Today In Patriots History July 11, 2011: Mike Vrabel retires

[jmt57]

The big question is this: how many people will freak out over the thread title, while glossing over the date?

Today in Patriots History
Mike Vrabel retires​

July 11, 2011:
Mike Vrabel retires from the NFL after 14 seasons

Ex-Pat Mike Vrabel retires

Former All-Pro linebacker Mike Vrabel is retiring from the Kansas City Chiefs and returning to his alma mater as an Ohio State assistant coach. Vrabel confirmed Monday morning the end of his 14-year career and that he had taken the job as…

www.bostonherald.com

Former Patriots Star Mike Vrabel Retires

Former All-Pro linebacker Mike Vrabel has retired after 14 seasons in the NFL and will take a job as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Ohio State…

www.golocalprov.com

Former Patriot Mike Vrabel Retires, Takes Coaching Job At Ohio State

Former New England Patriot All-Pro linebacker Mike Vrabel is retiring from the Kansas City Chiefs and returning to his alma mater as an Ohio State assistant coach.

www.cbsnews.com

Chiefs' Vrabel retires after 14 years; LB to coach at Ohio State

The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more.

www.nfl.com

Former All-Pro linebacker Mike Vrabel is retiring from the Kansas City Chiefs and returning to his alma mater as an Ohio State assistant coach.​

Vrabel confirmed Monday morning the end of his 14-year career and that he had taken the job as linebackers coach with the Buckeyes. The position was previously held by his college roommate and teammate, Luke Fickell, who was elevated to interim head coach when Jim Tressel resigned May 30.​

Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli, who worked with Vrabel while with the Patriots, and later orchestrated the trade that brought the linebacker to Kansas City, called it "an honor and a privilege" to be associated with Vrabel for 10 seasons.​

"During his Patriots career, there was no player more respected for his football intellect and revered for his leadership by his teammates than Mike," Bill Belichick said in a statement released by Ohio State. "He was elected a team captain by his peers and is a player who I think everyone knew was destined to become a coach after his NFL playing career was over.​

"Mike Vrabel is as well-suited for coaching as any player I have ever coached. He has a tremendous feel for people, players, coaches and what his team needs regardless of the situation. He is outstanding in his knowledge of the game, which contributed to his excellence as a player. I have no doubt Mike will develop tough, intelligent, fundamentally sound winners."​

Mike Vrabel retires after 14 seasons - ESPN

In the statement released earlier Monday announcing his retirement, Vrabel specifically thanked Pioli and Patriots coach Bill Belichick.​

"I am especially grateful to Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli, who not only gave me the opportunity to play for a team that won three Super Bowl championships and an NFL record 21 games in a row, but also taught me invaluable lessons on creating the ultimate team approach."​

Vrabel lettered from 1993-96 at Ohio State when John Cooper was the head coach. He was a two-time Big Ten defensive player of the year. As a senior in high school in Akron, his host on his official recruiting visit to Ohio State was Fickell.​

Active in the NFL Players Association's executive committee and its negotiations with the league, Vrabel said he was unsure if he would have retired if there were no lockout going on in the pros.​

While with the Patriots in 2007 he had 54 solo tackles, 12½ sacks and forced four fumbles and was selected to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams for the only time in his career. He finished with 742 tackles and 57 sacks in 206 games.​

He was also known during his Patriots days as a short-yardage or goal-line fullback/tight end. He caught 10 career passes -- every one going for a touchdown. He caught two more touchdown passes in the playoffs, grabbing short scoring strikes from Tom Brady in the Patriots' Super Bowl victories against the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles.​

​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Fonzie Busted Again​

July 11, 2013:
Alfonzo Dennard is arrested on suspicion of DUI, refusing a chemical test, and a driving infraction while still on probation for a 2012 assault charge. He pleads no contest to refusing to submit to a chemical test in exchange for having the DUI case dismissed; was fined $500 and placed on probation. This came five months after being convicted of assaulting a police officer, for an incident that occurred seven days prior to the 2012 NFL draft.

Unfortunately for the cornerback, the timing could not have possibly been any worse. Not that there is ever a good time to be arrested, but Dennard's charges came when the news cycle was still dominated by Aaron Hernandez' murder arrest just fifteen days earlier.

Dennard was a person with impeccably bad timing. Expected to be a Day Two pick, he got in a fight outside a bar and was arrested seven days prior to the draft, resulting in a slip to the seventh round. At that time I thought the Pats had just made a huge steal, being able to select him so late. He was obviously going to drop, but I didn't think it would be that far.

Early in 2015 Dennard was waived, even though the Patriots had lost Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, and Kyle Arrington in free agency. A series of injuries in 2014 - first a shoulder, then knee, followed by a hamstring - caused him to miss ten games. That lack of availability could have been overlooked, if not for the off-field issues. He was claimed by Arizona but was released at the start of training camp - and poof, just like that his NFL playing days were over after just three seasons. An incredibly short career considering how highly regarded he was at Nebraska.

New England Patriots' Alfonzo Dennard arrested again

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft must have seen this one coming.

www.latimes.com

While Kraft might have been surprised by Hernandez being arrested on a murder charge, Dennard’s latest run-in with the law shouldn’t have come as a shock. This is another guy the Patriots probably need to throw into the free-agent heap.​

Alfonzo Dennard arrested again

New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was arrested early Thursday morning in Lincoln, Neb., on suspicion of driving under the influence.

www.espn.com

Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was arrested and accused of drunk driving Thursday in Nebraska while on probation for assaulting a police officer, the second New England player to get in serious legal trouble this summer.​

Dennard's early-morning arrest in Lincoln, Neb., where he was a college star for the Cornhuskers, came 15 days after Aaron Hernandez was charged with murder and three days after Patriots owner Robert Kraft said the club will "be looking at our procedures and auditing how we do things" with regard to character reviews.​

"The New England Patriots are extremely disappointed to learn of Alfonzo Dennard's arrest. We take this matter very seriously and are working to get more information on the incident," the team said in a statement.​

Dennard's arrest is his second in 15 months. He hasn't served a 30-day jail sentence for the assault outside a Lincoln bar on Apr. 21, 2012. That is scheduled to begin next March. He also was sentenced to two years of probation.​

Dennard and Hernandez both were highly-touted college prospects whose draft stock dropped because of character concerns.​

Seven days after being charged with assault, Dennard was drafted in the seventh round last year out of Nebraska by the Patriots. They drafted Hernandez in the fourth round in 2010 after he violated the substance abuse policy at Florida.​

