. So it became only a matter of time before he signed the one-year, $1.3 million tender.

Gay is expected to compete for a nickel cornerback job in training camp.

For his career, Gay has appeared in 23 games with 11 starts, and has posted 50 tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defensed and two forced fumbles.


With Randall Gay signing his restricted free agent tender today, let’s re-set the cornerback situation for the Patriots:

Cornerbacks
Larry Anam
Randall Gay
Ellis Hobbs
Eddie Jackson
Tory James
Mike Richardson
Asante Samuel
Chad Scott
Antwain Spann
Gemara Williams
 
Today in Patriots History
2010s Trivia



May 24, 2015:
Fans hold a "Free Tom Brady" rally at Gillette Stadium

While the event to protest the unjust penalty handed down by Roger Goodell after Ted Wells claimed Brady was "at least generally aware" of team employees allegedly intentionally deflating footballs drew headlines nationwide, the turnout was underwhelming, with about 150 people in attendance.

























May 24, 2017:
Patriots release WR Devin Street, and sign WR Andrew Hawkins to a one-year, $980k contract

Street had only been with the Pats for about three weeks; he had ten receptions for 152 yards and one TD in his NFL career.

31-year old Hawkins would retire a month later. His best seasons were in 2012 for the Bengals (51 catches, 533 yards, four TD) and 2014 with the Browns (63 catches, 824 yards, two TD).


With receiver Andrew Hawkins joining the Patriots, the Patriots needed to make a corresponding roster move. Receiver Devin Street was moved off the roster.

The Patriots announced on Wednesday the release of Street, who had been claimed off waivers from the Colts on May 2.

A fifth-round pick of the Cowboys in 2014, Steelers previously spent time on the Patriots practice squad before joining Indy’s active roster last season, appearing in five games. For his career, he has 36 regular-season appearances and two starts.


The New England Patriots announced today that they have released WR Devin Street. Street was claimed off waivers and awarded to New England from Indianapolis on May 2, 2017.

Street, 26, is a veteran of three NFL seasons. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder, was drafted by Dallas in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh. He was released by Dallas on Sept. 3, 2016. Street joined the New England practice squad on Sept. 5, 2016, and was signed by Indianapolis to the 53-man roster off the Patriots practice squad on Sept. 21, 2016. Street appeared in five games for the Colts last season and caught one pass for 20 yards. He was released by the Colts on May 1, 2017. In three NFL seasons, Street played in 36 games with two starts and caught 10 passes for 152 yards with one touchdown. He also appeared in two postseason contests for Dallas in 2014 and did not accrue any statistics.




Andrew Hawkins, 31, worked out for the team last week. He most recently made headlines by earning his master's degree from Columbia with a 4.0 GPA.

Hawkins joins a crowded depth chart headlined by Brandin Cooks, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell and Danny Amendola, so he isn't assured a spot on the 53-man roster.

The Browns had released him on Feb. 27 in a move the wide receiver agreed was best for all parties. Cleveland is a young team that drafted four receivers a year ago. Even though none had an outstanding rookie season, the Browns wanted to give them a longer look.

Hawkins signed with the Browns as a restricted free agent in the spring of 2014. He led Cleveland with 63 catches and 824 yards in his first season, but had just 60 catches the past two seasons combined. Hawkins played for the Bengals in his first three NFL seasons.

 
Today in Patriots History
May 24 articles from the 2020s



May 24, 2020:
Ninkovich picks Hoyer over Stidham: Jarrett Stidham may be the fan favorite, but former Patriot Rob Ninkovich believes it will be Brian Hoyer, not Stidham, under center to start 2020. He believes experience will be the reason, with Bill Belichick opting to go with a veteran to begin the year. That seems unlikely, primarily given the fact there’s no time like the present to put Stidham’s feet to the fire. Besides, given his history, the odds of Hoyer getting through the entire season without faltering seems unlikely at best. As a result, the best case is simply to hope the second-year QB can step up and win the job.​

