Today In Patriots History August 1: Moscow Patriots & the UNH Russian Front

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Today in Patriots History
One-Third of the UNH Russian Front​

Happy 60th birthday to Ilia Jarostchuk
Born August 1, 1964 in Utica, New York
Patriot LB, 1990; uniform #50
Signed as a free agent on March 25, 1990

Ilia Jarostchuk was a 5th round draft pick by the Saint Louis Cardinals in 1987, from the University of New Hampshire. He spent '87 with the Cardinals, '88 with the Dolphins, and '89 with the relocated Phoenix Cardinals, before joining the Patriots. Jarostchuk played in twelve games with one start while with the New England Patriots.

After the end of his sports career due to injury, Ilya did not lose touch with the Patriots. He actively participates in the community as a volunteer, visiting children's hospitals with other veteran players, and helps out at many Pats events.

Since 1998 Ilya has been deeply involved with the Holy Epiphany Russian Orthodox Church in Roslindale. There he has performed many tasks: overseen the finances, taught classes and served as a school principal and director.

For his daytime job Ilya has had a genuine career, formerly as a sales executive of neurosurgical products by Johnson & Johnson, and now with USI Insurance Services. Somehow he also finds time to serve as the vice president of the New England Patriots Alumni Club.

Ilia Jarostchuk coaches during a Football For You Clinic held at New Bedford High School​

March 24, 1990:

Patriots sign Jarostchuk - UPI Archives

Linebacker Ilia Jarostchuk, a Plan B free agent from the Phoenix Cardinals, signed a contract Saturday with the New England Patriots....

www.upi.com

Sept 14, 2013: Moscow Patriots

The visit to Moscow by the former New England Patriot Linebacker, Ilia Jarostchuk, was extremely eventful. Ilia attended the Moscow Patriots team practices and met with the coaches, players, and the club’s administration. On August 24, Mr. Jarostchuk joined the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, at midfield for the coin toss prior to the 2013 Russian Championship Game in American Football. This game was broadcast live across all seven Russian time zones, and ended as the best Russian championship game ever played.​

Upon returning home, Ilia shared his experience with the owner of the New England Patriots, Mr. Robert Kraft, a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist. Prior to Ilia’s departure for Moscow, Robert Kraft gave Ilia some gifts to present to the Moscow Patriot team – a cap with the New England Patriots logo for every member of the Moscow Patriots team. The Moscow players were very touched by Mr. Kraft’s gift and well wishes. A team photograph was taken with all the players wearing their Moscow Patriots jerseys, and New England Patriots caps. The team then responded in like fashion, by presenting Mr. Kraft with a gift from Moscow – an actual game helmet with the team’s logo. Ilia delivered this gift to Mr. Kraft in person on the field before the last preseason game against the New York Giants.​

After hearing the story about the trip to Moscow and the development of American football in Russia, Mr. Kraft expressed his desire to help the Moscow Patriots and directed his VP of Media Relations, Stacey James, and Community Relations Manager, Donna Spigarolo, to place this on his agenda as something to follow up.​

At the present time, the Moscow Patriots’ players and coaches provide training to many players from other Russian cities. Partnering with such a powerful partner as Robert Kraft and the New England Patriots could bring American football to a whole new level in Russia!​

We thank Mr. Kraft for his pledge of support, and will continue to hold high and proud the banner of the New England Patriots in Moscow – GO PATRIOTS!​

Dec 19, 2018: (L to R) Patriots alumni Mark LeVoir, Ronnie Lippett, and Ilia Jarostchuk, deliver toys to the kids at Boston Children's Hospital​

Ilia Jarostchuk - Patriots Alumni

LB, #50 Height: 6’3? Weight: 245 Yrs: 4 /Pat: 1 Acquired: FA, 1990 School: New Hampshire Major: Business Administration/Civil Engineering Born: Aug 1, 1964 Utica NY Career Highlights 1990 – Played in 12 games, with one start at RLB vs. NY Giants (12/30)…mainly saw action on special...

patriotsalumni.com

Feb 8, 2019:

From Russia with love: Max Lane, former Patriots travel to Russia for Super Bowl outreach

Last week, thousands of New Englanders descended upon Atlanta to see the Patriots capture their sixth Super Bowl title. Among those who made the trip were hundreds of former Patriots

www.newburyportnews.com

Pictured from left to right are Ilia Jarostchuk, Max Lane, Ron Stone and Steve Nelson,
in front of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.​

UNH Magazine: 'The Russian Front' Revisited

Ilia '87, Alex '89 and Basil '89 Jarostchuk​

In UNH football, it's not often that members of the defense team psych out opponents by speaking Russian. But for the Jarostchuk brothers, who played Wildcat football in the late '80s, a comment like "Ya vozmu sorok shest—A ti vozmi tritsatz dva!" (I'll take 46—you take 32!) while waiting for the snap was a fun way to unnerve the opposition.​

Ilia Jarostchuk '87 was the first brother to be offered a football scholarship, and to arrive at UNH, where he majored in civil engineering.​

Basil Jarostchuk '89 followed his brother to Wildcat country, majoring in Russian, and then Alex Jarostchuk '89. Alex, 6'5" and more experienced on the football field, was courted by many schools—Syracuse even sent a recruiter to Durham to seek Ilia and Basil's blessing. In the end, it was academics, not athletics, that lured him to UNH. "The UNH athletic department always supported the academics first. That was one of the biggest factors," says Alex, a chemical engineering major. A sister, Anya, arrived at UNH in 1987 but stayed for just a year. By then, sportswriters had dubbed the three brothers "the Russian Front." "She had to leave because she couldn't get a date," jokes Ilia. "Who wants to confront the Russian Front?"​

All three brothers credit UNH with setting them on successful career paths. Ilia was drafted in the fifth round in 1987 by the St. Louis Cardinals and played in the NFL for six years, including a stint with the New England Patriots. Today, he works in medical device sales for neurosurgical products at Johnson & Johnson. Basil lives in New Jersey and also works in sales and marketing for medical devices. Alex is associate director of engineering for Pfizer in Massachusetts.​

The Jarostchuk brothers overlapped as football players only for the 1986 season, but the Russian Front nonetheless has left a lasting legacy of pride. All three brothers maintain strong connections to their Russian heritage, taking leadership roles in the Russian Orthodox church. While the quirky story of UNH's Russian Front captured the attention of Wildcat football fans, it also gained the brothers an even greater notoriety among Russian immigrant families throughout the country. It was one of the first times, says Basil, that the media portrayed their heritage in a positive light.​

 

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Today in Patriots History
2.9 yards per carry
And no it is not Reggie 'Two Yards' Dupard​

Happy 58th birthday to Marion Butts
Born August 1, 1966 in Sylvester, Georgia
Patriot RB, 1994; uniform #44
Acquired in a trade with the Chargers on April 24, 1994

Marion Stevenson Butts Jr. grew up in rural southern Georgia. He went to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College for two years before transferring to Florida State. The Noles were a perennial contender for the national title at that time, loaded with talent. On his first touch Butts ripped off a 56 yard run in a 1987 game against Texas Tech, yet he couldn't get on the field that often. At that time Sammie Smith was their star running back - considered to be the better 'Smith' in college football in the state of Florida (the other Smith being a Florida Gator named Emmitt). Butts got just 35 carries in '87 (5.7 ypc) and 29 in '88 (4.6 ypc), which ranked 5th and 6th on the team. From that roster two other running backs were selected in the first round of the 1989 NFL draft: Sammie Smith (ninth) by Miami, and Dexter Carter (25th) by San Francisco - plus freshman Edgar Bennett would go in the fourth round to Green Bay a few years later.

