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Today In Patriots History June 5: Happy Golden Jubilee to Kevin Faulk

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Today in Patriots History
Kevin Faulk



Happy 50th birthday to Kevin Faulk
Born June 5, 1976 in Lafayette, Louisiana
Patriots running back/return man, 1999-2011; uniform #33

Pats 2nd round (46th overall) selection of the 1999 draft, from LSU
Pats résumé: 13 seasons, 161 games; 12,340 all purpose yards; three-time Super Bowl champion
Pats All-2000s Team, Pats 50th Anniversary Team, Pats All-Dynasty Team; Patriots Hall of Fame



Congratulations to Kevin Faulk on the day he turns the Big 5-0.

Seems as though it was not that long ago when we were debating whether or not the Patriots should cut ties with this young running back because of a few fumbles.





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 3,701 receiving yards, 8th with 943 punt return yards and first with 4,098 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.




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:
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, LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook.



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:
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:

August 1, 2016 Photo Gallery:

May 18, 2016:

May 10, 2017:

June 4, 2018:

June 2, 2021:

December 6, 2022:

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


















 













 
Today in Patriots History
Bethel Johnson traded for
former #6 overall draft pick



June 5, 2006:
The New England Patriots traded WR Bethel Johnson, their 2nd round selection of the 2003 draft, to the New Orleans Saints for DT Johnathan Sullivan, the sixth overall selection of the 2003 draft.

Sullivan was arrested in Atlanta three weeks later on charges of possession of marijuana, was placed on PUP to start the 2006 training camp, and released on October 9 - without ever getting on the field for the Patriots.


The Patriots have traded receiver Bethel Johnson to the New Orleans Saints for defensive lineman Johnathan Sullivan.​

Johnson and Sullivan could both benefit from a change of scenery. Sullivan was a first-round pick (sixth overall) in 2003, while Johnson was a second-round choice that season. Both have yet to emerge as full-time starters.​

Johnson spoke with the Boston Globe about his situation earlier this offseason. A sampling of his comments:​

— “It’s hard for me to sit here and watch. I hate it. I hate it with a passion. I’ve been totally disappointed.”​

— “I’m doing everything I have to do every single year to make it happen. But it’s not up to me. I’ve asked the question for the last three years really. Catch the ball better — I stay and catch the ball. Run more routes — I run more routes. Something’s not there.”​

— “It got real frustrating at one point. I bust my tail, everybody knows that about me. It just wasn’t happening for me. It was really frustrating. Really frustrating. You have no idea.”​

— “[In college, critics] wrote me off because I got hurt the year before and had a bad [medical] condition. They talk bad about you in the papers and then I came back and had a great year. I’ve spent 27 years proving everyone wrong. Keep it coming. It just motivates me.”​

Sullivan is signed through the 2009 season. Johnson is signed through 2007.​

Sullivan joins a defensive line mix that includes starters Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren. The top backups are Jarvis Green, Marquise Hill, Mike Wright and Dan Klecko. Sixth-round pick Le Kevin Smith is also in the mix, along with first-year player Santonio Thomas and rookie free agents Remi Ayodele and Kader Drame.​












 
Today in Patriots History
Robert Kraft



Happy 85th birthday to Robert Kraft
Born June 5, 1941 in Brookline
Patriots owner, 1994-present

Purchased team from James Orthwein on January 21, 1994
Pats résumé: 31 seasons, six Super Bowl championships








Say what you will about him - he certainly has his faults - but the reality is that this franchise would not be in New England if not for his efforts to keep the Patriots here.

It was Robert Kraft who prevented Billy Sullivan and Victor Kiam from moving the team to Jacksonville.
It was Robert Kraft who prevented James Orthwein from moving the team to St. Louis.
It was Robert Kraft who prevented James Orthwein from selling the team to Stan Kroenke, who wanted to move it to St Louis.
And after all was said and done, Robert Kraft did not move the team to Hartford.
It was also Robert Kraft who hired Bill Belichick, and built Gillette Stadium.












In case you are wondering, the photos above are of Bob with Ricki Noel Lander, 38 years his junior, whom he dated from 2012 until 2018, a year after she gave birth to her daughter (not his, according to Bob).


The second set are of him and Dana Blumberg, 33 years his junior, whom he started seeing in 2017 and married in 2022.






 
Today in Patriots History
'Cowboy' Crawford


June 5, 1960
Boston Patriots sign FB Jim Crawford


Jim 'Cowboy' Crawford was an original Boston Patriot. He played in all 14 games in the inaugural 1960 season, and in 55 games total with the Pats. His best season came in 1962 when he had 683 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. For his career Crawford had 1,579 yards from scrimmage with seven touchdowns, plus a pair of two-point conversions.


Here is a clip of Crawford (#30) catching a pass in a 1960 game vs the Houston Oilers:




Jim Crawford -- Fenway Park Diaries

Jim Crawford is one of the greatest homegrown Wyoming athletes in history. The Greybull, Wyo. native emerged as one of the nation’s best running backs in his senior season. Crawford earned All-American honors in 1956 and was the NCAA rushing yardage leader with 1,104 yards and was selected the Skyline Conference Back of the Year.

Crawford rushed for 103 yards on 18 carries and was voted the Most Valuable Player in the 1956 Sun Bowl, in which Wyoming beat Texas Tech, 21-14. For his career, Crawford rushed for 1,775 yards. He later spent several seasons in the National Football League with the Boston Patriots.

Inducted September 15, 1995

Honors and Awards
[*]1956 All-American
[*]NCAA Rushing Leader
[*]1956 Sun Bowl Most Valuable Player





He graduated from Greybull High School and went on to the University of Wyoming where he was a standout football player. He is in the Wyoming Hall of Fame twice – once as an individual and once with the undefeated 1956 team. He was an All-American in 1957 and was honored as the Outstanding Player for the Sun Bowl in 1956. He was first in the nation in rushing with 1,104 yards.

Jim was drafted into the Army where he played on the Fort Carson football team, after teaching a year in Lovell. He was a running back on the original AFL Boston Patriots team from 1960-64.

Jim retired as an engineer from the Burlington Northern Railroad after 30 years. He also loved to ranch, rodeo and hunt. He spent many years as a hunting guide in the Thoroughfare and the mountains near Dubois.​





There are various theories on the origin of the term "Cowboy Tough."

Regardless of the source, one guy fits the mold: the University of Wyoming's former All-American tailback, Jim Crawford.

He was a rodeo cowboy, a UW Cowboy and was nicknamed "cowboy."

And the Greybull native was as tough as they come.

Just ask former teammate John Watts, who was wingback in the same backfield as Crawford in the mid-1950s.

"Jim was the toughest SOB who ever walked," said Watts, a Ruleville, Miss. native, said with a Southern drawl. "He played injured his whole senior year and never complained. He would just duck his head and run hard. He was a horse."

Watts remembers one instance in UW's 21-14 victory over Texas Tech in the 1956 Sun Bowl.

The Cowboys were on the Red Raiders' 5-yard line and needed two yards for a first down. Crawford carried two players, who weighed some 245 pounds apiece, for three yards and that first down.

"That's the only time I ever heard Jim say anything," Watts said. "He came back to the huddle and said, 'Boy, you think that wasn't hard?'"

Watts said Crawford was not only a football player and competitor, but he was also a great all-around athlete.

Early in Crawford's time at UW, a promoter brought in a police boxing team from Denver for exhibition matches with the locals. They set up a ring in the armory with the dirt floor in the back of the Half Acre.

"The Denver team didn't have a heavyweight to box Teddy Shaffer, Two-Bar Teddy from out at Tie Siding. He was a guard out there," Watts said. "So they coerced (Crawford) to get in the ring with him. Teddy was dancing around trying to hit Jim, and Jim threw one punch - whop! You could hear that all over the place, and that was the end of the fight."

When it came to football, Crawford was something special, especially at UW.

