Today In Patriots History April 12, 2021: Julian Edelman Retires

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Julian Edelman​

April 12, 2021:
Julian Edelman retires after twelve seasons. The 2009 7th round pick from Kent State ranks among the career leaders in several categories:

- 2nd in franchise history in career receptions (620)
- 4th in receiving yards (6,822)
- 9th in receiving touchdowns (36)
- 3rd in punt return yards (1,986)
- 3rd in number of punt returns (177)
- 1st in punt return TDs (4)
- 3rd in yards per punt return (11.2) [minimum 50 returns]

JE11 was incredibly clutch in the playoffs, most notably for his miraculous catch in the comeback versus Atlanta. He was also the MVP of Super Bowl 53 versus the Rams, with ten catches for 141 yards. Edelman is second in NFL history for most postseason receptions (118) and receiving yards (1,442), behind only Jerry Rice. In addition his 51 yard pass to Danny Amendola versus Baltimore is the longest completion for a TD in the playoffs by a non-QB in NFL playoff history.

 

[jmt57]

Star receiver Julian Edelman, 34, retires, ending 12-year career with New England Patriots

Patriots star wide receiver Julian Edelman, who helped New England win three championships and was the MVP of Super Bowl LIII, announced his retirement on Monday in a social media video.

www.espn.com

"It was a hard decision, but the right decision for me and my family," Edelman said. "And I'm honored and so proud to be retiring a Patriot. ... It's been the best 12 years of my life."​

Edelman, who turns 35 next month, was limited to six games last season because of a chronic knee injury. He spent his entire 12-year career with the Patriots and ranks second in NFL history with 118 postseason receptions, behind only Jerry Rice's 151.​

Edelman caps his career in second place on the all-time Patriots chart for receptions (620), behind only Wes Welker (672). He is fourth on the team's career receiving yards list with 6,822 receiving yards, behind only Stanley Morgan (10,352), Rob Gronkowski (7,861) and Welker (7,459).​

Few would have predicted his career trajectory when the Patriots selected Edelman in the seventh round of the 2009 draft -- 232rd overall. Edelman was a quarterback at Kent State, with his running skills and quick-cutting ability catching Bill Belichick's eye as a possible receiver/punt returner.​

Edelman was still playing at a high level last season, totaling a career-high 179 yards in a Week 2 loss to the Seahawks. But the nagging knee injury ultimately landed him on injured reserve in late October, and while there was hope he might return late in the season, he wasn't healthy enough to be activated.​

Because of his health, the Patriots went into the 2021 offseason unsure of Edelman's status, which contributed to their agreeing to contracts with receivers Nelson Agholor (two years, $26 million, with $15 million guaranteed) and Kendrick Bourne (three years, $22.5 million, with $5.25 million guaranteed) on the first day of free agency. Edelman was also entering the final year of his contract.​

Edelman's clutch postseason play is reflected in his six games with at least 100 receiving yards, tied with Michael Irvin for second all-time (Rice is first with eight).​

The Patriots tapped into his old quarterback skills with success, with Edelman completing 7 of 8 passes over his career for 179 yards, with two touchdowns and a perfect 158.3 passer rating (includes playoffs).​

Against Denver last October, Edelman joined running backs Andy Johnson (Sept. 6, 1981 vs. Baltimore) and **** Christy (Nov. 18, 1960 vs. Dallas Texans) as the three Patriots non-quarterbacks who have completed two passes in a game.​

Over his career, Edelman totaled 58 rushing attempts for 413 yards, the most rushing attempts and rushing yards by a wide receiver in Patriots history.​

In the latter stages of his career, Edelman, of Redwood City, California, publicly embraced his Jewish identity, taking pride in becoming the first Jewish player to be named a Super Bowl MVP.​

 

[Pape]

Love Jules. He is the offensive version of Mr Patriot. Tedy the defensive version

 

[jmt57]