Patriots “Super Back” is Ready to Go: Fullback Danny Vitale heads into the preseason with a good opportunity to earn a role and has a solid nickname to go along with it.​






May 24, 2021:
2) Meanwhile, the talk this morning is centering on Julio Jones, who many would like to see the Patriots add to their newly revamped offense this season.​

Mike Reiss touched on it in his Sunday notes column yesterday, where he believes this might be one of the opportunities where New England could be interested in exploring a trade thanks to what is currently a tough cap situation for the Falcons.​

Dan Orlovsky also talked about it this morning on “Get Up” on ESPN and he believes that acquiring Jones would vault New England into the top tier of AFC contenders.​

“I think that the AFC is a class of 3 teams right now,” said Orlovsky. “I think it’s the Buffalo Bills, I think it’s the Cleveland Browns and I think it’s the Kansas City Chiefs, obviously. And if the New England Patriots got Julio Jones, he would vault them into that group of now four football teams. I don’t think it’s a team that goes, OK, they’ve got a rookie quarterback on a rookie salary, let’s take the risk here because then I think it’s going to cost you so many picks to go get Julio, you take away some of the assets that you’re going to need to build around your young quarterback once you pay him.”​





May 24, 2022:
Bill Belichick touched on various topics during his press conference, with one of the biggest discussions still centering on the play-calling duties. Belichick skirted various questions on the matter, saying that any decisions are still “months away”. . . . . .​


4) Rookie offensive lineman Cole Strange caught the eyes of media members who were on hand Monday, with Strange’s athleticism definitely standing out.​

There were several plays where the team had Strange blocking at the second level and it was obvious it’s a solid skill that he has, which should make him dangerous. . . . . .​


5) Rookie defensive back Jack Jones was another player who caught the eye of various reporters yesterday, with Jones looking comfortable out there during the club’s session.​

His scouting reports talked about how fluid he was and he’s apparently as advertised, looking smooth and holding his own during the drills he was observed in yesterday.​





May 24, 2023:
Oregon Coach Raves About Gonzalez
Christian Gonzalez remains an intriguing prospect heading into 2023 for the New England Patriots, with the hopes that he’ll evolve into the same type of shut-down corner he was with Oregon during his collegiate career.​

NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry caught up with Gonzalez’s former coach, Dan Lanning, who provided a little bit of insight on the rookie during Perry’s latest episode of the Next Pats Podcast.​

“He has great ball skills. I honestly believe he could play wideout if he needed to play wideout. He could be a returner as well if somebody needed that,” said Lanning via Justin Leger of NBC 10 Boston. “We didn’t ask him to do that, but we probably should have at times. But he has all the skill sets. So if you’re designing a player, you design them in the mold of Christian.​





May 24, 2024:
(Tom) Curran also talked about Matthew Judon, who wasn’t on hand for Monday’s session and remains a question mark. Mike Reiss mentioned Sunday that Judon should be due to see his contract addressed, but Curran isn’t sure how the Patriots might approach it. “I’m certain that he would prefer an extension as opposed to merely a bump,” said Curran. “So you have to split hairs on that and say, ‘Well, what are you right now? You’re a player who is explosive when on the field, but toward the end of the season, the last couple of years, your performance has petered off, or you’ve been unavailable.’ And that’s tough to break to a guy when they are as productive as he can be when he’s good.” … Curran notes that while Judon’s play at times has been inconsistent, he’s also been one of the more positive guys both in the locker room and off the field, which he feels the team might also value.​





May 24, 2025:
Eastern Washington receiver Efton Chism reportedly turned some heads early on here in New England, with the shifty wideout showing off some speed and quickness during the media portions of OTAs this past week.​

Boston Globe Patriots beat writer Christopher Price said Chism was impressive during the media portion of practice, and he feels he could potentially be among the favorites when it comes to UDFAs who might land a roster spot this summer.​

