Today In Patriots History May 18, 2016: Kevin Faulk elected to Patriots Hall of Fame

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Kevin Faulk elected to
Patriots Hall of Fame​

May 18, 2016:
Kevin Faulk becomes the 25th person elected to Patriots Hall of Fame, winning the fan vote over Raymond Clayborn and Mike Vrabel



May 18, 2016:

Kevin Faulk elected into Patriots Hall of Fame

The Patriots announced today that Kevin Faulk, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has been voted by the fans as the 25th entrant into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

www.patriots.com

​

Kevin Faulk Named to Patriots’ Hall of Fame

lsusports.net

Former LSU great and three-time Super Bowl champion Kevin Faulk has been elected to the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, the franchise announced on Wednesday.​

Faulk, who is also a member of the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, was voted by the fans to become the 25th entrant into the Patriots Hall of Fame.​

Kevin Faulk elected into the Patriots Hall of Fame

Kevin Faulk will be a Patriots Hall of Famer, the team announced Wednesday. Fans elected the former Patriots running back into the Patriots Hall of Fame in the first year of his eligibility. Welcome to @TheHall, Kevin Faulk! https://t.co/cQm58l7b8Y pic.twitter.com/sQcX2hVWyX — New England...

www.boston.com

A three-time Super Bowl winner, Faulk finished his career with 3,607 rushing yards, 3,701 receiving yards, and 31 total touchdowns. He spent every season of his 13-year career with the Patriots, and appeared in 161 regular season games and 19 playoff games.​

RB Kevin Faulk voted 2016 inductee to Patriots' Hall of Fame

Running back Kevin Faulk, who thrived on third down and in the return game, is to be inducted Aug. 1 into the Patriots' Hall of Fame.

www.espn.com

Running back Kevin Faulk, whose clutch play on third down helped deliver many memorable moments over his 13-year career, has been voted by fans as the 2016 inductee into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame. Faulk beat out finalists Raymond Clayborn (cornerback, 1977-89) and Mike Vrabel (linebacker, 2001-2008) in the fan vote.​

Faulk becomes the fifth player to be selected by the fans into the Patriots Hall of Fame in the first year of eligibility, joining Drew Bledsoe (2011), Troy Brown (2012), Tedy Bruschi (2013) and Ty Law (2014).​

Faulk is the Patriots’ all-time leader in all-purpose yards (12,349) and kickoff return yards (4,098). He is also the Patriots’ all-time leading return specialist, totaling 5,041 combined return yards (4,098 kick return yards and 943 punt return yards). He ranks fifth in Patriots history in rushing yards (3,607), fifth in receptions (431), 12th in receiving yards (3,701) and eighth in punt return yards (943). He is the Patriots’ all-time leader in receptions by a running back and is one of just 30 running backs in NFL history to reach the 400-reception plateau.​

Faulk was recently in the news at the NFL draft when he announced the team's third-round pick, offensive lineman Joe Thuney, while wearing a Tom Brady jersey under his sport coat. When Faulk arrived at the podium to announce the pick, he said, "The New England Patriots AND Tom Brady select..."​

In a close vote, that might have helped push him over the top.​

Kevin Faulk Inducted Into Patriots Hall Of Fame | PatsFans.com

Kevin Faulk announced as newest member of the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.

www.patsfans.com

A career Patriot for 13 NFL seasons since being 46th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft ,Faulk is “the Patriots’ all-time leader in all-purpose yards (12,349) and kickoff return yards (4,098). He is also the Patriots’ all-time leading return specialist, totaling 5,041 combined return yards (4,098 kick return yards and 943 punt return yards). He ranks fifth in Patriots history in rushing yards (3,607), fifth in receptions (431), 12th in receiving yards (3,701) and eighth in punt return yards (943)” per the Patriots official announcement.​

Faulk was an invaluable, durable, and clutch piece to the Patriots offense during the early years of the Tom Brady era. An early highlight dug up by CBS Boston’s Michael Hurley shows Faulk passing to Brady in a regular season game in 2001.​

​

Back at the end of April, Faulk made national headlines for wearing a Tom Brady jersey and including Brady’s name in the announcement of a draft pick in Chicago. The stunt certainly favored Faulk in the final vote.​

Thread 'Kevin Faulk: Newest Member of Pats Hall of Fame'

May 18, 2016

Sure this had something to do with it:



Congrats #33!

• AtomicDawg
• Replies: 100
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Thread 'Kevin Faulk: Newest Member of Pats Hall of Fame'

May 18, 2016

Sure this had something to do with it:



Congrats #33!

• AtomicDawg
• Replies: 100
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

​

 

[jmt57]

The 3-time super bowl champion is a member of the Pats 50th Anniversary Team and the Patriots Hall of Fame. The defender of the wall ranks 5th in team history with 3607 rushing yards, 13th with 3701 receiving yards, 8th with 943 punt return yards and first with 4098 kick return yards. Faulk is first in franchise history with 12,340 all purpose yards, first with 5,041 return yards, and fifth with 7,308 yards from scrimmage. His 1,577 touches is a close second to Sam Cunningham (1,595), and he also played in 19 playoff games.