Patriots WR Julian Edelman Announced His Retirement -- Patriots.com

Edelman, 34, is a veteran of 12 seasons with the Patriots after originally joining the team as a seventh-round draft pick (232nd overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Kent State. The 5-foot-10-inch, 198-pounder played in 137 regular season games with 85 starts and is second in team history with 620 receptions, fourth with 6,822 receiving yards and ninth with 36 receiving touchdowns. He also had 58 rushing attempts for 413 yards, the most rushing attempts and rushing yards by a wide receiver in Patriots history. His 9,869 all-purpose yards are fourth in team history.​

https://media.gettyimages.com/id/633952726/photo/houston-tx-julian-edelman-of-the-new-england-patriots-runs-with-the-ball-against-the-atlanta dot jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=yMkUJOQ4jYuLi8RApzzaighhCb8L0_XEgZdo****C7Y=

Edelman sits second in NFL history with 118 postseason receptions, behind Jerry Rice's 151 catches in the playoffs. He is one of 15 NFL players with at least 1,000 career postseason yards and his 1,442 postseason receiving yards are second all-time, behind the 2,245 playoff receiving yards by Rice. A member of three Super Bowl Champion teams, Edelman turned in key performances at crucial moments in all three Super Bowls wins. He was named Super Bowl LIII MVP after finishing with 10 receptions for 141 yards in the win vs. the Los Angeles Rams. Edelman finished with five receptions for 87 yards, including a miraculous 23-yard, diving, finger-tip catch late in the fourth quarter of the win vs. Atlanta in Super Bowl LI. He also caught the game-winning, 3-yard touchdown pass with 2:06 left to play in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLIX win vs. Seattle.​

"By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career – wins, championships, production – Julian has it all," said Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. "Few players can match Julian's achievements, period, but considering his professional trajectory and longevity, the group is even more select. It is historic. This is a tribute to his legendary competitiveness, mental and physical toughness and will to excel. Day in and day out, Julian was always the same: all out. Then, in the biggest games and moments, with championships at stake, he reached even greater heights and delivered some of his best, most thrilling performances. For all Julian did for our team, what I may appreciate the most is he was the quintessential throwback player. He could, and did, do everything – catch, run, throw, block, return, cover and tackle – all with an edge and attitude that would not allow him to fail under any circumstance. Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him."​

 

[jmt57]

 

[TheRainMaker]

He is the anti N'Keal Harry and other players drafted by the Pats. This was a guy who was a college QB and had to learn another position to survive in the NFL. Edelman has hinted Pats tried drafting WR's to push him out, but they all failed. Also, had Welker stayed and Hernandez not gone to prison, Edelman was going to accept the offer to go to NY Giants as he understood he was low on the totem pole.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Tom Addison​

In memory of Tom Addison, who would have turned 89 today
Born April 12, 1936 in Lancaster, South Carolina
Died June 14, 2011 at the age of 75 in Bluffton, South Carolina
Patriot strong side linebacker 1960-1967; uniform #53
Signed as a free agent on September 27, 1960
Pats résumé: 8 seasons, 108 games, 101 starts; 15 sacks, 16 interceptions, one TD; 3x All-AFL, 4x AFL All-Star; Pats All-1960s Team


Thomas Marion Addison was an AFL All-Star for four straight seasons, and a member of the Pats' All-Decade team for the 1960s. He played in 108 games for the Patriots, with 16 interceptions. Addison was also the first president of the AFL's player association, which in turn helped give players confidence to sign with the new league and helped the league improve and eventually merge with the NFL.

Tom was originally drafted out of South Carolina by the Colts in the 12th round (141st overall) in 1958, but never really had a shot with Baltimore. That was a team running a 5-2 defense, already set with veterans at their two linebacker positions. They had just won the '58 and '59 NFL championships, so there was little incentive to make changes to the starting lineup or get younger. Couple that with the fact that this was a period of time when rosters were limited to 35 players, the reality was that Addison was nothing but camp fodder for the Colts, and some insurance in case of injury.

It is not a coincidence that when Addison was injured, the defense suffered. The Pats had the third-ranked defense in 1966, then slipped to seventh in points/sixth in yardage the next year, when he missed time with a knee injury. He was then forced to retire, and the Pats defense finished dead last in points allowed the first year without him on the field, in 1968.