“He looks competitive. He didn’t look overwhelmed at all when we saw him out there on Tuesday,” said Price during an appearance on our podcast Patriots No-Huddle earlier this week. “He looked very natural, he looked very composed. He was running with the twos and threes, but at the same time, that’s where you want to start. And I would submit to you, that if he continues on this path, he is either going to make the team or be the victim of the Foxboro flu and go on injured reserve all year.”​

“So Efton Chism, right now, is my betting favorite as the UDFA of choice.”​





May 24, 2026:
Janarius Robinson: The Patriots had the former 4th-round pick in for a workout this past week. The big, 6’5, 263-pound defensive end was signed by the Chiefs last year but broke his foot in the first preseason game and missed the entire season.​

He’s had injury issues since he was drafted by the Vikings. He played 16 games with the Raiders in 2024, recording 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks as a backup. When he came out of the draft, he posted a 9.31 RAS score, with a very respectable 4.69 in the 40, moving well for a man his size.​

He’d project as a camp body, but if he was signed, he’d at least have a chance to make the roster.​
 
Today in Patriots History
Other 2020s news



May 24, 2021:
The Patriots held the first day their OTAs, followed by another on May 25 and May 27.
All eyes were on Mac Jones, as he split reps with veterans Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer.







May 24, 2023:
This week, former Troy Trojan Jake Andrews officially signed his contract with the New England Patriots.

Andrews was drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in the 2023 NFL Draft back in April, as the 107th overall pick. The 6-foot-3-inch, 305-pound All-Sun Belt center was announced as having officially signed with the Patriots on May 24. While the Patriots did not publicly announce the details of the contract, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that Andrews’ deal was for four years and $4.648 million.

Andrews is the second former Trojan to be drafted – and sign with – the Patriots in the past two seasons after New England drafted cornerback Marcus Jones last season. Jones went on to become an All-Pro kick returner for the Patriots in his rookie season. Andrews and Jones played together at Troy during the 2018 season before Jones transferred to Houston.







May 24, 2024:
New England signs fourth round draft pick Javon Baker to a four-year, $4.836 million contract that includes a $816,596 signing bonus and $795,000 base salary.

In week 18 Baker finally got his first NFL reception.
In 2024 he had one reception on four passes thrown his way, for 12 yards, plus three kick returns.
SMH






May 24, 2023:
Forum discussion from three years ago







May 24, 2024:
Forum discussion from two years ago






May 24, 2025:
Forum discussion from 365 days ago

 
Today in Patriots History
The Tech Guru, Pass-Rushing Pastor



Happy 55th birthday to Troy Barnett
Born May 24, 1971 in Jacksonville, North Carolina
Patriots defensive end, 1994-1996; uniform #98

Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent from the University of North Carolina on May 3, 1994
Pats résumé: two-plus seasons, 31 games (15 starts); 66 tackles, three sacks, one fumble recovery; one playoff game



Troy Barnett defied football odds twice: first as a walk-on at UNC, and then making an NFL (Pats) roster as an undrafted rookie. He was the Patriots starting DE in 1995 and overall appeared in 31 games for New England, with 15 starts over two-plus seasons. Bill Parcells called him 'technology' for his prowess in that area of expertise, which served him quite well in his post-NFL career.




Nov 26, 1995: Myron Guyton and Troy Barnett converge on a Buffalo fumble



September 22, 1994:
The Patriots’ desperate hunt for defensive linemen five months ago took them to . . . would you believe McDonald’s?

Defensive end Troy Barnett was working at a McDonald’s restaurant in Chapel Hill, N.C., when the Patriots called in April and offered him a contract.

Off came the apron and on went the shoulder pads.

“We got lucky,” Patriots coach Bill Parcells said Wednesday. “Getting a defensive lineman like that [as a free agent] is really rare.”

Barnett made an unexpected appearance Sunday in the Patriots’ 31-28 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had a sack and two tackles.

