Today in Patriots History
Tracy, Gail and other April 14 Birthdays
Happy 40th birthday to Tracy White
Born April 14, 1981 in Charleston, South Carolina
Patriot LB, 2010-2012; uniform #58
Over ten years White appeared in 136 games with five NFL teams,
primarily on special teams. In early September of 2010 the Patriots acquired White and a 7th round pick from Philadelphia in exchange for a 6th round pick. White played in 42 regular season games with two starts in New England, registering 65 tackles (46 solo). He also took part in all six playoff games with the Pats in his three seasons in Foxborough.
On a side note, the
draft pick the Pats received in the trade with Philly along with White had a very curious route. It was included in the trade that sent Randy Moss to Minnesota on October 6, 2010. (The Patriots received a 3rd round pick, 74th overall, and used it to select Ryan Mallett.) The Vikings then traded that 7th round pick to Detroit. The Lions also sent a 4th round pick in that trade to the Vikings. That 4th round pick was one of four draft picks the Vikings traded to New England in exchange for the Pats number one draft pick - used to select Cordarrelle Patterson. In exchange the Pats used draft picks on Jamie Collins, Logan Ryan and Josh Boyce. A fourth draft pick was traded again, and eventually ended up being used to land LeGarrette Blount.
White retired from the NFL after his three seasons in Foxborough. He now coaches high school football in his hometown of North Charleston, South Carolina.
2/2/2012:
An unlikely journey: Tracy White started out in St Stephen and ended up in the Super Bowl
Throughout his career, White has earned a reputation as a solid citizen and positive influence in the locker room.
“There’s no slacking off and there’s only one goal -- to get to the Super Bowl,” he said. “Every team has that goal to get there, but the rest of the teams ... the key is getting everyone to buy into it.”
With little football recruiting attention coming his way at Timberland, White considered joining the U.S. Army after high school. When an Army recruiter called the house one day, White’s mom, Patricia, answered the phone and was surprised to hear of his plans.
“She was shocked,” White said in 2004. “I was actually going to go up there and sign up later that week on Saturday. I didn’t tell her anything about it. I had a brother already in the Army. She told me to wait and finish my senior year at Timberland before I signed up and made any definite plans.”
Good advice, because a scholarship offer from Howard came through after his senior year. There, White was a three-time all-MEAC selection and named the Black College Defensive Player of the Year in 2001.
White hasn’t forgotten about the folks back home. Through his career, he’s worked on building a “Hope Center” in St. Stephen, a place for kids to swim and play football and basketball.
8/13/2013:
Former Patriots linebacker joins Fort D's coaching staff | WCIV
It's amazing to think, before walking into Steve LaPrad's office, White had walked out of Bill Belichick's office with the New England Patriots.
"I ended on my terms. I wanted to get to 10 (years). Before the season, I told my parents and family it was going to be my last year. I'm happy with what I did when I played in the league. I'm ready to start a new chapter in my life," said White.
Making the NFL was a long shot for the Timberland High and Howard University grad. Sticking for a decade in the league certainly will catch the attention of his new players.
"I get asked 'How many years were you in the league?' How old am I? I guess they're amazed I'm retired at 32. It's a fun atmosphere here," he said.
White loves to talk about his new career. He doesn't talk a lot about his former one, but he's quick to point out his favorite NFL memory.
"Automatic, starting in the Super Bowl. The greatest feeling, my Super Bowl appearance. Coach Belichick gave me the opportunity to start," said White.
The lessons he learned are now the lessons he teaches.
"I tell them to get as much as they can. Make themselves better. Ask questions about improving things. I give everything I know, if they have questions, I'm their tool, use me if they want," he said.
Happy 52nd birthday to Tim Roberts
Born April 14, 1969 in Atlanta
Patriot DE, 1995; uniform #94
Roberts was a 5th round choice from Southern Miss by Houston in '92. The Pats signed Roberts early in '95 after three seasons with the Oilers. He appeared in 13 games with 12 starts for New England, with 53 tackles (35 solo).
Unfortunately I am having difficulty finding much information on this former Patriot because the internet wants to either lead me to the founder of Multiplex, a
University of Buffalo safety, or other namesakes.
Happy 70th birthday to Gail Clark
Born April 14, 1951 in Bellefontaine, Ohio
Patriot LB, 1974
As a junior at Michigan State, Clark led the Spartans in tackles and assists, forced three fumbles, broke up six passes and had one interception. After knee surgery not much was expected from him the following season. As a senior though he came through and again led the team in tackles and assists, with three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one pick.
The
Lansing State Journal gives Clark an 'Honorable Mention' as
one of the best players from Ohio to ever play for Michigan State.
Clark was selected in the 4th round (102nd overall) in the 1973 draft by Pittsburgh. He didn't stick with the Steelers, who were loaded at linebacker at that time. Clark landed in Chicago and appeared in 11 games with three starts for the Bears. The following season he was signed by Chuck Fairbanks and appeared in eight games for the Patriots in '74, primarily on special teams.
That was the end of Clark's NFL career, presumably ending so soon in part due to injuries. He was one of the
4500 players that was part of the NFL's Concussion Lawsuit Settlement.
Happy 22nd birthday to Dalton Keene
Born April 14, 1999 in Saint Louis
Patriot TE, 2020-; uniform #44
Pats 3rd round (101st overall) selection of the 2020 draft, from Virginia Tech
The Pats traded up to draft the Colorado native, sending two fourths and a 2021 sixth to the Jets to help fill their void at tight end. Unfortunately Keene saw little playing time due to knee a knee injury (three catches for 16 yards) and may already be on the bubble after the free agent acquisitions of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.
One other NFL player born on this date with a New England connection:
Shawn Regent, 58 (4/14/1963)
BC alum was a replacement center for the Raiders during the 1987 strike.