Somehow Butts was able to catch the notice of some NFL scouts. The San Diego Chargers sent linebacker Thomas Benson to New England in exchange for the Pats seventh round draft pick, and used it on the 6'1, 248 pound Butts. As a rookie he led the team with nine rushing touchdowns, with his best game coming late in the season against the Chiefs when he carried the ball 39 times for 176 yards. The following year Butts made the Pro Bowl when he ran for 1,225 yards and a league-high 87.5 yards per game. Butts made the Pro Bowl in 1990 and 1991 but was being overused by San Diego; in his five seasons with the Chargers he averaged 206 carries per season.

In 1993 Leonard Russell rushed for over 1,000 yards for the Pats, though in his three seasons in New England was only averaging 3.5 yards per carry. The Patriots were unable to agree to terms on a new contract with Russell, and during the 1994 draft made what at the time seemed to be a very good trade. The Pats dropped down eight spots in the third round, from 70 to 78, plus sent a fifth round pick to San Diego in exchange for Butts.

The 1994 Patriots improved from 5-11 to 10-6 and made the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Butts rushed for 703 yards and eight touchdowns - but averaged only 2.9 yards per carry. Leroy Thompson (3.1 yards per carry) didn't fare any better, so Parcells stuck with Butts for the entire season. Then in the first round of the playoffs Tuna made an odd decision, only then at that critical point in time trying somebody else at running back. He inserted second year back Corey Croom - who had zero carries the entire season - into the starting lineup for the Pats in their playoff game against Bill Belichick's Cleveland Browns. Croom did okay (four first downs on nine carries), but the game plan was to pass, pass and pass some more. The Browns shut down the predictable New England offense, with Drew Bledsoe going just 21-50 with three interceptions in a 20-13 victory for Cleveland.

A month later Marion Butts became a free agent, and the Patriots made no attempt to re-sign him. After being released at the end of training camp by the 49ers, Butts signed for Houston and played in twelve games as a reserve for the Oilers; he retired after the 1995 season. Over the course of seven NFL seasons Marion Butts rushed for 5,185 yards and 43 touchdowns.

May 29, 1994:

WILL BUTTS BE RIGHT ONE TO HELP CARRY PATRIOTS?

Marion Butts, the Patriots’ new master blaster, was being interviewed during lunch break when Bill Parcells stopped by Butts’ table to deliver a few impromptu zingers. “You’re doing his life story,” Parcells…

www.courant.com

True, Marion Butts has never played a down for Parcells or the Patriots. But as the coach always tells his players, "I go by what I see." And what he has seen of Butts in a Chargers uniform these past five seasons made Parcells want him like a hot meal on a cold day.​

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April 25, the second day of the draft, Parcells got him, acquiring Butts and a third-round pick for the Patriots' third- and fifth-round selections. If not for Leonard Russell's refusal to accept the Patriots' $1.4 million offer, there would be no ifs, ands or Butts.​

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But Butts agreed to $1.4 million. And now, despite being the 1993 Patriots' leading rusher -- and second in the AFC -- the unsigned Russell may never again wear a Patriots uniform.​

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But as the Patriots ended their three-day veterans minicamp Thursday, even Parcells wondered if his good fortune will be as good as he first thought.​

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"Any time you trade for a player that has been someplace else, you always wonder in the back of your mind why you're able to [make the trade]," Parcells said. "Hopefully, I've researched him enough to know. He's not susceptible to injury, and he's quite a physical player. If we can get three or four years out of Marion, that would be great."​

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Butts will be 28 when the 1994 season begins.​

July 25, 1995:

DOLPHINS CONSIDER HIGHSMITH, BUTTS AT FULLBACK

Concerned about the rehabilitation of fullback Keith Byars, the Dolphins brought in former University of Miami stand-out Alonzo Highsmith and New England castoff Marion Butts for workouts Monday. “We wanted to get an idea of where…

www.sun-sentinel.com

The 6-foot-1, 260-pound Butts hurt his right knee and had arthroscopic surgery during training camp with the Patriots last season. New England had acquired him in a trade with San Diego. Patriots coach Bill Parcells hoped to build the running game around Butts' inside ability.​

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However, Butts was tentative because of the knee injury. He gained 703 yards on 243 carries, averaging a career-low 2.9 yards, and scored eight touchdowns.​

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"It was a slow start after I hurt my knee," said Butts, who gained 1,225 yards in 1990. "I didn't jell with the offensive line. They had a quarterback in [Drew) Bledsoe that they were going to go to after things didn't work out."​

1994 New England Patriots Team Season Highlights "Reversal Of Fortune" (34:09)

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Shea McClellin​

Happy 35th birthday to Shea McClellin
Born August 1, 1989 in Caldwell, Idaho
Patriot OLB, 2016-2017; uniform #58
Signed as a free agent on March 18, 2016

Shea Keegan McClellin was a first round (19th overall) pick by Chicago in the 2012 NFL draft, from Boise State. He did not really live up to that draft status, largely in part due to poor coaching decisions on how to use him, on a defense that already included Brian Urlacher at MLB, Lance Briggs at LLB and Julius Peppers at RDE. The Bears did not attempt to re-sign McClellin he became a free agent after four seasons in Chicago. The Patriots signed him nine days into the 2016 NFL free agency period.

