Today In Patriots History April 13, 1970: Town of Foxborough approves land use to build stadium

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Town of Foxborough approves land use for football stadium​

April 13, 1970:
At their high school gym, the town of Foxborough gave formal approved on a proposal that E.M Loew, the movie theatre chain owner and president of Bay State Raceway, would give the Boston Patriots land to build a stadium next to the horse race track on Route 1, in exchange for a cut from the parking revenue. The proposition was approved by a vote of 1,852 to 84.


Nine days earlier Billy Sullivan had worked out a deal with the town's board of directors to build a stadium near the old harness racing track. However, it was all contingent on a vote by the citizens of the town. This came after multiple attempts to build a stadium in the Boston failed, foiled by the city's politicians. On March 23, 1970 the Boston City Council voted against a proposal for a stadium near the Neponset Drive-In just off route 3 in Dorchester. At that point Sullivan had no choice but to look outside the city limits.

The vote was important for multiple reasons. First, it finally gave the Patriots a long-term place to play. Secondly, it triggered a solution to an import short-term problem as well. Harvard University was not going to let the Pats play in their stadium unless the team had plans in place to play in the future; without this deal the Patriots had no place to play in a season that was just five months away. And most importantly, it removed fears that Pete Rozelle and the NFL might force the Patriots to relocate to Birmingham, Tampa or Jacksonville. When the NFL and AFL merged, part of that agreement included a clause that all teams must have a stadium with a minimum of 50,000 seats.


Article from April 4, 1970:

Patriots Pick Site In Foxboro, Mass., For New Stadium (Published 1970)

Foxboro, Mass, chosen as site for Boston club's new 57,000-seat stadium; financing plans to be announced later; club pres W Sullivan comments

www.nytimes.com

BOSTON, April 4—The Boston Patriots selected Foxboro, Mass., today as the site of a new 57,000?seat stadium, thus preserving the professional football team's home in New England.​

William Sullivan, the club president, said Foxboro was chosen from among numerous proposals by the board of directors after an all?day meeting. Details of the plan's financing are to be disclosed at a later date.​

Sullivan said there was one condition to the plan: approval by the 17,000 citizens of the town at a special town meeting to be held April 13.​

“If the citizens of Foxboro approve, we will play in Foxboro in September 1971,” he said.​

The 20–25 acre site is adjacent to the Bay State Raceway, whose owner, E. M. Loeb, offered the land free to the Patriots for the stadium. The site, Sullivan said, was par ticularly attractive because of its location at the crossroads of several major highways includ ing Routes 95, 1 and 495. It is equidistant between the major urban centers of Boston and Providence, R. I., he added.​

At present, Sullivan added, parking is avaiable for 12,000 cars and 5,000 more spaces will he constructed by the raceway.​

The owners of the stadium site will he a private group of five persons, who were not identified, Sullivan said.​

A Boston banker, Philip David Fine, said the stadium would be paid for through public underwriting in a sale of stock. No cost estimate for the stadium was given.​

 

[jmt57]

Here is some more information about the usage of Harvard Stadium as an interim home.


May 2, 1969:

Harvard Denies Reports Patriots Will Use Stadium | News | The Harvard Crimson

Harvard officials yesterday denied reports that the University has agreed to let the Boston Patriots play in Harvard Stadium. "The

www.thecrimson.com

Harvard officials yesterday denied reports that the University has agreed to let the Boston Patriots play in Harvard Stadium.​

"The Patriots have not talked directly to Harvard University for over a year, although there have been third-party conversations," said Charles P. Whitlock, assistant to the President for Civic and Governmental Relations. Nothing came of the third party talks, he said.​

Whitlock's statement was a denial of reports arising from Wednesday's announcement by Patriots President William H. Sullivan, Jr., that the club would play its 1969 season in Boston--but in a stadium other than the club's current home at Fenway Park.​

While Sullivan had refused to name the stadium, virtually all observers took it to be Harvard Stadium--the only other park in the Boston area with a capacity for major league football, and one which the Patriots have sought, off and on, for over ten years as a "temporary" home until a new stadium is constructed for them.​

Harvard has always refused the requests, arguing, as did the Wilson Committee in its report of last January, that allowing the Patriots to come "temporarily" into Harvard Stadium will only impede progress toward constructing a permanent sports stadium in Boston.​

