Today In Patriots History April 4: Happy Birthday to John Hannah

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
John Hannah​

Happy 74th birthday to John Hannah
Born April 4, 1951 in Canton, Georgia; raised in Albertville, Alabama
Patriot left guard, 1973-1985; uniform #73
New England's first round (4th overall) selection of the 1973 draft, from Alabama
Pats résumé: 13 seasons, 183 games (183 starts), plus seven playoff games; inaugural inductee to Patriots Hall of Fame


★ 9 Pro Bowls
★ 7 First Team All Pro selections
★ 10 consecutive All Pro selections
★ 11 All-AFC selections
★ Pats All-Decade Team of the 1970s
★ Pats All-Decade Team of the 1980s
★ Pats 35th Anniversary Team
★ Pats 50th Anniversary Team
★ First inductee to New England Patriots Hall of Fame
★ First Patriot inducted to Pro Football Hall of fame
★ Anchor of offensive line for the 1978 team that set the NFL record with 3,165 yards rushing
★ Uniform #73 retired by Patriots

★ NFLPA lineman of the year, 1978, 1979, 1981
★ Pro Football Hall of Fame, 1991
★ NFL All-Decade Team of the 1970s
★ NFL All-Decade Team of the 1980s
★ NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
★ NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
★ Considered by many to be the best guard in the history of the NFL

★ Second Team All-SEC, 1970
★ First Team All-SEC, 1971
★ First Team All-SEC, 1972
★ All-American, 1971
★ All-American, 1972
★ Jacobs Blocking Trophy, 1972
★ University of Alabama 1970s All-Decade Team
★ University of Alabama All-Century Team
★ College Football Hall of Fame, 1999

Detail for Hall of Fame - Baylor School

Detail for Hall of Fame - Baylor School

www.baylorschool.org

John Hannah - Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

ashof.org

Inductee | John Allen Hannah 1999

John Allen Hannah was a Offensive Guard for University of Alabamaand inducted into College Football Hall of Fame in 1999

www.cfbhall.com

John Hannah - Guard | 1973-1985 | The Patriots Hall of Fame

John Hannah played entire career with the Patriots from 1973 through the Super Bowl season of 1985

www.patriotshalloffame.com

John Hannah | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

John Hannah - Larger Than Life -- Patriots.com

Bama in the NFL: John Hannah was Punishing for New England Patriots

Some 40 years later, the former Crimson Tide standout is still considered to be one of the all-time greats of the NFL.

www.si.com

Where Are They Now: John Hannah

John Hannah is impressed with Alabama football recruiting under Nick Saban.

247sports.com

In 'Offensive Conduct,' NFL Great Hannah Details His 'Living Nightmare'

Football fans know John Hannah as one of the game's finest offensive lineman. But his recent autobiography reveals the personal struggles he faced during and after his football career.

www.wbur.org

John Hannah Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

John Hannah (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

John Hannah even has his own page in the encyclopedia:

John Hannah | New England Patriots, Offensive Guard, Pro Football Hall of Fame | Britannica

John Hannah is an American professional gridiron football player whose combination of size, strength, and athleticism helped him redefine the guard position. Hannah played for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL) from 1973 to 1985 and was named All-Pro on seven occasions.

www.britannica.com

 

[jmt57]

https://media.gettyimages.com/id/84836609/photo/new-england-patriots-john-hannah-in-action-vs-indianapolis-colts-foxboro-ma-credit-****-raphael.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=etfmhW5RskGiZM82q9KXe4yA-iNX_TCb5Ypgdk5rMLc=

 

[jmt57]

#2 John Hannah | Top 10 Patriots of All Time | NFL
3:08 video by NFL Films




John Hannah Highlights
3:12 highlight video




John Hannah Ultimate NFL Career Highlights
7:01 highlight video




#24: John Hannah | The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players (2010) | NFL Films
3:48 video by NFL Films




In The Huddle with John Hannah
51:25 interview by Pete Brock
​

 

[jmt57]

Patriots of the Past: John Hannah
7:00 highlight video




Why John Hannah Was The Best NFL Lineman Ever
3:32 highlight video




Where Are They Now with John Hannah (2022) - Patriots Alumni
9:54 video by Pete Brock
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Leon Gray is elected into the Pats Hall of Fame​

Whether it was by design or just coincidence, I found it fitting that Leon Gray was elected into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame on John Hannah's birthday.


