Today In Patriots History April 17, 1980: Pats trade for RB Chuck Foreman

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Chuck Foreman​

April 17, 1980:
New England Patriots acquire RB Chuck Foreman from the Minnesota Vikings, in exchange for a conditional third round pick.


Eugene 'Chuck' Foreman was the 12th overall pick of the 1973 draft, and went to the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons. In 1975 he was a first team All Pro, leading the league in receptions while scoring 22 touchdowns (in a 14-game season). Foreman was on the verge of setting the NFL single-season record for TDs that year, but was denied the possibility when a snowball thrown by a Bills fan hit him in the eye, forcing him to the bench with blurred vision. Later in that game OJ Simpson scored a garbage time TD to break that record that had been set by Gale Sayers.


With 51 touchdowns from 1974-76, Foreman was instrumental in Minnesota winning three NFC championships - but was overused. From 1975-77 he averaged 276 carries and 55 receptions, and totaled well over 1,500 touches from 1974-78. That led to inevitable injuries and landing on injured reserve for the final four games of the '79 season, and an offseason trade to New England.


The Patriots had some question marks at running back heading into the 1980 season, with Sam Cunningham and Andy Johnson both finishing the previous year on IR. The bigger concern for the Pats was the fact that Cunningham was also in a major contract dispute - one that would eventually lead to his sitting out the entire 1980 season. New England added some insurance by trading for Foreman, then twelve days later selected Notre Dame RB Vagus Ferguson in the first round of the draft.


Ferguson and Don Calhoun ended up receiving the vast majority of the playing time among the Pats running backs that year, ahead of Horace Ivory, Mosi Tatupu, Foreman, Johnson and Allan Clark. While Foreman did see action in all 16 games, he was limited to just 23 carries, 14 receptions and one touchdown for New England.


1980 turned out to be Chuck Foreman's final season in the NFL. Overall he rushed for 5,950 yards, caught 350 passes for 3,156 more yards, and scored a total of 76 touchdowns; he added another 1,307 yards from scrimmage and seven more touchdowns in the postseason. Foreman received first- or second-team All-NFL honors every year from 1974 to 1977, led the NFL in receptions in 1973, and in touchdowns in 1974 and 1976. In his post-football life he has worked as a substitute teacher in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Why Chuck Foreman Should Be In The Pro Football Hall of Fame
11:02 Highlight Video
​

Chuck Foreman Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[signbabybrady]

With that name he should have been a boxer

 

[jmt57]

This is all non Patriots-centric below, but it is a reminder of what a good player Foreman was before arriving in Foxborough.
At the time I had high hopes for him with the Pats, but it turned out to be a case of no tread left on the tires.

Chuck Foreman - University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame

Biography page for University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame member, Chuck Foreman

www.umsportshalloffame.com

"Chuck Foreman has that extra move you don't teach, you have to be born with it".​

Those were the words of former Hurricane head coach Fran Curci describing the God-given talents which made Chuck Forman sush a vital part of the Hurricane offense during the 1970-1972 seasons. A profilic weapon as a pass receiver, a blocker, a punt returner and more importantly a running back. Forman's name is still listed in the Hurricane record books. Season records for net yards gained, kickoff return yards, touchdowns and total points still rack in the top ten. Chuck Forman was one of the greatest running backs to ever wear the orange, green and white for the University of Miami.​

Foreman began showcasing his athletic talents at Fredeick High in Frederick, Maryland where he was a two-way player in football and also lettered in basketball and track. Among his talents as well were playing trumpet and singing, things he continued while at UM.​

Following his briliant career in the warmth of Miami, Foreman headed North to the cold of Minnesota, where he set the Vikings, and the NFL on fire. "Scorpio", as he was known from his college days, twice earned All-Pro honors. He participated in 3 Super Bowls and rolled up 5,879 yards rushing during his 8 year career.​

State Your Case: Chuck Foreman Was More Than Vikings' 'Spin Doctor'

Football fans in the 1970s can still envision Chuck Foreman's signature move. He'd be about to get tackled when he planted one foot and spun. Spun to the right. Spun to the left.​

Either way, he left a potential tackler grabbing at air.​

That move is still well known. Foreman marketed it on a line of T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies with a likeness of him and the phrase "Spin Doctor" printed on the front - complete in purple and gold, the Minnesota Vikings' colors.​

It was a move you just cannot forget. He was a player you cannot forget. But somehow the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame's board of selectors has.​