That contribution will earn Barnett (6 foot 4, 280 pounds) an increased role Sunday when the Patriots play the Detroit Lions at the Pontiac Silverdome.

Barnett, 23, wasn’t drafted by the pros and he wasn’t recruited by colleges coming out of Southwest High in Jacksonville, N.C., where he had been a three-time class president and member of the National Honor Society.

Barnett weighed 218 pounds as a freshman at North Carolina. But he added more than 60 pounds between his freshman and senior years.

“My main reason to go to college was to get an education,” Barnett said.

He wound up becoming a nose tackle for the Tar Heels, recording 46 tackles (25 solos) his senior year. He led the team in tackles with 10 in the 1992 Peach Bowl.

The Patriots were the only team to show any interest in Barnett, who graduated from North Carolina with a double major in political science and sociology.


After agreeing to a free agent contract — he’s making the NFL minimum $108,000 — Barnett continued pursuit of his business career as a management trainee at McDonald’s.

“I really wanted to run and own my own McDonald’s,” Barnett said. “I’m the type of person, I like to know where my future is going. I had to make plans. I don’t like to put all my eggs in one basket. I definitely wasn’t going to do that being a free agent.”

Even when he left his job, he didn’t think it would be for long.

“I told them this might be temporary,” Barnett said.

He didn’t know it, but Barnett was signed to play on a weak defensive line. The Patriots do not have a dominating defensive lineman, but rather a cast of free agents (Mike Jones, Pitts, Aaron Jones, Buster Stanley) and unheralded types such as Tim Goad and Agnew.

Barnett said the veterans immediately accepted him.

“The veterans were the most help, Ray Agnew and Mike Pitts and Tim Goad,” Barnett said. “They took me under their wing and told me what to expect before it came. It helped me to get over that first week, week and half of camp. That was the roughest week I’ve seen in my life. I was like `9-to-5 doesn’t look so bad to me.’ “



Aug 26, 2006: Barnett with Boston mayor Tom Menino during the annual
Mayor's Cup Pop Warner Football Jamboree at Madison Park High School in Roxbury



Troy Barnett: Gladiator, Fixer, Computer Geek
Barnett was one of the first active players to take advantage of the NFL’s Career Internship at Reebok International for two off seasons. Without any formal education or training in Information Technology (IT), Barnett developed a passion for working with computers during his internship experience.

Determination and work ethic – two skills developed through playing football – helped Barnett transform into a competent IT professional. Legendary coach Bill Parcells admired Barnett’ s commitment and nicknamed him “laptop.” Barnett’s willingness to work as an intern during the NFL offseason paid off as evidenced by Reebok offering him a full-time job in IT immediately following his retirement from football. From 1998 to 2006 Barnett climbed the ladder in various roles at Reebok.

He moved to rival company Under Armour in 2007 and currently serves as the Senior Director of Corporate Services/Business Relationship Management (BRM) Lead. Barnett supports 5 corporate service functional areas and is blazing a trail as a “fixer” in IT.





Troy Barnett, Director, HR Technology & Process for Under Armour, Inc., is responsible for overseeing the implementation and support of information systems within the Human Resources landscape. With over 7 years of service at UA, Troy started as the Trading Partner Systems Manager for a team responsible for implementing the company’s new EDI platform, 4 B2B sites internationally and domestically, and inventory reconciliation between the warehouse distribution centers and SAP. In 2008 he was promoted to Senior Manager where his team expanded and was responsible for the upgrade and support of UA’s Trading Partner Management System, their information link to their factories throughout the world. Additionally, UA upgrades its SAP landscape with the latest support packs yearly. Troy was responsible for managing several successful SAP upgrades.

In May of 2011, Troy was promoted to Director of HR Technology, Process & Analytics. His teams are responsible for support and administration of UA’s HRIS, Applicant Tracking, Learning & Development and Performance Management systems, including multiple modules inherent to those applications. In addition to these responsibilities, he has been tasked with architecting an HR Landscape that will support the aggressive expansion plans of Under Armour domestically and internationally.