He rushed for 1,775 yards during his three-year career while helping the Cowboys to a record of 24-7, including a 10-0 mark in 1956.

During his senior year in 1956, Crawford emerged as one of the nation's best running backs. That season he was the NCAA rushing yardage leader with 1,104 yards.

Among the running backs he beat out were Jim Brown of Syracuse and Tommy McDonald of Oklahoma.​









 
Today in Patriots History
More Old News


June 5, 1968:
Not Patriots related, but worth mentioning. Shortly after midnight on June 5, 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy is shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after winning the California presidential primary. Immediately after he announced to his cheering supporters that the country was ready to end its fractious divisions, Kennedy was shot several times by 24-year-old Palestinian Sirhan Sirhan. Kennedy was pronounced dead a day later, on June 6, 1968.

As star athletes Rafer Johnson and Roosevelt Grier accompanied Kennedy out a rear exit of the Ambassador Hotel, Sirhan Sirhan stepped forward with a rolled up campaign poster, hiding his .22 revolver. He was only a foot away when he fired several shots at Kennedy. Grier and Johnson wrestled Sirhan to the ground, but not before five bystanders were wounded. Grier was distraught afterward and blamed himself for allowing Kennedy to be shot.

The circumstances surrounding the attack, which took place five years after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, have led to numerous conspiracy theories. Now 82 years old, Sirhan Sirhan is still an inmate in a correctional facility near San Diego. His alleged motive was retribution for Kennedy's support for Israel following the 1967 Arab-Israeli Six-Day War.




June 5, 1969:
The Boston Patriots sign their 8th round draft pick, Notre Dame RB Bob Gladieux

Known as "Harpo" because his hair reminded people of Harpo Marx, Bob Gladieux would have been a completely forgotten late round pick who rarely got to run the ball, being used primarily on special teams.

But thanks to the highly erratic Clive Rush, he is forever remembered in Patriots folklore - for the Bob Gladieux Game.


After an 0-4 preseason which was most noteworthy for having a fire in the stands during a game against Washington at Alumni Stadium, the Patriots made some roster cuts a few days prior to the season opener. Among those released were Johnny Outlaw and Bob Gladieux The Patriots were 7-point underdogs at home against Don Shula's Dolphins, with most thinking Miami would cover that spread with ease..

Gladieux and a friend of his decided to go to the game, and had downed more than one beer as part of the typical pre-game tailgaiting routine. While his buddy went from their seats to the concessions to grab a couple more brewskies, the public address announcer paged Gladieux, to report to the locker room. Rush was in a contract dispute with two other players, who refused to sign the lowball contracts he was offering, so he cut them on the spot - disregarding the impeccably bad timing, with the season opener about to kick off.

Both players were quickly signed to contracts, and as his friend returned to their seats with two beers, he astonishingly heard the PA announcement of 'tackle by Bob Gladieux' on the opening kickoff.


Along with the eight sacks and three turnovers, the Pats defense limited Miami's tandem of Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick to 77 yards on 21 carries. The dominant running game was instead that of the Patriots, led by Jim Nance (89 yards on 20 carries with one TD, plus 28 yards on three catches) and Carl Garrett (6.3 ypc, 88 yards, one TD).

The Patriots scored 24 unanswered points, erasing a 14-3 deficit. A 24-yard touchdown pass from Mike Taliaferro to Ron Sellers in the fourth quarter sealed the victory.

Clive Rush's team came in better prepared and out-executed Don Shula's club. Go figure.


Unfortunately the good times were short lived. The Patriots lost the next nine in a row and Rush did not make it to season's end. The Dolphins were headed in the opposite direction, making the playoffs with a 10-4 record.

But for one brief moment, Clive Rush, Mike Taliaferro, Ron Sellers, Jim Nance and Jim Cheyunski got the best of their future hall of fame counterparts, Don Shula, Bob Griese, Paul Warfield, Larry Csonka and Nick Buoniconti.







3:02 Highlight Video
1970 Dolphins at Patriots week 1
 
Today in Patriots History
More of the 20th Century



June 5, 1984:
The NFL holds its first-ever Supplemental Draft of USFL and CFL players

The Patriots select:
Ricky Sanders, wide receiver for the Houston Gamblers
Eric Jordan, running back for the Oakland Invaders
Walter Lewis, quarterback for the Memphis Showboats

Sanders continued to play in the USFL until the league folded. On August 11, 1986 the Pats traded his rights to Washington in exchange for a 1987 third round pick, and he signed with the Redskins two days later.

Unfortunately this was not a good trade for the Patriots. Sanders played for ten seasons, the first eight with Washington, winning Super Bowls following the 1987 and 1991 seasons. he had back-to-back 1,100-plus yard years in 1988 and 1989, and scored 12 TD in '88. Altogether Sanders had 483 receptions for 6,477 yards with 38 touchdowns in the NFL. The Patriots on the other hand took that third round pick and traded down with Oakland, eventually selecting QB Rich Gannon (who they had to trade away a week later, when he refused to convert to a defensive back) and safety Derrick Beasley - who spent his entire rookie season on IR, and was released a year later without ever playing in an NFL game.

Jordan spent all of '85 and '86 on IR and never played a down in the NFL. Lewis played for Montreal in the CFL after the USFL folded, and finally signed with the Patriots on July 25, 1987 - and was released 38 days later, also never playing in the NFL.

Ouch.




June 5, 1996:
The Patriots sign their second round draft pick, University of Washington safety Lawyer Milloy

Similar to Bob Gladieux, Lawyer Milloy should have a famous Pats game named after him. But instead, thanks to ESPN's Tom Jackson, the first game of the 2003 season is known as the They Hate Their Coach Game rather than The Lawyer Milloy Game.

Despite the imperfect ending in Foxborough, Milloy was a hell of a good player while with the Patriots, going to four Pro Bowls, winning one Lombardi, playing in 112 regular season games and nine postseason games in a Patriots uniform. Lawyer is one of only a handful of players that is on a Patriots All-Decade Team twice, for both the 1990s and 2000s.
















 
Today in Patriots History
News from the Aughts



June 5, 2001:
The Patriots sign veteran free agent DT Riddick Parker, who had started all 16 games in 2000 for Seattle.

Parker would play in 13 games for the patriots in 2001, plus three postseason games, including Super Bowl XXXVI.


Two days before Smith came, Parker was added to the defensive line competition. The 6-3, 274-pound defensive tackle spent the last four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks after going undrafted out of North Carolina.​

Parker started all 16 games for Seattle in 2000, his first year as a full-time starter. Ironically, Parker was not brought back to Seattle after the Seahawks signed former Patriot Chad Eaton and Minnesota defensive tackle John Randle this offseason.​






Highway crashes claimed receivers Terry Glenn, in 2017, at age 43, and David Patten, in 2021, at 47. Two of their former teammates succumbed to cancer: linebacker T.J. Turner, in 2014, at 35, and defensive back Leonard Myers, in 2018, at 38. A heart attack felled offensive lineman Kenyatta Jones in 2018, at 39, and defensive lineman Riddick Parker died suddenly while riding his bicycle in August, at 49.​








June 5, 2008:
The Patriots release punter Mike Dragosavich

Dragosavich, of North Dakota State, was originally signed May 5. He was competing against veterans Chris Hanson and Scott Player, with Hanson the incumbent after punting wire to wire for the Patriots last season.​

The Patriots probably would have liked to bring Dragosavich to training camp, but with a roster limit of 80 players (instead of the 86, with exemptions, from years past), there is more of a premium on back-end roster spots this year.​

Taking three punters to camp under those conditions was likely a luxury the team felt it couldn’t afford.​