In the past, whenever the Patriots have let it be known that they will leave Boston unless a new stadium is built, local officials and "concerned citizens" have quickly come up with a plan for a new stadium. The plans, however, have always been weak on the financing side--i.e. in determining how the deficit on the stadium will be met--and consequent opposition has always killed them.​

The latest proposal--for a stadium in the South Station area, to be financed by receipts from a new toll road and tunnel--is believed to be fiscally more sound than previous plans, and may have a fair chance of being approved by the legislature.​

Yesterday, Whitlock and other Harvard officials refused to say whether Harvard would reconsider its stand on a temporary Patriot's home in Harvard Stadium if the legislature adopted a concrete plan for a new stadium, but recent statements by Boston Mayor Kevin White and BRA Director Hale Champion indicate that the University might take a new look at the situation after the legislature has acted.​

 

[Pape]

what a glorious **** hole that place was... saw some damn good football played there... and some not so good football too lol...

 

[jmt57]

I don't recall this proposal at all. Some strong-armed politicking going on here.


December 4, 1969:

State May Exercise Eminent Domain To Claim Stadium for Pro Football | News | The Harvard Crimson

Two Massachusetts legislators have introduced a bill which would have the state use its power of eminent domain to take

www.thecrimson.com

Two Massachusetts legislators have introduced a bill which would have the state use its power of eminent domain to take over Harvard Stadium for use by the Boston Patriots Football team.​

Under the bill, the state would buy the Stadium from Harvard with a $10 to $20 million bond issue, and then pay off the bonds with the revenues provided by the Patriots' rental of the facility.​

Harvard would still be able to use the stadium for its "traditional Ivy League games," the bill's sponsors said. The University would receive a 99-year lease for these purposes.​

The bill is likely to be opposed by the University, which is not willing to have its use of the stadium limited by the state. Administration sources said yesterday.​

Tuesday's filing of this bill marked a major new twist in the ten-year battle over the stadium. Ever since the Patriots were established, they have unsuccessfully attempted to have the state build them a new stadium, or to have Harvard Stadium opened for their use.​

Unless the Patriots receive a 50,000-seat stadium for next season, the American Football League will not permit them to remain in Boston. Currently the team plays in Boston College's small Alumni Field.​

Jim Nance running the ball against the Vikings on December 13, 1970 at Harvard Stadium​

The bill's sponsors-Rep. Timothy W. Hickey (D-Camb.) and Sen. Robert L. Cawley (D-Bos.)-claimed their proposal would provide a satisfactory solution to the stadium problem. Noting that upkeep of the stadium is costly, they said. "This will relieve the University from this continuous financial expense."​

State ownership of the stadium would also permit its rehabilitation and expanded use by for example, high school teams and the Rev. Billy Graham. they said. There is no legal barrier to having the state take the stadium by eminent domain, they added.​

Joe Kapp runs for dear life at Harvard Stadium on October 18, 1970​

Harvard's legislative observers yesterday said they were afraid that the bill might prove attractive to legislators wearied by the annual battle over the stadium. "We're in a pickle. We either have to work out a satisfactory solution or we may find ourselves with a solution imposed by the state in which we have very little say," one administrator commented.​

During the past month, a six-man legislative commission has discussed the stadium question with President Pusey, but both sides have refused to comment on the outcome of the meeting.​

 

[Pape]

I don't recall this proposal at all. Some strong-armed politicking going on here.


December 4, 1969:

State May Exercise Eminent Domain To Claim Stadium for Pro Football | News | The Harvard Crimson

Two Massachusetts legislators have introduced a bill which would have the state use its power of eminent domain to take

www.thecrimson.com

Two Massachusetts legislators have introduced a bill which would have the state use its power of eminent domain to take over Harvard Stadium for use by the Boston Patriots Football team.​

Under the bill, the state would buy the Stadium from Harvard with a $10 to $20 million bond issue, and then pay off the bonds with the revenues provided by the Patriots' rental of the facility.​

Harvard would still be able to use the stadium for its "traditional Ivy League games," the bill's sponsors said. The University would receive a 99-year lease for these purposes.​

The bill is likely to be opposed by the University, which is not willing to have its use of the stadium limited by the state. Administration sources said yesterday.​

Tuesday's filing of this bill marked a major new twist in the ten-year battle over the stadium. Ever since the Patriots were established, they have unsuccessfully attempted to have the state build them a new stadium, or to have Harvard Stadium opened for their use.​