Playing in the Pats' super bowl win over Atlanta proved to be the highlight of Shea McClellin's short-lived NFL career​

May 1, 2012:
5 Reasons Shea McClellin Is A Perfect Fit In Windy City | Bleacher Report

"I've had a chance to hear an awful lot about where he will play," Lovie Smith said. "He's not a linebacker, start with that. He won't be a linebacker. He'll have his hand down in a three-point stance from Day 1."​

The Bears entered the NFL draft desperately needing to find another pass-rusher to take some of the pressure off Julius Peppers. The team didn't know whether that would be in the first round or not, but it ended up with one of the best pure pass-rushers in this year's draft class.​

Many thought Shea McClellin was best suited for an outside linebacker role in a 3-4 system, similar to the role Clay Matthews plays for the Green Bay Packers.​

However, he will line up at end for Chicago. McClellin is not an every-down defensive end, and the Bears did not need that. They have Israel Idonije, who is more suited to defend against the run because of his size. McClellin's value will be on display in passing situations.​

August 7, 2015:

Home

Home Page

www.nbcsports.com

When the new coaching staff got together this year, “one of our first discussions when we got here was where to play him and most people wanted him to play outside including him, himself,” coordinator Vic Fangio said on Friday. “But I didn't see it that way, I said I want to put him at inside first and, ah, I'm glad we did and I think he's glad we did now even though he wanted to play outside first. I think he's found a home in there.”​

McClellin had been a hand-on-the-ground defensive end his first two seasons. When it was clear that was no fit, he was moved last year to strong-side linebacker, where he was barely “sufficient,” in the words of one NFL defensive coach.​

March 17, 2016:

Shea McClellin Signs with Patriots, Is Bill Belichick Delusional?

Bill Belichick thinks he can fix Shea McClellin. He will prove he's truly smarter than everyone else in the NFL, or he's finally become delusional.

beargoggleson.com

Shea McClellin signs with Patriots

More Bears are headed to the AFC East and specifically to Foxboro.

www.windycitygridiron.com

That's right, so follow me here: Many Bears fans wanted Chandler Jones but Phil Emery made his first draft pick McClellin. Then, four years later the Patriots trade Jones to Arizona and sign McClellin as a free agent.​

Fair or unfair, many commenters here have compared McClellin to Jones for the last four seasons and pointed to that as a sign of the mistake that Emery made. Now McClellin lands with one of the most successful franchises in the league.​

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Dec 12, 2016:

Watch Shea McClellin time his jump perfectly on this field goal block

The Patriots protected a first-quarter lead with a flawlessly executed field goal block against the Ravens on Monday night. Linebacker Shea McClellin timed his jump over the Ravens’ line to […]

www.boston.com

Patriots’ Shea McClellin jumps over Ravens players to block a field goal attempt in the first quarter.


Shea McClellin blocks FG attempt, leads to Blount TD

Feb 5, 2017:

Shea McClellin wrongly called for penalty on extra point

New England Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin was wrongly called for a penalty on an extra point in the second quarter of the Super Bowl on Sunday. After

larrybrownsports.com

After the Atlanta Falcons scored their second touchdown to go up 13-0, they attempted their extra point. But Matt Bryant didn’t even try his kick because McClellin had hurdled the line, resulting in a failed try.​

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Unfortunately for New England, McClellin was called for a penalty for illegal formation, which ticked off Pats head coach Bill Belichick. FOX rules analyst Mike Pereira later said the penalty call was incorrect because McClellin cleared the gap between the guard and center instead of going over the center.​

How convenient; the above tweet has been deleted!



Feb 6, 2017:
Marsing's Shea McClellin rides second chance all the way to the Super Bowl with the Patriots | Idaho Statesman



Feb 15, 2017:

Should Pats Ditch Shea McClellin?

Shea McClellin signed a three-year, $9 million contract last offseason, the biggest contract the Patriots awarded to an external free agent in 2016. He ended the season having played just 37 percen…

www.patspropaganda.com

Shea McClellin signed a three-year, $9 million contract last offseason, the biggest contract the Patriots awarded to an external free agent in 2016. He ended the season having played just 37 percent of the defensive snaps and 49 percent of the special teams snaps, logging 16 solo tackles, two fumble recoveries and one sack.​

That’s not great production for that much money and in 2017 McClellin is currently slotted to be the 10th highest-paid Patriot. The Pats could save $1.6 million in cap space if they were to cut McClellin. Should they when there’s already a lot of uncertainty with some key front seven players?​

Nov 8, 2017:

Shea McClellin's setback hurts the Patriots in multiple ways

FOXBORO – It doesn’t look like the Patriots will get any reinforcements for its linebacker corps after all. Once thought to be headed back to the playing field, Shea McClellin will not join his Pa…

www.fosters.com

According to multiple reports, McClellin suffered a setback in practice after returning to practice 21 days ago. The linebacker, who missed multiple games due to a concussion last year, was placed on the IR in September due to another head injury. The news is a blow for the Patriots depth wise.​

Originally, it looked like McClellin's return (he was eligible to play this weekend in Denver) was coming at the perfect time. The linebacker's potential return coincided with Dont'a Hightower going down with a season-ending pectoral injury. Although McClellin doesn't play at the same level as Hightower, he'd give the Patriots another veteran piece at a time of need.​

In a sense, McClellin was viewed as a mid-season pickup for the Patriots, like Dion Lewis was last season. Instead, the setback hurts the Patriots in a few different ways. Now, they'll move on with Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts, David Harris, Marquis Flowers and Trevor Reilly at linebacker. The team also loses one of their injured reserve return spots.​

May 16, 2018:
Shea McClellin joins Mountain View High | Idaho Statesman

Former New England Patriots LB Shea McClellin plans to coach high school football this fall

Former New England Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin will serve as an assistant coach at an Idaho high school this season, according to a release on the school's site.

www.masslive.com

March 19, 2018:

Patriots release Shea McClellin

Shea McClellin will be blocking kicks for somebody else next season. The Patriots announced Monday they’ve released the veteran linebacker, ending his tenure with the team after two seasons. ESPN’s Field Yates broke the news. The Pats signed McClellin to a three-year deal prior to the 2016...

www.nbcsports.com

Patriots release LB Shea McClellin

The Patriots have announced the release of veteran linebacker Shea McClellin. It was with a failed physical designation.McClellin, who was signed in 2016, did not play at all last season, as he was on injured reserve from the outset. He…

www.bostonherald.com

Shea McClellin played in 14 games for the New England Patriots, making four starts. He was in for 380 defensive snaps, and 218 plays on special teams. During that time McClellin made 39 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one sack, three quarterback hits and one tackle for a loss. Shea also played in all three 2016 postseason games, earning a ring from the "28-3" super bowl comeback against Atlanta.

Over the course of his NFL career the Idaho native appeared in 66 games with 35 starts, registering 200 tackles, 8½ sacks, 23 QB hits and 17 TFL.