From May 3, 2008:
What a Drag!
North Dakota State punter Mike Dragosavich was one of the tryout players who seemed to make a good impression in rookie mini camp. On Friday, the lanky, 6-6, 212-pounder showed great technique while booming several punts that hit the ceiling of the Patriots practice bubble before they hit the ground. When a reporter joked with him about trying to break the lights that are suspended from the ceiling, he replied, "I was just trying to have good form and listen to what the coach was teaching me and perform my assignment. And when you do that, you should be able to get good hang time. That's what your goal is, so, that's what I was going for."​

"Mike's pretty athletic," Belichick observed. "He's a tall guy, he can generate some leg speed there." Belichick was asked if it more or less difficult to evaluate a punter indoors versus outside in inclement weather. The coach said he was fine with watching kicks indoors, even if they hit the ceiling. "Even though you don't get the full punt, you can see when they're hitting the ball well and when they're not. You can watch the way the punter drops the ball and the way it contacts his foot. You can get a pretty good idea of what you need to work on, and how much work you have to do."​

"It's been a great experience," Dragosavich declared after Saturday morning's practice. "Trying to work as hard as I can to get better every single day. I feel like I've been learning a ton and just having fun out here."​

Dragosavich also had fun in college, some of which can be seen on YouTube. During halftime of an NDSU basketball game, Dragosavich entertained the crowd with a spirited, five-minute dance routine that his friends videotaped and uploaded to the popular website. He revealed that he made the music mix tape himself from some of his "old-school" favorites, including Micheal Jackson's Thriller.

"It was just something I did, tried to put some smiles on people's faces and cheer some people up," Dragosavich explained. "I just try to live my life by having a good time and be positive about everything."​

He said he ad-libbed most of his dance moves in the routine. Asked if any of the other Patriots players had heard about his antics yet, he wasn't sure, but added with a laugh, "I'm sure it'll come up."​




Unfortunately the video mentioned above seems to have been deleted, but there is this interview:
 
Today in Patriots History
2010s Tidbits



June 5, 2013:
Patriots waive RB Akeem Shavers

This was Shavers' second and final stop with an NFL team, both of which were extremely brief. He was signed as an undrafted rookie out of Purdue by Tampa Bay on May 3, and released three days later. Shavers lasted a bit longer with the Pats - almost a month - having been claimed on waivers May 7. He resurfaced two years later in the CFL, winning the Grey Cup with the Edmonton Eskimos.







June 5, 2014:
Five-time first team All Pro DT Kevin Williams gets a visit with the Pats

Williams has been a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and will likely gain entrance to Canton at some point. He would have been turning 34 soon after training camp opened, and chose Seattle over New England.

Williams (6-5, 311 pounds) is visiting the Patriots today, according to CSNNE’s Tom E. Curran. The 33-year-old has played his entire career for the Minnesota Vikings, showing remarkable durability while missing only five regular season games.​

Drafted ninth overall in 2003, Williams predates Vince Wilfork in the NFL by one year. He has 463 total tackles in his career, 60 sacks, and eight forced fumbles.​

When the Patriots were winning Super Bowls, it was not uncommon to see veteran free agents take less money in order to play for Bill Belichick and contend for Super Bowls. Now that the Seahawks are defending champions, the Patriots are learning what life on the other side of that equation is like.​

Defensive tackle Kevin Williams signed with the Seahawks over the weekend, and ESPN's Ben Goessling reported that Williams had actually turned down an offer from the Pats that could have paid him more money.​

Williams told Goessling that the Seahawks "had a few more pieces in place for me" than the Patriots did.​

Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats - Mike Reiss, ESPN
The Patriots didn’t lose out on free-agent defensive tackle Kevin Williams, who agreed to join the Seahawks on Thursday, because of money. In fact, Williams told ESPN.com NFL Nation Vikings reporter Ben Goessling that the Patriots actually offered a contract with greater earning potential than Seattle. That’s a surprise to me, and it might reflect some internal concern with 11-year veteran Tommy Kelly (coming back from a torn ACL) and first-year player Armond Armstead (missed 2013 season due to an infection and hasn’t been practicing the past two weeks). Also, first-round draft choice Dominique Easley is coming off a torn ACL, and stalwart veteran Vince Wilfork is coming back from a ruptured Achilles. The Patriots sometimes lure players to town for less money because of the appeal of playing with Tom Brady in a winning program, but this was a case where it went the other way, even with Williams’ former defensive line coach Brendan Daly now in New England. The Seahawks sit atop the NFL’s mountaintop right now.​




June 5, 2015:
Former New England CB Aqib Talib is hospitalized after suffering a gunshot wound.

In 2009, Talib was arrested and charged with simple battery and resisting arrest for assaulting a cab driver. The NFL suspended him for the first game of the 2010 season, and he was entered into a pretrial diversion program and ordered to attend anger-management classes. He reached an undisclosed financial settlement with the driver.​

Talib was indicted on an aggravated assault charge for an incident near Dallas in 2011; he allegedly pistol-whipped his sister's boyfriend and fired shots at the man, but the charges were dismissed for lack of evidence.​

In 2014, the Broncos were initially informed Talib had been arrested in Dallas, but it was actually Talib's brother, Yaqub Talib, who had been arrested. Dallas police released a correction on social media saying information that Aqib Talib had been arrested "was incorrect.''​

In 2015, Talib and his brother were questioned at the scene of an aggravated assault at a Dallas nightclub. Talib was questioned by police and his car was towed and examined for evidence, but he was not charged.​

Talib signed a six-year, $57 million deal with the Broncos in 2014.​







Jan 6, 2017 follow up:
News 8 has received exclusive video of Aqib Talib being brought to Medical City Dallas in his White Rolls-Royce the night he was shot in June.​

The Denver Broncos cornerback had a gunshot wound to his leg. Dallas police released the video and pictures from the hospital from June 5.​

While in his hospital bed, Talib initially told detectives he had been shot while at a park.​

He said that night that he “heard a shot and felt burning in his right leg and then he fell to the ground."​

He also said he had been "drinking since 7 p.m.” and that he didn’t remember anything else from that night.​

Pictures of the Rolls-Royce that night show blood in the interior and what police say is marijuana found inside the car.​

For months, Dallas police tried to verify Talib's story. There were questions because before he showed up at the hospital he was at a strip club, V Live in northwest Dallas.​

911 calls were also provided to News 8, in which callers were heard screaming about the shooting.​

There was a shooting at the club, where two people were shot. Police could never prove Talib was at the club at that time.​

They pressed him on his story, and eventually his attorney, Frank Perez, sent DPD a letter saying Talib admitted he accidentally shot himself and lied to officers.​

"Mr. Talib stated he was disoriented and was on morphine and that the police wouldn't let him see his family,” Perez wrote. “And the thought of losing his football career that he just said he was shot."​
 
Today in Patriots History
More from the 2010s



June 5, 2017:
The New England Patriots have signed 2017 third-round pick Tony Garcia.​

New England gave up two draft picks to move up and take Garcia, an offensive lineman from Troy, with the 85th overall selection in April's draft.​

He could be New England's left tackle of the future with current starter Nate Solder entering the final year of his contract.​

In addition, the Patriots signed rookie DB Will Likely and released rookie free agent DL Corey Vereen.​

Likely, 22, played in 43 games during his college career at Maryland, finishing with 229 total tackles and seven interceptions. The 5-foot-7, 175-pounder, also returned 87 kicks for 2,233 yards with two touchdowns and returned 67 punts for 875 yards with four touchdowns. As a senior in 2016, he was limited to six games due to injury. As a junior in 2015, he started one game as a defensive back on defense and as a wide receiver on offense.​

Vereen, 21, was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent on May 5, 2017. He was a three-year starter at defensive line for Tennessee. The 6-foot-2, 249-pounder, played in 13 games with 11 starts and posted a career-high seven sacks. He was awarded the Andy Spiva Defensive Player Award at the 2014 Orange and White game. Vereen played in nine games as a true freshman in 2013.​




June 5, 2017:
ESPN announces that Hank Williams Jr. will debut a new version of "All My Rowdy Friends," featuring its "Are you ready for some football?" catchphrase, before the first Monday night game of the season, between the Saints and Vikings in Minneapolis on Sept. 11. The network had pulled Williams' song from the telecast midseason in 2011.

