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Today in Patriots History
Matt Light Retires; Jim Massey; Mike Esposito
Matt Light Retires; Jim Massey; Mike Esposito
April 24, 2012:
The Patriots officially placed 33 year old LT Matt Light on the reserve/retired list. After being selected in the second round of the 2001 draft Light played his entire pro football career with the Patriots, serving as quarterback Tom Brady's blind side protector. Light was a first-team All-Pro in 2007 and a member of the AFC Pro Bowl team in 2006 and '07. He played his college football at Purdue, where he was left tackle for another future Hall of Fame quarterback: Drew Brees.
Happy 73rd birthday to Jim Massey
Born April 24, 1948 in McMinnville, Oregon
Patriot CB, 1974-1975; uniform #47
Massey had an unusual path to the NFL. He went to tiny Neah-Kah-Nie High School (enrollment of 230 students) on the north Oregon coast. He enrolled at the University of Oregon but felt out of place at such a comparatively large school. Massey then transferred to Linfield College, which was an NAIA school (now Division III). He rushed for 1,709 yards and scored 21 touchdowns, earning the nickname "The Mule" for his toughness
The Rams drafted Massey in the tenth round (251st overall) but he was cut after the sixth preseason game. He spent one season with the CFL's BC Lions and then signed with the Patriots in April of 1974; he played in one game but then went on IR with an ankle injury. Massey was a standout on special teams, playing in all 14 games in 1975 with one start. He missed all of '76 with another injury and retired in 1977. After returning to school to get his masters, Massey worked as a data processing manager.
Linfield Wildcats Hall of Fame member Jim Massey
Wildcatville: Jim Massey's NFL experience
One other pro football player born on this date with a New England connection:
Happy 68th birthday to Mike Esposito
Born April 24, 1953
Esposito was born in Everett and grew up in Wilmington. He went to Boston College and set school records for single season rushing yards, career rushing yards and touchdowns. The Falcons drafted Esposito in the 7th round (159th overall) in 1975. He played for the Falcons until 1978, primarily on special teams and as a fullback, appearing in 42 games with two touchdowns.
A photo taken at a hospital prior to the 1974 East-West Shrine Game with Esposito in it is still used today as the game's official logo.
Michael Esposito - Boston College Athletics, Varsity Club Hall of Fame
Ex-Wilmington High football star's invention is on the level | Lowell Sun
Story Behind the Logo | Shrine Game
After all of these years, Mike Esposito is still a very big deal in Wilmington - The football career and story of the greatest Wildcat player