He's never been a finalist in either the modern or senior categories, which is required for election to the Hall. Why? It's hard to say because his resume is strong. He was one of the best running backs of his era -- a starter for the Vikings from 1973-78, three-time All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler and leading touchdown maker of his era before he ran out of gas.​

People forget that running backs back then were workhorses -- carrying the ball, catching the ball and not only pass blocking but lead blocking, too. In rare cases, like Walter Payton, a back would last a long time. But a five-or-six-year peak was more the norm, and that was the case for Foreman.​

From 1974-76, he had more TDs (51) than anyone and was the first running back to rush for over 10 scores (he had 13) in a year paired with nine receiving touchdowns. Since then, only one back has duplicated that feat, and that was Marshall Faulk.​

​

 

[tuckeverlasting]

these are so good. i remember joe kapp from berkely and vikings as well coming here and hunter aka fred dryer from san diego st. refusing to.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The 1999 draft, and other April 17 trivia​

April 17, 1971:
Patriots sign free agents Robert Smith and Glenn Woods

Bob Smith was a safety who had been a 16th round pick by the Oilers in 1968, from Miami of Ohio. He did not survive roster cuts, ending his pro football career. Mr. Smith played in a total of six games, as a rookie for Houston.

Glenn Woods was also originally drafted by the Oilers, but in the 8th round in 1969 from Prairie View A&M. The defensive end was also cut before the season began; Woods played in 7 games for Houston in 1969, and later played in the CFL.




April 17, 1974:
New England signs their fifth round draft pick, Andy Johnson

Johnson was a quarterback who rushed for 1,799 yards at Georgia. He was immediately converted to running back, and rushed for 22 touchdowns with the Pats. Ron Erhardt utilized AJ's college background when Johnson connected on seven of nine halfback option passes in 1979 - four of which went for touchdowns.

Sam Cunningham, Darryl Stingley, Andy Johnson. RIP.​

April 17, 1979:
The Patriots signed several free agents - none of whom ever played a regular season down in the NFL.
DT Ernest Lee; a 5th round draft pick in 1977 by the St Louis Cardinals.
QB John Hurley; a 1978 9th round pick from Santa Clara by Washington.
C Mark Totten; a 1978 10th round pick from Florida by Green bay.
Oliver Barrett was waived on August 20.
P Rick Peot is in the Hall of Fame at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, so at least he's got that going for him.




April 17, 1984:
Running back Mark van Eeghen retires.

Running back Mark Van Eeghen of the New England... - UPI Archives

Running back Mark Van Eeghen of the New England Patriots says he is retiring....

www.upi.com

'I wanted to go out with dignity' -- Mark van Eeghen - UPI Archives

Mark van Eeghen controlled his NFL career for its full 10 years, and Tuesday -- after the New England Patriots gave the retired running back his jersey --...

www.upi.com

April 17, 1996:
RT Pat Harlow is traded to the Raiders for a second round pick.

Three days later on the day of the draft the Pats trade that second back to Oakland, for a 3rd, 4th and 5th round pick. The Pats owned the first overall pick of the 1991 draft, but traded it to Dallas for picks #11 and #41, CB Ron Francis, LB David Howard and LB Eugene Lockhart. Harlow was the starting right tackle for four seasons, then became a swing tackle in 1995 before being traded to Oakland. He and Bill Parcells did not see eye-to-eye, leading to the inevitable off season trade.

In addition, the Patriots signed free agents Monty Brown and Rich McKenzie

Brown was an ILB who had played for Buffalo for three seasons; he played in 11 games with seven starts for the Patriots in '96. McKenzie was a linebacker for Cleveland; he failed to make the roster.

April 17, 1999:
Day One of the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting, better known as the 1999 NFL Draft
Rounds 1-3
The Theatre at Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York

* -- Pats trade a 3rd round pick (#82) and 6th (#191) to Seattle in order to move up three spots in round one, from #20 to #17
* -- C Damien Woody, Boston College (Round 1, #17 overall)
* -- LB Andy Katzenmoyer, Ohio State (Round 1, #28) [One of four picks received from Jets as compensation for Bill Parcells]
* -- Pats trade up again, sending a 2nd (#52) and 4th (#117) to Tennessee to move up six spots to #46
* -- RB Kevin Faulk, Louisiana State (Round 2, #46)
* -- S Tony George, Florida (Round 3, #91) [Pick acquired 4/19/98 from Vikings in Jimmy Hitchock trade




April 17, 2012:
Free agent linebacker Gary Guyton signs with the Miami Dolphins

Guyton made the team as an undrafted rookie out of Georgia Tech in 2008. He played in 62 games over four seasons with the Patriots, starting all 16 games in 2010.

