A blocking tight end.

[mgteich]

While there is love for Coates, don't forget about "All World" Russ Francis, coined by Howard Cosell, he was a pretty good TE for the NEPatriots ('75 to '88).. he did not share the same number (81) but should be in this conversation.

I remember Francis. He was a fine TE.

For me, Coates was much better. "winter coates" caught first downs often with 2 or 3 defenders hanging on him.