Former Boston Patriot Addison dies

Addison was a standout linebacker and served as the first president of the AFL Players Association.

www.boston.com

A 6-foot-2, 230 pound linebacker, Addison was originally drafted out of the University of South Carolina by the Baltimore Colts in 1958, but signed with the newly-formed Boston Patriots in 1960.​

Addison played his entire career with the Patriots (he retired in 1967), and was quickly a standout player. According to pro-football-reference.com, he snagged 16 interceptions in his career, one of which he took back for a touchdown (the site does not have tackle numbers). In 1960, he received All-AFL honors; the next year, the league formed its All-Star game, and Addison played in the exhibition every year from 1961-64.​

In 1971, fans voted Addison to the Patriots all-decade team for the 1960s.​

Addison wasn’t just a leader on the field: he was voted the first president of the AFL Players’ Association by his peers when the union was formed in 1964. His contributions as president played a significant role in the development and competitiveness of the league.​

A member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, Addison will be buried in his hometown of Lancaster, S.C. on Friday.​

From the 1967 Patriots Media Guide:

Tom Addison LB 31 6'2" 230 South Carolina​

Injured last season in second Kansas City game . . . his ability to comeback after off-season knee surgery will have big bearing on success of Pats' defense . . . missed last four of '66 season . . . Tom is a classic example of a player whose success has paralleled that of the league's . . . the former South Carolina tackle has been a strong-side linebacking standout for Pats since their first season in '60 . . . is probably the senior linebacker in the circuit in terms of accomplishment . . . as with Charley Long, mumps stifled Tom's progress in '65 and the defense was affected accordingly . . . has been an eastern All-Star four times and All-AFL three of his pro years . . . closest thing to Jekyl and Hyde in pro football . . . keys up mentally to finest edge for combat and proceeds to knock over blockers, runners and passers with savage abandon . . . off the field has been the articulate businessman with the southern drawl . . . is Patriots player representative and was also the player representative for the entire league prior to 1965 . . . has a football camp for youngsters at Curry College during the off-season that features the instruction of Patriots stars . . . an intense and driving competitor, Tom is co-captain of the Pats.​

Pro Football Journal: 1963 AFL Defensive Players of the Week

Week 13 – December 8, 1963​

With the division crown at stake, the 6-5-1 Boston Patriots traveled to Jeppeson Stadium in Houston to take on the 6-5 Oilers. In a game that certainly lived up to its billing, the Patriots prevailed in a 46-28 shootout. Boston’s All-Pro linebacker Tommy Addison earned this week’s Defensive Player of the Week honors with an outstanding performance that included two-and-a-half sacks, six solo tackles, and a forced-fumble that Nick Buoniconti returned for a touchdown.​

The victory put the Patriots in the driver seat at 7-5-1 with one game remaining on their schedule. All they would have to do is win their final contest the following weekend against the Chiefs, and the division would be theirs.​

Tom Addison - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Considered a leader of the newly formed team, Addison was selected as team captain, and was named to the AFL All-Star team for four straight years(1961–1964), as well as being one of the first players ever selected to be a Patriot All-League player (in 1960). He was also a Sporting News' All-League player in 1963 and 1964, and an AFL Eastern Division All-Star in 1961 and 1962. With 16 career interceptions (returning one for a touchdown), he was considered by some to be the best AFL linebacker against the run in the mid-1960s.​

Addison played in every Patriots' game from 1961 to 1966 (84 games), and was adding to this total when he sustained what proved to be a career-ending knee injury. On June 18, 1968, he was released by the Patriots after team doctors stated that he would risk further damage by playing after having undergone two knee operations. Addison was selected by a Patriot fan vote in 1971 as a member of the Patriots' All-1960s Team.​

On January 14, 1964, players in the American Football League formed the AFL Players Association, and Addison was elected the union's first president.​

In search of protection for the players, Addison put together a request package of benefits that included insurance and a player pension plan. As president, Addison had the intimidating task of meeting with the team owners to communicate the request. Upon entering the meeting room, Addison approached the long oval table, where the stern-faced owners were awaiting. With Southern charm, he looked up at the owners, smiled, and said "Well, I'm not trying to be the next Jimmy Hoffa!" This broke the tension, and started a period of perhaps the most positive relationship between owners and players in team sports history.​

With a players association in place, players newly drafted by American Football League teams in the "war between the leagues" could be assured that they would have representation and protection in the AFL that was the equal of that in the older league. Addison's work was an important element in the survival of the league, and helped the AFL to be able to compete for top talent, and to establish itself as the future of Professional Football.​

Tom Addison Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

He is the anti N'Keal Harry and other players drafted by the Pats. This was a guy who was a college QB and had to learn another position to survive in the NFL. Edelman has hinted Pats tried drafting WR's to push him out, but they all failed. Also, had Welker stayed and Hernandez not gone to prison, Edelman was going to accept the offer to go to NY Giants as he understood he was low on the totem pole.