Kevin Faulk - 1998 - Football - LSU Tigers

Kevin Faulk (3) Running Back - 1998 Third-Team All-American (The Football News) 1998 First-Team All-SEC (Coaches, AP, The Football News) 1998 Playboy Magazine Preseason

lsusports.net

An All-American and a three-time All-SEC selection, Kevin Faulk finished his career as LSU’s all-time leading rusher while breaking a plethora of other LSU and SEC marks ... Held 17 LSU and SEC records ... Rushed for 4,557 yards and 46 touchdowns in his career ... Finished fourth in NCAA history and first in SEC history with 6,833 all-purpose yards ... SEC record was previously held by Georgia legend Herschel Walker ... Had 53 total touchdowns ...​

May 18, 2016:

Kevin Faulk elected into Patriots Hall of Fame

The Patriots announced today that Kevin Faulk, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has been voted by the fans as the 25th entrant into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

www.patriots.com

The New England Patriots announced today that Kevin Faulk, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has been voted by the fans as the 25th entrant into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Faulk joins Troy Brown (2012) and Tedy Bruschi (2013) as the third player to enter The Hall as a career Patriot with three Super Bowl rings. He is also just the fifth player to be selected by the fans into the Patriots Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, joining Drew Bledsoe (2011), Brown, Bruschi and Ty Law (2014).​

For his career, he played in 161 regular season games and accumulated 3,607 yards rushing on 864 attempts for a 4.2-yard average with 16 touchdowns, caught 431 passes for 3,701 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, returned 181 kicks for 4,098 yards and two touchdowns and returned 101 punts for 943 yards. Faulk is the Patriots' all-time leader in receptions by a running back and is one of just 30 running backs in NFL history to reach the 400-reception plateau. In the 2000s, he was one of just six players to rush for more than 3,000 yards and gain more than 3,000 yards receiving, joining Tiki Barber, Marshall Faulk, Michael Pittman, LaDanian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook.​

Kevin Faulk - Running Backs Coach - Staff Directory - LSU Tigers

Kevin Faulk, LSU's all-time rushing leader and three-time Super Bowl Champion, enters his first season as running backs coach for the Tigers after being promoted

lsusports.net

Kevin Faulk, LSU's all-time rushing leader and three-time Super Bowl Champion, enters his first season as running backs coach for the Tigers after being promoted to that position in February of 2020.​

Faulk, who played his entire NFL career under legendary coach Bill Belichick in New England, had spent the previous two years on the LSU staff as Director of Player Development. In that role, Faulk worked with LSU student-athletes on their academic direction, social development and overall quality of life.​

Faulk, who remains LSU’s all-time leader in rushing yards (4,557) and rushing TDs (46), starred in the backfield for the Tigers from 1995-98, helping LSU to three bowl appearances over that span. Faulk earned All-America honors from the Associated Press in 1996.​

Faulk capped his record-setting LSU career as the SEC's all-time leader in all-purpose yards with 6,833. He still ranks third in SEC history in rushing yards and rushing TDs.​

June 4, 2018:

LSU's Kevin Faulk among group on College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Former Tigers star is on College Football Hall of Fame ballot.

www.shreveporttimes.com

One of the all-time LSU greats and a member of the Louisiana Sports, LSU Athletic and New England Patriots Halls of Fame, Faulk helped lead the Tigers to three bowl appearances from 1995-97. He earned first team Associated Press All-America honors as an all-purpose back in 1996. ​

​

April 29, 2016:

Former Patriots player Kevin Faulk proudly shouts out Tom Brady during NFL draft

After sitting out the first round of the NFL draft as part of their "Deflategate" punishment, the New England Patriots used the second day to stock up on players

www.boston.com

August 1, 2016 Photo Gallery:

2016 Patriots Hall of Fame Induction: Kevin Faulk

Check out our favorite photos from the 2016 Patriots Hall of Fame induction of Kevin Faulk on Monday, August 1, 2016.

www.patriots.com

May 18, 2016:

Kevin Faulk elected into Patriots Hall of Fame

The Patriots announced today that Kevin Faulk, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has been voted by the fans as the 25th entrant into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

www.patriots.com

May 10, 2017:

Where Are They Now: Kevin Faulk

In their own unique way, each member of the 2001 New England Patriots played a role helping the team capture its first championship in franchise history following a thrilling, last-second 20-17 victory over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

www.patriots.com

June 4, 2018:

LSU's Kevin Faulk among group on College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Former Tigers star is on College Football Hall of Fame ballot.

www.shreveporttimes.com

June 2, 2021:

LSU’s Kevin Faulk, Bradie James on 2022 College Football Hall of Fame ballot – Crescent City Sports

Kevin Faulk and Bradie James, two of the most decorated players in LSU football history, are among 78 players and seven coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision included on the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame ballot.

crescentcitysports.com

December 6, 2022:

Faulk to Enter College Football HOF in Las Vegas Ceremony

lsusports.net

Inductee | Kevin Troy Faulk 2022

Kevin Troy Faulk was a Running Back for Louisiana State Universityand inducted into College Football Hall of Fame in 2022

www.cfbhall.com

The epitome of an all-purpose player, Kevin Faulk remains the SEC's leader in career all-purpose yards and LSU's all-time leading rusher. The Lafayette, Louisiana, native and cousin of 2017 inductee Marshal Faulk is the 11th Tiger player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. A 1996 First Team All-American as an all-purpose player, Faulk set the all-time SEC record with 6,833 all-purpose yards, a mark that was fourth in FBS history when he finished his career.​

The three-time First Team All-SEC selection was the first player in LSU history to average more than 100 yards per game during his entire career. Faulk set 11 school records including LSU career marks for rushing yards (4,577), rushing touchdowns (46), all-purpose yards (6,833) and 100-yard rushing games (22).​

* 1998 First Team All-SEC​

* 1997 First Team All-SEC​

* 1996 First Team All-America​

* 1996 First Team All-SEC​

* 1995 SEC Freshman of the Year​

Kevin Faulk defending the wall with a proverbial FU to Roger Goodell at the 2016 NFL Draft















​

 

[Pape]

if you told me that Kevin Faulk would be in the Pats HoF after his first three years here, i wouldn't have believed you... he skated on some very thin ice with the amount of times he put the ball on ground in his first three years here... epic turn around...