May 29, 2018: Shea McClellin prepared to move on from playing career because of cumulative effect of concussions| Mike Reiss, espn

Shea McClellin ready to move on from playing career because of concussions

Linebacker Shea McClellin said he isn't officially retiring from the NFL but is prepared to have played his last game because of the cumulative effect of concussions.

www.espn.com

"I'm still staying ready, still working out. I've learned to never say never, there's always a chance that I could still play again, but for now all my focus is on coaching high school," said the 28-year-old McClellin, who has accepted a position as linebackers coach at Mountain View High School in Meridian, Idaho.​

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A star defensive end at Boise State from 2008-2011, McClellin said he has had five documented concussions in his career.​

May 29, 2018:

Shea McClellin Says He Had A Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good Time With Patriots

Some people have had some mean things to say about the Patriots this offseason, but one former player says he had an absolute blast during his brief time in New England.

boston.cbslocal.com

Shea McClellin, Unlike Cassius Marsh, Enjoyed His Time With Patriots - NESN.com

Days after Cassius Marsh blasted the Patriots, saying he “hated” his time with the team, another former New England edge defender is singing a different tune. Linebacker Shea McClellin called his two years with the Patriots “awesome.” “First year we won the Super Bowl, can’t complain about...

nesn.com

June 3, 2018:

Ex-New England Patriots LB Shea McClellin defends 'Patriot Way' - UPI.com

Shea McClellin came to the defense of his former team -- and the so-called "Patriot Way" -- in light of shots at Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.

www.upi.com

Shea McClellin: Two years with Patriots the best of my career

Not every former Patriots player harbors the same resentful feelings that Cassius Marsh shared this week.

www.espn.com

McClellin said he's still following the team closely and will be a "Patriots fan for life." He added he hopes to return to attend a game at some point in the 2018 season.​

As for those critical of the Patriots, he pointed out that it's hard for those who haven't played for the team to have an educated opinion.​

"I would say a lot of guys don't know what they're talking about, because they haven't experienced it," he said. "When you have a winning culture, everyone is going to hate on it. That's what comes with it, it's the way it is. It's hard for someone who hasn't been in the situation to say, ‘Oh, it's like this, it's like that.' It's a winning culture and you're going to get slander and hate -- that's just the way it is. From my standpoint, I absolutely enjoyed my time there -- from the coaches to the owners, players and trainers."​

Jan 30, 2019:
Former Patriot McClellin talks Super Bowl, NFL Life | Idaho Statesman (podcast)

After a six-year NFL career, former Boise State standout Shea McClellin is hanging up the cleats — at least for now — and picking up a whistle.​

Mountain View High announced Wednesday that McClellin is joining the Mavericks' staff as a linebackers coach.​

"I don't like to pass up good opportunities, and it was a really good one," McClellin said.​

McClellin, who spent last year on injured reserve for the New England Patriots, was the No. 19 overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2012. A Marsing High graduate, he was sidelined with concussions last season that kept him out as the Patriots lost to the Eagles in the Super Bowl. He played in the Patriots' Super Bowl LI win over the Falcons in February 2017.​

March 25, 2020:

How pickleball became Shea McClellin’s path out of the darkness after football

The former Boise State star struggled with what to do after his NFL career was cut short until he tried to go pro in a much different sport.

theathletic.com

Yearning for direction and eager to shake some of the worst, darkest feelings imaginable, the former first-round NFL Draft pick and Boise State great has turned his attention to a new sport: pickleball.​

McClellin’s NFL career ended when he was only 28. As a multi-sport star in high school, one of the best defensive players in Boise State history and the No. 19 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, his whole identity was based on what he accomplished in sports. Then it was gone.​

He knows he carries the “bust” label, but McClellin isn’t offended. He knows Chicago, and how it used him, wasn’t a good fit. After he starred as a defensive end/outside linebacker at Boise State, the Bears tried to make him a defensive end, then an inside linebacker, when by NFL standards his frame and skill set left him better suited at outside linebacker, where he was eventually used by the Patriots. Before the draft, the Bears weren’t even on his radar as a potential landing spot.​

In 2017, McClellin was placed on injured reserve just before the season and did not play all year as the Patriots reached Super Bowl LII, falling to the Eagles. Concussions had taken their toll, and even though he felt he had a good four or five seasons left physically, he knew that was likely the end of his career.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Carpenters


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Happy 56th birthday to Rob Carpenter
Born August 1, 1968 in Amityville, New York
Patriot WR, 1991; uniform #81
Claimed off waivers from Cincinnati on August 27, 1991

Rob Carpenter was a fourth round pick by the Bengals in the '91 draft, a player who spent two seasons with Notre Dame before transferring to Syracuse. waived as part of final roster cutdowns. After being picked up by the Pats he made his first NFL reception in a week two loss at Cleveland, was out for four weeks with a knee injury late in the season, and had two receptions for 34 yards in a week victory over the Colts. Carpenter finished his rookie season with three receptions for 45 yards in nine games, with one start.

In the offseason the Pats left Carpenter unprotected, and he was signed by the New York Jets - the team he grew up rooting for as a kid growing up on Long Island - as a Plan B free agent. He spent three years with the Jets, one in Philadelphia and one with the Packers before having to retire due to injuries. Over the course of his NFL career he played in sixty games with five starts, hauling in 51 passes for 607 yards (11.9 ypc) and one touchdown. Carpenter also averaged 7.2 yards on his 40 punt returns. In his post-NFL life Carpenter works as a personal fitness trainer.


August 10, 2015:

INTERVIEW WITH RETIRED NFL LEGEND ROB CARPENTER - Blog

Last week I got to relax with retired New York Jets player, Rob Carper. Rob Carpenter is a wide receiver that played for the New England Patriots,

socialifestylemag.com

He ranks among the all-time leaders in Syracuse University receptions in most statistics despite only playing for them for two seasons. He ranks fifth in career yards (1656), ninth in touchdowns (10), ninth in receptions (93), seventh in yards/catch (17.8) and second in yards/game (72.0).​

Feb 18, 2021:

Where Are They Now: Rob Carpenter

Catch Up with the Jets Legend from Syracuse

www.newyorkjets.com

"It was just like I was back in college," Carpenter said. "(Current Patriots and former Syracuse Coach ****) MacPherson was the one who put it out there to bring me over from the Bengals. The Bengals were trying to slide me through to being on the practice squad and Coach MacPherson was like, 'Nah, no thanks. We'll take him.'"​

One problem. Carpenter and New England, in Seinfeld-esque, was like Elaine wearing an Orioles cap in George Steinbrenner's box seats at Yankee Stadium.​

"This wasn't the Belichick, Brady Patriots. These were the Patriots who had a few years prior to that, come off the Super Bowl appearance against Chicago. That was a team that actually was in a rebuild at that point in time," Carpenter said.​

"And I wasn't comfortable, to be honest. I really was not comfortable being in a New England uniform. I guess it was just a little bit of immaturity on my part, being a New Yorker.​