I can remember thinking to myself 'Huh? Why?' when he was drafted. And still thinking all offseason, what was the point of attempting to convert a quarterback from a second tier college to wide receiver, rather than just drafting a WR.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Nate Solder​

Happy 37th birthday to Nate Solder
Born April 12, 1988 in Denver; raised in Buena Vista, Colorado
Patriot offensive tackle, 2011-2017; uniform #77
Pats 1st round (17th overall) selection of the 2011 draft, from Colorado
Pats résumé: seven seasons, 98 games (95 starts); 16 playoff games, two super bowl rings


With Matt Light reaching the end of his career in 2011, the Pats used a first round pick on an offensive tackle. Solder started immediately on the right side, with Sebastian Vollmer sliding over to left tackle. The following year Solder took over on the blind side and was a steady performer at LT for six seasons. While never an All-Pro, Solder played well enough to earn a contract extension - and two Super Bowl rings.

Nathaniel Perry Solder appeared in 98 games for the Pats (with 95 starts), plus 16 postseason games - with the Patriots posting a 12-4 playoff record with him playing tackle. With the exception of 2015 when he was on IR with a torn bicep, Solder missed just two games in his time with the Pats.





In 2018 the Patriots let Solder walk away, as he received a bountiful payday in the form of a four-year $62 million free agent contract with $35 million guaranteed from the 3-13 New York Giants - whose offensive line had been abysmal in pass protection, and not much better in run blocking. At the time that made Nate the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL. The Giants finished the season 5-11, while the Patriots won the Super Bowl with a left tackle practically given away by San Francisco (Trent Brown).

Nate Solder (2023) - CU Athletic Hall of Fame - University of Colorado Athletics

University of Colorado Athletics

cubuffs.com

Earned four letters (2007-10) under head coach Dan Hawkins, first starting out as a tight end before shifting to offensive tackle the spring prior to his sophomore year … That move paid off, as he became the first offensive tackle at Colorado to earn All-America honors since 1979 (Stan Brock), and the first Buff to garner consensus honors at the position … He played 2,540 out of a possible 2,542 plays on offense his sophomore through senior seasons; of those, exactly 1,400 were called passing plays, and he allowed just five sacks those three years … He allowed 21 pressures overall (14 as a sophomore), so the man he was blocking influenced a pass play 26 times in those 1,400 plays, or just 1.8 percent of his career … He was 6-7½ and 245 pounds when he arrived at CU as a true freshman in 2006 and left at 6-9, 315 … As CU’s left tackle, he started the final 36 games of his career and as a senior, was one CU’s four co-captains, as selected by his teammates; they also selected him as the recipient of the Zack Jordan Award as the team’s most valuable player … Also as a senior, he was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, a consensus All-American, a unanimous first-team All-Big 12 Conference performer, with the league coaches selecting him as the league’s Offensive Lineman of the Year … He was named the Male College Athlete of the Year by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, and also garnered first-team All-Colorado honors from the state’s NFF chapter.​

March 14, 2018:

Report: Nate Solder to sign with NY Giants

Even before it officially began, free agency wasn’t kind to the Patriots. According to the NFL Network, Nate Solder is expected to sign with the New York Giants. The deal is reportedly worth $62 m…

www.providencejournal.com

Even before it officially began, free agency wasn’t kind to the Patriots. In one fell swoop, the Patriots have lost their top four free agents and their offseason priority in the 6-foot-8 starting left tackle.​

Drafted 17th overall in 2011, Solder helped the Patriots replace Matt Light in the offensive line, starting 13 of 16 games his rookie season. Solder has been a mainstay since that season, starting 95 of 98 games over the last seven seasons. Last year, the 29-year-old started all 16 games and was named as a Pro Bowl alternate.​