The biggest question is, why now? How does William factor in? It’s not as if he’s a hot commodity with a younger demo, and there has been prior controversy.​

Williams was fired in 2011 after comments he made on FOX News Channel’s “Fox and Friends.” At the time, Williams commented that a game of golf between then president Obama and former House Speaker John Boehner would be like “Hitler playing golf with Netanyahu,” a reference to the prime minister of Isreal. ESPN responded with a statement saying, “While Hank Williams, Jr. is not an ESPN employee, we recognize that he is closely linked to our company through the open to Monday Night Football. We are extremely disappointed with his comments, and as a result we have decided to pull the open from tonight’s telecast.”​




June 5, 2017:
To the best of my knowledge, no toes were injured.

Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan, along with his twin brother and former assistant coach, Rob Ryan, were involved in a bar skirmish in Nashville this past weekend.​


A video of the confrontation made it to Twitter. Rex -- wearing a Bryce Harper Nationals jersey -- appears to be in the midst of an argument before it gets physical. After what appears to be a shove toward Rex, Rob Ryan intervenes and is seen putting his hands on another man's throat for a brief moment.​

The Ryans attended Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Predators and Penguins on Saturday, and Rex played a part in the Predators’ pregame car-smashing tradition.​






June 5, 2018:
Jordan Matthews knew New England Patriots playbook would be complicated because he plays 'Madden'
Learning the New England Patriots' playbook can be a daunting task for wide receivers at times. Chad Johnson (Ochocinco at the time), Reggie Wayne and Joey Galloway were all proven wide receivers who struggled to catch on with the Patriots later in their careers.​

For Jordan Matthews, age is not a problem. He's only 25 years old. And, thanks to playing the "Madden" NFL video game, he was prepared for how complex the playbook is.​

"It's crazy," Matthews said. "I played with the Patriots on Madden before and there were way more plays than any other team. I was like, 'Ok, it's probably somewhat realistic.' So I knew that that was probably going to be a task going in here. But at the same time I looked forward to it and I'm just trying to continue growing."​

Matthews was asked if the Patriots' playbook is close to the one included in the video game, but he decided to not give away too many secrets.​

"I'm not going to say it's too similar because I don't want any of our opponents to go play it and look," Matthews said.​




June 5, 2018:
Amid the controversy over the White House canceling a visit from the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, there's a new report on how President Donald Trump felt about Tom Brady missing last year's Washington, D.C. trip.​

"Trump grew angry in April 2017 when Tom Brady said he planned to skip the White House visit with the Patriots, huddling angrily with aides and even calling Patriots owner Robert Kraft," a Washington Post story states.​

Brady cited family reasons in his decision to forgo the event. His mother had been battling cancer at the time.​

The Post reports that the president worried that Brady's no-show "would reflect poorly on him" and made several phone calls to try and fix the situation.​

More than a year later, a Washington Post report Monday night pulled back the curtain on the “chaotic” scene aboard Air Force One the day before the Patriots’ visit. Flying back from an event in Wisconsin, Trump reportedly “grew angry” and even paid Patriots owner (and longtime friend) Robert Kraft a phone call.​

Here’s how the Post described the entire episode:​
Trump grew angry in April 2017 when Tom Brady said he planned to skip the White House visit with the Patriots, huddling angrily with aides and even calling Patriots owner Robert Kraft. One former senior administration official described a chaotic scene unfolding over the heartlands of America, as Trump flew back from an event in Wisconsin. Trump made a number of calls and asked aides to help fix the situation, worried that Brady’s absence would reflect poorly on him.

Of course, no number of phone calls were able to reverse Brady’s decision and eventually Trump “calmed down,” according to the Post. However, when the rest of the team visited, the president somewhat remarkably never mentioned Brady’s name during the event, despite their 15-year friendship.​

Trump’s apparent preoccupation with the Patriots quarterback has reportedly continued to nag at him.​




June 5, 2019:
Sony Michel is again not seen on Day Two of Mandatory Minicamp. We later learned he was recovering from foot surgery, and the running back did not miss any games in his second season.

Meanwhile retired Troy Brown is visible at minicamp, working out with receivers. Troy was helping fill a void from the departure of 2018 WR coach Chad O'Shea, who had accepted a job on Miami's coaching staff with Brian Flores in February. Special Teams Coordinator Joe Judge was also tasked with being the 2019 Receivers Coach, and nobody was named an Assistant WR Coach. Troy would work in an unofficial capacity in 2019, then be announced as the Pats RB/KR coach the following year.

Patriots coaching carousel: This offseason saw the most movement with coaches in Bill Belichick's time in Foxborough - Mark Daniels, Metro West
Coaching turnover happens to every team, every year. It’s no different in Gillette Stadium. What is different, however, is the amount of coaching turnover head coach Bill Belichick had during this offseason.​

Looking back at every coaching staff Belichick has had in Foxborough, the 2019 offseason has seen the most change, with five assistant coaching departures and six coaching promotions and new hires.​

It started with defensive play-caller/linebackers coach Brian Flores heading to Miami to become the Dolphins head coach. With Flores went receivers coach Chad O’Shea, cornerbacks coach Josh Boyer and assistant quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski. Next, defensive line coach Brendan Daly left for the Kansas City Chiefs.​

That left Belichick with one defensive assistant remaining from his 2018 staff — his son, Steve Belichick. To make matters more interesting, the man they hired to be the defensive coordinator, Greg Schiano, resigned in March.​

Offensively, Mick Lombardi is expected to be the assistant quarterbacks coach. The biggest surprise out of all is Joe Judge. The Patriots special teams coach since 2015 will now also coach wide receivers, replacing O’Shea. He’ll still work with special teams, who also have assistant Cameron Achord.​

 
Today in Patriots History
2020s News


June 5, 2023:
Tyquan Thornton’s former coach sees Pats wideout thriving with Bill O’Brien - Karen Guregian
Bill O’Brien can’t be the cure-all for the Patriots offense, but the new Patriots offensive play caller is certainly shaping up to be an X-Factor.​

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones sounded like a new man last week following Wednesday’s OTA session. And watching wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, even in a non-padded practice, he already looks like he’s embraced the change along with the new possibilities for him in O’Brien’s offense.​

It’s early, and a long way from knowing just how much the offense will ultimately improve from last year’s debacle under Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, but it’s fairly obvious O’Brien is already making an impact.​

Speaking with Chansi Stuckey, who was Thornton’s former receivers coach at Baylor, he believes O’Brien’s presence will allow the second-year wideout to be the type of player the Patriots envisioned after taking him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.​

“I think about O’Brien when I watched Deshaun (Watson) play with one of our guys from here, with (former Notre Dame star) Will Fuller who was constantly catching balls downfield,” Stuckey said. “I’m sure that falls right into Tyquan’s wheelhouse. I’m sure he’s excited about being used and getting opportunities to be used to his skillset.”​


Patriots could sign one of these 7 free agents to upgrade roster - Mark Daniels
As of Monday morning, the Patriots two roster spots open after Devin McCourty’s retirement was processed and the team released Justus Tavai. The Patriots are in an interesting position where they have around $13.287 million available in cap space, per Patriots cap guru Miguel Benzan.​

The Patriots have the roster availability and the cap space to add a veteran player to their depth chart. Here’s a look at the top players available that could help:​

DeAndre Hopkins, receiver
Would it get any better than Hopkins? The 30-year-old is the top player available. The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro caught 64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns last season in Arizona.​

Yannick Ngakoue, defensive end
Do the Patriots really need more pass rushers? They have Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Deatrich Wise and drafted Keion White. It would be an embarrassment of riches, but Ngakoue is an accomplished pass rusher. The 28-year-old has made 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Opposing quarterbacks would have their hands even more full if he was a part of the Patriots pass rush.​