"New England was a weird year. I ended up right back with a bunch of my old coaches from Syracuse. So it was a little weird in the fact that I felt like I was still in college, but was still trying to make the adjustment to the NFL."​

Aug 31, 2015:

Schwartz: Feasting With A Former Jet At Ornella Trattoria

By his own admission, Rob Carpenter is a basic guy. When it comes to a typical meal, the Long Island native is not the kind of person to try a bunch of exotic things.

newyork.cbslocal.com

Carpenter was taken by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL draft, but was claimed by the Patriots at the end of the preseason. Things didn’t work out in New England and Carpenter was left unprotected for Plan B free agency.​

Once he was free to look around for a new team, Carpenter went on a tour and visited with several clubs, including his hometown Jets. It was a no-brainer. Carpenter chose to come home to play for the team that he — and most of his family — rooted for.​

“It was a great thing,” said Carpenter. “I knew that was going to be the team that I was going to sign with.”​

Carpenter played in 35 games for the Jets from 1992-94, recording 19 receptions for 244 yards and his only NFL touchdown catch. He played his final NFL season with the Eagles in 1995.​

June 5, 2020:

Former Jets wide receiver Rob Carpenter on being pulled over as a teen, staring down a police officer's gun

Rob Carpenter details a story where, as a teenager, a minor traffic infraction led to a police officer pulling a gun on him.

www.si.com

Happy 41st birthday to Bobby Carpenter
Born August 1, 1983 in Lancaster, Ohio
Patriot LB, 2012; uniform #59
Signed as a free agent on April 5, 2012

Bobby Carpenter only played in four games for the Patriots, with two tackles. He was on the field for six defensive snaps and 74 special team snaps with the Pats. The Pats released released Carpenter at the end of training camp, re-signed him a month later, and released him a second time on October 30, 2012. It was a bit of a surprise move as Carpenter was viewed to be veteran insurance for rookie OLB Dont’a Hightower, while also being able to play on special teams.

April 5, 2012:

Patriots Sign Free Agent LB Bobby Carpenter

The New England Patriots announced the signing of free agent linebacker Bobby Carpenter.

www.patriots.com

Carpenter was the 18th overall pick of the 2006 draft by Dallas, from Ohio State. He was considered to be a major draft bust, starting just three games in four seasons for the Cowboys. From 2010 to 2011 Carpenter was also with the Rams, Dolphins and Lions before landing in New England. He lasted eight years in the NFL, playing in 93 games while making 170 tackles.

June 15, 2012:

Bobby Carpenter hopes for a home with Patriots - The Boston Globe

The 16th overall pick in 2006 has zig-zagged across the country throughout his NFL career. But does he have the talent to stick?

www.bostonglobe.com

Carpenter has zig-zagged across the country throughout his NFL career. Dallas made him the 16th overall pick in 2006 out of Ohio State. St. Louis traded for him in 2010, then cut him four months later. A stint with Miami lasted 42 days. He lasted longer with Detroit, nearly two full seasons.​

Now, in New England, Carpenter is one of 11 linebackers.​

Distinguishing himself in games has proven more of a struggle for Carpenter. He never found a groove with Dallas, instead becoming known more for the derisive nickname “Barbie Carpenter,’’ given to him by tackle Marc Colombo when the Cowboys were filming HBO’s “Hard Knocks’’ series in 2008.​

Carpenter’s shining moment came in Week 4 last season, when he returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown that propelled the Lions to a 34-30 win over Dallas.​

Otherwise, the highlights have been sparse. He saw action in all 16 games last season but finished with just 29 tackles. Still, he earned high praise from his new coach.​

Carpenter battles Danny Woodhead during a 2012 training camp session.​

August 16, 2012:

Pats hope Bobby Carpenter has found perfect fit

FOXBORO — Bobby Carpenter carries the weight of being a first-round pick who was a big-time bust at his first stop in Dallas. It didn’t get much better after he got traded by the Cowboys, as he lasted just four months in St. Louis, then a …

www.bostonherald.com

To hear his former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel tell it, there couldn’t be a better fit for Carpenter than Belichick and the Patriots defense.​

“I just think it’s a good marriage. It makes perfect sense he’d be part of that group,” Tressel said, when reached yesterday. “For starters, his football IQ is terrific, and coverage has always been one of his strengths. I can remember the first time we were totally convinced he was going to be a great one, was when his high school team was over for a 7-on-7 passing tournament. And we saw that big guy open his hips, and cover a lot of ground and have good instincts as he read route progressions. He was just well beyond his years in terms of reading the passing game.”​

Oct 2, 2012:

Patriots Re-Sign LB Bobby Carpenter, Add TE Alex Silvestro to the Practice Squad; Release Two

The New England Patriots announced today that they have re-signed LB Bobby Carpenter and signed TE Alex Silvestro to the practice squad.

www.patriots.com

The New England Patriots announced today that they have re-signed LB Bobby Carpenter and signed TE Alex Silvestro to the practice squad.​

In addition, the Patriots released DL Terrell McClain. McClain was signed by the Patriots on Sept. 26, and played in a reserve role last Sunday at Buffalo. The team also released OL Thomas Austin from the practice squad.​

Carpenter, 29, is a veteran of six NFL seasons with Dallas (2006-09), Miami (2010) and Detroit (2010-11). He joined the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent from Detroit on April 5, 2012 and was released on Sept. 1 following training camp. The 6-2, 250-pounder was originally drafted in the first round (18th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft by Dallas out of Ohio State.​

April 17, 2019:

Client Challenge

The Cowboys saw something in Carpenter that few, if any, other NFL teams did and believed he could play inside in a 3-4 defense. Carpenter's game was based more upon speed and pass coverages than point-of-attack strength, and he was ill-equipped for the role. The blame falls upon the Cowboys' scouting department, not Carpenter. Coach Wade Phillips found a role for Carpenter in 2009. Used primarily in pass-coverage situations, Carpenter had two sacks and participated in 46 tackles. Carpenter had only 1 ½ sacks in his first three seasons combined, while participating in 50 tackles. He was traded to the Rams in 2010.​

Bobby Carpenter - About

After finishing my NFL career I had concerns (like most players) about where my life would lead me. As part of my attempt to be a lifelong learner, I returned to Ohio State’s Fisher School of Business in the Fall of 2013 to pair an MBA in Finance & Strategy with my Undergraduate degree in Economics. The Ohio State University has been and will always be a special part of my life. Not only was it where I attended school… twice, but I now with be co teaching a Finance Class at The Fisher College of Business utilizing all of the skills I learned in school and at OSU. I was also fortunate enough to meet the mother of my children during my sophomore year. We now have 4 wonderful children whom we raise in central Ohio. At my core I am a competitive guy with Midwestern values. Faith, family and sports are my passions and I am blessed to live them everyday.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Not Leona Rhymes, not Steve Spagnuolo

Happy 48th birthday to Leonta Rheams
Born August 1, 1976 in Tyler, Texas
Patriot DT, 1998-99; uniform #75
Pats 4th round (115th overall) selection of the 1998 draft, from Houston

Not to be confused with the female singer with a similar name, Leonta Rheams was a 6-2, 303 pound defensive tackle. He was waived at the end of his rookie training camp and immediately re-signed to the practice squad. Rheams was elevated to the active roster in early November, and he appeared in six of the final eight games of the season. Leonta spent the full 1999 offseason with the Pats before being released as part of final roster cutdowns. He later played for the Memphis Maniax in the XFL.