Dennard became a starter at cornerback in the seventh game of his rookie season. The other starter, Aqib Talib, was obtained from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Nov. 1 then signed a one-year contract on March 16. He missed his first game with the Patriots while completing a four-game suspension imposed by the NFL for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances.​

On Thursday, Dennard was pulled over while driving just before 2 a.m. and failed a field sobriety test, police said. A phone listing for Dennard couldn't be found.​

Police spokeswoman Katie Flood said he was taken to a detoxification center but not jailed. He also was accused of refusing a chemical test and a driving infraction.​

Terry Dougherty, Dennard's attorney in the assault case, said in April that he would ask Lancaster County District Judge Stephanie Stacy to suspend the 30-day sentence if Dennard complied with the terms of his probation over the subsequent 11 months. Stacy said then that she would consider such a motion.​

It's unclear whether prosecutors will move to have Dennard's probation revoked. Lancaster County Attorney Joe Kelly didn't immediately return a message.​

Dennard's arrest is the latest off-field incident involving a Patriots player while he was with them or before they obtained him. Among the others:​

• Brandon Meriweather, a safety drafted in the first round in 2007 from Miami, fired a gun at an assailant who had shot Dolphins backup safety Willie Cooper outside the house the two players shared with another teammate, police said. Meriweather wasn't charged and police said he used the gun legally.​

• Willie Andrews, a defensive back drafted in the seventh round in 2006 from Baylor, was cut by the Patriots after being arrested twice following the 2007 season. The first arrest was for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute two days after the Patriots lost the Super Bowl to the New York Giants.​

• Nick Kaczur, an offensive tackle drafted in the third round in 2005 from Toledo, pleaded guilty in July 2008 to speeding in a deal with prosecutors and was ordered to pay $355 in fines and fees. He originally was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, after being pulled over by state troopers near Utica, N.Y.​

• Albert Haynesworth, a defensive tackle obtained in a trade on July 29, 2011, pleaded no contest the following month to a charge of simple assault in a case in which he was accused of touching a waitress' breast at a Washington, D.C., hotel.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Former Patriots Player
Shoots Policeman in Helicopter​

In memory of Ernie Holmes, who would have turned 78 today
Born July 11, 1948 in Jamestown, Texas
Died January 17, 2008 at the age of 59 in Beaumont, Texas
Patriots DT, 1978; uniform #63
Signed as a free agent on November 30, 1978
Pats résumé: three regular season games plus one postseason game


Ernie Holmes played for Pittsburgh for six seasons, starting 58 games for the Steelers from 1972-1977. He was a crucial part of the famed Steel Curtain defense, where he earned a pair of Super Bowl rings. Due to weight issues Holmes was traded to Tampa Bay for a 10th and 11th round draft pick early in the '78 offseason, but was cut at the end of the Bucs training camp. The fearsome (and unstable) Holmes played in the final three games of the 1978 season with the Patriots (plus the Chuck Fairbanks farewell postseason loss to Houston), finishing his NFL career in that New Years Eve loss to the Houston Oilers in Foxboro.


March 16, 1973:

Steelers' Tackle, Holmes, Arrested in Ohio Manhunt (Published 1973)

Pittsburgh Steelers football player E Holmes is arrested by Ohio State Police for allegedly shooting at trucks on hwy

www.nytimes.com

Sheriff's deputies and the Ohio State Patrol arrested a man whom they identified as the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive tackle, Ernest Holmes, after a manhunt today in which a helicopter pilot was shot and wounded.​

The hunt was for a gunman who had been reported firing at trucks on nearby highways.​

January 18, 2008:

Texas crash kills ex-Steeler Ernie Holmes - UPI.com

Former defensive tackle Ernie Holmes, who played for two Pittsburgh Super Bowl winners, was killed in car crash near Lumberton, Texas, authorities said Friday.

www.upi.com

Former defensive tackle Ernie Holmes, who played for two Pittsburgh Super Bowl winners, was killed in car crash near Lumberton, Texas, authorities said Friday.​

Holmes, an ordained minister, was traveling alone on Highway 69 when his SUV crashed and rolled Thursday night, KFDM-TV in Beaumont reported.​

Holmes, nicknamed "Fats," a two-time NFL all-pro player, lived at Weirgate in Newton County, Texas, the report said.​

The big lineman played for the Steelers from 1972 to 1977 and for a season with the New England Patriots in 1978. He was on Super Bowl-winning teams in 1975 and 1976.​

Holmes was on a Steelers' defensive line that included Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood and Dwight White.​

"Oh, Ernie was definitely an enforcer," Greene told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.​

January 18, 2008:

Dr. Z: Steelers' Holmes was as misunderstood as he was underappreciated

Once I saw Ernie Holmes pick up a sportswriter by the shirt and hold him, with one hand, against the wall while he lectured the poor guy on the finer points of

www.si.com

Once I saw Ernie Holmes pick up a sportswriter by the shirt and hold him, with one hand, against the wall while he lectured the poor guy on the finer points of covering the Steelers. There were people who were scared to death of him, others who didn't want to have anything to do with him, still others who liked him as you would a big, galloping Great Dane puppy.​

The world discovered that the 6-foot-3, 280-pound Holmes, who one can safely say was the most feared member of the Steel Curtain defense of the 1970s, was a bit unbalanced when he made headlines by firing his pistol at trucks on the highway. Traffic made him nervous, he explained later. Besides, he said he was careful not to aim at people, just vehicles. When a police helicopter arrived on the scene, he turned his fire skyward.​

Woody Widenhofer, who coached the linebackers, said there were days when Ernie was just as good as Joe Greene. Noll scoffed at the idea that Holmes never earned any kind of All-Pro recognition.​

"You want to know how good he was, how tough?" Noll said. "Take a look at the way the guy who had to play against him looks, coming off the field after the game -- if he was able to finish it."​

I remember Picture Day before the '76 Super Bowl. Ernie grabbed me and said he wanted to explain what the game meant to him. I took six pages of notes in my 5 x 8 spiral. I didn't understand any of them. I am looking at them right now, and I still don't know what they mean.​

"You think I don't care, it's like two iguanas climbing up a tree, which one gets higher, they want to piss on you, I'm not going to let them ..." and on and on, for six pages.​

January 17, 2008:

Column: Holmes was finally getting life in order

It was with immense sadness Friday that the Pittsburgh Steelers learned that Ernie Holmes was dead at age 59. Sadness not only because a former Super Bowl hero had lost his life, but also because …

www.timesonline.com

“It was nothing short of a miracle,” Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Blount said of the turnaround the often-troubled Holmes made before dying Thursday night when he rolled his SUV in southeast Texas.​