Unless the Patriots receive a 50,000-seat stadium for next season, the American Football League will not permit them to remain in Boston. Currently the team plays in Boston College's small Alumni Field.​

Jim Nance running the ball against the Vikings on December 13, 1970 at Harvard Stadium​

The bill's sponsors-Rep. Timothy W. Hickey (D-Camb.) and Sen. Robert L. Cawley (D-Bos.)-claimed their proposal would provide a satisfactory solution to the stadium problem. Noting that upkeep of the stadium is costly, they said. "This will relieve the University from this continuous financial expense."​

State ownership of the stadium would also permit its rehabilitation and expanded use by for example, high school teams and the Rev. Billy Graham. they said. There is no legal barrier to having the state take the stadium by eminent domain, they added.​

Joe Kapp runs for dear life at Harvard Stadium on October 18, 1970​

Harvard's legislative observers yesterday said they were afraid that the bill might prove attractive to legislators wearied by the annual battle over the stadium. "We're in a pickle. We either have to work out a satisfactory solution or we may find ourselves with a solution imposed by the state in which we have very little say," one administrator commented.​

During the past month, a six-man legislative commission has discussed the stadium question with President Pusey, but both sides have refused to comment on the outcome of the meeting.​

i do not ever remember hearing about this... its a wow scenario... harvard must have been ****ting bricks for a few seconds when they first heard about it...

I do know at the time they signed joe bellino there were plans for a domed stadium (with an iris that open/closed) in boston for football/baseball... in some of the bellino/sullivan pics you can see the mock ups of the stadium model... wonder if that was part of it...

Joe Bellino with Patriots' president Bill Sullivan holding a jersey, helmet, and football after signing a contract with the Patriots the previous day

An online library of photographs, manuscripts, audio recordings, and other materials of historical interest from libraries, museums, archives, and historical societies across Massachusetts.

www.digitalcommonwealth.org

there are a few more pics if you follow the link...

 

[jmt57]

The first few pages of the 1970 Patriots Media Guide are devoted to some genuine ass-kissing by Billy Sullivan.

This is from inside the front cover, on the very first page.

THE HARVARD STORY​

George F. Bennett, Treasurer of Harvard University, and William H. Sullivan, Jr., President of the Boston Patriots Football Club, have announced that they had reached substantial agreement for the use of the Harvard Stadium by the Patriots for the seven home games on their 1970 schedule.​

Mr. Bennett said that Harvard was pleased fo find a basis for agreement that would provide the Patriots with a Boston playing field pending the completion of their Foxboro stadium for their 1971 season. He pointed out that the arrangements made for this short-term use of the Harvard Stadium by the Patriots call for a minimum of interference with Harvard's own athletic programs.​

Mr. Sullivan said:​

"This is an historical day in the life of the Patriots because the action of Harvard ('pro bono publico') lends a strong benediction to the conviction that the Patriots are good for the community. Fair Harvard was never fairer in working out, through its appointed representatives, the arrangements for the occupancy of the Stadium.​

"Throughout the negotiations every courtesy was extended to our counsel, Mr. William F. Finucane, and to me. In both public and private observations Harvard had reasonably and consistently maintained that it could not consider the temporary use of the Stadium until the Patriots had a permanent home. With this accomplished, Mr. Bennett fulfilled the commitment that, with a permanent home, Harvard would be ready to discuss the temporary usage of the Stadium. We are very happy in the result and in the gracious manner in which it was accomplished."​

The agreement between Harvard and the Patriots is contingent upon the prompt and successful completion of the financing of the Foxboro stadium for use by the Patriots in their 1971 season. A formal agreement is being prepared for early signature.​

Next up, Sullivan kisses the media's butt:

Dear Friends in the Media:​

The decade of frequent frustration and occasional success has been crowned by the vote of the townspeople of Foxborough which will result in the building of the new home of the Patriots.​

No one is more aware than I of the major contribution made by the press, radio, and television people of New England in helping us to solve the problem.​

Additionally, no one is more cognizant than the writer of this message of the fact that the avalanche of publicity surrounding the situation helped to swing the pendulum in our direction for many years. What indicates more clearly than any words of mine the validity of the statement which I have just made is the startling evidence that our season ticket sales are setting new records every day. For this, and other assistance over the years, I extend a sincere word of thanks.​

Sincerely,​

William H. Sullivan, Jr​

 

[signbabybrady]

And 30 years later my father would move us to Foxboro too.