One of the all time great players to watch in the Pats backfield... #33!

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bob Dee​

In memory of Bob Dee, who would have turned 93 today
Born May 18, 1933 in Quincy
Died April 18, 1979 at the age of 45 in Portsmouth, NH
Patriot left defensive end, 1960-1967; uniform #89
Signed with the Boston Patriots early in 1960
Pats résumé: eight seasons (started every game);
4-time AFL All-Star;
Pats All-1960s Team;
4th player inducted into Pats Hall of Fame

Why am I a lifelong hardcore fan of the Patriots? Part of that probably has something to do with growing up two blocks from Bob Dee, who would regularly come speak at our Little League banquets and Cub Scout meetings. The three-sport letterman from Holy Cross spent a few years with Washington before retiring, so he could return to his alma mater to coach linemen. That was short lived, as he joined the Pats in the American Football League's inaugural season. Dee is credited with scoring the first touchdown in AFL history, a fumble recovered in the end zone against the Bills in the league's first preseason game. He is the only Patriot to ever wear #89 - it was the first jersey number retired by the organization - and to the best of my knowledge is the only pro football player from Braintree to appear in a regular season game.

A true ironman, Dee started every single game for eight straight seasons and was a five-time AFL All-Star. He retired from pro football due to a business opportunity to run an environmental services company. Jet Line Services Inc. was one of the region's first hazardous waste cleanup firms. One of his employees was another neighbor, two years older than me, who had just graduated from high school whom he mentored, Alan McKim - who later started his own waste disposal business. Founded a year after Bob Dee's death in 1980, Clean Harbors is now the largest waste remediation firm in North America, a publicly traded company with a market cap of over $16 billion (up from about $2.5b in 2015, and $11b one years ago), and annual revenues of more than $6 billion.

Robert Henry 'Bob' Dee is a member of the Pats All-Decade team for the 1960s and a member of the American Football League Hall of Fame.

Bob Dee was posthumously inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in August 1993. His spot in Patriots history is so huge that he was just the fourth player ever inducted. The team also retired his jersey number, 89 - he is the only Patriots to ever wear that number - while one of his helmets resides in The Hall at Patriot Place. The helmet he wore for 105 of those 112 consecutive games played is on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio.

1960 Training Camp at UMass: Bob Dee, G Bob Lee and FB Bob Lee​

>The Boston Patriots' Bob Dee

> December has so far been a good month for me in terms of adding autographed football cards to my AFL collections. Three or four deals have come across my desk, each

talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com

Not the largest player at his position at 6’4” and 250 lbs., Dee stressed a finesse game, preferring to overcome blockers with moves rather than through brute force. From his defensive line position, Bob Dee became one of the stalwarts around which the Patriots built a punishing defense. By 1963, Dee and his defensive mates were a feared squad that forced their opposition to throw the ball because of their solid run defense.​

Bob Dee with Boston Mayor John Collins (right) and some other politician​

New England Patriots of the Past: Bob Dee

Over the 2018 off-season, the New England Patriots office at Last Word on Pro Football is chronicling a different Patriots legend. This week, we're looking at Bob Dee, the ironman defensive end who played every possible game in his storied career.

lastwordonsports.com

This week, we're looking at Bob Dee, the ironman defensive end who played every possible game in his storied career.​

Dee established himself as one of the most physical and punishing defensive linemen in the league, racking up 33 sacks in his eight years in the league. Dee’s play earned him five AFL All-Star nominations to go along with four Second-team All-AFL honors.​

One of Dee’s more memorable games came in the 1963 Eastern Divisional Playoff Game against the rival Bills. Dee recorded two interceptions in that game, and famously played with one sneaker and one shoe with spikes, supposedly to help his grip in the snow. The method might have been unconventional, but the result worked. The Patriots won, 26-8, in large part thanks to his efforts.​

An AFL QB's Nightmare: Larry Eisenhauer, Houston Antwine, Jim Lee Hunt and Bob Dee (July 25, 1967)​

Bob Dee - Defensive lineman | 1960-1967 | The Patriots Hall of Fame

Bob Dee was the Ironman of the American Football League, never missing a game during his career.

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Aug. 13, 1967: Tom Addison, Bob Dee, and Larry Eisenhauer didn't look happy with a 33-3 preseason loss to the
Baltimore Colts, as the starters waited for the game to end. It was the first-ever game between the Patriots and an NFL team.



Larry Eisenhauer, Houston Antwine, Jim Lee Hunt, and Bob Dee join hands during a party to celebrate Eisenhauer's retirement in Boston, June 2, 1970​

2 short asides - Butch Songin was so into football that he actually played a few games for the Quincy Giants in 1969. I played defense so I never interacted with him except at practice. He was in his early 40's then.

Bob Dee I knew better. He was a defensive coach and sometimes worked with the LB's

Football was a lot different then. Even in the NFL and AFL, for most players it was more like a part time job. As you noted Dee left football because he had a better business opportunity. Not like now where you can be a 3rd round pick and get a 4 year $10MM contract, and if you fill it, you've set your family up for life. Back then the minimum contracts were in the $14K/yr range for the bottom third of the roster.

BTW- Tommy Heinsohn made MUCH more money in the insurance business than he ever did playing basketball and he was a star. Like I said, different times

For a kid who was just entering my teen years when the Pats were formed, Dee was a local legend. In fact the HC was a former Pats DB of that era by the name of Ross O'Hanley, who died just a few years later from a brain tumor. Crazy the things you remember. There was also another coach on that team that I can't seem to remember who took me under his wing and turned at 210lb nose tackle from Tufts into a 4-3 OLB in the course of about 15 practices,.