“I’m so happy that at some point in his life, he got his life together.”​

Thirty-two years ago, when Time magazine featured the Steelers’ famous front four on its cover, Holmes admitted that “I don’t know what my life is except there is something pounding in the back of my head.”​

He’s the guy who was so distraught over the break up of his marriage in 1973 that he started firing a pistol at trucks on a highway in eastern Ohio and then at a police helicopter that was chasing him.​

At that point in his career, the Steelers could have easily severed ties with Holmes, one of the team’s two eighth-round picks in the 1971 NFL Draft. Instead, the Rooney family and coach Chuck Noll stood by Holmes. They served as character witnesses on Holmes’ behalf and managed to get him off without having to do any jail time.​

He was an admitted alcoholic who also battled substance abuse. Four years ago when he returned for the Mel Blount Youth Home Celebrity Roast, he weighed close to 400 pounds and walked with a cane.​

But two years ago, Holmes did reunite with Greene, Greenwood and White to film a “Chunky” soup commercial. All things considered, he looked great.​

January 18, 2008:

Ernie Holmes, member of 'Steel Curtain,' dies at 59

Ernie Holmes, a two-time Super Bowl winner and an anchor of Pittsburgh's "Steel Curtain" defense, has died in a car crash. He was 59.

www.espn.com

After football, Holmes had minor acting roles. He appeared in an episode of the 1980s TV show "The A-Team" and dabbled in professional wrestling.​

Eventually, though, he settled down on a ranch near tiny Wiergate, a town of 461 close to the Louisiana border. He was an ordained minister, had his own church and told the Steelers he was a more "spiritual being."​

The Steelers took note of the difference in Holmes at reunions and autograph shows. Former linebacker Andy Russell said Holmes had taken "meaningful steps in improving his life" and seemed to be a "much more thoughtful kind of person."​

To motivate his teammates, Holmes purposefully strayed into the Raiders' warmups to tell star lineman Gene Upshaw before the January 1976 AFC Championship Game what the Steelers would do to him and Oakland. The Steelers went on to win 24-13. But at a team Christmas party, Holmes surprised everyone by dressing up like Santa Claus and handing out toys.​

"I don't recall anybody telling him to do that," Greene said. "That was Ernie."​

January 20, 2008:

Ernie Holmes, 59, N.F.L. Lineman, Is Dead (Published 2008)

Ernie Holmes won two Super Bowls as an anchor of Pittsburgh’s famed Steel Curtain defense in the 1970s.

www.nytimes.com

He was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car, and was pronounced dead at the scene, the department said.​

Ernie Holmes (1948-2008) - Find a Grave Memorial

Professional Football Player. Born in Jamestown, Texas, he played at the defensive tackle position for seven seasons (1972 to 1978) in the National Football League, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. He was a member of two Super Bowl championship teams (1975 and 1976...

www.findagrave.com

Ernie Holmes once told a reporter from Time magazine that he was attracted to the violence of football and that he didn't "mind knocking somebody out."
QB Dan Pastorini described Holmes as the defender that he feared the most.​

 

[jmt57]

Here are YouTube videos and links to articles from the four games that Ernie Holmes played in for the Patriots.

November 3, 1978:
Patriots lose 17-10 at Dallas thanks to K David Posey missing three field goals.

Cowboys Foil Patriots, Clinch East Title (Published 1978)

www.nytimes.com

Highlights:


Extended Highlights:
1978 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

Full Game:
1978 New England at Dallas Regular Season wk 14




December 10, 1978: Patriots 26, Bills 24;
David Posey kicks the game-winning FG after Pats score two on a safety.

Patriots Clinch Division Title, 26‐24 (Published 1978)

www.nytimes.com

Highlights:


Full Game Radio Broadcast with Gil Santos, Gino Cappelletti:

1978-12-10 Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots (WBZ)

December 10, 1978Schaefer Stadium Foxboro, MassachusettsWBZGil Santos, Gino Cappelletti

www.youtube.com

December 18, 1978:
Dolphins 23, Pats 3 in the game Hank Bullough and Ron Erhardt shared coaching duties while Chuck Fairbanks was suspended.

https://www.nytimes.com/1978/12/19/archives/new-england-coach-sought-release-club-loses-233-52151-college.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1978/12/19/dolphins-put-damper-on-patriots-23-3/bc670acc-e728-4d60-b528-f3828b478a7f/

Highlights:





December 31, 1978: Oilers 31, Patriots 14;
Fairbanks returns but it was a miserable day, miserable environment and miserable game

Wild?Card Oilers Upset Patriots (Published 1979)

Houston Oilers defeat New England Patriots, 34-10, in AFC playoff game (M)

www.nytimes.com

Highlights Lowlights:

Full Game:
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More 20th Century News​

July 11, 1961:
Boston Patriots sign DE Rosey King

Roosevelt King grew up in Wadley, Georgia (current population 1,643) and played for three years at South Carolina State. His football career, if you can call it that, was postponed by two years in the United States Army before signing with the Pats. King was one of 75 players invited to training camp at UMass Amherst, and one of 28 that head coach Lou Saban cut before the season kicked off.

For the next six years King played minor league football: for 1961 United Football League champion Columbus Colts; Jacksonville Robins and Orlando Broncos of the Southern Football League; Wheeling Ironmen in the Continental Football League; and the Lakeland Brahmans, who won the Gold Division title but lost in the 1966 North American Football League championship game.

July 11, 1962:
Patriots sign QB Jackie Moynihan

Moynihan was a 12th round draft pick by the New York Giants in 1961, from Holy Cross. He was with the Patriots for both the 1962 and 1963 training camps, but never appeared in any regular season games for the Pats. From 1963 to 1967 Moynihan played in the Atlantic Coast Football league, for the Portland Sea Hawks and the Lowell Giants, prior to their relocating to Quincy. Moynihan was the starting QB for the 1966 Lowell team that played for the ACFL championship, along with past Patriot players Harry Crump and Tom Stephens, as well as for the 1967 team that included future NFL record holding kicker Tom Dempsey.

July 11, 1991:
Pats re-sign Plan B Free Agent OT Stan Clayton
Rookies and select veterans report to training camp at Bryant College in Smithfield, Rhode Island

Clayton was a 1988 10th round draft pick by Atlanta, from Penn State. He started nine games for the Falcons in 1989 but was waived at the end of training camp the following year, and claimed by the Patriots. Clayton played in 11 games with three starts for the Pats in that dismal 1990 season for Rod Rust, before being re-signed by new coach **** MacPherson. Clayton bounced on and off the 1991 roster three times, but did not get on the field for any snaps, and was not re-signed as a free agent in 1992.