 

[tuckeverlasting]

even when they moved out of boston to foxboro i preferred they keep the name boston patriots....oh well. i new half the morons in this country are geographical illiterates and had no idea where new england is.

 

[jmt57]

Earlier stadium talk was way ahead of its times.

This is from pages 35-38 of the 1965 Patriots Media Guide:

There are about a dozen or more better photos here:
1965 Boston Dome -- Stadium Page
This plan was proposed for the Boston South Station area in 1965. It consisted of a retractable dome for football and baseball along with an arena for basketball, hockey and dog racing. The unique retractable dome was made up of 12 diamond shaped sections that moved outward to open and close.




A couple of older threads discussing the dome:

Thread 'A dome was planned for Boston?'

Oct 15, 2022

I saw Volin post this link yesterday:

StadiumPage.com - 1964 Boston South Station Dome/Sports Complex Concept

Anybody on here remember this project? Looks like it would have been pretty cool

• Ian
• Replies: 32
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Thread 'Dome stadium in Boston - anyone else heard of this?'

May 24, 2009

A while back (though for the life of me I can't remember where) I read that the city of Boston considered building a domed stadium in the late 1960s.

Apparently with the Patriots looking for a permanent home, the city made an offer to all four pro teams - the Pats, the Sox, the Celtics and the Bruins. The city would build a dome to house all four of them - but ONLY if all four agreed to play there. The deal fell apart because the Bruins refused, as they were getting a better cut of concession revenues where they were playing than they would have at the new place.

Has anyone else...

• TrueBeliever
• Replies: 34
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

 

[jmt57]

And 30 years later my father would move us to Foxboro too.

Is he still around? I always enjoyed fgssand's posts but haven't seen any in quite a while.

My condolences if he has passed.

 

[signbabybrady]

Is he still around? I always enjoyed fgssand's posts but haven't seen any in quite a while.

My condolences if he has passed.

He passed a couple years ago. Thank you for remembering him. He loved this board.

 

[jmt57]

Page 5 of the 1970 Patriots Media Guide:

THE FOXBORO STORY​

Touchdown! The first of many to follow was greeted by the roar of a turnaway crowd in the Massachusetts town of Foxboro, the future home base of pro football in New England. The occasion was the town meeting of this past April 13. The site was the Foxboro High School. The purpose was to vote on whether or not the residents of the small New England community wanted a new football stadium built in their town ... a stadium that would be the new home of the Boston Patriots.​

The preliminaries were exciting. Theater and Bay State Raceway owner E. M. Loew offered free land. Interested leaders canvassed their fellow townspeople and found almost total acceptance and enthusiasm.​

Arrangements between the town, Mr. Loew and the Patriots were finalized. If the town wanted a stadium, a private Realty Trust would be formed to build it.​

The largest throng ever to turn out for any issue in Foxboro's history loudly and happily voted in favor - 1852 to 84. Even those closest to the town pulse in such matters were amazed with the overwhelming turnout and the heavy percentage in favor - 98.3.​

Pats' president Bill Sullivan, financial leader Phil David Fine and construction specialist Dan Marr, Jr. were among the team's board members on hand for the heartening results. Gino Cappelletti and Jon Morris led the contingent of players. Press, radio and television representation was there from throughout New England.​

In the wake of the events of that evening, and following the announcement of the Patriots' best schedule ever, pro football fever has been at a record high even in the midst of the off-season. One of the big causes for future optimism is the location of the stadium and the easy access it offers to all New England football fans. Foxboro sits in the middle of New England's three largest cities (Boston, Worcester and Providence, R.1.) accessible from each by major inte·rstate highways and well within one hour's driving time. Other urban areas such as Springfield and Hartford (Conn.), Merrimack Valley and the Northern New England states lay just beyond. The stadium site will draw on a population of nearly six million people within a 50-mile radius.​

With the situation now nearing completion, plans are formulated for a stadium built especially for football, with seats for 61,500 people. Nearly 50,000 will be sideline seats. The modern facility will be equipped with artificial turf and lighting suitable for night games and color television.​

"Easy access"?