In his post-NFL life Rheams is a Facility Administrator at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center in Houston. I doubt any of the residents mess with him.

Leonta Heams | XFL




Happy 67th birthday to John Spagnola
Born August 1, 1957; Bethlehem, PA
Patriot TE, 1979 offseason
Pats 9th round (245th overall) selection of the 1979 draft, from Yale

The Patriots waived Spagnola near the end of their 1979 training camp, and he signed a week later with Philadelphia. Spagnola was with the Eagles for nine years, then spent one season each with the Seahawks and Packers prior to retiring. He finished his NFL career with 133 games played (80 starts), 263 receptions and 15 touchdowns. In his post-NFL career John Spagnola is a managing director with PFM Assett Management in Philadelphia.


August 20, 1979:

Raiders Trounced By Patriots, 35‐14 (Published 1979)

www.nytimes.com

With the score tied at 14?14 early in the fourth quarter, Cavanaugh guided the Pats on a 64,yard touchdown march in 11 plays, capped by the pass to Calhoun. Calhoun helped the drive by taking a 13?yard pass from Cavanaugh and by breaking three tackles on a 23?yard burst to the Oakland 9.​

Ira Mathews of the Raiders fumbled the ensuing kickoff at the Raider 22 and John Spagnola, a rookie from Yale, recovered for New England, which is 2?1 in the preseason. Five plays later, Cavanaugh hit Johnson at the Oakland 7 and the halfback carried the ball in.​

1979 Patriots Media Guide, page 40

John Spagnola (D-9) TE 6-4, 224 Yale​

First Eli product drafted by the Patriots since HB **** Niglio in 1964 (only other one) . . . Yale's all-time leader in receptions with 96 for 1702 yards . . . 18.1 yard average . . . Yale's 1978 MVP who won same honor in Blue-Grey game with four catches for 61 yards and two TDs . . . in last year's Harvard-Yale game he threw a 77-yard TD pass and caught one to win the Ivy, all-East, ECAC, AP and UPI all-New England as well as AP honorable mention all-American.​

PFM Asset Management - Who We Are

John Spagnola, Managing Director, PFM Asset Management LLC​

John is a managing director whose responsibilities include providing investment advisory services to Public, Non-Profit, Endowment and Foundation, and Taft-Hartley fund clients. John is one of the leaders of the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) team and oversees the multi-asset class practices in the East. He serves on the Investment Committee and the Manager Review subcommittee.​

In 1983, John began his financial services industry career working for the First Boston Corporation. In 1992, he co-founded Spagnola-Cosack, Inc., an independent investment consulting firm focusing on public sector pension funds. Over a 10-year period, assets under advisement grew to more than $3.5 billion, leading to PFM Asset Management’s acquisition of Spagnola-Cosack, Inc. in 2003. Over the next two decades, John helped PFMAM grow its combined discretionary and non-discretionary multi-asset class assets to $23 billion.​

A graduate of Yale University, John played professional football in the NFL for 11 seasons, including nine with the Philadelphia Eagles and one year each with the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. He served as a player representative and executive vice president of the NFL Players Association and also spent eight years as a college football analyst for ABC TV after his playing career ended.​

John taught courses on managing public funds for the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves on the Board of Directors of Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, the Buckley Institute at Yale University and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Advisory Committee of St. Rose of Lima Parish in West Philadelphia and the Investment Committee of the Jefferson Health System in Philadelphia. John was inducted into the Eagle Scout Hall of Fame by the Cradle of Liberty Council of Philadelphia.​

Where Are They Now? TE John Spagnola

The official source of Philadelphia Eagles headlines, news, videos, photos, tickets, rosters, stats, schedule, and gameday information. Go Birds!

www.philadelphiaeagles.com

Joining the team he had followed as a kid, the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania native became part of a two-tight end formation with Keith Krepfle, and helped the Eagles post a 12-4 record in 1980 and reach Super Bowl XV.​

During his first four seasons, from 1979-82, he caught 52 passes for 613 yards and five touchdowns. And then after missing the 1983 campaign because of a cervical spine injury, Spagnola gathered 204 receptions for 2,220 yards and nine touchdowns from 1984-87.​

While Spagnola was statistically more productive toward the end of his Eagles career, it was just the opposite as far as the team was concerned. The team did not post a winning season from 1982-87. Frustrating?​

"Yeah, it was," Spagnola said. "It was frustrating for a number of reasons. (****) Vermeil's a heck of a coach. So when he left (following the 1982 season), things changed. We had a really good team in '85, but we just got off to a bad start. And we had a new owner (Norman Braman) and we had a coach (Marion Campbell) who wanted to kind of do what the owner wanted to do, and he put (rookie quarterback) Randall (Cunningham) in instead of (Ron) Jaworski.​

"That was unfortunate. Not because Randall wasn't going to be a good player some day, but he wasn't ready at that time. We started at 1-4 before we put Ron back in, and we kind of lit it up there for a while. That was a really good team that was somewhat mismanaged.​

"And then once Buddy (Ryan became the head coach in 1986), he sort of tried to run Chicago's offense and we didn't have the personnel. There were a couple years of underperforming teams.​

Bethlehem's own John Spagnola enjoys challenges of finance career after football

John Spagnola made a name for himself as a football player, but he finds his career in finance as enjoyable and challenging as his time on the gridiron.

www.wfmz.com

"I love what I do," Spagnola said Thursday after advising the Northampton County Retirement Board on investing its half-billion dollars in pension funds.​

Spagnola played at Bethlehem Catholic High School and Yale University before moving on to 11 years as a tight end in the National Football League, nine of them with the Philadelphia Eagles. He stayed close to the game as an analyst and sideline reporter through 1998, while also working in the financial world.​

Two other NFL players born on this date with New England connections:

Armand Cure (8/1/19-12/5/03)
Born in New Bedford; New Bedford High School; University of Rhode Island
The running back played briefly for the 1947 Baltimore Colts in their first year of existence, as part of the All-America Football Conference.