Since 1995 Stan Clayton has been a college football coach, primarily on the offensive line. Since 2024 he has been OC at division two Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.

Benedict College's Head Coach Ron Dickerson Completes His First Coaching Staff

Benedict College head football coach Ron ****erson Jr. has announced his coaching staff.

www.si.com

Stan Clayton - Offensive Coordinator / Offensive Line Coach - Staff Directory - Benedict College Athletics

Stan Clayton joins the Benedict Football coaching staff as the Offensive Coordinator and offensive line coach. He joins the Tigers after serving as Offensive

benedicttigers.com

July 11, 1995:
Signed free agent LB Kevin O'Brien.
Waived rookie free agent LB Byron Wright.

O'Brien was originally signed in 1988 by Buffalo as an undrafted rookie out of Bowling Green State, where he had been a two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection. He had spent one season in the CFL and one in Europe with Barcelona before signing with New England. A month later the Patriots released O'Brien as part of the first round of roster cuts to get down to 60 players, and that was it for his pro football career - and the start of his business career.

https://www.inc.com/author/kevin-obrien

CEO Kevin O'Brien Wins International Executive of the Year Award

BVM CEO Kevin O’Brien wins Gold for Executive of the Year in the 2025 Best in Biz Awards International, honoring his visionary leadership.

www.bestversionmedia.com

Best Version Media CEO Kevin O’Brien Joins Inc. Leadership Forum

Best Version Media CEO Kevin O’Brien has been selected to join the invitation-only Inc. Leadership Forum, recognizing top executives from companies across the U.S. The forum connects visionary leaders through exclusive events, peer collaboration, and thought leadership opportunities.

www.bestversionmedia.com

Byron Wright was one of 17 undrafted rookies signed immediately after the 1995 draft. Of that group, S Eddie Cade, LB Alcides Catanho, WR Hason Graham, FB Rupert Grant, RB David Green, TE Andre President and CB Dwayne Provo would all go on to play for the Patriots, but not Wright, whose NFL career was over before the start of training camp.





July 11, 1996:
Patriots re-sign DT Bruce Walker
Patriots sign 7th round draft pick TE Lovett Purnell

Purnell didn't get much playing time as a rookie, but played in every game for the next two years. Over three seasons he started seven games and had five touchdown receptions, playing in a total of 37 regular season and postseason games for the Pats.

Walker had been a 2nd round draft pick in 1994 by Philadelphia, from UCLA - but was released as part of final roster cuts, despite his draft status. He played in 11 games with five starts for the 1995 Pats team that was coached by **** MacPherson and Dante Scarnecchia.

Bruce Walker is most famous for having one of the most bizarre off-field injuries in Patriots history, which is no easy task.

Medium Rare Injury : Patriots' Lineman Walker Stabbed While Playing Catch With Steak Knife

Bruce Walker, a defensive lineman for the New England Patriots, incurred a stab wound in his chest while he and a friend were throwing a steak knife at each other in a grocery store parking lot.

www.latimes.com

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. — Bruce Walker, a defensive lineman for the New England Patriots, incurred a stab wound in his chest while he and a friend were throwing a steak knife at each other in a grocery store parking lot.​

Police said that Walker, who played at UCLA, suffered the wound when he missed a catch. He was treated at Southwood Community Hospital in Norfolk and required several stitches, police said.​

Walker’s North Attleboro telephone number is unlisted. But the 6-foot-4, 310-pound nose tackle told the Sun Chronicle of Attleboro that he was puzzled by the interest in the incident, saying “nothing happened.”​

“You have nothing better to do? No, I have nothing to say,” Walker told the newspaper Tuesday.​

The incident occurred Saturday night in the parking lot of a supermarket on Route 1, Walker told police.​

Police said Walker provided few details about how the incident occurred or who his knife-tossing friend was. Officers were unsuccessful in trying to locate the man Walker said was with him, said Attleboro police Detective Lt. Michael Gould.​

Gould said the matter remains under investigation.​

N.F.L. Training Camp Report - Aug 15, 1996

Bill Parcells has a reputation for being tough with some proven veterans. So, for a rookie the Patriots' coach didn't want in the first place, things can get downright ugly.​

That's what Patriots wide receiver Terry Glenn is learning as he struggles to adjust to the National Football League and recover from an injury.​

All through camp, Parcells has questioned Glenn's recovery time -- he hasn't practiced yet this month -- from what the coach stresses is a ''mild'' hamstring strain. Last week the name-calling started with Parcells referring to Glenn as ''she.''​

Glenn set records for receiving yards and touchdowns in his junior year at Ohio State and the Patriots made him the No. 7 pick over all in the draft. The problem was, Parcells didn't want him. He was hoping to build his defense, but the Patriots owner Bob Kraft had spent $42 million signing quarterback Drew Bledsoe for seven years, and wanted to give him someone to throw to.​

Yesterday Parcells said that if Glenn isn't back soon he will have to miss the Sept. 1 regular-season opener in Miami. ''He has missed an awful lot of practice,'' Parcells said. ''For someone to expect him to be ready -- to say, 'O.K., he's healthy now so he's ready to play the first game' -- if that's one week before the season, I mean, do you think that's realistic?''​

Whatever happens with Glenn, he's likely to fare better than Bruce Walker. The defensive lineman, who got stitches in his chest while playing catch with a steak knife just before camp opened, was released yesterday.​

July 11, 1997:
Patriots re-sign Exclusive Rights Free Agent Ray Lucas


New England signed Ray Lucas as an undrafted rookie immediately after the 1996 draft. He had been a quarterback at Rutgers, but Bill Parcells' plan was to convert him to a wide receiver. Pete Carroll cut Lucas during the '97 preseason, Parcells claimed him off waivers.

One year later Jet starting QB Vinny Testaverde suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in week one, with Rick Mirer taking over. Mirer underwhelmed, and Parcells inserted Lucas as his QB. In his second start was in Foxborough, with the Patriots favored by six, Lucas threw two touchdown passes, Curtis Martin rushed for 149 yards and another TD, and the 2-6 Jets jumped out to a 24-3 lead en route to a 24-17 victory over the 6-2 Patriots on MNF. Watching Parcells, Martin and Lucas beat the Patriots that night was enough to make Pats fans throw up in their mouths.

Hall of Fame Focus: Ray Lucas - Rutgers University Athletics

Rutgers University Athletics

scarletknights.com

Ray Lucas - NCS Bergen County

Ray was in the National Football League for seven seasons: four with the Jets, one with the Patriots, and two with the Miami Dolphins.

newcanaansociety.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
News from the Aughts​

July 11, 2004:

Patriots Won't Repeat? Says Who?