April 4, 2019:
Leon Gray elected into Patriots Hall of Fame -- Patriots.com

Gray was a third-round draft pick in 1973 by the Miami Dolphins as an offensive tackle out of Jackson State. He was cut by Miami before the start of the season and claimed off waivers by New England. By the 1976 season, he was viewed as arguably the best left tackle in the game. He was a key member of an offensive line that allowed a franchise-low 14 sacks in 1977. Gray teamed with Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer John Hannah to form what is generally considered one of the best guard/tackle tandems in NFL history. At the end of the 1976 season, Gray was selected to play in the Pro Bowl – the first of two such honors as a Patriot and the first of four trips to the Pro Bowl during his 11-year NFL career. ​

In 1976, Gray helped power a Patriots rushing game that averaged 210.6 yards per game (which remains a franchise record) and led the Patriots to their first 11-win season in franchise history. In 1978, Gray once again paved the way as the Patriots surpassed their season rushing record with 3,165 yards, an NFL record that still stands 41 years later. Gray was named a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press, Pro Football Weekly and the PFWA. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl for the second time.​

​

 

[Water Boy]

My favorite lineman of all time!

 

[signbabybrady]

OG

Original GOAT

 

[DarrylS]

USed to go to the practices at Bryant when they were held there, never forget the first time I say John as he walked throw the ropes on the way to the practice field. His thighs were bigger than my waste, he looked incredible and acted mean.. he and Leon Gray were a perfect combo..

 

[Wax Frog]

If I could wave a magic wand... does ChatGPT count?



@Pape @Steve102

 

[Pape]

I wish i had finished my Hannah "Pats Poster"... its sitting half complete, just like the Hof & Edelman ones... Oh well, will have to get it done for his 75th trip around the sun... #goals, lol...

 

[turkeyneck]

The Bobby Orr of OGs - just peerless.

 

[jlu52]

Imo, simply the best of the best. Happy Birthday, John!

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Art Moore​

Happy 74th birthday to Art Moore
Born April 4, 1951 in Daingerfield, Texas
Patriot nose tackle, 1973-1977; uniform #75
Claimed off waivers from San Francisco on September 11, 1973
Pats résumé: four seasons, 29 games; six sacks, one fumble recovery, three blocked field goals, one blocked point after


1977 Patriots Media Guide:

Arthur Clark (Art) Moore . . . three year performer at Tulsa who earned all-Missouri Valley honors in 1972. . . once made 23 tackles in a game against Montana. . . played in all but one regular season game as a rookie. . . led team with two blocked field goals as a rookie, and also had four sacks to his credit. . . shared nose tackle spot with Ray Hamilton in 1974 until sidelined by injury. . . was having a standout year until knee injury forced him to the sidelines for last three games. . . placed on physically unable to perform list for 1975 season. . . played in first four games of 1974 before being forced to the sidelines for the remainder of the year with a gastric condition.​

Football: Former NFL defensive tackle Art Moore turns to outreach, Christianity

After six seasons playing for the National Football League, former defensive tackle Art Moore was poisoned by rivals. Doctors told Moore he would probably die.

www.lsureveille.com

After six seasons playing for the National Football League, former defensive tackle Art Moore was poisoned by rivals. Doctors told Moore he would probably die.​

This near-fatal event was the catalyst that eventually turned the 6-foot-6-inch athlete into the senior pastor of the Yes I Can! church in Baton Rouge.​

Moore and his wife Gail, a professional singer, started Yes I Can! as a non-profit in 1979.​

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Arsenic. Lye. Pipe cleaner.​

Combined, these three poisons changed the trajectory of Art Moore’s life, but in a way no one would have expected.​

Off the field, Moore lived the high life, drinking heavily and using drugs. It was going into his sixth season in the league when, according to Moore, a jealous former teammate who had been cut mixed a toxic cokctail and served it to him. The drink savaged Moore’s entire digestive tract. Unable to eat or even hold down an aspirin, he took medical leave from the NFL and was laid up in the hospital for many weeks.​