And behold, just to prove not ALL the brain cells are dead, the name came to me. Butch Mahoney was his name and he coached the secondary IIRC. Didn't think there would be a chance in hell that I would come up with that name. Must be the coconut oil supplements.

Hat tip to Pape for the images, comments and link below:

Trips facemask...

cool visual (ie. pics) blog on different face masks, with a couple good shots of Bob Dee in it

Facemask Oddities

FUN STUFF By John Turney From 1977 through 1979 Rams right tackle wore this mask. It was two Dungard masks applied to his helmet. The bo...

nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com

AFL All Star team - 1963... Dee wore an alternate Jersey number, 82, in 1963 but i am not sure why... there is no one else on the squad sporting 89... and if you note Babe Parilli (15/16), Ron Hall (23/24), Larry Garron (40/45), Charley Long (76/74) and Nick Buoniconti (51/85) all have different numbers... Tom Addison, Gino Cappelletti, Larry Eisenhauer and Billy Neighbors all wore their regular numbers...

1960, vs Dallas Texans



Game action, 1960's

Bob Dee Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Bob Dee Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Bob Dee. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

profootballarchives.com

Bob Dee - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Old News​

May 18, 1981:
Patriots sign free agents Bill Burke, Tim Ross and William Lyon.

These guys are so obscure I have no idea if they even really existed, never mind what college they went to or position they played.




May 18, 1993:
After their spring mini-camp, the Patriots sign undrafted WR/KR/PR Ray Crittenden, from Virginia Tech.

Ray went to Va Tech on a soccer scholarship, and only played football at that level for two years. His speed (sub 4.4 40's) caught scouts attention though. Crittenden caught 44 passes for 672 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons for the Patriots, while also averaging 20 yards on 47 kickoff returns and 9.1 yards on 21 punt returns. Ray was singled out by Bill Parcells as someone 'who can't make the club from the tub', making his tenure as a New England Patriot a short one.

CRITTENDEN ON HOT SEAT WITH PATS

Ray Crittenden knows he is on the clock. He knows that each day he doesn't practice with the New England Patriots, doesn't perform, coach Bill Parcells' eyes will wander to someone else, someone who can do the job.​

The former Virginia Tech standout also feels the heat of Parcells' stare as he continues his role as one ``of those guys riding bicycles.'' ``I know he's [upset] at me,'' said the third-year pro. ``I'm frustrated, too. I want to play.''​

Crittenden, wide receiver, did not play in the first two preseason games. A sore right knee was the reason given, but two MRI tests revealed no tear, no major problems. Still, Crittenden said he wasn't ready.​

It was after the second MRI last week that Parcells' tolerance tank overflowed. While Crittenden watched in street clothes, the Patriots beat the Minnesota Vikings. And when rookie free agent Hason Graham caught a 67-yard touchdown pass from Scott Zolak, giving the Patriots a come-from-behind 21-14 victory, Crittenden's value tumbled some more.​

May 18, 1984:
Sports Transactions - New York Times

NEW ENGLAND (AFC) - Signed Domingos Carlos, Michael DeSanto, Herb Menhardt, and Michael Thomas, placekickers, Phillip Harrison and Matthew Lovelady, linebackers, and Jerome Ley, defensive tackle.​

None of those six ever played in a regular season NFL game.

Why would Ron Meyer sign four kickers versus only three position players? 34-year old longtime kicker John Smith was cooked, able to play in just nine games over the prior two seasons. And in '83, he, Fred Steinfort and Joaquin Zendejas combined to convert a mere nine field goals in 22 attempts (40.9%), and 31 of 36 extra points (86.1%). The Patriots had traded for Eagles K Tony Franklin in February, but he was coming off a 15-26 (57.7%) season, as it appeared that neither Meyer nor Philly had much faith in his accuracy.

Franklin rebounded in '84, converting on all 42 of his extra points while making 22-28 field goals, scoring 108 points - more than he had scored in any of his five seasons for Philadelphia. Two years later Franklin led the NFL in field goals (32) and points scored (140), making his only Pro Bowl appearance as the Patriots won their first American Football Conference championship.




May 18, 2000:
Lionel Vital is hired as a national scout

Vital was a 7th round draft pick by Washington in '85, who was a running back in the CFL and NFL (three games as a replacement player in '87, earning his first super bowl ring). His NFL coaching career began when he was a college scout for Bill Belichick and the Cleveland Browns from 1991 to 1995, and he reunited with BB and Scott Pioli with the Jets as a scout in 1998-99.

Vital was promoted to assistant director of college scouting for the Patriots from 2001 to 2004, collecting three more super bowl rings before moving on. He was later the director of player personnel for the Atlanta Falcons, and director of college scouting for the Dallas Cowboys.

Patriots Hire Lionel Vital as National College Scout

FOXBORO, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced the hiring of Lionel Vital as a national college scout, today.

www.patriots.com

May 18, 2005:
After signing a one-day contract, Otis Smith officially retires from the NFL as a New England Patriot.