Let Miami be as sexy as it wants. Just ask Bridget Moynahan what her definition of sexy is.

www.patsfans.com

Now that last season has finally ended, it's time once again to crown the Miami Dolphins as the perennial AFC East champions.​

This is the perfect time. No actual games to disprove it. No missed field goals, upsets by expansion teams or fans flinging snow in the air. The Dolphins need to win a division title now because that's simply the way things have to be. It seems that the NFL works better when the Dolphins win the division and poise themselves for a Super Bowl run.​

Never mind that the Patriots are champs for the second time in three years. Never mind that the Dolphins have not been to a Super Bowl since XIX and have not won one since VIII. Never mind that the Dolphins of the 2000s are more known for underachievement than achievement. The Fish must rule. It's what everyone wants. The Dolphins and their city are sexy as all get out, while the Patriots are staid, provincial, and totally and completely boring.​

The Sporting News recently made with their season predictions. They had Miami first, beating New England on a tiebreaker. The reason? "On paper, they're better than last season's Super Bowl club. But it's almost impossible to repeat no matter how prepared a team is." It had the Patriots finishing at 10-6. Granted, this is only one voice among many who will eventually be heard from, and this may be the only outlet which picks Miami to win the division. But it serves as a wake-up call to the Patriots as to their most daunting task for the 2004 season: repeat as champions.​

In 2002, the team failed miserably after being exposed against Kansas City in Week 3 as being unable to stop the run and lacking considerably in overall team speed. The team seems better equipped to repeat in 2004, as long as the Patriots weren't exposed as a team which can no longer stop the pass in Super Bowl XXXVIII.​

That said, here is a game-by-game breakdown as to how the 2004 Patriot season should turn out. . . . . . . . . . .​

So, the Patriots come out one game worse than 2003. The Patriots won 14 games in 2003 even though the team was riddled with injuries. With the league gunning for them in 2004, the Patriots will rise up and meet these challenges week after week like they did in 2003. They should once again run the table at home and ride that wave to another playoff date.​

Most of these wins should be close wins. The Patriots will encounter lots of aggressive and motivated defenses. But if Corey Dillon proves to be as good as or better than his best days in Cincinnati, the Patriots will be able to neutralize whatever high emotions the defenses will offer.​

So, fine. Let Miami be as sexy as it wants. Just ask Bridget Moynahan what her definition of sexy is, and crack a big smile.​

July 11, 2006:
Patriots sign safety Willie Andrews, a 7th round draft pick from Baylor

Including the postseason, Andrews played in 36 games with the Patriots in 2006-07. Problem was his propensity for stupid decisions, which resulted in his NFL career only lasting two seasons. Two days after Super Bowl XLII Andrews was arrested in Lowell after police responded to a phone call about drug activity in the area. Andrews had half a pound of weed, $8600 in cash and a scale in his unregistered car.

Four months later Andrews was arrested at his home in Mansfield, and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm when police responded to a call that Andrews pointed a handgun at his girlfriend's head during an argument.

Andrews was released by the Patriots the very next day, on July 1, 2008 - and was unable to generate any interest from any of the 31 other NFL teams.

What a dumb ass.

Grilling Up The Patriots Offseason

Training camp will be here quicker than the time it takes to cook a hamburger

www.patsfans.com

As I dove towards a fifth helping of chicken wings, I resolved that it was indeed time to take a fresh look at the 2006 Patriots and report back to you, my faithful readers, with some thoughts.​

After dutifully flipping through one of those $6.99 NFL preview magazines with Tom Brady on the cover, I am here to proclaim that I am now even more confused on just where I think the Patriots will end up this season.​

First, let's take a look back. The five-turnover playoff loss in Denver still grinds my crank because the Patriots were the better team seven times out of ten. I'm not saying the Pats would have beaten the Steelers at home the following week in the AFC Championship game but it sure would have been a barnburner worth tuning in for.​

Next we had the defections of Eric Mangini, David Givens, Willie McGinest and Mr. Vinatieri. You know it wasn't a stellar free-agent signing period for the club when the first name mentioned under "Key Veteran Arrivals" in this $6.99 magazine is the immortal WR Reche Caldwell. Doesn't exactly make you warm and fuzzy, now does it?​

Around the League, everyone wants to throw dirt on the Patriots casket. "They're too old. The window of opportunity is going to slam shut. They've been the luckiest team in the history of pro football over the last five years (That one always cracks me up)." You get the drift.​

And if you're honest with yourself Mr. or Mrs. Patsfan, self-doubt has certainly crept into your head about your beloved Patriots. Think I'm full of it? How does the thought of rookie place kicker Steve Gostkowski lining up for a game-winner against Indianapolis grab you?​

STILL no good answer on Clardige's 2005 rehab...

FROM PATRIOTS.COM Ryan Claridge – This is basically Claridge’s rookie season. Not only was he injured last year, he rehabbed in Las Vegas for personal reasons and wasn’t around the team enough to learn the system. He wasn’t on the field a lot during mini-camp and will at least need to show...

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Thread 'STILL no good answer on Clardige's 2005 rehab...'

Jul 11, 2006

FROM PATRIOTS.COM

Ryan Claridge – This is basically Claridge’s rookie season. Not only was he injured last year, he rehabbed in Las Vegas for personal reasons and wasn’t around the team enough to learn the system. He wasn’t on the field a lot during mini-camp and will at least need to show the potential and ability to play special teams to secure a roster spot.



I've read this over and over, during the 2005 campaign and through this off-season, and I've never understood the fact that the following question has gone unanswered - honestly, it hasn't really even been raised, as far...

• patsox23
• Replies: 40
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'STILL no good answer on Clardige's 2005 rehab...'

Jul 11, 2006

I've wondered this myself.

Not to contradict the article, but didn't people mention Claridge taking some reps in camp? I guess that PFW is more of an authority on this than some, but I thought that he had participated to some degree.

• 5 Rings for Brady!!

S

Post in thread 'STILL no good answer on Clardige's 2005 rehab...'

Jul 11, 2006

I agree that this question needs to be raised. I seem to recall having the same frustration with Ben Watson's rookie injury. If I was injured, I'd still want to sit in on all the meetings and learn what I could.

Hopefully, Claridge was red-shirted and is in good health, although it doesn't sound like it lately. I also hope and assume that Claridge learned a lot studying on his own, but wouldn't a defensive player learn more from seeing "moving" pictures (with a coach commenting) rather than reading a playbook?