It was there he became a Christian and he vowed to quit depending on alcohol and drugs. Within a few months Moore met his wife, Gail, a professional singer, and together they formed the Yes I Can ministry in 1979.​

“I had to peel the skin off tomatoes because he couldn’t digest it or eat regular food,” Gail Moore recalls. “When we first met he thought he was going to die, but I told him God was going to use him to reach thousands with the gospel.”​

Former New England Patriot works to change lives

He recently moved to South Mississippi from Baton Rouge, LA. Now, he's looking to spread his message of hope and inspiration across the coast.

www.wlox.com

Former professional football player Art Moore has done charity work all over the country. He recently moved to South Mississippi from Baton Rouge, LA. Now, he's looking to spread his message of hope and inspiration across the coast.​

Standing 6'6", in the 1970s, Art was known as one of the most dominant defensive lineman in the NFL.​

"They say I hold the most single season tackles against OJ Simpson," Art said. "I played against the Namaths and the Terry Bradshaws."​

Art spent six seasons with the New England Patriots when he said his career was cut short after a near death experience. That experience led to a life changing encounter.​

Pro Football Archives -- Art Moore

Pro Sports Transactions -- Art Moore

Arthur Moore Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[TommyD4207]

The Bobby Orr of OGs - just peerless.

We're still talking about him in comparisons.
He took his last snap 40 years ago.

 

[jmt57]

There are also several former NFL players with ties to the New England region born on this date.

• CB Phillip Gaines, 34 (1991);
• born in Concord MA.
• Chiefs, Bills, Browns and Texans, 2014-2020.
• 
  
• LB John Woodring, 66 (1959);
• Brown University.
• Jets, 1981-1985.
• 
  
• RB Nick Giaquinto, 70 (1955);
• Bridgeport CT, Stratford HS, UConn.
• Miami, Wash 1980-83; SB 17 ring.
• 
  
• DL Joe Moreino, 70 (1955);
• born in Providence RI.
• Jets, 1978.
• 
  
• OT Brian Vertefeuille, 74 (1951);
• born in Willimantic CT, Windham (CT) HS.
• Chargers, 1974.
• 
  
• LB/C Carl Schuette (1922-75);
• coached at Brown and Harvard; Boston resident.
• Lions, Packers, Bills (AAFC)
• 
  
• C/LB Ed Gustafson (1922-2012);
• Dartmouth College.
• Brooklyn (AAFC), 1947-48.
• 
  
• C/OL/LB Chet Gladchuck (1917-1967);
• Bridgeport CT, Harding HS, Boston College.
• Steelers, Giants, 1941-47.
• 
  
• FB Lee Woodruff (1910-1947);
• Providence Steam Roller, Boston Braves,
• Also played for the Eagles, 1931-1933.
• 
  
• FB Fred DaGata (1908-1980);
• Fall River, Durfee HS, Boston College, Providence U. Providence Steam Roller,
• Another early pro football player, 1931.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Babe Parilli​

April 4, 1961:
Patriots acquire Babe Parilli


The Boston Patriots made what turned out to be a very significant trade with Oakland on this date in 1961. Vito 'Babe' Parilli was a major upgrade at quarterback, manning that position over the next seven seasons. During that time he was a three-time AFL All-Star, highlighted by his 1964 All-AFL season when he led the league in passing touchdowns and passing yardage. The Pats immediately turned around from a last place record in 1960, and finishing second (no wild card back then) four times with records of 9-4-1, 9-4-1, 10-3-1 and 8-4-2. Parilli owned many franchise passing records that lasted for decades. Even to this day he still ranks in the top four in nearly all passing categories in franchise history, and is tied with Steve Grogan for the third most fourth quarter comebacks.


The Patriots also received RB Billy Lott, who scored 14 touchdowns over three seasons with the team.


The Raiders felt Parilli was an expendable backup to Tom Flores (who later became a Hall of Fame coach for Oakland), due to needs in other areas. In exchange they received FB Alan Miller, HB **** Christy and DT Hal Smith. Miller was named to the All-Star team in '61, named a team captain and was the Raiders' MVP in 1965. Christy never played for the Raiders, and ended up with the New York Titans. Smith lasted one season in Oakland, appearing in eight games with three starts.