Akiem Hicks, defensive tackle
Hicks was a solid mid-season pick up for the Patriots in 2015. Then he turned into the player who got away. This Pro Bowl defensive lineman was outstanding for Chicago.​

Kareem Hunt, running back
The Patriots are having an open competition when it comes to the team’s receiving back. The leader in the clubhouse looks to be Ty Montgomery followed by Pierre Strong and James Robinson. (uggh) What if the Patriots turned the competition up a notch?​

Rashaan Evans, linebacker
The Patriots lost some depth when Raekwon McMillan suffered a partially torn Achilles two weeks ago. The team could look to fill his role with someone like Evans. The 27-year-old finished with 159 tackles last season. He also went to Alabama and the Patriots had some pre-draft interest in 2018. Evans would add solid depth with Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Mack Wilson and Marte Mapu.​

Frank Clark, defensive end
Similar to Ngakoue, the Patriots don’t necessarily need someone like Clark. (huh?) However, he’s had a solid career and would add more competition and fire to the team’s pass rush. The 29-year-old started 15 games for the Chiefs last season, making five sacks. Clark is a three-time Pro Bowler. With the AFC East getting more competition (Aaron Rodgers), maybe adding another pass rusher is a good thing.​




The 5-foot-10-inch, 185-pound receiver was a second-team All-CAA selection in 2022. He made 56 catches for 908 yards last season. He also returns punts, averaging 11.3 yards per return last season. Lee played for Team Kai in the Hula Bowl in January.​

The Patriots filled one of two open roster spots with Lee’s signing. Lee will join a Patriots receiving corps which includes Juju Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, Tre Nixon, Demario Davis, and Matthew Slater. (umm, no, Slater should never be referred to as a receiver.)


After a dysfunctional 2022 season where a Matt Patricia-led offense created headaches for both Bill Belichick and his players, things seem to be returning to normal on New England’s coaching staff.​

After playing an active role in the Patriots’ offensive schemes last year, Belichick is reportedly taking a much more hands-off approach now that Bill O’Brien has taken the reins as the team’s offensive coordinator.​

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Belichick’s dynamic with O’Brien is similar to the relationship he had with Josh McDaniels for many years.​

O’Brien’s return to Foxboro should present a steadying presence to an area of the roster that was often in disarray last fall. O’Brien’s familiarity with both McDaniels’ offensive gameplan and the University of Alabama’s playbook should help Mac Jones after a lackluster sophomore campaign in the NFL ranks. (lol)





June 5, 2024:
The Patriots sign their 4th round draft pick, guard Layden Robinson

Robinson is expected to be a part of the continued rebuild along the Patriots' offensive line. Like tackle, there are plenty of questions at the guard position for New England as well.​

Cole Strange is still sidelined with a knee injury that could reportedly keep him out well into the season. So Robinson could be in the mix for reps right out of the gates, alongside Sidy Sow, Atonio Mafi, Michael Jordan and Nick Leverett.​

Robinson is a versatile player capable of playing at every interior spot on the offensive line, including center. The latter could be something to keep an eye on with the team building for the future behind longtime Patriot David Andrews. For now, however, he's being viewed as a depth option at guard.​

Robinson marks the seventh rookie draft pick the Patriots have signed with the lone remaining player being second-round pick wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk.​

Robinson played in 13 games with 11 starts as a rookie, then was waived the following year. He spent the rest of 2025 on the Raiders practice squad, and is now on his third team in three seasons, the Atlanta Falcons.
 
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Today in Patriots History
James Ferentz



Happy 37th birthday to James Ferentz
Born June 5, 1989 in Iowa City, Iowa
Patriots offensive lineman, 2017-2023; uniform #59 (2017), #66 (2018-20) and #65 (2021-23)

Signed as a veteran free agent on May 18, 2017
Pats résumé: six seasons, 40 games (ten starts); one super bowl ring; de facto OL coach, 2023



The Iowa grad spent two seasons in Denver, appearing in 20 games in 2015-2016. His father Kirk worked with Bill Belichick in Cleveland and New England, and his brother Brian was formerly the Pats tight end coach.


James Ferentz spent most of 2017 and 2018 on the Pats practice squad. He appeared in two games for the Patriots in 2018, with just eight offensive snaps and eight special team snaps. In 2019 he was waived as part of final roster cutdowns and re-signed a few days later. Ferentz started one game at center and another at guard due to injuries to Ted Karras and Shaq Mason, and appeared in all but one game over the season. He also started two games in 2020 when David Andrews was injured, playing in a total of seven games that year while active but not playing in five more.


In 2021 Ferentz began the season on the practice squad before being elevated. In the week five 25-22 victory at Houston he made his first start at left guard and also started in the 35-29 loss to Dallas the following week, forced into duty due to much of the offensive line being sidelined by covid. Ferentz got on the field again a week later when Shaq Mason was injured mid-game. After that it was back to the practice squad, plus dressing but not playing in three other games. He played in 12 games with three starts in place of David Andrews in 2022. Then in 2023 Ferentz was on the field for just four snaps in the upset win at Denver; he spent most of the season as the de facto offensive line coach during Adrian Klemm's absence.


Ferentz retired on February 19, 2024. Shortly after the Giants hired him as an assistant offensive line coach, on March 26. After their biannual housecleaning, Ferentz was hired by the Houston Texans on January 30, 2026, to work with their tight ends.




After graduating in spring 2013, the 6-foot-2, 285-pound Ferentz got shut out of the NFL. Aside from an appearance in rookie minicamp with the Chicago Bears, Ferentz didn't land a spot with a team. So he stayed in Iowa City and trained for an opportunity in professional football while working for Randy's Carpets, which is based out of Coralville and Cedar Rapids.​

"He did a lot of nasty groundwork," Randy's Carpets warehouse manager Jason Krieger recalled. "Tearouts, deliveries. Whatever he was asked, he did. Help check stuff in, check stuff out. Basically warehouse work. He did well. I never heard any complaints and he did all the work I asked him to do."​

Ferentz's brother-in law, Matt Lesan — Ferentz married Lesan's sister, Skylar, in summer 2014 — referred the former Hawkeye to Krieger.​

Then the grind began. For about eight months, Ferentz worked 40-plus hours per week for Randy's Carpets until he signed with the Texans in May 2014.​

James Ferentz attended Iowa City High School before playing under his father at Iowa from 2008-12. He started at center in 38 straight games over his last three seasons as a Hawkeye, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors his senior year.​

He was signed by the Houston Texas as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and didn’t see the field. He then played with the Denver Broncos for two seasons and ended his professional stint after six years with the New England Patriots. He played in 61 NFL games and won two Super Bowl rings with former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.​






2023 Patriots Media Guide








Career Earnings: $5,756,369

 
Today in Patriots History
Harold Landry



Happy 30th birthday to Harold Landry
Born June 5, 1989 in Spring Lake, North Carolina; hometown Fayetteville NC
Patriots outside linebacker, 2025-present; uniform #2

Signed as a veteran free agent on March 9, 2025
Pats résumé: one season, 15 games (14 starts); three postseason games; team captain



In 2025 Harold Landry led the New England defense in sacks (8½), QB hits (19), and tied for the team lead in tackles for a loss (10), despite missing two games. The performance by the Pats defense dropped precipitously in the games when he was out, or not 100%.