• shakadave

I

Post in thread 'STILL no good answer on Clardige's 2005 rehab...'

Jul 11, 2006

His brother committed suicide. Perhaps there were personal issues going on with his family that he needed to be close to home for. For the Patriots to let him not be around the team is unusual. He must have had a very good reason why he needed to be in Las Vegas. Maybe it had something to do with his brother.

• I'm Ron Borges?

July 11, 2007:

Official 2007 Rookie Signing Thread (9 of 9 signed)

This will act as a centralized discussion thread for rookie signings. Please still post new threads for rookie signings - they will be merged here as an archive. -- Pats1 ... http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2007/07/extra_points_24.html...

www.patsfans.com

T

Thread 'Official 2007 Rookie Signing Thread (9 of 9 signed)'

Jul 11, 2007

This will act as a centralized discussion thread for rookie signings. Please still post new threads for rookie signings - they will be merged here as an archive. -- Pats1

...

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2007/07/extra_points_24.html
http://nflpa.org/Resources/ActivePlayerSearch.aspx
http://patscap.com/capfootnotes.html

Signing Data:

Mike Richardson, CB, Notre Dame
Draft position: Rd. 6, Pick 28 (202 overall)
Date (official): July 13
Length: 4
Base Salaries: Minimums ($285k, $370k, $460k, $550k)...

• tatepatsfan
• Replies: 119
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

July 11, 2008:

Pats Rookies win "Ultimate Rookie Challenge" contest at the NFL Rookie Symposium

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/ Rookies are quick studies Posted by Christopher L. Gasper, Globe Staff July 11, 2008 04:02 PM Maybe, the Patriots really do have smarter players than everybody else. Patriots draft picks linebacker Jerod Mayo, cornerback...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Pats Rookies win "Ultimate Rookie Challenge" contest at the NFL Rookie Symposium'

Jul 11, 2008

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

Rookies are quick studies
Posted by Christopher L. Gasper, Globe Staff July 11, 2008 04:02 PM
Maybe, the Patriots really do have smarter players than everybody else.

Patriots draft picks linebacker Jerod Mayo, cornerback Terrence Wheatley, linebacker Shawn Crable, quarterback Kevin O'Connell, cornerback Jonathan Wilhite, kick returner Matthew Slater and linebacker Bo Ruud combined to win the "Ultimate Rookie Challenge" trivia contest at the NFL Rookie Symposium, which was held earlier this month in Carlsbad...

• DefenseRules
• Replies: 19
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

July 11, 2009:

Sometimes a gossip site makes for a good read...rarely.

Tom Brady: Catch This If You Can | TMZ.com A picture is worth 1000 words.

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Sometimes a gossip site makes for a good read...rarely.'

Jul 11, 2009

Tom Brady: Catch This If You Can | TMZ.com

A picture is worth 1000 words.

• ScottieC
• Replies: 28
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
News from the 2010s​

July 11, 2010:

Sunday Patriots Headlines - July 11th

Here are today's New England Patriots headlines for Sunday July 11th, 2010.

www.patsfans.com

We'll kick off this morning with an article from Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe on Patriots defensive back Leigh Bodden, who after being released by the Detroit Lions following the 2008 season had multiyear contract offers from other teams. Instead he elected to sign a one-year deal for the veteran minimum with New England for 2009, and the move turned out to work in his favor. After a solid performance last season Bodden was rewarded with a new deal with the Patriots that includes $10-million guaranteed.

The Oklahoman has an article today on Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, who stopped to reflect on his journey from Heritage Hall to the NFL and offers up a ton of insight into his time in the NFL, and even has some candid moments - one of which where he admits he "hates snakes". It's a good read.

OTHER NFL HEADLINES:
The Associated Press reports that Detroit Lions President Tom Lewand has been sentenced to six months of probation and $870 in fines and costs for a recent drunk driving arrest. This is otherwise known as a slap on the wrist, so I guess the only consolation should be that he didn't kill anyone.

USA Today has an article on troubled quarterback Michael Vick, who thanks to the recent shooting incident last month is now barred from leaving Pennsylvania by his probation officials. The penalty cost him a couple of charity appearances, and it remains to be seen if commissioner Roger Goodell will penalize him further considering the strict terms put in place for his NFL reinstatement last year.

Due to the lack of NFL headlines this morning we'll end on this note: Rick Gosselin of the Herald-Review has an article this morning on Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who he feels is now among the NFL Elite quarterbacks. Gosselin cites the fact that Romo will start 2010 as the third most-efficient quarterback in history - ahead of Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner, Tom Brady, Joe Montana and Drew Brees.

A Week's Worth of Patriots News 7/5 - 7/10

www.patsfans.com

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com had an article on Tuesday regarding Tom Brady's supposed "discontent" involving his contract.

Florio points out that up to this point Brady has been the good soldier and taken a "hometown discount" to help his team stay competitive and keep talent around him. However according to Florio, Brady is saying that those days are over, and the Patriots are now going to have to pay market value for his services. The reason? Brady is supposedly angry that New England has been using his last good gesture against other free agents (ie: Logan Mankins) to get them to take less money - and he's not going to do it any longer.

Jeff Howe of NESN.com wonders if recently signed Vince Wilfork, Leigh Bodden, and Tully Banta-Cain will back up the big contracts they recently signed this offseason.

Jeff Howe of NESN.com has an article on quarterback Tom Brady, who Howe says looked "precision sharp" during the team's minicamp and OTA's and no longer appears to be hampered by any injuries. As we recently learned Brady fought through not only trying to battle back from a knee injury, but also dealt with playing through the final weeks of the season with three broken ribs and a broken finger.

Howe also looks at quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien, who despite the fact there wasn't officially an offensive coordinator last year handled most of the play-calling. According to Howe O'Brien has clearly been in charge of the offense so far during the team's offseason workouts, and after a tough 2009 campaign New England can't afford any further inconsistent play-calling from him when they take the field this season.

Jeff Howe of NESN.com expects a big year from wide receiver Randy Moss, pointing out that the last time Moss was in a contract year (2007) he had a record breaking season.

Lewis, G. Warren and Pryor

1) I don't think that there are enough reps for more than five defensive linemen. 2) Only four participated in more than 30% of the defensive reps last year. 3) I agree with Belichick's apparent decision to carry a backup NT (Brace) who we hope can do other things if needed. 4) We...

www.patsfans.com

M

Thread 'Lewis, G. Warren and Pryor'

Jul 11, 2010

1) I don't think that there are enough reps for more than five defensive linemen.

2) Only four participated in more than 30% of the defensive reps last year.