Jason Perry, 48 (8/1/76)
Went to Milford Academy in Connecticut for a year of prep school before college
A fourth round pick by the Chargers, the safety played in 36 games from 1999 to 2002.




And some notable pro football players sharing this birthdate:

- Cliff Branch, 76 (1948-2019)
The wide receiver was a major factor in three championship seasons with the Raiders. Branch was an All-Pro for three straight seasons ('74-'76) and played in 22 postseason games, back when the playoffs were much more abbreviated than they are now. Cliff Branch had 501 receptions in an era that featured much less passing than today, for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns. Why exactly did the Hall of Fame have to wait until after his death to honor Branch?

- Edgerrin James, 46 (8/1/78)
The Edge was the fourth overall pick of the 1999 draft, and as a rookie he led the NFL in rushing with 1,553 yards and in touchdowns (17). James ranks 13th all-time in rushing yards (12,246), 15th in yards from scrimmage (15,610) and 20th in rushing touchdowns (80). Th Hall of Famer was amazing his first two seasons, with 2,442 yards from scrimmage and 35 touchdowns. All of which made Willie McGinest's 2003 4th and goal stonewall that much sweeter.

- Clay Matthews (1928-2017)
The grand patriarch of pro football had two sons (Clay, Bruce) and four grandsons (Casey, Clay, Jake and Mike) play in the NFL. The family has combined to play in 877 games. The original Clay Matthews was a tackle and defensive end for the Forty Niners in the 1950s.

- Doug Sutherland, 76 (8/1/48)
Defensive Tackle from the Division 3 University of Wisconsin-Superior (enrollment: 2,400) played in 164 games from 1970-81, almost all with the Minnesota Vikings.

- Alvin Reed, 80 (8/1/44)
The Prarie View alum was a two-time AFL All-Star tight end, catching 144 passes for 2,015 yards and 9 touchdowns from 1968-70.

- Mike Wallace, 38 (8/1/86)
He made a splash with 2,450 receiving yards from 2010-11, and 24 touchdowns in his first three seasons with Pittsburgh. Wallace was never again quite as productive, though he did have ten TDs in 2014 for Miami and 1,017 yards receiving with Baltimore in 2016. Wallace is. His 538 career receptions for 8,072 yards and 57 touchdowns put him in the hall of very good.

 

[Pape]

some Pats-centric pics of some of these guys...

Bobby Carpenter...


and believe it or not Leonta Rheams... okay, it ain't a great pic, and he's kinda like wheres waldo.. but you can clearly make out his #75 in the pic...

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
August 1 News​

Aug 1, 2024:

Patriots sign veteran DT Mike Purcell

The New England Patriots signed veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell on Thursday. Contract terms were not announced. The Patriots are looking for help on the line after announcing Sunday that

www.southernminn.com

The New England Patriots signed veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell on Thursday. The Patriots are looking for help on the line after announcing Sunday that standout defensive tackle Christian Barmore is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with blood clots. Purcell, 33, started 10 of his 16 games played with the Denver Broncos last season, with made 25 tackles, five quarterback hits and one fumble recovery. In eight seasons for the San Francisco 49ers (2014-16) and Broncos, he has 208 tackles, including 3.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, in 90 games (45 starts). Undrafted out of Wyoming, Purcell also spent time on several teams' practice squads from 2013-18, including two separate stints with the Patriots in 2017.​

Aug 1, 2023:

Patriots put Jalen Hurd on reserve/retired list, claim WR Thyrick Pitts

Wide receiver Jalen Hurd's time with the Patriots has come to a quick end.

www.nbcsports.com

Wide receiver Jalen Hurd’s time with the Patriots has come to a quick end.​

The NFL’s transaction wire shows that the Patriots placed Hurd on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday. Hurd signed with the Patriots on July 24.​

Hurd was making a bid for his first NFL regular season action. The 2019 49ers third-round pick went on injured reserve ahead of each of his first three NFL seasons and was released off of the list during the 2021 campaign.​

The Patriots filled Hurts’ roster spot by claiming wide receiver Thyrick Pitts off of waivers. Pitts was cut by the Bears on Monday.​

Pitts, who went undrafted in April, had 57 catches for 631 yards and 10 touchdowns at Delaware last year.​

Aug 1, 2022:

Source: Pats, Bailey agree to 4-yr., $13.5M deal

The New England Patriots and punter Jake Bailey have reached an agreement on a new four-year, $13.5 million contract, which includes $6.5 million fully guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

www.espn.com

Jake Bailey, 25, was entering the final year of his rookie contract, and carried a salary-cap charge of $4.05 million -- the second highest of any punter in the NFL.​

The extension is expected to lower his cap charge by about $1.85 million, increasing the Patriots' overall cap space to about $4.75 million.​

While the team gains cap relief, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Bailey -- who entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft choice out of Stanford -- earns some long-term security.​

He punted 49 times last season and posted a 47.3-yard average (eighth in the NFL) and 39.6 net (21st in the NFL). He also handles kickoff and holding duties.​

Bailey's powerful leg is especially helpful to the Patriots when weather conditions turn colder and windier later in the season in New England. Coach Bill Belichick places a notable emphasis on winning the field-position battle, and Bailey has often been effective in helping the team do so.​

In 2020, when he was named first-team All-Pro, Bailey punted for a 48.7 average and 45.6 net, with just five touchbacks.​

Aug 1, 2018:

Patriots' Shane Wimann: Lands on IR

Patriots' Shane Wimann: Lands on IR

www.cbssports.com

TE Shane Wimann cleared waivers and reverted to injured reserve, per the league's official transaction log.​

Wimann signed with New England after going undrafted out of Northern Illinois this offseason. Barring an injury settlement, the rookie is likely stuck on IR through the end of the league year.​

Patriots Sign FB Henry Poggi, Place TE Shane Wimann On IR

The New England Patriots officially signed RB Henry Poggi to a contract on Wednesday and placed TE Shane Wimann placed on injured reserve after clearing waivers. Poggi, 23, wound up signing on with the Raiders

nfltraderumors.co

Patriots sign rookie free agent FB Henry Poggi; release WR Jordan Matthews

The New England Patriots announced today that they have signed rookie free agent FB Henry Poggi. In addition, the Patriots released veteran WR Jordan Matthews.

www.patriots.com

FB Henry Poggi, 23, was originally signed by the Oakland Raiders as a rookie free agent out of Michigan on May 7, 2018. He was released by the Raiders on June 22, 2018. The 6-foot-4, 257-pounder began his college career as a defensive lineman, before moving to tight end and then to fullback. During his college career, he appeared in 44 games with 17 starts - four at tight end and 13 at fullback.​

Ex-Michigan fullback Henry Poggi in training camp with NFL's Patriots

New England on Wednesday added Poggi, who wore the No. 48.