BC Eagles - 2017 Roster - Harold Landry
Notes: Set the Boston College single-season record with 16.5 sacks in 2016 ... second in the BC record book with 26.0 career sacks ... 47.5 career tackles for a loss rank second in BC history while his 22.0 in 2016 were second all-time in a single season.​

2017 (SENIOR): Played in eight games before a season-ending ankle injury ended his year ... tied a career-high with three sacks against No. 16 Virginia Tech (10/7/17) … just the third player in college football since 2014 to have three, three sack games (Myles Garrett, Texas A&M; Derek Barnett, Tennessee) … moved into sole possession of second place in BC career history in sacks and TFLs after the Virginia Tech game.​

2016 (JUNIOR): Walter Camp All-America Second Team ... AP All-America Second Team … Phil Steele All-America Fourth Team … voted to the All-ACC Second Team by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association (ACSMA) and league’s head coaches… AP and Phil Steele All-ACC First Team … recipient of the Division I Gold Helmet of the Year and the George “Bulger” Lowe awards ... named to the Division I All-New England Team … Ted Hendricks Award finalist … played in all 13 games, making 12 starts … led the nation with seven forced fumbles and 16.5 sacks … fifth in the nation and second in the ACC with 22.0 tackles for loss.​




CAREER TRANSACTIONS
Harold Landry III was signed by the New England Patriots as a free agent on March 12, 2025 ... Originally drafted by Tennessee in the second round (41st overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft ... Released by Tennessee (3/7/25).​

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
  • In 2023, after missing the entire 2022 season due to injury, became the NFL's third veteran player since 1982 to miss an entire NFL season and come back the next year to record at least 10 sacks with 12 in 2021 and 101/2 in 2023.
  • Named to the Pro Bowl in 2021 after ranking 10th in the NFL and leading the team with career-high 12 sacks. Posted eight consecutive games with at least a half sack, becoming one of two Titans to accomplish the feat since 1982 (DE Jevon Kearse, 12 consecutive games from 1999-2000).
  • During his first six NFL seasons under Mike Vrabel, led the Titans with 411/2 sacks, good for 11th place on the franchise's all-time list.
  • Reunited with Mike Vrabel in New England after spending his first six seasons (2018-23) under him.
SEASONAL REVIEWS
2025 (15/14, 2/1)
  • Serves as a starting linebacker and contributes on special teams on field goals, extra points and punts.
  • Named a team captain for the first time in his career.
  • Recorded 21/2 sacks vs. Las Vegas (9/7), the seventh multi-sack game of his career.
  • Finished with 1 sack in New England's 33-27 win at Miami (9/14) when he brought down QB Tua Tagovailoa on a thirdand-7 situation for a 2-yard loss in the fourth quarter. He now has 3½ sacks on the season, the most by any Patriots player in their first two games with the team. He previously had 2½ sacks vs. Las Vegas on Sept. 7, 2025. The previous record was set by DL Chris Slade in 1993, with 3 sacks in his first two games with the team.
  • Inactive at the N.Y. Jets (12/28) and vs. Miami (1/4) due to injury.
  • Returned to action vs. the L.A. Chargers (1/11/26) in the Wild Card Round.
  • Inactive for the AFC Championship at Denver (1/25/26) due to injury.




The voluntary offseason program officially begins on April 20 for the New England Patriots. However, veteran edge rusher Harold Landry III has already begun showing up at the team facility every day over the recent weeks.​

Landry has been dealing with a persistent knee injury that had seriously dropped his production. The star edge rusher previously left New England's Week 6 game early against the New Orleans Saints; Landry suffered a leg injury but walked off on his owner power, but the injury nagged at him throughout the remainder of the year. He was one of New England's biggest free agency signings of 2025 — and now heading into his second year with the organization, it appears there is a strong path forward. Head coach Mike Vrabel recently said that Landry has been hard at work to reach his full potential come 2026.​

A longtime member of the Tennessee Titans, Landry joined the Patriots on a three-year, $43.5 million contract last March. He concluded his first year with the Patriots with 15 games played and 49 total tackles.​




A longtime member of the Titans, Landry joined the Patriots on a three-year, $43.5 million contract last March. He accumulated well to his new surroundings, entering the starting lineup seemingly on arrival and later also getting voted a team captain.​

However, his production dropped off after he hurt his knee. After playing 78.7% of defensive snaps over the first half of the season and registering 6.5 sacks along the way, he was limited to 33.8% and 2.0 quarterback takedowns after popping up on the injury report in Week 12.​

With Landry limited, K’Lavon Chaisson and Anfernee Jennings became the two most-used edges. Both have since left the team, with Chaisson signing a free agency pact with the Commanders and Jennings getting cut.​

The Patriots are hopeful that Landry’s return to full health as well as the signing of fellow edge Dre’Mont Jones will help soften the blow of those departures.​











Career Earnings: $76,618,459
Career Earnings w/NE: $16,350,000
Career APY: $9,577,307
Potential Earnings: $103,618,459


 
Today in Patriots History
Jared Wilson



Happy 23rd birthday to Jared Wilson
Born June 5, 2003 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; hometown Clemmons NC
Patriots left guard/center, 2025-present; uniform #58

Selected in the 3rd round (95th overall) of the 2025 draft, from Georgia
Pats résumé: one season, 13 games (13 starts); started all four postseason games





The Patriots went offense for the third time again on Friday night, closing things out with a couple of trades that pushed them further into round three before ultimately selecting Georgia center, Jared Wilson, with the 95th overall pick.​

He’s a player who was highly touted, with Wilson rated as being the top center in the draft. He becomes the second offensive lineman targeted so far this weekend, with the club obviously having taken LSU tackle Will Campbell in round one Thursday night to kick off the list of 2025 Patriots Draft Picks.​

With the Patriots intent on building a solid foundation up front in front of Drake Maye, Wilson’s addition certainly seems to provide some quality depth and yet another potential cornerstone piece along their offensive line.​

Still, Wilson’s selection was interesting considering the club signed Garett Bradbury this offseason, and it potentially signals that Cole Strange’s path back to left guard may seemingly be a bigger possibility heading into the season.​

While Strange was expected to compete for the center position, the Patriots would have still needed to find a more viable candidate to play left guard after an up-and-down season where the club rotated between Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, and Michael Jordan while Strange was sidelined.​

Robinson ultimately started the final five games of the season, but they absolutely need to solidify that spot heading into 2025. Adding Wilson would give Strange the ability to return to his original spot, although Eliot Wolf said Friday night the plan will still be for them to compete.​





Jared Wilson allowed zero sacks in 511 pass-block snaps last season in the SEC.​

Wilson started in 11 of 12 games in 2024, his only year as the starter. He had to wait his turn, and became the starter only after Alex Van Pran-Granger was drafted in last year’s draft. Wilson was selected by the SEC Coaches’ as Second-Team All-SEC. He also earned a 79.4 offensive blocking grade, including an 84.9 pass-blocking grade. He had the third-best PFF grade out of all Georgia offensive players. Two Guards, Tate Ratledge and Dylan Fairchild were taken in the draft ahead of Wilson.​

This is what The Athletic “The Beast” Draft Guide states – A one-year starter at Georgia, Wilson moved to center in offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s multiple-run scheme (zone and gap). He didn’t start playing football until high school and didn’t move to center until after the 2022 season, but he played at a high level as a starter in 2024 and earned All-SEC honors. With his athletic traits and play strength, Wilson shines blocking inside zone and has the feet to operate in small quarters or make the backside cutoff/frontside reach.​

Still relatively inexperienced, he needs to develop his consistency as a drive blocker in the run game and when working underneath defenders to anchor in pass protection. Overall, Wilson lacks premium size and is fundamentally rough around the edges, but he sports the body control, movement skills and football IQ to lock down a long-term starting center role. His game is reminiscent of Rodney Hudson’s, and he should compete for immediate starting reps.​

Dane Brugler had a 2nd round grade on Wilson and had him ranked #57​

PFF had him at #63​

Evan Lazar #65​

(And the Patriots were able to nab him at #95!)