3) I agree with Belichick's apparent decision to carry a backup NT (Brace) who we hope can do other things if needed.

4) We lost Green and brought in G. Warren and Lewis.

5) I don't think that there is any reason to keep all three, unless Pryor is kept as a developmental future starter.

6) Which of the three would you cut? My choice is Pryor.

• mgteich
• Replies: 71
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

July 11, 2011:

McCourty Impressed By Teammate Dowling

Devin McCourty sees a lot of potential in Patriots 2nd round draft pick Ras-I Dowling.

www.patsfans.com

"When I first walked up to him, I heard he was big, but he was like 6-2, maybe 200 , 205 pounds. He looks like a specimen," McCourty told Reiss during the interview. "I think when guys get drafted, everyone looks at their physical tools and what they might be able to do on the field right away, but just talking to him, I'm trying to explain the defense and as I'm saying a sentence, he's just finishing it. It seems like he has a lot of football knowledge. I think that's important when you come in to the New England defense; if you have some football knowledge that you can put together with what Coach Belichick teaches us, I think it can go a long way."

McCourty also feels that the 6-2, 200-pound Dowling could potentially give the Patriots an edge facing off against New York's Braylon Edwards, and Miami's Brandon Marshall. It makes sense that Bill Belichick may have had that on his mind before selecting Dowling, since Edwards had a touchdown in both of New York's wins over New England last season, while Marshall combined for 10-receptions and 147-yards receiving in their two meetings against Miami.

Pats need to re-sign Matt Light to avoid domino effect to OL

When the lockout ends and NFL teams resume operations the first order of business for the New England Patriots should be to work out a contract with Matt Light.

www.patsfans.com

While the biggest point of discussion regarding the New England Patriots' roster this past off-season - make that the last two off-seasons - has been regarding the pass rush, one somewhat overlooked but equally critical topic is that of the offensive line. I'm not sure if that is because the unit has been so consistent and dependable, or if positions such as wide receiver and running back get more attention because those players get their hands on the ball and score touchdowns, but the players responsible for keeping Tom Brady upright are in a bit of a transition this year. What happens to one of those players will affect the others - and that domino effect begins with left tackle Matt Light.

Many fans jumped to the conclusion that Light would not be re-signed when the Patriots drafted Nate Solder in the first round with the 17th overall pick. But is that really a foregone conclusion? Starting a rookie at tackle may be fine for a rebuilding team coming off a losing season, but it is a dicey proposition for a club that is expected to be one of the top contenders for a championship. Now figure in the fact that rookies have not had the benefit of any coaching, mini-camps, or OTA's this year, and the reality is that their expectations on just how much they can be expected to produce and to be relied upon need to be tempered dramatically. That holds true even more so for a position such as tackle, where the learning curve is much steeper than a position such as running back.

Pats need to re-sign Matt Light to avoid domino effect to OL

Pats need to re-sign Matt Light to avoid domino effect to OL By: John Morgan When the lockout ends and NFL teams resume operations the first order of business for the New England Patriots should be to work out a contract with Matt Light.... CLICK HERE TO READ THIS STORY

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G

Post in thread 'Pats need to re-sign Matt Light to avoid domino effect to OL'

Jul 11, 2011

The Patriots don't need to resign Light. IMO, He is only back if he is willing to take a paycut. He's not that good anymore.

• Greg

T

Post in thread 'Pats need to re-sign Matt Light to avoid domino effect to OL'

Jul 11, 2011

I would sign Mankins first, Light second, otherwise i agree with the author that addressing the OL free agents is the first order of business.

• townes

T

Post in thread 'Pats need to re-sign Matt Light to avoid domino effect to OL'

Jul 11, 2011

The Patriots don't need to resign Light. IMO, He is only back if he is willing to take a paycut. He's not that good anymore.

Bill Belichik apparently believes he is good enough to protect Tom Brady's neck, that carries some weight. How someone can say "he isn't that good" based on NOTHING is beyond me.

• townes

July 11, 2012:

New England Patriots Twitter Roster

With the departure of the wide receiver formerly known as Ochocinco, twitter timelines involving New England Patriot players are not quite as busy as they formerly were. However, during his short time in Foxboro the number of players utilizing the social media skyrocketed. Since the team has had...

atp.patsfans.com

July 11, 2013:

Dennard Arrested, Patriots Surreal Off-Season Continues

New England Patriots cornerback, Alfonzo Dennard, was arrested early Thursday morning for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence, per Omaha World-Herald.

www.patsfans.com

This infraction continues a surreal off-season for the team. From Rob Gronkowski's surgeries, to Aaron Hernandez's pending trial and now another arrest, the Patriots find themselves in a nightmarish situation.​

At this point, nothing will surprise me. Dennard has a very real chance of being released. With the image of the team already hurt by other incidents, I would not be shocked if the team cut ties in order for them to restore their "Patriot Way" brand.​

The Patriots now have a crucial decision to make, with just two weeks until the start of training camp. It is not easy to find solid cornerbacks, especially for this team, and is even more difficult in mid-July. I would expect a decision from the Pats front office very soon.​

Stay tuned.​

Dennard arrested for DUI

Ughhhhh..... Former Husker Alfonzo Dennard Arrested for DUI

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Thread 'Dennard arrested for DUI'

Jul 11, 2013

Ughhhhh.....

Former Husker Alfonzo Dennard Arrested for DUI

• Pats0204
• Replies: 870
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Dennard arrested for DUI'

Jul 11, 2013

Ughhhhh.....

Former Husker Alfonzo Dennard Arrested for DUI

He'll be cut before 4:00 p.m.

• goheels22002

Post in thread 'Dennard arrested for DUI'

Jul 11, 2013

Hahahahahahahah.

Later dennard. Nice job throwing away your career.

• Brady_to_Moss

July 11, 2014:

Patriots Huddle: Friday's News and Notes 7/11

Here are some news and notes on this Friday July 11th, 2014.

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DON'T COUNT ON ANDRE JOHNSON IN NEW ENGLAND:

There are plenty of fans who would love to see Andre Johnson catching passes from Tom Brady, but as it currently stands, the Patriots would have to be considered a long shot to acquire him.

Johnson has told the Texans that he no longer wants to be there and wants to be traded, which reportedly stemmed from an earlier situation where the star receiver missed the early portion of the offseason workouts and cost him a $1 million bonus. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Johnson requested the opportunity to workout extra to make up for the time he missed, but the team told him no.

That sets up where he is now, which has the two sides in a standoff and Johnson at the center of trade rumors.