Offseason takes five: Otis retires as Patriot, four others up in air

www.milforddailynews.com

Otis Smith retires as a Patriot

"I wanted to retire as a Patriot because the greatest success of my career came in a Patriots uniform," said Smith.

www.patriots.com

"When I think about Otis Smith, a few things come to mind immediately: his incredible work ethic, the respect he earned as a result of the leadership he brought to the team and his production in some of our biggest games," said Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. "Otis helped the Patriots win a championship and he will always be respected and appreciated for that as well as for his professional approach to his job."​

"I wanted to retire as a Patriot because the greatest success of my career came in a Patriots uniform," said Smith. "The thing that I really liked about playing in New England is that the fans always appreciated my talents and what I brought to the table, win or lose. They appreciated the effort more than the actual winning itself."​

Smith, 39, played in 56 games for the Patriots during his two stints with the team (1996, 2000-02), and earned 48 starting assignments at cornerback. The 5-foot-11-inch, 198-pound cornerback out of Missouri played in two Super Bowls (XXXI and XXXVI) and had an important role in securing the first world championship in team history following the 2001 season. Besides his consistency at right cornerback, Smith is remembered in New England for his tendency to produce big plays in big games. In the 1996 AFC Championship Game, he scooped up a fumble and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown to secure the Patriots' 20-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars to earn a berth in Super Bowl XXXI. Five seasons later, he led the 2001 Patriots with five interceptions, including two that he returned for touchdowns as New England returned to the Super Bowl. Smith's big-play ability came through again in Super Bowl XXXVI, when he intercepted St. Louis' Kurt Warner late in the third quarter to kick-start a Patriots scoring drive as New England went on to win its first world title.​

 

[Patjew]

I love that Faulking guy. Once he got over the fumbling issues he was clutch as hell.

 

[jmt57]

I love that Faulking guy. Once he got over the fumbling issues he was clutch as hell.

If I recall correctly there were many that wanted him cut, or at minimum thought his roster spot was in jeopardy due to the fumbles heading into 2001 - which seems so absurd now.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2010s Trivia​

May 18, 2010:
Malcontent CB Shawn Springs is waived, one torturous year after signing a three-year contract.

Patriots Release CB Shawn Springs

www.patsfans.com

Patriots release CB Shawn Springs

The Patriots haven’t been shy about acknowledging mistakes from last season. Today, they parted company with veteran cornerback Shawn Springs, who they signed last offseason to a three-year free agent contract worth around $10 m…

www.bostonherald.com

Behind-the-Scenes Differences Possibly Led to Shawn Springs' Release - NESN.com

The marriage between the Patriots and cornerback Shawn Springs was a curious one. Springs, who signed a three-year deal worth roughly $10 million in 2009, and head coach Bill Belichick didn’t seem to share the same beliefs when it came to football, and that’s never really the best thing for...

nesn.com

Analysis of Shawn Springs release

The Patriots figure to have Leigh Bodden, who was their most consistent cornerback in 2009, starting on the right side. The question is who will be on the opposide side.

www.espn.com

Sixth round draft pick OL Ted Larsen signs his rookie contract, replacing Springs on the roster.

Larsen had a couple rough plays in preseason, and was waived at the end of training camp. The thought process was to move Nick Kaczur inside to guard, and the right tackle won the roster spot over Larsen - despite Oxy Nick having missed the entire preseason with a back injury. Kaczur eventually landed on IR, without playing a single down in 2010 - and was released the following July. Larsen was claimed off waivers by Tampa Bay, where he became a starting left guard as a rookie, and had a ten-year NFL career, with 91 starts.

May 18, 2012:
6'7" Montana rookie free agent OL Jon Opperud is signed by the Patriots.

He lasted three weeks.

Patriots sign RFA Jon Opperud

New England announced the signing of rookie free agent OL Jon Opperud on Friday. The Patriots roster now holds 89 of 90 possible players. Opperud was a three-year starter for Montana, playing left guard before being moved to left tackle for his last two years. I like the way hes approached his...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

May 18, 2015:
Julian Edelman-transition-wannabe QB/WR Devin Gardner is released.

Former UM quarterback Devin Gardner released by Patriots

New England also let go former Michigan LB Cameron Gordon, who was signed as an undrafted free agent last year.

www.detroitnews.com

Ex-Michigan QB Devin Gardner, who sought out pre-draft advice from Julian Edelman, released by New England Patriots

Ex-Michigan QB Devin Gardner was released by the New England Patriots Monday.

www.masslive.com

Patriots waive former Michigan QB Devin Gardner

The Patriots had envisioned a scenario where Gardner might follow in the footsteps of Julian Edelman in making the transition to NFL wide receiver.

www.espn.com

The Patriots also released CB Chimdi Chekwa and LB Cameron Gordon, while signing Brandon Spikes - the latter a move I thought was very surprising, at that point in time.

The linebacker only lasted three weeks in his second stint in New England, released on June 8 after a police investigation dealing with an abandoned car belonging to Spikes, which was involved in a hit-and-run. Four days later the Mass State Police charged Spikes with leaving the scene of an accident with injury, driving negligently, and failing to stay within marked lanes.

Patriots release cornerback Chimdi Chekwa

Chimdi Chekwa’s Patriots tenure is over just two months after it began.

www.boston.com

Chimdi Chekwa’s Patriots tenure is over just two months after it began.​

The 26-year-old cornerback has been released by the Patriots, the team announced on Monday. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio and NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport had reported the news earlier in the day, with Rapoport calling the move “unexpected.’’​

Chekwa spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders after being selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft. Chekwa signed with the Patriots on March 11, just hours after Darrelle Revis made his way back to the New York Jets and Brandon Browner – who would later sign with the New Orleans Saints – saw his 2015 option not picked up.​

This offseason, the Patriots have also released Kyle Arrington, who quickly signed with the Baltimore Ravens, and Alfonzo Dennard, who has joined the Arizona Cardinals. After Chekwa’s formal release, the Patriots roster now includes just a handful of true cornerbacks: Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler, two-year pro Logan Ryan, and free agent signees Bradley Fletcher and Robert McClain.​

In four NFL seasons, Chekwa has played 32 games and recorded 51 tackles with no sacks, no interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.​

Patriots release LB Cameron Gordon - Mike Reiss, ESPN

Gordon, who was a priority free agent after going undrafted in 2014, injured himself in training camp last year. The Michigan alum earned $35,000 in guaranteed money from the Patriots, which was the highest total of any undrafted free agent signed by the team last year.​