This offseason, Solder looked like the No. 1 priority for the Patriots. Since he was the consensus top tackle available in free agency, his market blew up. In the end, he also had reported interest from the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns. Considering the Patriots limited cap space (a little over $21 million), it looks like the team was out-priced on Day 1 of free agency.​

That’s been a common theme so far as the Patriots are also set to lose Malcolm Butler (Tennessee), Dion Lewis (Tennessee) and Danny Amendola (Miami). All three players were out-priced for the Patriots. Losing Solder, however, is the biggest blow.​

NFL Rumors: Nate Solder Signing With Giants On Massive $62M Contract - NESN.com

The New England Patriots were unable to re-sign their most important free agent. Left tackle Nate Solder is expected to sign a four-year, $62 million contract with the New York Giants once free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. The deal will make him the...

nesn.com

The New England Patriots were unable to re-sign their most important free agent.​

Left tackle Nate Solder is expected to sign a four-year, $62 million contract with the New York Giants once free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. The deal will make him the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman.​

Solder, the 17th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, spent his first seven NFL seasons in New England, serving as the Patriots’ primary left tackle since Matt Light’s retirement in 2012. The 29-year-old’s departure leaves the Patriots with a glaring hole at the position.​

The in-house options to replace Solder all lack significant NFL experience. Cole Croston played just nine snaps in garbage time as a rookie and Tony Garcia, Andrew Jelks and Jason King all have yet to make their pro debuts. LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming, both of whom did a fine job filling in for injured right tackle Marcus Cannon this season, are set to hit free agency.​

Signing Solder fills a serious need for the Giants, as Ereck Flowers had been a turnstile on the left side in previous seasons.​

Solder started four Super Bowls during his Patriots tenure, winning two. New England reached the AFC Championship Game in all seven of his seasons.​

Giants expected to sign Patriots OT Nate Solder to 4-year, $62M deal

Offensive tackle Nate Solder, who has spent his entire career with the New England Patriots, is expected to sign with the New York Giants, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

www.espn.com

The 6-foot-8, 325-pound Solder has spent his entire career with the New England Patriots, who drafted him in the 2011 first round out of Colorado. He is arguably the top free-agent offensive tackle on the market, coming off a season in which he played in every game, protecting quarterback Tom Brady's blind side.​

Solder, who turns 30 in April, is the fourth impact player to leave the Patriots. Malcolm Butler and Dion Lewis intend to sign with the Tennessee Titans, according to Schefter, and Danny Amendola is leaving for the Miami Dolphins.​

​

March 13, 2021:

Nate Solder expected back with New York Giants on reworked deal, source says

Offensive tackle Nate Solder is expected to return to the New York Giants on a reworked deal, a source told ESPN, with financial details still to be finalized.

www.espn.com

After Solder's contract with the Giants was automatically voided following the completion of the 2021 season, he was not re-signed and his NFL career was over. From 2011 to 2021 he appeared in 146 regular season NFL games, plus 16 in the playoffs. In his post-NFL career he has donated over a million dollars to Compassion International, a Colorado charity focused on the long-term development of children of living in poverty.

INCREASE: Finding True Identity - Nate Solder - Sports Spectrum

Giants lineman Nate Solder shares about being thankful for his true identity in Jesus and how he aims to see Christ increase in his life.

sportsspectrum.com

I remember speaking to a small group of people over breakfast once and saying that every year there’s going to be adversity, you just don’t know what it’s going to be. Within weeks of saying that, I got testicular cancer. The next season, my son got sick with kidney cancer. Every year there is serious adversity; every year there are personal crises that happen on every team. But if you put it together and actually win a championship, you realize you’ve gone through a lot. It’s nice to have that group of people to rely on.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Adam Butler​

Happy 31st birthday to Adam Butler
Born April 12, 1994 in Duncanville, Texas
Patriot defensive tackle, 2017-2020; uniform #70
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent from Vanderbilt on May 5, 2017
Pats résumé: four seasons, 63 games (12 starts); 15 sacks, 96 tackles, 9 pass deflections; 2 sacks in 7 playoff games; one ring