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Mount Washington​

Happy 57th birthday to Ted Washington
Born April 13, 1968 in Tampa
Patriot defensive tackle, 2003; uniform #92
Acquired via trade with Chicago on August 19, 2003, for a 2004 fourth round pick (#104-Isaac Sopoaga)
Pats résumé: one season, one Lombardi Trophy; 10 games, plus three postseason games (all starts)


6-5, 365 lb Theodore Washington Jr. had been a four-time Pro Bowler with Buffalo and Chicago - but was 35 years old and coming off a year where he missed all but two games due to a fractured leg and torn ligament in his foot. As a result the Pats were able to obtain him for just a 2004 4th round pick, which turned out to be quite the bargain. 'Mount Washington' was superb, and a key element of that incredible defense that led the Patriots to their NFL championship. That performance and his Super Bowl ring led to a nice free agent payday for himself with the Oakland Raiders. Despite the abbreviated stay, Washington was an excellent short-term rental.

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Mount Washington​

Happy 57th birthday to Ted Washington
Born April 13, 1968 in Tampa
Patriot defensive tackle, 2003; uniform #92
Acquired via trade with Chicago on August 19, 2003, for a 2004 fourth round pick (#104-Isaac Sopoaga)
Pats résumé: one season, one Lombardi Trophy; 10 games, plus three postseason games (all starts)


6-5, 365 lb Theodore Washington Jr. had been a four-time Pro Bowler with Buffalo and Chicago - but was 35 years old and coming off a year where he missed all but two games due to a fractured leg and torn ligament in his foot. As a result the Pats were able to obtain him for just a 2004 4th round pick, which turned out to be quite the bargain. 'Mount Washington' was superb, and a key element of that incredible defense that led the Patriots to their NFL championship. That performance and his Super Bowl ring led to a nice free agent payday for himself with the Oakland Raiders. Despite the abbreviated stay, Washington was an excellent short-term rental.

Picture of a picture taken by me at SB 38... featuring Mr Washington, among others

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Trent Brown​

Happy 32nd birthday to Trent Brown
Born April 13, 1993 in Albany, Georgia
Patriot offensive tackle, 2018 and 2021-2023; uniform #77
Acquired with a fifth-round draft pick (Ja'Whaun Bentley) for the Pats 3rd round pick from the 49ers on April 27, 2018
Re-acquired with a 2022 7th round pick from the Raiders in exchange for a 2022 5th round pick on March 17, 2021
Pats résumé: four seasons, 53 games (49 starts); four playoff games; super bowl 53 victory vs Rams


Trenton Brown was a 7th round 2015 pick out of Florida by San Francisco who made the roster, but the 49ers felt Brown's conditioning and offseason work ethic was suspect. After ending 2017 with a shoulder injury the Niners used the ninth overall pick on Notre Dame tackle Mike McGlinchey. Brown had only one year left in his contract, so GM John Lynch got what he could for the right tackle. The Patriots were very thin on the offensive line after Nate Solder had signed with the Giants, so the trade was viewed as a win for both sides.

Initially Brown was viewed by many as backup depth. LaAdrian Waddle, John Ulrick, Isaiah Wynn and Antonio Garcia were perceived to have a better shot at filling the open spot at left tackle created by Solder's departure in free agency. At most Brown was viewed as veteran insurance for the rookie Wynn, the 23rd overall pick of the draft.

Unlike his tenure in San Francisco, Brown dominated training camp. His dynamic skills earned him the starting left tackle position, answering the Pats top offseason question mark. Over the course of the 2018 season Brown continued to excel, and was arguably the best tackle in the NFL playoffs.

While that performance was great for the 2018 Super Bowl winning team, it also meant that Brown would become one of the most coveted free agents in 2019. On March 11 he signed with the Raiders and became the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history.

Brown missed five games in 2019 with a pectoral injury, and 11 more in 2020 between a calf injury, the covid list and a knee injury. Raiders GM Mike Mayock elected to move on, implying the injuries were due to training issues rather than circumstances beyond his control. In a press conference Mayock stated "What he needs to do more than anything is get himself in the best shape of his life and come out ready to prove that he is a dominant tackle in the National Football League. That’s all it takes. If Trent gets in shape and stays committed, there’s not a better talent out there." Two weeks later Brown was traded to New England.