Gordon was viewed as a longshot to earn a roster spot, and his release comes the same day in which the Patriots signed free-agent linebacker Brandon Spikes. This puts the Patriots' roster at 89 players, one shy of the limit.​

Patriots Sign Linebacker Brandon Spikes

The New England Patriots are reuniting with an old friend.

www.cbsnews.com

Spikes, the Patriots' former second round draft pick (2010, 62nd overall) spent the 2014 season in Buffalo after playing the first four years of his NFL career in New England. Spikes first visited New England on May 6 in free agency.​

Spikes, 27, is nothing more than a run-stuffing linebacker and is considered a liability in pass coverage. But with Jerod Mayo and Dont'a Hightower both on the mend and recovering from surgery, Spikes could prove to be a valuable Band-Aid.​

​

His signing proves that some fences were mended, because his departure from the team was far from amicable.​

Spikes labored through the entire 2013 regular season on a bummed knee before being placed on injured reserve just days before the team's playoff opener at Gillette Stadium. It was later reported that shutting down Spikes was mainly for disciplinary reasons after he missed a Friday bye week practice.​

After that the writing on the wall was clear, and his comments to the NFL Network on the eve of free agency proved that even further, saying, "Both sides could benefit from a fresh start."​

As soon as the clock struck 4pm and free agency commenced, Spikes tweeted a farewell/good riddance message to the fans, the region and the team. A month later he trash-talked the team on Twitter. His loyalty to former college teammate Aaron Hernandez remains puzzling as well.​

But Spikes brings that special sort of nasty to a defense, and given his familiarity with the scheme and coaching staff, it shouldn't take long before he's back up to speed in Foxboro.​

May 18, 2016:
Dominique Easley signs with the Rams

A first round pick by the Patriots just two years earlier, the Patriots waived Easley in April - not because he had landed on IR in December of both of his two seasons with New England, but due to not listening to medical advice, and maturity issues:

Thursday Daily Patriots Rundown 4/14: Easley Was Apparently a Problem | PatsFans.com

Here's this morning's daily Patriots rundown for April 14, 2016.

www.patsfans.com

May 18, 2017:

Patriots sign OT James Ferentz and TE Sam Cotton

The Patriots made a series of transactions on Thursday, adding two new players and releasing another. The team signed free agent center James Ferentz and undrafted free agent tight end Sam Cotton. Th…

www.providencejournal.com

The Patriots made a series of transactions on Thursday, adding two new players and releasing another. The team signed free agent center James Ferentz and undrafted free agent tight end Sam Cotton. The Pats also announced that they had signed fourth-round pick Deatrich Wise and released offensive lineman Chris Barker.​

May 18, 2018:

Patriots waive receiver Chris Lacy

The Patriots have waived rookie receiver Chris Lacy, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

www.nbcsports.com

Chris Lacy, 22, signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State on May 11.​

He caught 63 passes for 920 yards and five touchdowns in 32 college games. Lacy also returned six kickoffs for 97 return yards.​

The Patriots are loaded at the position, with 12 receivers competing for jobs. They cut undrafted rookie receiver Darren Andrews earlier this week.​

The Patriots re-signed guard Jason King, who had been released May 10, to take Lacy's spot on the roster.

Patriots Re-Sign OL Jason King

The Patriots announced today that they have re-signed OL Jason King. In addition, the Patriots released rookie free agent WR Chris Lacy.

www.patriots.com

Patriots bring back Jason King

The Patriots have brought back Jason King, re-signing the offensive lineman Friday, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

www.nbcsports.com

May 18, 2018:
Robert Kraft will be deposed in the Colin Kaepernick vs NFL collusion case.

Robert Kraft being deposed in Colin Kaepernick collusion case

Earlier this week, Denver Broncos General Manager John Elway was deposed in the Colin Kaepernick collusion case.

www.nbcsports.com

Bob Kraft Being Deposed In Colin Kaepernick Collusion Case

It's Robert Kraft's turn to be deposed in the Colin Kaepernick case.

www.tmz.com

Why Robert Kraft's Deposition Could Play a Key Role in Colin Kaepernick's Collusion Case

Robert Kraft is the latest in a series of depositions of influential NFL figures who could have information pertinent to Colin Kaepernick’s grievance. What were the topics covered that could impact Kaepernick's collusion case with the NFL?

www.si.com

May 18, 2019:
Former Patriot Chris Long retires, after winning super bowl rings in his ninth and tenth season in the NFL.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2020s Trivia​

May 18, 2021:

Patriots release another player who opted out of 2020 season

Toran, a 25-year-old backup, opted out of the 2020 season and has never appeared in an NFL game.

www.bostonherald.com

Patriots sign 6th-round pick Bledsoe, re-sign Hoyer

The Patriots have signed safety and 2021 sixth-round draft pick Joshuah Bledsoe and re-signed free agent quarterback...

www.usatoday.com

Patriots Waive Offensive Lineman Who Opted Out For 2020 NFL Season

The Patriots waived offensive lineman Najee Toran, who was one of eight of New England's players who opted out for the 2020 NFL season.

nesn.com

The New England Patriots waived offensive lineman Najee Toran on Tuesday.​

Toran, who came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2018, was one of eight Patriots players who opted out for the 2020 NFL season over concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.​

Toran originally joined New England on Sept. 2, 2019, when he signed to New England’s practice squad. He signed a future contract on Jan. 6, 2020.​

The Patriots added interior offensive linemen Alex Redmond and James Ferentz on Monday. New England also has offensive linemen Isaiah Wynn, Michael Onwenu, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Trent Brown, Ted Karras, Justin Herron, Yodny Cajuste, Korey Cunningham, Marcus Martin and William Sherman on its 90-man roster.​