Adam Oneal Butler missed just one game in four seasons with the Patriots, and also played in seven playoff games - including two Super Bowls. His stat line reads 96 tackles, 15 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, 20 tackles for a loss, and nine pass deflections; he was typically on the field for about 45% of the team's defensive snaps. The Dolphins signed Butler early in free agency in 2021 to a two-year, $7.5 million contract, and in 2023 he signed with the Raiders. Honestly I never understood why the Patriots didn't re-sign Butler, instead spending more than that to sign Davon Godchaux in his place. Overall Adam Butler has more than $17 million in career earnings in the NFL; not bad for a undrafted player who had himself convinced in his final rookie preseason game that he was about to be cut.

How Patriots Rookie Adam Butler Found Out He Made Initial 53-Man Roster - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — Adam Butler stood nervously on the New England Patriots’ sideline with his hands grasping the inside neck of his shoulder pads, helmet nowhere to be found, as his final opportunity to prove he deserved to make the team was passing by before his very eyes. The undrafted free...

nesn.com

Adam Butler stood nervously on the New England Patriots’ sideline with his hands grasping the inside neck of his shoulder pads, helmet nowhere to be found, as his final opportunity to prove he deserved to make the team was passing by before his very eyes.​

The undrafted free agent defensive tackle assumed the worst when informed he would suit up but not play in the Patriots’ final preseason game of the summer against the New York Giants. As the Patriots’ defense took the field for the game’s first series, in his place were Darius Kilgo, Geneo Grissom, Woodrow Hamilton and Michael Bart on the defensive line.​

Standing next to the rookie out of Vanderbilt were Trey Flowers, Dont’a Hightower, Alan Branch and the rest of the Patriots’ defensive starters. And as they came up to Butler, the look on his face turned from concern into a proud ear-to-ear smile.​

“I was alarmed, because at first I thought it was a bad thing,” Butler told NESN.com on Tuesday. “I thought that they had seen what they wanted to see, and it was like, ‘Eh, we aren’t going to take this guy.’ I wasn’t sure. But after some of the older guys came up to me and told me ‘congratulations,’ I was like, ‘What? How do you know before me?’ But they’re vets.”​

Suddenly, he looked like the younger brother asked to play pickup hoops with the older kids. Butler never entered the game, because he already had made the Patriots’ 53-man roster. It’s customary for NFL starters and roster locks to remain on the bench for the final preseason game.​

Butler’s inclusion on the initial active roster was more than well-deserved. Butler ripped through Patriots training camp, seeing snaps on the first-team defense by the sixth practice of the summer. He handily beat Patriots offensive linemen in 1-on-1s and Jacksonville Jaguars blockers in joint practices. In three preseason games, he recorded three QB hits, five hurries and drew a hold as a pass rusher. He was similarly disruptive in the run game, bursting through the line with regularity.​

If fans of Vanderbilt suddenly didn’t recognize this Adam Butler, it was understandable. Butler went to Vandy as a 320-pound offensive lineman. He got fired up during a rib-eating contest — no, seriously this is true — and was moved to defensive tackle.​

When Butler came to the Patriots, he weighed 305 pounds. Fast-forward four months and Butler now weighs 280 pounds.​

“It was probably a combination of stress and hard work through OTAs,” Butler said.​

The initial plan after meeting with Patriots head strength and conditioning coach Moses Cabrera was to drop Butler’s body fat. It came in at 26 percent. It’s now down to 19.6, and Butler suddenly has a lot more quickness and versatility. Now he can start adding more muscle to his frame and bulk back up with “quality weight.”​

Adam Butler sacks Kyler Murray in the 2nd half of a Nov 29, 2020 20-17 victory at Arizona.​

March 17, 2021:

Dolphins sign former Patriots DT Adam Butler to two-year deal

The Miami Dolphins are bringing in another former Patriot: they are signing defensive tackle Adam Butler to a two-year deal.