Looking at the implications of him coming to New England, the numbers don't really work out too well. As our colleague Miguel Benzan points out, Per the CBA, the Patriots would have to be under the cap by $10,580,000 in order to take on Andre Johnson's 10 million salary and 1 million roster bonus. According to Benzan, the team is currently below the salary cap by $6.4 million, which would require a series of moves to squeeze Johnson under and he goes over a series of moves to shave off the additional $4.2 million that might make it work. Some of those moves would involve extensions for Devin McCourty along releasing Dan Connolly or even Logan Mankins, among other necessary transactions.

My way too early and I will deny making them when they end up being wrong predictions

Ok, with two weeks before camp, I figured I would get my season predictions out of the way. Of course I will probably change them by the beginning of the season. But what the hell: Patriots In General The Pats will finish the season 13-3. I just think this season's schedule will be easier...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'My way too early and I will deny making them when they end up being wrong predictions'

Jul 11, 2014

Ok, with two weeks before camp, I figured I would get my season predictions out of the way. Of course I will probably change them by the beginning of the season. But what the hell:

Patriots

In General

• The Pats will finish the season 13-3. I just think this season's schedule will be easier than last year.
• My early target for losses are @ Green Bay, @ Indy, and Cincy. Not that I think any are neccesarily better than the Pats. It is always hard to beat Green Bay in Green Bay especially in late November. Cincy is on a short week and the second night game...

• Rob0729
• Replies: 90
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

C

Post in thread 'My way too early and I will deny making them when they end up being wrong predictions'

Sep 2, 2014

Here's a prediction: the Pats will have the Worst OL in football & the Worst running game,
and only the magnificence of Brady will allow the offense to sustain any drives.

• captain stone

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ezell Jones, Larry Cowan​

Happy 79th birthday to Ezell Jones
Born July 11, 1947 in Collierville, Tennessee
Patriot OT, 1969-170; uniform #74
Acquired in a trade with the Jets on March 24, 1969 for a 1970 5th round draft pick

Ezell Jones was the 104th overall pick by the Jets in 1969, out of Minnesota. He played in 18 games over two seasons with the Patriots, with one fumble recovery, plus a safety in the Pats 25-14 victory at Cincinnati on November 16. Jones later returned to Minneapolis where he became a Vice President of Business Development and Relationship Manager for an insurance company in Minnesota.

Gino Cappelletti, Ezell Jones

About — Fifth Quarter Integrated Solutions

Advocating for Equity

www.5qis.com

Ezell Jones - Founder & Managing Partner​

Ezell provides C-level preferred access, consulting, business strategy, business development and executive coaching. He is a valued nonpartisan advisor on major policies with extensive relationships at the highest levels in the private, nonprofit and public sectors. Ezell sees the big picture and effectively brings key people to the table to align interests, voices and resources and drive real change.​

Ezell uses his more than four decades of successful engagement business experience and community service to forge trusted relationships and collaborations to build community. In his engagement and leadership roles in business and the community, he draws on extensive experience and a unique skill set to bring parties together and facilitate the flow of information and resources. He is committed to developing youth and improving the access and success of small and minority businesses and disadvantaged job seekers. His particular passion is elevating the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs from underserved communities. Ezell exemplifies the idea that “business success and societal success are not mutually exclusive”.​

Ezell Jones | Opportunity and Inclusive Growth Institute

www.minneapolisfed.org

Ezell Jones serves as managing partner for Fifth Quarter Enterprise. Fifth Quarter Enterprise provides executive coaching, business development, risk management and insurance. Jones currently serves on the board of trustees for the University of Minnesota Foundation and is a donor and member of the University of Minnesota President’s Club. He also offers independent consulting services. He is a retired NFL player and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, where he serves as a life member of the Alumni Association. He has also completed associate in risk management executive education programs at Wharton and Tuck schools of business.​

Ezell Jones named to Metropolitan State Foundation Board

Metropolitan State University welcomes Ezell Jones to the Metropolitan State Foundation Board of Trustees.

www.metrostate.edu

Jones is the founder and managing partner of Fifth Quarter Integrated Solutions and holds bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and psychology from the University of Minnesota. He also holds an associate’s degree in risk management from the University of Pennsylvania with additional continuing education certification in executive management from Dartmouth College.​

With more than four decades of successful engagement business experience and community service, he is committed to developing youth and improving access for small and minority businesses. As part of his passion and drive, he utilizes his time to motivate the next generation of leaders from underserved communities and be a catalyst for change.​

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Jones moved to Minneapolis in 1965 to attend the University of Minnesota. He played for the Golden Gopher men’s football team and professionally for the New York Jets and New England Patriots.​

Metropolitan State University, a member of Minnesota State, is the Twin Cities public, urban, comprehensive state university providing lifelong learning, and competitive academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels.​

The mission of the Metropolitan State University Foundation is to generate maximum public awareness, as well as governmental and private support, for Metropolitan State University, and to assist the university in its development as a comprehensive, urban university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area for changing and diverse student needs.​

Happy 65th birthday to Larry Cowan
Born July 11, 1960 in Mobile, Alabama
Patriots RB, 1982; uniform #44
Signed as a free agent on November 23, 1982


Larry Cowan was drafted by Miami in the 7th round in 1982, but only played in two games for the Fins. After the strike ended the Pats signed the Jackson State alum, who played almost exclusively on special teams. Cowan appeared in a total of seven games for the Patriots, including their 28-13 playoff loss at Miami. He then averaged 5.5 yards per carry and caught 101 passes playing for the Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL from 1983 to 1985.

Alabama High School Football History

The History of high school football in Alabama

www.ahsfhs.org

Larry Cowan football Statistics on StatsCrew.com

The Stats Crew has compiled complete career football statistics for Larry Cowan.

www.justsportsstats.com

Larry Donnell Cowan
Born: July 11, 1960
Mobile, AL USA
Position: RB
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 194
College: Jackson St.
High School: Mattie T. Blount (Eight Mile, AL)
Career: 1982-1985
Drafted: 1982 in Round 7, #192 overall by the Miami Dolphins​

Larry Cowan played from 1982 to 1985 during his career with the Edmonton Eskimos, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Cowan ran for 1,333 yards in his career on 244 attempts, scoring 1 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 101 passes for 988 yards and 1 receiving touchdowns..​

Larry Cowan (31) was just a backup and special teamer in the NFL, but he gained 2,321 yards in three CFL seasons.


​

The 342 former Patriots who have sued the NFL and helmet maker Riddell - The Boston Globe

The Globe compiled and analyzed a list of the Patriots who allege they suffered brain injuries on the job.

www.bostonglobe.com