Definitely a winning trade for the Patriots.




Today In Pro Football History -- Patriots Obtain Babe Parilli in Five-Player Deal
On April 4, 1961 the Oakland Raiders traded QB Vito “Babe” Parilli and FB Billy Lott to the Boston Patriots for FB Alan Miller, HB **** Christy, and DT Hal Smith. It was the biggest deal thus far in the year-old American Football League’s short history.

Boston was 5-9 in 1960 and had finished at the bottom of the league in points scored. There was a particular need for depth at quarterback behind 36-year-old Butch Songin, and Parilli, a month short of his 31st birthday, looked to be a good fit. While Alan Miller had led the team in rushing, it was expected that the addition of Lott, a fine blocker who led the Raiders in receiving, along with returning FB Jim Crawford, hindered by a bout with pneumonia in ‘60, would be an overall improvement in the backfield.

As for the players obtained by the Raiders, Miller was expected to start at fullback, Christy was fast and versatile and could return kicks, and Smith filled a need for quality interior linemen on defense.

Babe Parilli, the key player in the trade, had been a star at Kentucky, where he was coached by Paul “Bear” Bryant and led the Wildcats to two bowl victories. A first-round draft choice by the Packers in 1952, he split time with Tobin Rote for two years with uneven results (a promising rookie year was followed by a season in which he tossed 19 interceptions and only four TDs) and moved on to the Cleveland Browns. He first went into the military, missing two years before seeing some action in 1956 and finding it difficult to endure criticism from Head Coach Paul Brown. Traded back to Green Bay in ’57, he was cut during training camp in 1959. Parilli played a year with Ottawa in the CFL before joining the Raiders of the new AFL for 1960. There he split time with talented young Tom Flores, completing 46.5 percent of his passes for 1003 yards and five touchdowns while giving up 11 interceptions.

Parilli started off the ‘61 season backing up Songin, but after Lou Saban was replaced as head coach by Mike Holovak, the two quarterbacks were platooned as the team went 7-1-1 on the way to a 9-4-1 overall record. Parilli led the AFL with a completion percentage of 52.5 and tossed 13 TD passes against 9 interceptions. While not always the most consistent passer, he had an excellent arm and was a good ball handler who was adept at play action, which fit well with Holovak’s offense. By 1962 Songin was gone and Parilli the unquestioned starting quarterback.

The Patriots got off to a 6-2-1 start in 1962 with Parilli having an even better year until, in a key Eastern Division loss to the Houston Oilers, he went down for the remainder of the season with a broken collar bone. With backup Tom Yewcic behind center, Boston ended up once again at 9-4-1 and in second place. Parilli had a career-high completion percentage of 55.3 as he threw for 1988 yards and 18 TDs, giving up just 8 interceptions.

The Patriots dipped to 7-6-1 in 1963, but paradoxically they won the division thanks to a tiebreaking playoff win over Buffalo. Parilli’s performance was more uneven as his completion percentage fell to 45.4 and his interception total rose to 24. And while he had a 300-yard passing day in the Eastern Division playoff win, the Patriots were routed by the Chargers in the AFL Championship game. Still, he was named to the AFL All-Star Game for the first time.

Parilli had his finest pro season in 1964 as he led the AFL with 3465 passing yards and 31 TD passes, although his 27 interceptions also led the circuit. The Patriots improved to 10-3-1 but failed to catch the Bills and once again settled into second place. Parilli was a consensus first-team All-AFL choice and an AFL All-Star once again, but he talked of retirement before being lured back for another year.

As it turned out, the “Sweet Kentucky Babe” lasted two more seasons with Boston. Over the course of seven years, Parilli threw for 16,747 yards and 132 touchdowns while being picked off 138 times. The team had a winning record in his starts and he was an AFL All-Star for a third time in 1966, when the Patriots went 8-4-2. He then spent two years backing up Joe Namath with the New York Jets and earned a Super Bowl ring following the 1968 season as a result, retiring in ’69.

As to the other player obtained by the Patriots, Billy Lott led the team in rushing in 1961, gaining 461 yards on an even 100 carries while catching 32 passes for 333 more yards and scoring a total of 11 touchdowns, but he ran the ball only 43 times over his two remaining seasons for 112 yards and caught four passes.