NFL Draft Buzz had these points:​

  • Lateral agility jumps off the tape – moves like a tight end trapped in a center’s body, allowing him to mirror and match quicker interior defenders.
  • Arrives at the second level with bad intentions, showing exceptional downfield speed that lets him hunt linebackers in space with surprising efficiency.
  • Creates quick leverage with a stiff, well-timed punch and tight hand placement that allows him to control defenders once engaged.
  • Shows impressive processing skills against stunts and twists, quickly identifying and sorting out defensive movement in real-time.
  • Constantly keeps his head on a swivel looking for work – rarely catches him standing around while the play develops elsewhere.
  • Transitions smoothly from snap to engagement with no wasted motion, immediately getting into his blocking assignment with urgency.
  • Displays above-average body control and recovery ability, regaining position even after being knocked off-balance.
  • Detaches cleanly from double teams to climb, showing good timing and understanding of combination blocks.













Career Earnings: $1,994,496
Career APY: $1,994,496
Potential Earnings: $6,207,432


 
Today in Patriots History
Ryan Mallett



In memory of Ryan Mallett, who would have turned 38 today
Born June 5, 1988 in Batesville, Arkansas; hometown Texarkana, Texas
Died June 27, 2023 at the age of 35 in Destin, Florida
Patriots quarterback, 2011-2013; uniform #15

Pats 3rd round (74th overall) selection of the 2011 draft, from Arkansas
Pats résumé: three seasons, four games; 1-4 for 17 yards with one pick; passer rating of 5.2, QBR of 0.5



Concerns about Ryan Mallett's drinking and motivation caused him to fall from the first round to third in the 2011 draft. He appeared in just four games over three seasons, going 1-4 for 17 yards and one interception. At the time the Pats had enough faith in Mallett to retain him and waive Brian Hoyer in 2012.


In a first bit of trivia, the draft pick that was used on Ryan Mallet was acquired by the Patriots when they traded Randy Moss to Minnesota in 2010.


In a second bit of trivia, Ryan Mallett was the QB who was retained when Tim Tebow was cut in 2013.


Pats fans hoped he and his strong arm would fetch a bounty like Matt Cassel did when he was traded to Kansas City, but were disappointed when in August of 2014 all the Patriots received from Houston was a conditional sixth round pick. That was based on Mallett getting at least 40% of the snaps - which he did not - and in the end the Pats only received a seventh round pick in return.


After screwing up with the Texans, Mallett became Joe Flacco's backup in Baltimore.


Ryan Mallett appeared in 21 NFL games, going 3-5 in eight starts. He completed 55% of his passes, with nine touchdowns and ten interceptions. Mallett last played in 2017, and he was arrested for a DUI in 2019. Mallett drowned in Destin, on the western Florida panhandle, in 2023.



Five reasons why Ryan Mallett is the future of the Patriots at quarterback - Bleacher Report









2013 Patriots Media Guide






Career Earnings: $9,516,799

 
Today in Patriots History
Torry Holt



Happy 50th birthday to Torry Holt
Born June 5, 1976 in Greensboro, North Carolina; hometown Gibsonville NC
Patriots wide receiver, 2010 offseason; uniform #84

Signed as a 34-year old free agent on April 20, 2010
Pats résumé: one offseason



Torry Holt was signed to a one-year, $1.7 million contract bolster a weak wide receiving corps, as a depth upgrade over Sam Aiken and 35-year old David Patten. Holt suffered a knee injury that would require season-ending surgery, and was placed on injured reserve on August 15; he was released with an injury settlement two days later, ending his pro football career.

Over 11 NFL seasons Holt had 920 receptions for 13,382 yards and 74 touchdowns. The seven-time Pro Bowler is a member of the NFL's All-2000s Team, and ranks 17th all-time in receptions, 10th in receiving yards per game, and 14th all-time in yards per touch.




Aug 4, 2010:
The offense once named "The Greatest Show on Turf" has only one active member left, Torry Holt. While some of his old Rams teammates are enjoying the summer, relaxing with their families, Holt is grinding it out in the hot sun catching passes from Tom Brady and lining up opposite Randy Moss.​

The Patriots signed Holt this off season in hopes to bolster a receiver corps that - after the Joey Galloway disappointment and Welker's injury - was looking dangerously thin. While the tenured vet doesn't have quite the same physical tools that made him part of that offensive powerhouse in St. Louis 10 years ago, he's got the knowledge and experience that make all veterans valuable.​

"I don't have the 4.3 speed I had when I came out 12 years ago", Holt told the media. "But I have more patience and poise and I can dissect film of what defenses are trying to do."​

With that said, there's a legitimate question as to whether Holt even has a shot to make the final game day roster. Wes Welker is recovering quicker than anyone expected and it may not be unrealistic to picture him suiting up for game 1 in September. In addition to Welker, the Patriots have three young receivers that are all looking like sure bets to make the roster.​
First, there's quarterback turned receiver, Julian Edelman, who pleasantly surprised New England fans last year. He debuted in the pre-season by returning a kickoff for a touchdown and then filled in nicely while Welker sat injured on the sidelines during the playoff game to finish the season.​

Edelman also showed some toughness that resonated with Pats fans who've gotten used to rooting for players like Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison. After missing a couple games due to a broken arm, Edelman grinded it out and took the field donning a cast, reeling in a touchdown catch against the Indianapolis Colts.​

Even in the horrific and infamous playoff loss to Baltimore, Edelman was one of the few bright spots for the Patriots - catching both of the team's only touchdowns. His impressive performance earned him the nickname, "Mini-Welker", despite the fact that Edelman is listed as a full inch taller than the 5-9 Welker. With a full year at his new position under his belt, there are high hopes for the receiver in 2010.​

Compared to the other two young receivers on the Pats' depth chart, Edelman is the proven one. However, Brandon Tate and Taylor Price have been impressive thus far in training camp. Spectators and media-members have been very high on this year's third round pick, Price, who has been likened to a young David Givens. Last year's third rounder, Tate, is expected to be a strong contributor this season and the man most likely to wrestle the spot across from Randy Moss away from Holt. He was originally expected to not even be available to the Patriots in the draft. He had first round talent but fell to New England in the third round because of an injury that held him out of most of his final season with the Tar Heels.​

"I think this young man Tate could surprise some people" said Robert Kraft back in March of this year. Tate missed all of training camp last season, finally coming on the roster in October against the Buccaneers but was injured the next game against Miami without yet reeling in a single catch. After watching the whole season from the sideline, Tate is much better prepared to take the field this year. "His individual techniques and route running and receiving skills have improved and his understanding of offensive concepts, that's way ahead of where it was last year", praised Coach Bill Belichick.​

Tate's impressed not only his coach but the fans attending training camp as well. The Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport writes, "One example: He sent the fans at Gillette Stadium into delirium last night with a miraculous diving catch in the end zone while being tightly covered by Devin McCourty, the rookie corner taken in the first round of this year's draft."​

As ESPNBoston's Mike Reiss points out, the true test for these young receivers will come when they face a jam at the line of scrimmage. However, if they continue to impress, Torry Holt could find himself the odd man out when it comes time for final cuts.​

Typically, the Patriots have kept 4-5 wide receivers on roster and an additional 1 or 2 for special teams. For example: The dominant 2007 offense had 4 receiver targets, Donte' Stallworth, Jabar Gaffney, Wes Welker and Randy Moss. Troy Brown and Chad Jackson were on roster but saw little playing time and 0 catches. Kelley Washington was never a part of the offense but a integral part of the special teams squad.​

For Holt to have a chance, he's going to have to hope that either the Patriots choose to keep 6 receivers on roster (not including Aiken or Slater who will likely be kept on for special teams) or that one of the younger guys starts to deteriorate. With the added excitement around the new tight end squad and receiver like, Aaron Hernandez, it's not likely the the team would use valuable roster spots on so many receivers - especially with a thin group at outside linebacker and guard.​

Overall the future doesn't look too bright for Holt, but the Pats may just want to keep him around for the experience he brings to the table. Despite the challenges ahead, Holt remains confident.​




