Prior to Under Armour, Troy worked for Reebok International for 10 years, beginning his IT career as an intern while playing professional football for the New England Patriots.



While in Massachusetts he was under the pastoralship of the late Pastor Hurshel Langham at Greater Faithful Apostolic Ministries for 13 years and became a licensed minister in 1998. Pastor Langham’s leadership has significantly impacted Pastor Barnett’s growth in God.

In 2007, God led Pastor Barnett to Baltimore, Maryland to continue his growth in the ministry at Refuge Way of the Cross Church of Christ where Apostle Leroy H. Cannady, Sr. is the Founder and Senior Pastor. He was ordained as an Elder in 2008 at the 64th Way of the Cross Church of Christ, International Holy Convocation in Dayton, Ohio and a District Elder in 2014 at the 70th Way of the Cross Church of Christ, International Holy Convocation in Washington, D.C. In August of 2018, Presiding Bishop Alphonzo D. Brooks appointed Pastor Barnett to the office of Bishop during his keynote address at the 74th Way of the Cross Church of Christ Holy Convocation in Alexandria, Virgina.

In January of 2016, he was asked by Apostle Cannady to become only the 2nd Pastor in the Refuge Way of the Cross 59-year history. On July 16, 2016 Pastor Barnet was installed as the Pastor of Refuge Way of the Cross.

He has been married since 1994 to Lady Tiffany Barnett and they have two beautiful, saved daughters, Tiana and Taylor Barnett. They live in Middle River, Maryland where Pastor Barnett is a Customer Engagement Executive at SAP, a global technology company. where he leads technology deployment for top tier Retail accounts for SAP. Pastor Barnett also holds a MBA from the RH Smith School of Business from the University of Maryland at College Park.








 
Today in Patriots History
Playoffs??? PLAYOFFS!!!



Happy 91st birthday to Jim Mora
Born May 24, 1935 in Glendale, California
Patriots defensive coordinator, 1982

Hired January 17, 1982
Pats résumé: one season as defensive coordinator






Jim Mora began his coaching career in 1961 at the age of 26 as an assistant at Occidental. After stops at Stanford, Colorado, UCLA and Washington, he began his NFL career in 1978 as Seattle's defensive line coach. Mora took a promotion in 1982 as the Pats DC, then left one year later to become head coach of the USFL's Philadelphia Stars. After the league folded he became the Saints head coach from 1986 to 1996, and the Colts head coach from 1998 to 2001.













 
Today in Patriots History
A Quick Cup of Coffee



Happy 40th birthday to Kareem Huggins
Born May 24, 1986 in Irvington, New Jersey
Patriots fullback, 2012 offseason

Signed as a veteran free agent on August 4, 2012
Pats résumé: 24 hours on the roster



5'9, 198 lb Kareem Huggins was signed to fill a hole in the roster created by the departure of Tony Fiammetta, who had left due to personal reasons and was not expected to return until 2013. Huggins was expected to compete with Spencer Larsen and Eric Kettani at fullback, but that never materialized. Huggins previously had a severe knee injury while with Tampa Bay, and missed the entire 2011 season.

Apparently the knee rehab had not progressed sufficiently; the Patriots waived Huggins less than 24 hours later, with a failed physical designation.


Because he was a one-time Patriots, that automatically meant that the Jets had to sign him. He was on the Jete practice squad early in the 2013 season, but only for a week. Overall Kareem Huggins played in six NFL games, with four carries for 11 yards.

Huggins is the only person from Bayley-Ellard High School in New Jersey to make it to the NFL, one of two from Irvington NJ, and one of 22 from FCS Hofstra University on Long Island to play in the NFL. More notable Hofstra alum include Saints WR Marques Colston, Jets WR Wayne Chrebet and Patriots CB Kyle Arrington.