985thesportshub.com

The Miami Dolphins are bringing in another former Patriot: they are signing defensive tackle Adam Butler to a two-year deal worth up to $9.5 million, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.​

One of the Patriots' most recent undrafted success stories, Butler originally signed with the Patriots in 2017 out of Vanderbilt. His first flash came in the 2017 divisional round against the Titans, when he recorded a sack, one QB hit, and one tackle for loss.​

Butler has logged four and six sacks in his past two seasons as the Patriots' top interior pass-rusher. He missed just one game in four seasons, an impressive mark for a player who came in as an undrafted rookie. And at age 26, he could still be ascending.​

The Dolphins essentially swapped in Butler for nose tackle Davon Godchaux, who agreed to a two-year deal with the Patriots on Monday. Miami also reached a deal with former Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett and former cornerback Justin Coleman. Additionally, center Ted Karras is returning to New England from the Dolphins on a one-year deal.​

Thread 'Bye, bye, Butler... Adam signs with the Fins'

Mar 17, 2021

Adam Butler Reportedly Joining Dolphins After Four Patriots Seasons

Adam Butler reportedly will leave the New England Patriots after four seasons to sign a two-year free-agent deal with the Miami Dolphins.

nesn.com

These Dolphins...



...are a pain in the tuchus.

• oldrover
• Replies: 13
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

 

[signbabybrady]

Put 11 in the Hall of Fame

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bobby Abrams​

Happy 58th birthday to Bobby Abrams
Born April 12, 1967 in Detroit
Patriot outside linebacker, 1995; uniform #50
Signed as a free agent on March 1, 1995
Pats résumé: one season, nine games (one start); two tackles


Robert E. Abrams Jr. was a career backup and special teams player, appearing in 74 NFL games over six years with five teams. He began his career as an undrafted rookie out of Michigan, playing for Bill Parcells' New York Giants in 1990 - and winning a super bowl ring that season in the 20-19 'wide right' thriller in Tampa. He was also part of two other championship teams, while with Dallas in '92 and '93 playing for Jimmy Johnson. Abrams reunited with Tuna in 1995, playing in nine games. The following year he was placed on injured reserve before the season began, on August 20. The Patriots released Abrams with an injury settlement on September 10, 1996, the final point of his pro football career.

In his post-NFL life Bobby Abrams fulfilled a longtime goal of becoming an educator, working as a high school principal in Montgomery, Alabama.

How the NFL prepared Bobby Abrams for his role as Jeff Davis High School principal

A native of Detroit, Principal Bobby Abrams was one of two rookies to compete in Super Bowl XXV. Even back then, he knew he wanted to be a school administrator.

www.montgomeryadvertiser.com

New Lanier H. S. Principal Brings Lessons from the NFL

When Montgomery schools open their doors on August 11th, there will be a new face to greet the students at Lanier High School. A new principal was appointed Tuesday night, and to say the least, he has a reputation of being 'hard hitting'.

www.wsfa.com

NFL on Defense Against Retirees in Right of Publicity Lawsuit - Stites & Harbison PLLC

The NFL just can’t catch a break this week. Forty retired football players sacked the NFL with lawsuits, alleging injury as a result of the NFL’s unauthorized use of their identities. The complaints, which were all filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, claim that the...

www.stites.com

Pro Football Archives -- Bobby Abrams transactions

Bobby Abrams Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More April 12 Trivia​

Happy 61st birthday to Perry Williams
Born April 12, 1964 in Cartersville, Georgia
Patriot cornerback, 1987; uniform #38
Signed as a free agent on September 23, 1987
Pats résumé: three games as a replacement player, with one interception

Perry Michael Williams went undrafted in 1987 out of Clemson, and originally spent the offseason with the Giants. His Patriot career consists solely of three replacement games, highlighted by an interception in a 14-7 victory over Buffalo. That doesn't compare to the season opener of the 1985 season at Clemson though, when Williams had five pass deflections in a 20-17 victory at Virginia Tech. Williams spent all of the 1988 offseason with Minnesota, but he was cut at the start of training camp - and that was the end of his pro football career.

April 12, 1963:
Pats re-acquire OT Jerry DeLucca from the Dallas Texans, in exchange for a 12th round draft pick. The Peabody native played in 31 games for the Pats, with 27 starts.

From 1961, the Boston Patriots offensive line: tackle Gerry DeLucca (74), guard Tony Sardisco (64),
center Walt Cudzik (54), guard Charlie Leo (63) and tackle Charley Long (76)​

April 12, 1967:
Boston Patriots sign their fifth round draft pick, Mel Witt of Texas-Arlington. The defensive end played in 35 games with 13 starts over four seasons with the Pats.