Running back Brandon Bolden, fullback Danny Vitale, wide receiver Marqise Lee, tight end Matt LaCosse, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, linebacker Dont’a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung opted out alongside Toran. Lee was waived, Cannon was traded to the Houston Texans and Chung retired this offseason.​

May 18, 2023:

Patriots waive former third-round draft pick Cajuste

The New England Patriots waived offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste on Thursday.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Patriots waive Yodny Cajuste

Earlier this offseason, the Patriots moved to retain offensive lineman Yodny Cajuste when they tendered him as a restricted free agent.

www.nbcsports.com

Patriots waive backup O-lineman, clear $2.7 million in cap space

The Patriots just created an open roster spot and almost $3 million in cap space.

www.bostonherald.com

Patriots waive Yodny Cajuste, closing the book on disappointing 2019 draft class

The Patriots made 10 draft picks in 2019. Zero remain on the roster.

www.cbsnews.com

The Patriots made 10 draft picks in 2019. Zero remain on the roster.​

The team removed the final player left from that draft class on Thursday, waiving offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste.​

The offseason acquisitions of Riley Reiff and Calvin Anderson, as well as the re-signing of Conor McDermott created something of a logjam at the position, thus leading to the Cajuste move.​

The 27-year-old Cajuste played in 17 games over the past two seasons, making five starts -- three in 2022 and two in 2021. He missed his first two seasons due to injury.​

The waiving of Cajuste closes the book on a forgettable draft class for the Patriots in 2019. That year, the team selected N'Keal Harry in the first round, Joejuan Williams in the second round, and three players -- Chase Winovich, Damien Harris, and Cajuste -- in the third round.​

​

Report: Patriots signing UDFA Justus Tavai to 90-man roster

The New England Patriots reportedly are signing undrafted free-agent defensive tackle Justus Tavai, brother of Pats linebacker Jahlani Tavai, to the 90-man roster.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

The New England Patriots opened a spot on their 90-man roster by waiving tackle Yodny Cajuste on Thursday. It didn't take long for them to fill that void.​

They signed undrafted rookie defensive lineman Justus Tavai after his tryout with the team, according to A to Z Sports’ Doug Kyed. The San Diego State product is the younger brother of Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai.​

Justus Tavai totaled 34 tackles (five for loss), 3.5 sacks, and one interception in 11 games last season for the Aztecs. He played the previous three years of his collegiate career at Hawaii.​

Tavai joins Davon Godchaux, Lawrence Guy, Christian Barmore, Carl Davis, Daniel Ekuale, Sam Roberts, and Jeremiah Pharms on the Patriots' defensive tackle depth chart.​

The Pats released Justus Tavai two weeks later, re-signed him ten days after that, and released him again on August 27. He has not been with any NFL organization since.




May 18, 2024:
Two years ago on this date, CeeDee Lamb was the hot topic on PatsFans

H

Thread 'Would you trade 2025 1st for Lamb?'

May 18, 2024

Jerrah has a real problem. He can’t pay Parsons, Prescott, and Lamb. Even though there is talk he will let Prescott walk I don’t believe it, as you can’t win without a QB, and Jerrah wants a ring before he goes to the big White House in the sky.

CeeDee Lamb is likely to be the one Jerrah moves, and the Patriots 1st in 2025 would seriously tempt him, as it will likely be a high pick even with Lamb coming to NE. So, if the Patriots are given the opportunity to sign Lamb to a long term deal would you trade the 2025 1st round pick for him?

• Huckleberry1
• Replies: 161
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Gregg Rakoczy​

Happy 61st birthday to Gregg Rakoczy
Born May 18, 1965; from Medford Lakes, New Jersey
Patriots center/guard, 1991-1992; uniform #71
Signed as a veteran free agent on August 28, 1991
Pats résumé: two seasons, 21 games (4 starts)

Football star Gregg Rakoczy looks back as he’s about to enter Shawnee athletic hall of fame

The former Renegades football star was front and center during the heyday of "The U" and spent six years in the NFL as an offensive lineman.

www.inquirer.com

The sharpest snapshot of Gregg Rakoczy's playing days at the University of Miami — the one his children literally freeze-framed on the TV screen — comes midway through the ESPN 30-for-30 documentary The U.​

There's Rakoczy on the sideline, flashing the No. 1 sign with his index finger, his smile revealing both his pride in the Hurricanes' swaggering success as well as the absence of a front tooth.​

"My kids loved that," Rakoczy said.​

While Gregg Adam Rakoczy was at the University of Miami the Hurricanes went 40-9, full of swagger and trash talk. That stint included the epic national championship victory over Nebraska.

Miami won four national titles between 1983 and 1991. Beyond that, the Hurricanes changed the atmosphere around the sport, bringing a brash exuberance — as well as an electrifying playing style — to the game and becoming a symbol of the emergence of an urban, hip-hop culture that soon would land center square in American society.​

Rakoczy found himself right at home in Coral Gables, winning a national championship as a freshman — when Miami beat a Nebraska team that featured fellow former South Jersey stars Mike Rozier and Irving Fryar in an epic 1984 Orange Bowl — and serving as a cornerstone of the program after Jimmy Johnson replaced Howard Schnellenberger and brazenly took the team's Bad Boy image to another level.​

"We had that swagger," Rakoczy said of his days in Miami. "We just didn't think we could lose. That was our attitude.​

"But what we did was work so hard. We worked so hard in practice and so hard in meetings and in the film room. We lived, ate and slept football."​

Rakoczy helped recruit Pennsauken stars Greg Mark and Jason Hicks to Miami. And Rakoczy had pitched practice battles with a future Eagles star defensive tackle, the late great Jerome Brown.​

"Practicing against that guy is the reason I was able to play in the NFL," Rakoczy said of the irrepressible Brown.​

The former Miami Hurricane was selected by the Browns with the 32nd overall pick of the 1987 draft. Rakoczy started at center and right guard for four seasons with Cleveland before arriving in Foxborough. As a rookie he was on the losing side of "The Fumble" loss to Denver in the AFCCG.