LinkedIn -- Kareem Huggins



 
Today in Patriots History
Another Cup of Coffee



In memory of Gordy Holz, who would have turned 93 today
Born May 24, 1933 in St Paul, Minnesota
Died August 15, 2015 at the age of 82 in St Louis Park, Minnesota
Patriots defensive tackle, 1960 offseason

Signed as a veteran free agent on March 15, 1960
Pats résumé: inaugural 1960 Boston Patriots offseason



Gordon Francis Holz was a fairly big guy for his era, standing 6'4 and weighing 260 pounds after graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1955. He was drafted late by the Steelers, but never progressed beyond the taxi squad in the NFL, and then served in the Navy. He then played in Canada for the Ottawa Rough-Riders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

When the American Football League formed that gave players like Holz a second opportunity. He was signed by the Boston Patriots very early on in their existence, and he is listed on the 1960 Pats media guide as a backup on the depth chart at both left and right defensive tackle positions. Holz never played with the Patriots though, as he was traded to Denver on August 23, 1960 for center Larry Cundiff. Holz played in every game for the first five years of the AFL, spending his four seasons with the Broncos while switching from offensive tackle in 1960 to defensive tackle in 1961. Holz played for the Jets in 1964 and re-signed with the Pats in 1965 - but again never got into a real game for the Patriots before being released.












Other pro football players born on May 24 with New England area connections:

Tom Lynch, 71 (May 24, 1955)
From Whitman, Mass; Whitman-Hanson High School; Boston College
Lynch was a 2nd round pick by Seattle in '77 and played in 105 games at guard for the Seahawks and Bills from 1977-84.
Tom Lynch -- Certified Financial Planner




Swede Youngstrom (May 24, 1897 - Aug 5, 1968)
Born and raised in Waltham; Waltham High School; Dartmouth College
Swede was a guard for several teams in the twenties, playing in 96 games. He was a two-time First Team All Pro and starter on the 1926 Frankford Yellow Jackets, who won the NFL championship with a 14-1-2 record.
Buffalo's Forgotten First Football Superstar -- The Coffin Corner




Al Cannava (May 24, 1924 - Sept 24, 2017)
Born in Boston; raised in Medford; Medford High School; Boston College
The halfback/defensive back played briefly for the Packers in 1950 before deciding to step away from pro football, and instead go into a local dry cleaning business with his brothers.




Derrick Gaffney (May 24, 1955 - March 17, 2025)
Family: Jabbar Gaffney's father
Wide receiver played in 100 games for the Jets from 1978-1987, with 156 receptions.
 
Today in Patriots History
Other 2020s news
May 24, 2024:
New England signs fourth round draft pick Javon Baker to a four-year, $4.836 million contract that includes a $816,596 signing bonus and $795,000 base salary.
who?

Today in Patriots History
Playoffs??? PLAYOFFS!!!
Happy 91st birthday to Jim Mora
one of the all time great nfl press conferences... right up there with the dennis green meltdown...

Today in Patriots History
A Quick Cup of Coffee
Happy 40th birthday to Kareem Huggins
Pats résumé: 24 hours on the roster
that was quick... does that even count as a cup of coffee?

Derrick Gaffney (May 24, 1955 - March 17, 2025)
Family: Jabbar Gaffney's father
never knew that... cool
 
Patriots News 05-24, Late Brown Chatter; Real Or Leverage?
ESPN Insider on Patriots AJ Brown Trade: New England Remains “Lead Contender”
Patriots Insider on Kayshon Boutte Trade: “I don’t know if it should happen”
TRANSCRIPT: Tom Brady’s Commencement Speech at Georgetown
Patriots News 05-17,  And Patriots’ Schedule Analysis
MORSE: 2026 Patriots Schedule, Win Projection and UDFA Bonuses
2026 Patriots Schedule Sets Up Tough Start In Vrabel’s Second Season
MORSE: Patriots Rookie Mini Camp and Signings
Patriots News 05-10, Patriots Rookie Minicamp Starts
MORSE: Way Too Early 53-man Roster Projection
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