 

[scott99]

Loved Chuck Foreman, one of the most underrated players ever.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
On the wrong side of famous college football games​

Happy 61st birthday to Darrell Fullington
Born April 17, 1964 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Patriot free safety, 1991; uniform #29
Claimed off waivers from Minnesota on August 27, 1991
Pats résumé: one season (five weeks), five games (zero starts)


A native of the shark bite capital of the world, Darrell Fullington went south on I-95 to the University of Miami. As a Hurricane he was one of the end zone defenders that missed Doug Flutie's Hail Mary touchdown pass. Based on the video, Fullington and the Miami defenders must have all believed Flutie was not capable of throwing the football 65 yards - even though Flutie had already torched them for 400-plus yards.

​

The previous year Fullington was also on the wrong end of another improbable comeback. Miami was up 31-0 at halftime. Being who they were at that time, the Canes were arrogant and full of trash talk. Frank Reich came in off the bench to lead Maryland to the biggest comeback in college football history, winning 42-40. Late in that game a long pass by Reich bounced off Fullington's hands - and into Greg Hill's arms for the go-ahead score.

​

Darrell Fullington was drafted in the fifth round by the Vikings in 1988, and appeared in the first five games with the Pats in '91. New head coach **** MacPherson waived Fullington one day after a 24-10 loss at Phoenix; he was claimed on waivers by Tampa Bay the next day. Over five NFL seasons Darrell Fullington appeared in 79 games, with ten interceptions; he also played in three playoff games for the Vikings.

Pro Football Archives -- Darrell Fullington

Darrell Fullington Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Darrell Fullington Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Barry Brown​

In memory of Barry Brown, who would have turned 86 today
Born April 17, 1943 in Boston
Died February 6, 2020 at the age of 76
Patriot tight end, 1969-1970; uniform #66 ('69), #86 ('70)
Signed as a free agent on September 2, 1969
Pats résumé: two seasons, 21 games (12 starts); 21 receptions for 214 yards (10.2 yards per catch)


Joseph Barry Brown was born in Boston, but grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Florida, and in the 1966 Sugar Bowl had a game-high nine receptions from quarterback Steve Spurrier. A late (266th overall) pick by the Colts, he primarily played on special teams as well as a backup linebacker.

After one season at linebacker with the Giants, he switched both teams and positions. Brown played in 21 games for the Patriots with ten starts at tight end, replacing Jim Whalen as starter at that position in 1970 when Joe Kapp was the QB. Brown caught 21 passes for 214 yards in 21 games as a Patriot, averaging 10.2 yards per catch.

After his playing days were over Brown had a successful second career in real estate development.

Carter's Corner: Remembering Former Gators Brown, Lawrence - Florida Gators

A pair of former UF football players, Barry Brown and Ray Lawrence, recently passed away.

floridagators.com

In his final game for the Gators, tight end Barry Brown caught a game-high nine passes in the 1966 Sugar Bowl. The Gators lost to Missouri, 20-18, which didn't prevent UF quarterback Steve Spurrier from being named MVP.​

Shortly after the Sugar Bowl, Brown joined the Baltimore Colts and found it difficult to catch a pass from quarterback Johnny Unitas with future Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey hunkered down at tight end. Brown hung on with the Colts for a couple of seasons, spent a season on defense with the New York Giants, and then closed his professional career by playing two seasons with the Boston Patriots.​

Joseph Barry Brown died on Feb. 6. He was 76.​

Brown was born in Boston on April 17, 1943. He later starred at Ann Arbor (Mich.) High School and began his college career at Michigan State. However, after a brief stay, he decided to transfer to play for head coach Ray Graves at Florida.​

Brown lettered for the Gators in 1964 and '65. Following his football career, Brown carved out a career in real estate. His father, Earl M. Brown, served as head coach at Auburn from 1948-50.​

Pro Football Archives -- Barry Brown

Barry Brown Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Barry Brown Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Barry Brown (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Vederian Lowe​

Happy 26th birthday to Vederian Lowe
Born April 17, 1999 in Rockford, Illinois
Patriot offensive tackle, 2023-2024; uniform #59
Acquired in a trade with Minnesota on August 28, 2023, for a 2024 sixth round pick
Pats résumé: two seasons, 25 games (21 starts); 1,280 snaps on offense (60%)


The Patriots added Lowe after injuries to Riley Reiff, Conor McDermott and Calvin Anderson were depleting depth on the offensive line even before the season began. Almost immediately Lowe was forced to start due to a Trent Brown injury. Lowe ended up playing in 11 games, with four starts at left tackle and four at right tackle. The results were about what one would reasonably expect when a team is starting its fifth option, a sixth round draft pick to protect their quarterback's blind side.