Over two years Rakoczy appeared in 21 games with four starts for the Patriots, finishing his NFL career with 81 games played over six seasons. He played in five games with two starts for the Pats at center in 1991, before landing on IR on October 30. Rakoczy then played in all 16 games in 1992, with two starts at guard.

Aug 28, 1991:

Patriots sign Gregg Rakoczy - UPI Archives

The New England Patriots sdayesday signed veteran lineman Gregg Rakoczy, who was waived earlier in the week by the Cleveland Browns....

www.upi.com

The New England Patriots signed veteran lineman Gregg Rakoczy, who was waived earlier in the week by the Cleveland Browns.​

The Patriots had room on their roster for Rakoczy because David Pool, who was claimed off the waiver wire Tuesday, failed his physical due to a groin injury.​

Rakoczy, a product of the University of Miami, entered the NFL as a second-round draft choice of the Browns in 1987. He started a total of 44 games for Cleveland over the past three years.​

Pool, a second-year player, was originally picked by the Chargers in the sixth round of the 1990 draft. After being waived by San Diego, he signed with the Buffalo Bills last Oct. 5. He played in nine games, with one start, for the Bills last season and recorded 10 solo tackles and one interception.​

Also today, the Patriots announced that five players had been signed to the team's practice squad. They are linebacker Reggie Clark, nose tackle Timothy Edwards, wide receiver Sean Foster, safety David Key, and center Blake Miller.​

1992 Patriots Media Guide -- page 56
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 280 Born: 5/18/65 Miami (Fla.)

PRO CAREER:
1991- Played in five games with two starts at right guard after signing with the Patriots as a free agent (8/28) from the Cleveland Browns ... also saw action at center during the year ... placed on Injured Reserve (10/30) after sustaining torn ligaments in his right knee vs. Denver (10/27) and missed the remainder of the season.
1990- Played in 16 games with 12 starts at right guard ... winner of the Wooster Browns’ Backers’ Unsung Hero Award.
1989- Started all 16 games at center ... extended string of consecutive starts at center to 32 ...also saw duty as long snapper.
1988- Started all 16 games and Wild Card game at center.
1987- Played in 12 games and the playoffs as a rookie ... Saw action primarily on special teams ... named to UPI's 1987 NFL All-Rookie team.
Signed by the Patriots as a free agent on August 28, 1991 ... originally drafted by the Browns in the second round of the 1987 draft.

GAMES PLAYED/STARTED: 65/46 (1987-12/0, 1988-16/16, 198916/16, 1990-16/12, 1991-5/2)

COLLEGE: Four-year letterman at Miami (Fla.) ... came out of the Hurricane's program as one of the premier offensive linemen in country with experience at every position ... settled in at center in junior year ... earned numerous All-America honors in 1986 including second-team Associated Press and second-team Sporting News ... played in Fiesta ('84 & '86), Sugar ('85) and Orange ('83) bowls ... was a member of 1983 National Championship team and was one of only three true freshman to letter.

PERSONAL: Married (Susan) ... has a daughter, Rachel (1) ... graduated in June of 1989 with a degree in Business Management from Miami ... very active in volunteer work in Westlake, Ohio, where he resides in the offseason ... earned All-South Jersey honors as an offensive tackle at Shawnee High in Medford Lakes, N.J. ... played every position on offensive and defensive lines, in addition to handling placekicking and punting duties ... set school record with 38yard field goal ... also set schoo! mark with shot put throw of 53'-4" ... born Gregg Adam Rakoczy on May 18, 1965 in Camden, N.J.

2010:

Bio - Gregg Rakoczy

Mt. Holly Pro Day is a golf tournament and reception. Proceeds from this event benefit area youth programs.

www.onlc.com

Today Gregg lives in Florida... He has worked for AT&T for the last 14 years and serves as a Lead Product Manager for on-line ordering of Managed Business Services.​

Gregg has been actively involved youth sports in his area. He has been a board member and baseball manager for his sons' Little League team. He is also a Pop Warner Head Football Coach for the New Tampa Sharks Mitey Mites.​

LinkedIn -- Gregg Rakoczy
Lead Product Management & Development
Lead Product Manager SD WAN eOrdering
AT&T
Apr 1995 - Nov 2024
29 years 8 months
Boca Raton, FL
Create, Build and Support on-line eOrdering tools for Global AT&T Business Customers

Gregg Rakoczy Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Gregg Rakoczy Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Gregg Rakoczy. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

profootballarchives.com

Gregg Rakoczy - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
David Atkins​

Happy 77th birthday to David Atkins
Born May 18, 1949; in Victoria, Texas
Patriots running backs coach, 1993
Pats résumé: one season as RB coach

David Atkins was an 8th round draft pick by San Francisco in 1973, out of the University of Texas at El Paso. He played in nine games over three seasons with the 49ers and Chargers, then at the age of 30 began his coaching career at his alma mater. After seven years in the college ranks, Atkins broke back into the NFL as Philadelphia's running backs coach in 1986. For 21 years he coached in the NFL, primarily as a running backs coach. Atkins remained in New England for only one year because he received an offer from the Arizona Cardinals to be their OC, a position he held for two years.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/AtkiDa0.htm

Dave Atkins Coaching Record

The trusted source for the pro football coaching record of Dave Atkins.

profootballarchives.com

Dave Atkins (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org