 
Today in Patriots History
Other Cups of Coffee
And Local Connections



Happy 36th birthday to Matt Tobin
Born June 5, 1990 in Worthington, Iowa
Patriots offensive lineman, 2010 offseason; uniform #64

Signed as a 27-year old veteran free agent on March 16, 2018
Pats résumé: one offseason, plus 19 days in-season (zero games)



March 16, 2018:
DE Adrian Clayborn, RB Jeremy Hill, OT Matt Tobin agree to deals with Patriots
The Patriots had been relatively quiet since the start of free agency Wednesday, but that changed Friday as the team made three moves.​

Former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn agreed to a two-year deal worth a maximum value of $12.5 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Ex-Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill also came to an agreement with the team, a source told ESPN's Field Yates. And former Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Matt Tobin reached a one-year deal with the Patriots, a source told ESPN's Mike Reiss.​


New England had kept running back Rex Burkhead, special-teamers Nate Ebner and Brandon King, and traded for cornerback Jason McCourty earlier this week, but the Patriots had lost mainstays Nate Solder, Dion Lewis, Malcolm Butler and Danny Amendola via free agency.​

As for the 6-foot-6, 303-pound Tobin, his addition highlights how the Patriots must make contingency plans at left tackle after Solder signed a four-year, $62 million deal with the Giants as one of the NFL's top free agents. After entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2013, Tobin has been with the Eagles (2013-16) and Seahawks (2017), appearing in 57 games, with 21 starts.​

Tobin joins 2017 undrafted free-agent Cole Croston and 2017 third-round draft choice Antonio Garcia on the Patriots' depth chart at left tackle. It's possible the team could also re-sign two of its backup offensive tackles from last season -- LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming.​


Sept 1, 2018:



Nov 7, 2018:
The Patriots have signed offensive lineman Matt Tobin to the 53-man roster.​

Tobin practiced with the team on Wednesday. He takes the place of Brian Schwenke, who was placed on injured reserve. The move comes a day after the Patriots signed linebacker Albert McClellan and defensive back Obi Melifonwu, and released offensive lineman Cole Croston and defensive lineman Geneo Grissom.​


Nov 26, 2018:




Happy 81st birthday to Joe Peace
Born June 5, 1945 in Jena, Louisiana; hometown Sicily Island, LA
Patriots linebacker, 1970 offseason; uniform #63

Signed and released during the 1970 offseason
Pats résumé: one offseason


Joe Raymond Peace was a 10th round draft pick in 1968 by the Houston Oilers, from Louisiana Tech. He went on to have a lengthy coaching career, as a high school offensive line coach from 1970-73, as an assistant at Northwestern (LA) State and Louisiana Tech from 1974 to 1987, then head coach for the La Tech Bulldogs from 1988-1995. He did not play in any AFL/NFL games, nor did he appear in any preseason games with the Patriots, presumably cut prior to the first game on August 16.














Pro football players born on June 5 with a New England connection:

Art Donovan, (June 5, 1924 - August 4, 2013)
Boston College
Four-time First Team All Pro, five-time Pro Bowl DT for the Baltimore Colts



Art Donovan, the son of a famous boxing referee of the same name and grandson of a middleweight boxing champion, first played football at Mount St. Michael's High School in the Bronx. Somehow he was overlooked on the all-metropolitan prep team and, when he played college football at Boston College, the best Art could do was second-team All-New England.​

But in the professional ranks, it was a different story for Art, whose World War II service stint so put off his college career that he was a 26-year old rookie when he joined the Baltimore Colts in 1950. The hapless Colts folded after one season, and Art moved to the New York Yanks in 1951, then played for the Dallas Texans in 1952.​

In 1953, the well-traveled Donovan returned to Baltimore to play for the new Colts team and, as the Colts developed into a championship team, Donovan developed into one of the best defensive tackles in league history.​

Artie was ready for stardom. Big, strong, fast and smart, Donovan was also one of the most popular players in the league. He was an All-NFL selection in 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, and 1958. In addition, he played in five straight Pro Bowls.​

The Baltimore Colts' great title teams of 1958 and 1959 featured a terrific defensive line, with future Hall of Fame defensive end Gino Marchetti, Don Joyce, “Big Daddy” Lipscomb, and Donovan, who by then had become the complete player. He was equally adept at rushing the passer, reading keys, closing off the middle, and splitting double team blocks. He had the reputation of being almost impossible to trap.​

As great of a contributor as he was on the field, many feel he was at least as valuable to the Colts as a morale builder with his sharp wit and contagious laughter. The first Colts player elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Donovan played 12 seasons in the NFL.​








Tuzar Skipper, 31 (June 5, 1995)
Born and raised in Norwich CT; Norwich Free Academy

Linebacker was signed as an undrafted rookie out of Toledo by the Steelers in 2019. He played in ten games for the Giants and Titans in 2019-2020, also spending time on both team's practice squads. His last stop in the NFL was with Pittsburgh, who waived Skipper on August 15, 2022. From 2023-25 he played in the XFL.












Marger 'Migs' Apsit, (June 5, 1909 - Dec 22, 1988)
Old defunct New England pro football teams


Migs went to Southern Cal, winning the college national championship in 1928, and defeating Pitt in the 1930 Rose Bowl. He played for the Frankford Yellow Jackets, Brooklyn Dodgers, Green Bay Packers, Boston Redskins and Cincinnati Reds as a running back and linebacker/defensive back, then played some minor league ball in the Pacific Coast Football League for the Southern California Maroons and Stanford Braves.

In 1935 Apsit returned to his hometown of Aurora, Illinois to begin his 40-year coaching career. He would coach high school teams in Illinois and California, and then more than twenty years at Glendale (CA) College .





 
Today in Patriots History
Bethel Johnson traded for
former #6 overall draft pick



June 5, 2006:
The New England Patriots traded WR Bethel Johnson, their 2nd round selection of the 2003 draft, to the New Orleans Saints for DT Johnathan Sullivan, the sixth overall selection of the 2003 draft.

Sullivan was arrested in Atlanta three weeks later on charges of possession of marijuana, was placed on PUP to start the 2006 training camp, and released on October 9 - without ever getting on the field for the Patriots.


The Patriots have traded receiver Bethel Johnson to the New Orleans Saints for defensive lineman Johnathan Sullivan.​

Johnson and Sullivan could both benefit from a change of scenery. Sullivan was a first-round pick (sixth overall) in 2003, while Johnson was a second-round choice that season. Both have yet to emerge as full-time starters.​

Johnson spoke with the Boston Globe about his situation earlier this offseason. A sampling of his comments:​

— “It’s hard for me to sit here and watch. I hate it. I hate it with a passion. I’ve been totally disappointed.”​

— “I’m doing everything I have to do every single year to make it happen. But it’s not up to me. I’ve asked the question for the last three years really. Catch the ball better — I stay and catch the ball. Run more routes — I run more routes. Something’s not there.”​

— “It got real frustrating at one point. I bust my tail, everybody knows that about me. It just wasn’t happening for me. It was really frustrating. Really frustrating. You have no idea.”​

— “[In college, critics] wrote me off because I got hurt the year before and had a bad [medical] condition. They talk bad about you in the papers and then I came back and had a great year. I’ve spent 27 years proving everyone wrong. Keep it coming. It just motivates me.”​

Sullivan is signed through the 2009 season. Johnson is signed through 2007.​

Sullivan joins a defensive line mix that includes starters Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren. The top backups are Jarvis Green, Marquise Hill, Mike Wright and Dan Klecko. Sixth-round pick Le Kevin Smith is also in the mix, along with first-year player Santonio Thomas and rookie free agents Remi Ayodele and Kader Drame.​














Every single year, even during the First Dynasty with all of the experienced people he had in the building at his disposal, Bill would still make a WTF pick in the early rounds. That year was this guy & Joe Klecko's kid... Hell I never would've drafted roll-poly GeNo Wilson ahead of Rashean Mathis either...
 
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