It was expected that Lowe would revert to a backup role in 2024, but that did not materialize. The Mayo-Wolf regime expected one of two right tackles (veteran journeyman Chukwuma Okorafor or rookie third round draft pick Caedan Wallace) to start at left tackle, and the end result was another 4-13 season. Note to front office: third time is not a charm.

At least there was this:

 

[Drunken Cicerone]

This would be like singing Todd Gurley today

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Keion Crossen​

Happy 29th birthday to Keion Crossen
Born April 17, 1996 in Garysburg, North Carolina
Patriot cornerback, 2018; uniform #35
Pats 7th round (243rd overall) selection of the 2018 draft, from Western Carolina
Pats résumé: one season, 11 games (zero starts); one superbowl ring


Keion Crossen had a limited role as a rookie, used primarily on special teams. In eleven games he had 14 tackles, appearing in 39 defensive snaps (with opponents completing seven of eight passes thrown his way), and 113 (37%) of the club's special team snaps. On August 31, 2019 the Patriots traded Crossen to Houston for a 2020 sixth round pick, which was used on linebacker Cassh Maluia.

Although he has bounced around the league between the Texans, Giants, Dolphins and Cardinals, Crossen has carved out a niche as a special teams ace and backup depth at corner. He missed all of 2023 due to a shoulder injury, but had been durable prior to that, appearing in 64 games in the first four seasons since leaving Foxborough. Crossen was released by Arizona this past October 29 and is currently a free agent. He has appeared in 75 NFL games, but none since 2022; at the age of 29 his pro football career may be over.

A rarity: Crossen successfully breaking up a pass intended for former Patriot WR Kamar Aiken

Pro Football Archives -- Keion Crossen

Keion Crossen Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Keion Crossen Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Journey of former WCU standout Keion Crossen continues with trip to 2019 Super Bowl

The New England rookie cornerback will become the fifth former Catamount to participate in sports' biggest event when the Patriots face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, in Atlanta.

www.wcu.edu

 

[jmt57]

Today's list of birthdays of other pro football players is unusual in terms of the volume of New England natives that made it to the NFL.


Joe Todd turns 46 (4/17/1979)
Born and raised in Mansfield MA, Todd was a linebacker with the Jets in 2001 and Bucs in 2002. He has spent several years coaching at the high school and college football levels and is now linebackers coach at the University of Rhode Island.


James Hamilton turns 51 (4/17/1974)
Hamilton was born in Hartford but went to high school in North Carolina. The linebacker was a third round pick by Jacksonville in 1997. He was primarily a special teams player that was done in by injuries, appearing in 17 games over two seasons.


Gordon Laro turns 53 (4/17/1972)
Born in Lynn, Laro went to Lynn English High School and Boston College. The tight end played for Jacksonville in 1995.


Lance Olssen turns 78 (4/17/1947)
The Boston-born Purdue graduate was a third round pick by the 49ers in 1968. He spent two seasons in SF as a tackle and center.


Fran O'Brien (4/17/1936 - 10/21/1999)
O'Brien was born in Springfield and grew up in Holyoke. He spent ten years in the NFL, mostly as a right tackle for the Sonny Jurgensen-era Redskins. He later became more well known for his restaurants, particularly in the DC area.



Walt Kowalczyk (4/17/1935 - 11/7/2018)
The Westfield native won the Harry Agganis Award in 1954 for the best high school athlete in New England. Kowalczyk was the sixth overall pick in the 1958 draft. He played for the Eagles, Cowboys and Raiders but was more well known for his days at Michigan State. "The Sprinting Blacksmith" was an All American halfback, scoring nine touchdowns and leading the Spartans to a number three ranked 8-1 record.

Former Michigan State All-American Walt Kowalczyk dies at age 83

Kowalczyk was a three-year letter-winner under coach Duffy Daugherty and a consensus All-American as a senior in 1957, helping Michigan State to an 8-1 record and a share of a national championship. He rushed for 545 yards and nine touchdowns on 101 carries that season and finished third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, which remains tied for the best finish ever for a Spartan.​