Brown's return to New England once again offset a free agency loss on the offensive line, albeit indirectly this time; his addition to the roster paved the way for Michael Onwenu to slide over from RT to LG, to fill the vacancy left by Joe Thuney. Isaiah Wynn returned as the starting left tackle in 2021, then he and Brown switched sides in 2022. He became a free agent after a frustrating 2023 season, and signed a one-year, $4.75 million contract with the Bengals to play right tackle on March 19.

In his four seasons with the Patriots Brown appeared in 53 regular season games, with 49 starts. He also started in four playoff games for the Pats, earning a ring for the Super Bowl 53 13-3 victory over the Rams.

 

[maust]

The first few pages of the 1970 Patriots Media Guide are devoted to some genuine ass-kissing by Billy Sullivan.

Billy Sullivan only kissed ass cause it was the easiest way to pick a pocket. He was a true Boston filmflam man, up there with Honey Fitz and The Rascal King Hizzoner J Michael Curley himself.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Dave Wohlabaugh​

Happy 53rd birthday to Dave Wohlabaugh
Born April 13, 1972 in Hamburg, New York
Patriot center, 1995-1998; uniform #64
New England's fourth round (112th overall) selection of the 1995 draft, from Syracuse
Pats résumé: four seasons, 57 games (57 starts), plus six playoff starts; PFWA All-Rookie Team; Pats All-1990s Team


David Vincent Wohlabaugh started 57 games at center with the Pats, and is a member of the Patriots' All-Decade Team for the 1990s. After the '98 season he signed as an unrestricted free agent with Cleveland, in what was then the largest contract ever for an NFL center. He ended up playing in 128 games over nine NFL seasons, plus eight playoff games.

The free agency loss of Wohlabaugh and three other players is what resulted in the Pats receiving a 6th round compensatory pick in the 2000 draft (Tom Brady) - though his departure is aligned to the Pats gaining a 4th round pick in that draft, rather than #199.

In his post-football life Dave returned to the Cleveland area, working as a financial consultant. His son David is a 6'6 offensive lineman entering his redshirt senior year at Syracuse, after transferring from Kentucky in 2023.




Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame

As a football standout at Frontier High School, Dave Wohlabaugh earned first team All-WNY honors (1989) for the Falcons.​

The Hamburg native continued his football career at Syracuse University. As a member of the Orange’s offensive line, Wohlabaugh started at guard as a junior, but transitioned to center as a senior, where he started every game of that season. As a senior, he was named second-team All-Big East (1994). He was invited to both the Hula and East-West Shrine All-Star Bowls.​

He was selected in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL Draft (112th overall) by the New England Patriots. He was named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team in 1995. He started every game over four years with the Patriots (1995-98), and was a member of the Pats’ AFC Championship in 1997 and appeared in Super Bowl XXXI. Wohlabaugh was selected as the center for the New England Patriots All-1990’s team, which was chosen by a group of writers, broadcasters and team officials.​

He signed as a free agent with the expansion Cleveland Browns and played there from 1999 to 2002. He signed with the St. Louis Rams for one season, and retired at the end of the 2003 season because of an injury.​

 

[tuckeverlasting]

He passed a couple years ago. Thank you for remembering him. He loved this board.

i remember fggssand......condolences.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Flash Gordon​

Happy 34th birthday to Josh Gordon
Born April 13, 1991 in Houston
Patriot wide receiver, 2018-2019; uniform #10
Acquired from Cleveland on Sept 17, 2018, along with a 7th round pick, for a 5th round pick
Pats résumé: two seasons, 17 games (17 starts); 60 receptions for 1,007 yards (16.8 ypc), with four touchdowns


Whenever I read his name, I shake my head and can't help but think 'oh, how good it could have been'. Butterfly effects: if Josh Gordon doesn't get hurt, the Patriots don't feel compelled to trade for Mohamed sanu in an act of desperation. What would have happened if Gordon and Antonio Brown could have stayed on the field for the entire 2019 season. Does Tom Brady still feel compelled to leave in that case?


Consider this: Joshua Caleb Gordon is the only player with back-to-back 200-yard receiving games in NFL history, and he led the NFL in receiving yards at 22 years old while playing in just 14 games - while catching passes from Jason Campbell, Brandon Weeden, and Brian Hoyer!

Fast forward past not one, but two entire seasons in his prime lost to substance abuse suspensions. (Why the NFL feels compelled to still buy into Reefer Madness/Reagan Era policies that ignore 'Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness' regarding what citizens do in their free time - all while state after state comes to their senses regarding what one does in their one free time.... but I digress).