April 12, 1976:
New England signs four free agents:

Alan Pringle, a Venezuelan-born kicker who had been drafted by the Oilers in the 10th round the previous year. He was released on July 30, ending his pro football career.

Al Chandler, a tight end who had been a 2nd round pick by Cincinnati in 1973, and played for Chuck Fairbanks at Oklahoma. Chandler was an excellent blocker, which fit in with the Pats offensive style, but never much of a pass receiving threat. He was also a very good special teams player, and played in 39 games with six starts in two stints over four seasons for the Patriots.

Dave Means, a defensive end who had been a 12th round draft pick by the Bills in 1974; released on August 3.

Dennis Morgan, a running back from Western Illinois who was a 1974 10th round draft pick by the Cowboys; his NFL career also ended when the Pats released him during training camp.

Four other pro football players born on this date with a New England connection:

Fred Wallner (4/12/1928-11/4/1999)
Born and raised in Greenfield MA.; Greenfield High School
The western Massachusetts native was an All-American under Frank Leahy at Notre Dame. Wallner was drafted by the Chicago Cardinals and was a Pro Bowl linebacker in 1955. In 1960 he was a player-coach with the Houston Oilers, who won the first AFL championship. Wallner continued coaching in the college ranks and with minor league teams. He was the head coach of the Hartford Knights of the old Atlantic Coast Football League.


Walter Tullis, 72 (4/12/1953)
Grew up in Hartford; Weaver High School, Hartford CT
Tullis was a late draft pick by Washington in 1976. The wide receiver appeared in 32 games with the Packers, catching ten passes and one touchdown. His biggest play though was off the field, helping to rescue a mother and two children trapped in an early morning fire.

Football player rescues mom and two kids - UPI Archives

A pro football player helped firefighters rescue a mother and her two children trapped by fire early today in a second floor apartment, fireofficials said....

www.upi.com

A pro football player helped firefighters rescue a mother and her two children trapped by fire early today in a second floor apartment, fireofficials said.​

Walter Tullis, 30, formerly of the Green Bay Packers and now a wide receiver with the New Jersey Generals of the U.S. Football League, alerted fire officials to the blaze, which broke out at 1:58 a.m. at the Westbrook Village Housing Project.​

Tullis, who was home visiting his mother at the time, said he heard the fire alarm go off in the building. He said everybody in the building was evacuated safely except for three people on the second floor.​

Deputy Fire Chief James Callahan said Mary Middleton, 33, and her two sons, Elmore Middleton, 8 and Edward Haslem, 15, were trapped in their second floor apartment. Callahan said Tullis caught Elmore Middleton when he jumped from a second floor window and assisted firefighters in getting the ladder to his mother.​

Ms. Middleton and her children were taken to St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center where they were treated and released. Callahan said the blaze broke out in a basement stairwell of the two-story brick building. The fire was called suspicious and was under investigation.​

George Kenneally (1902-1968)
Lifelong Boston resident; graduate of Boston Latin High School
George was an NFL end from 1926-1935, twice named as a second-team All Pro. He played in 89 games for the Pottsville Maroons, Boston Bulldogs, Chicago Cardinals, Boston Braves, and Philadelphia Eagles.


Al McIntosh (1903-1973)
Born and raised in Providence; Providence Tech HS; University of Rhode Island
Al was a wingback for the Providence Steamroller in 1925 and 1926.







Notable NFL players born April 12:

Ray Horton, 65
Spent ten years with Cincy and Dallas as a CB and safety. Since then has been a coach, including DC for Arizona, Cleveland and Tennessee.

Charles Mann, 64
Four-time Pro Bowl defensive end and three-time super bowl champion with Washington and San Francisco.

Mike Garrett, 91
Before he got into hot water as USC's athletic director, Garrett was an All Pro RB in Kansas City, earning a ring in the Chief's Superbowl IV win over Minnesota.


Best 4/12 Birthday Football Name:
Austin Brucklacher (4/12/1898-1/7/1941)
Guard for the Louisville Brecks, 1921-1923