Things did not go so well for the Raiders in ‘61, who were blown out in their first two games of the season by a combined score of 99-0 on the way to a dismal 2-12 record. Alan Miller started at fullback, proved to be a good blocker, but was more productive as a pass receiver (36 catches, 315 yards) than a ground gainer (85 carries, 255 yards). He played a total of four seasons with Oakland, rushing for 979 yards, catching 111 passes for 1186 yards, and scoring 17 TDs.

**** Christy appeared in one preseason game for the Raiders before being dealt again, this time to the New York Titans. A productive all-purpose back, his best year was 1962 when he accumulated 2147 total yards and was an AFL All-Star. Hal Smith appeared in eight games in 1961, his only season with the Raiders.

All in all, the trade worked out well for the Patriots, where Babe Parilli was a solid performer for a team that often contended during his time there, topping the division once. He was so well regarded for his knowledge and leadership that Mike Holovak held a spot open on his coaching staff that was reserved for Parilli to fill once he retired. While he never became an assistant under Holovak, he did become a pro assistant, serving as quarterback coach for the Steelers and Broncos before holding the same position with the Patriots in 1981. He was also a head coach in the World Football League and with several Arena Football League teams.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Foxborough​

April 4, 1970:
The town of Foxborough is selected to be the new home and playing site for the Boston Patriots


On February 1, 1970, the NFL and AFL formally announced their merger, four years after the original agreement. One portion of that plan was that stadiums had to have a capacity of at least 50,000.

The Patriots were one of six teams that had to come up with an idea to comply. Denver had already added a second and third deck to Mile High Stadium to meet the minimum seating limit, and the Bears moved from Wrigley Field to Soldier Field.

The Chiefs and Bills moved into new stadiums that took a bit longer to build (1972 and 1973), while one NFL team was for some reason given a pass on this edict for more than a decade. The Vikings played in Metropolitan Stadium with a capacity that was close, but still under the 50k minimum until 1982. In fact their seating max actually decreased by about 2,000 in 1974, in order to add some luxury suites.

No NFL bias against the AFL there at all. . .




4/4/2000:
Patriots reach 30 years in Foxboro -- Patriots.com

On April 4, 1970, the organization announced its move to the town after playing 10 years in Boston. The official ground-breaking for a new stadium, which was later named Schaefer Stadium, was held five months later on Sept. 23, and the park was opened nearly one year later.​

Six weeks that changed Foxboro ... forever

Six weeks is all it took. Six chaotic, roller-coaster weeks that commenced with the election of Gerald Rodman to an open seat on the board of selectmen and ended with

www.thesunchronicle.com

But by 1968 fellow league owners fed up with Patriots’ inadequate facilities adopted a rule that all franchises by 1970 required a permanent stadium capable of seating at least 50,000 — or risk being relocated to another market. Although the new rule applied to all teams following the AFL-NFL merger, it clearly targeted the Patriots, and was a catalyst for all that followed.​

So with the clock ticking, the hunt was on for a permanent location. There were plenty of prospective sites, with Weston, South Boston, Needham, Wilmington, Sturbridge and Salem, N.H. all competing for the club’s attention. In addition, Sullivan was exploring offers from other cities, including Tampa, Memphis and Seattle.​

By the beginning of 1970, however, the only substantive proposal involved building a new stadium near Neponset Circle in Dorchester off the Southeast Expressway, a site then occupied by the Neponset Drive-In. The plan had the support of Gov. Frank Sargent, who pledged to file necessary legislation, as well as prominent members of the business community. More importantly, Billy Sullivan had committed to it.​

Meanwhile, back in Foxboro, influential insiders were musing over the different scenarios. In particular, Pres Hobson, general manager of the old Bay State Harness Raceway, thought that land just south of the racing oval was a superior location for a pro football stadium. His boss — raceway owner Elias Marcus (E.M.) Loew — thought so too. Loew was a shrewd businessman who made a fortune operating a string of movie theaters, and obviously understood the value of a stadium to his Foxboro holdings.​