Entering the 2018 season the Patriots had a major issue at wide receiver. Brandin Cooks had been traded, and Julian Edelman was not only coming off an entire season missed due to injury, but was also suspended for the first four games. That left a returning WR corps consisting of Danny Amendola (61 receptions for 659 yards in 2017), Chris Hogan (34/439) and Phillip Dorsett (12/194). Yikes.

The Pats attempted to reload at the position in the offseason but struck out. Malcolm Mitchell was still recovering from a severe knee injury. The club signed veteran wide receivers Jordan Matthews, Kenny Britt and Eric Decker - and all failed to make the week one roster, as did several rookies. In week one the Patriots totaled a mere 96 yards from the WR position, with 13 of those yards coming on three running plays. Depth was so slim that Riley McCarron had not only made the roster, he was getting playing time.


Sept 17, 2018:

Not standing pat: Patriots get Browns WR Gordon

The Patriots have acquired wide receiver Josh Gordon in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

www.espn.com

At least eight to 10 teams called the Browns inquiring about potentially trading for Gordon, after the Browns announced Saturday that they intended to release Gordon on Monday.​

The Patriots will pay Gordon the remaining $697,058 on his 2018 contract. Gordon will be a restricted free agent after the season, and New England can tender him.​

To make room for Gordon on the roster, the Patriots released wide receiver Corey Coleman. The Patriots have now made 28 transactions involving a wide receiver since the start of the new league year in March, tied with the Denver Broncos for the most in the NFL in that span.​

Josh Gordon has been very good when he's on the field, however he's played in just 41 of a possible 98 games since entering the league in 2012. Here's a look at why he's missed so much time.​

2012 ----- 0 games out ----- Played all 16​

2013 ----- 2 games out ----- Banned substance​

2014 ----- 10 games out --- Marijuana​

2015 ----- 1 game out ----- Browns discipline​

2016 ----- 16 games out --- Alcohol​

2017 ----- 4 games out ---- Dilute, marijuana trace​

2018 ----- 12 games out --- Entered rehab​

2019 ----- 11 games out --- Returned week 13​

2020 ----- 1 game out ------ Hamstring (week two)​

Gordon was able to pick up the Patriot offense immediately, unlike other veteran wide receiver failures like Joey Galloway and Chad Johnson. He had 40 receptions for 720 yards in 11 games, averaging 18 yards per reception. Although Gordon was suspended and not available for the playoffs, he was a very important part of the Pats being able to go 11-5 and become 2018 NFL champions. He was reinstated and played in the first six games of 2019, but was placed on IR with a knee injury and waived on Oct 31. Gordon was claimed by Seattle, but after five games was suspended yet again, and released. By 2021 Gordon was relegated to playing in the Fan Controlled Football League, which is essentially Arena Football but with fans calling the plays; the rate of pay for players was $400-$750 per week, plus room and board. He caught on with the Chiefs in a backup role later that season, and finished his NFL career with two games for Tennessee in 2022.


Josh Gordon's final stat line with the Patriots is 60 receptions for 1,007 yards (16.8 ypc), with four touchdowns. Despite running deeper routes he was still catching 58% of the passes thrown his way, leading to an impressive 9.7 yards per target. Perhaps most notable was his first Patriot TD: it was also Tom Brady's 500th touchdown pass.

In a bit of trivia Josh Gordon is one of 14 Lamar High School (Houston, Texas) alumni to play in the NFL; others include Brandon LaFell and Washington/Tennessee linebacker Brian Orakpo.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Monty Brown​

Happy 55th birthday to Monty Brown
Born April 13, 1970 in Bridgeport, Michigan
Patriot linebacker, 1996; uniform #93
Signed as a restricted free agent on April 26, 1996
Pats résumé: one season, 11 games (7 starts); 34 tackles


After three seasons in Buffalo, Monty Brown signed with New England as a restricted free agent, and the Bills refused to match New England's offer. He primarily signed with the Pats because he wanted to be closer to WWF headquarters in Stamford CT. (Geography lesson here Monty: the Giants or Jets would have been a more suitable choice if that was your motive.)

In '96 Brown appeared in 11 games with seven starts for the Pats. A year later he quit pro football and began training full time to become a professional wrestler. But after the death of his sister, 'The Alpha Male' decided to retire from pro wrestling, in order to spend more time at home taking care of his extended family. Since then Brown has operated Alpha-1 Fitness in his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan.

Monty Brown / Marcus Cor Von: Profile, Career Stats, Titles & Gimmicks | Pro Wrestlers Database

See all the wrestling stats of Monty Brown / Marcus Cor Von, with Real Name, Height, Weight, Age, Titles Won, Face/Heel Turns, Gimmicks, Finishers, Theme Songs, Tag Teams, and more.

www.thesmackdownhotel.com

Former NFL player Monty Brown brings flag football to Saginaw

For the very first time, two African-American quarterbacks will be the stars in Sunday's big game. Mid-Michigan's Monty Brown, a former NFL player and retired professional wrestler, shared what that

www.abc12.com

Saginaw Athletic Club

THE ALPHA MALE MONTY BROWN​

Director of Personal & Group Fitness Training​

Monty is well known as a standout academic All-American student athlete, a Pro NFL linebacker competing in 2-Super Bowls, and electrifying stadium and television audiences as a WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) Superstar THE ALPHA MALE MONTY BROWN. Upon transitioning from the ring, Monty returned home to focus on his passion as a Certified Master Fitness Trainer and development of his signature ALPHA 1 FITNESS programs.​

Monty packs his years of training and experience into his ALPHA 1 Fitness programs to help you to become healthier, stronger, more agile – both physically and mentally – than you’ve ever been. They are truly Master Classes in fitness! Let Monty and his team at The Club create a personalized fitness regimen for you. Both personal and group training programs are available.​

Monty Brown (Alpha Male) - Alpha 1 Fitness - The First In Fitness Training
1:34 promotional video
​

There are also three old timers born on this date with a New England connection, all with very brief football careers:

Ed McNamara (1920-2000)
Born and died in Boston; Clinton (MA) HS; Holy Cross
Tackle was drafted by the Giants in 1943; also played for the Steelers

**** Harrison (1916-1981)
Moses Brown School (Providence, RI); Boston College
End/DB for the 1944 Boston Yanks

George Grandinette (1917-1984)
Born and raised in New Haven; Hillhouse HS
Lineman for the 1943 Brooklyn Dodgers

Today in Patriots History
Other April 13 Trivia​

April 13, 2005:
The Patriots visit George W in the White House for the third time.

April 13, 2012:
Dan Koppen and Chris Koepplin re-sign with Patriots

Source: Pats' longtime center Koppen to stay

Center Dan Koppen will re-sign with the Patriots after spending a month on the free-agent market, a league source told ESPNBoston.com.

www.espn.com

Center Dan Koppen will re-sign with the Patriots after spending a month on the free-agent market. He will get a two-year deal that maxes out at just less than $6 million total, a source confirmed to ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.

Koppen, 32, has spent his entire career in New England, starting 120 of 121 regular-season games.

After he suffered a broken left fibula in the Patriots' opening game last season, there was hope Koppen would be able to make a late-season return, but he was placed on injured reserve Sept. 21, ending his season.

The move to re-sign Koppen comes weeks after the Patriots re-signed Dan Connolly, who was Koppen's replacement at center last season. Connolly received a three-year, $9.7 million deal, suggesting that Koppen, who visited the Tennessee Titans earlier this month, would no longer have a role in New England.

Instead, Koppen rejoins a crowded interior offensive line for the Patriots that includes guards Logan Mankins and Brian Waters, who both were named to the Pro Bowl last season, although Waters said after the team's loss in Super Bowl XLVI that he would consider retirement.​

April 13, 2023:
Patriots sign QB Trace McSorley

Patriots sign veteran quarterback Trace McSorley to fill depth chart behind Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe

The Patriots added Trace McSorley to their depth chart on Thursday as a backup option for both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.

www.boston.com

The Patriots are adding another signal caller to their depth chart.

New England announced Thursday that the team signed former Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Trace McSorley to a contract. Terms of the deal were not announced.

McSorely is expected to replace Brian Hoyer as a seasoned, backup option at quarterback behind both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.

The 27-year-old McSorley appeared in six games with the Arizona Cardinals last season, making his first career start against the Buccaneers back in December.

The 2019 sixth-round pick threw for 412 yards with Arizona in 2022, completing 54.2 percent of his passes and throwing for zero touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s an athletic quarterback, rushing for 1,697 yards in college and 61 yards over 15 attempts last season with the Cardinals.​