Hobson also discussed the advantages of Foxboro during a mid-February conversation with his son, Patriot Ledger sportswriter Ron Hobson, saying that Loew might be willing to donate land adjacent to the raceway for a new stadium — and in turn suggested that Ron pursue the idea with Sullivan.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other April 4 Trivia​

April 4, 1984:
Patriots trade for Number One overall draft pick

Four weeks prior to the 1984 draft the Pats make a blockbuster trade with Cincinnati. New England sends the Bengals two firsts (#16, #28) and a tenth (#265) in the upcoming draft, plus a 1985 fifth round pick. The Patriots move up fifteen spots, and utilize the selection on Nebraska WR/PR Irving Fryar.

April 4, 1991:
Patriots hire Ian Pyka as strength and conditioning coach

Pyka was once set to represent the US in the Olympics, but that was derailed due to the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Prior to his stint in Foxborough he was the strength and conditioning coach at Tulane and UMass. While he was with the Patriots he met his future wife, a cousin of linebacker Ilia Jarostchuk. He and his wife now run a sports rehab and wellness center in Boca Raton.

Pyka was so mad at Jimmy Carter for missing out on the Olympics, he refused to eat peanut butter.

Coronavirus Florida: Boca Raton’s Ian Pyka remembers 1980 US Olympic boycott as pandemic postpones 2020 Summer Games

* TO OUR READERS: This content is being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus...

www.palmbeachpost.com

Ian Pyka will never forget that day in April 1980, as he trained for the shot put in the foothills of California's Santa Cruz Mountains, when President Jimmy Carter pulled the plug on his and hundreds of other Olympic dreams with the announcement that the US would boycott the Moscow Olympics.​

"I didn't eat peanuts for a long time," recalled Pyka, with not a hint of humor. "It hurt a lot. You train for four to eight years for your opportunity and then you have it taken away from you."​

Ian B. Pyka

www.fau.edu

About Us - Boca Cryo

bocacryo.com

April 4, 2014:
Patriots release Adrian Wilson

The Pats had signed the hard hitting five-time Pro Bowl safety in 2013, after twelve seasons in Arizona. Unfortunately there wasn't much tread left on the tires, and he landed on season-ending injured reserve due to an Achilles tendon injury as final roster cutdowns approached. Pleased with the performance of strong safety Duron Harmon, the Pats elected to move on and released the 34-year old Wilson prior to the draft.

Adrian Wilson informed of release

In a move that has been expected, veteran safety Adrian Wilson was informed of his release by the New England Patriots on Friday, and he followed up by tweeting a thanks to the organization.

www.espn.com

Signed last offseason and dubbed "The Incredible Hulk" by teammates because of his chiseled physique, Wilson was placed on season-ending injured reserve at the end of the preseason. He had appeared to be on the roster bubble before landing on IR.​

Wilson was scheduled to earn $1.5 million in 2014 and his release comes one day after the Patriots signed safety Patrick Chung to a one-year contract with a maximum value of $1.1 million.​

A bigger safety at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Wilson's signing was compared by some to when the Patriots signed hard-hitting safety Rodney Harrison in 2003. But things didn't unfold as either side anticipated.​

Patriots release safety Adrian Wilson, never played a snap for team

Wilson, on Twitter, said he was thankful for the opportunity with the Patriots.

www.boston.com

New England Patriots release S Adrian Wilson

Adrian Wilson has been informed that his serves will no longer be needed in Foxborough. The New England Patriots informed the veteran safety of his release Friday, which will free up $671,666 in cap space. Wilson broke news of his...

www.masslive.com

The New England Patriots informed the veteran safety of his release Friday, which will free up $671,666 in cap space.​

Wilson was signed to a three-year, $5 million contract last offseason. He was then placed on injured reserve last August after suffering a torn Achilles in the preseason finale.​

Patriots release Adrian Wilson

Veteran safety Adrian Wilson has apparently been released from the Patriots.

www.providencejournal.com

Wilson played 12 seasons with Arizona, went to the Pro Bowl five times and earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the league. New England signed him last March. Wilson injured an ankle during training camp and spent the season in the injured reserve list. While he never got in a game, he earned $2 million.​

In his career, Wilson had 25 sacks and 27 interceptions.​