www.mlive.com

Henry Poggi is getting a shot in the National Football League.​

The former Michigan fullback showed up to New England Patriots training camp wearing the No. 48 today, his first publicized crack at professional football after playing four seasons in Ann Arbor, the Boston Globe reported on Wednesday.​

Poggi takes the spot left by veteran wide receiver Jordan Matthews, who was released by New England after suffering a hamstring injury in practice over the weekend.​

The 23-year-old Poggi is a Baltimore, Maryland, native who appeared in 44 games at Michigan, making 17 starts. He totaled two carries during his time at Michigan, rushing for six yards and a touchdown.​

Poggi took part in Michigan's annual pro-day event in March, hoping to convince NFL scouts he can play more than just fullback.​

"I can run down on special teams," Poggi told reporters. "I showed (then) that I could run some routes at tight end. I'll even play on the D-line if they want me to, on practice squad or something else."​

Patriots release Jordan Matthews

Veteran wide receiver Jordan Matthews was placed on IR by the New England Patriots and then released with an injury settlement Wednesday.

www.espn.com

Wide receiver Jordan Matthews, who injured his right hamstring in Sunday's fourth practice of training camp, was released by the New England Patriots on Wednesday.​

Because he was injured, the Patriots first placed Matthews on injured reserve and then reached an injury settlement with the receiver that allows him to play again later this season, if healthy.​

Matthews had signed a one-year, $1 million contract with $300,000 guaranteed ($170,000 pure guarantee, $130,000 workout bonus) with the Patriots in April, and he was vying for a roster spot at a position headlined by Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan. With Edelman set to serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's PED policy to open the season, some viewed that as possibly increasing Matthews' chances of sticking.​

But a day after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Brady in Saturday's practice and being greeted by Brady with an embrace, Matthews' injury contributed to derailing those plans.​

Matthews' injury also likely contributed to the Patriots' decision to bring in veteran free agent Eric Decker for a workout on Monday.​

The Patriots have Edelman and Hogan atop their receiver depth chart, with Cordarrelle Patterson also projected to make the roster, primarily as a kickoff returner and gunner covering punts. How much Patterson chips in offensively remains to be seen, as the Patriots have had four-year veteran Phillip Dorsett taking quality repetitions in practice ahead of him, among others.​

The Patriots also could turn to 10-year veteran Kenny Britt, but he has been sidelined early in camp with a hamstring injury, while third-year player Malcolm Mitchell's troublesome knee issue has kept him off the field.​

Patriots place Jordan Matthews on IR rather than releasing him

The Patriots ended up placing receiver Jordan Matthews on injured reserve rather than releasing him, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

www.nbcsports.com

The Patriots ended up placing receiver Jordan Matthews on injured reserve rather than releasing him, Field Yates of ESPN reports.​

Matthews could negotiate an injury settlement and eventually become a free agent.​

He has a significant hamstring injury after going down in Sunday’s practice. A report emerged earlier Wednesday that the Patriots were releasing Matthews, and it’s possible the Patriots were hoping a team would have interest in trading for Matthews.​

The Patriots had veteran Eric Decker in for a visit this week.​

Matthews signed a one-year deal in April that contained $170,000 in guaranteed money. Matthews had 25 catches for 282 yards and a touchdown for the Bills last season.​

Aug 1, 2015:

Patriots release Derek Cox, Justin Green and D.J. Lynch

FOXBORO – The Patriots made three minor roster moves on Wednesday releasing cornerback Derek Cox, cornerback Justin Green and linebacker D.J. Lynch. All three players were absent from practice on S…

www.providencejournal.com

The Patriots made three minor roster moves on Wednesday releasing cornerback Derek Cox, cornerback Justin Green and linebacker D.J. Lynch.​

All three players were absent from practice on Saturday and now we know why. The biggest name here is Cox. The 28-year-old started 56 games from 2009-2013. He didn’t play last year. Cox signed with the Patriots on June 8. He left practice early on Friday, within the first hour, and never returned.​

Green has had multiple stints with the Patriots. During the 2013 season, he spent most of the year on the practice squad and played in two regular season games. He was traded last summer to Dallas, but returned to the Patriots practice squad in December.​

Lynch got injured in Friday’s practice. He was seen hobbling off the field with a trainer. He was signed on June 11 as an undrafted free agent out of Bowling Green.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Return of August 1 News​

Aug 1, 2013:

Patriots Sign Lavasier Tuinei, Scott Vallone, Johnathan Haggerty, Travis Chappelear, Release Stephon Morris - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots signed four free agents Thursday and released one one player. New England announced they signed former Oregon wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei, former Rutgers defensive tackle Scott Vallone, former Northwest Missouri defensive end Travis Chappelear and former SW...

nesn.com

New England announced they signed former Oregon wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei, former Rutgers defensive tackle Scott Vallone, former Northwest Missouri defensive end Travis Chappelear and former SW Oklahoma State receiver Johnathan Haggerty. Tuinei is 6-foot-5, 220 pounds and ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the Oregon pro day in 2012.​

Vallone is the ninth former Scarlet Knight on the Patriots roster, joining Steve Beauharnais, Justin Francis, Duron Harmon, Mark Harrison, Kevin Haslam, Brandon Jones, Devin McCourty and Logan Ryan.​

New England released cornerback Stephon Morris, a 2013 undrafted free agent out of Penn State.​

August 1, 2010:

Wes Welker Taken Off PUP List

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) – Patriots receiver Wes Welker has been removed from the physically unable to perform list and placed on the active roster seven months after tearing ligaments in his knee. Welker practiced with the club Sunday morning. Welker was injured early in the final regular-season...

www.abc6.com

Patriots receiver Wes Welker has been removed from the physically unable to perform list and placed on the active roster seven months after tearing ligaments in his knee.​

Welker practiced with the club Sunday morning.​

Welker was injured early in the final regular-season game against the Houston Texans on Jan. 3. He underwent surgery for a torn ACL and MCL a month later.​

Welker participated in organized team activities in June. On Sunday, he ran pass patterns and participated in non-contact drills. He was loudly applauded by fans every time he touched the ball.​

Aug 1, 2009:

Patriots release P Tom Malone

The New England Patriots released first-year punter Tom Malone today.

www.patriots.com

Tom Malone, 24, had two stints on the Patriots practice squad in 2008 - from Sept. 10 to Sept. 15 and from Nov. 26 through the end of the season. He was also on the Patriots practice squad late in the 2006 season and was with the team for its 2007 training camp. He was signed to the Patriots practice squad on December 20, 2006, and was signed to the active roster on January 23, 2007 before being released on Aug. 22, 2007. The 6-foot, 205-pound punter was originally signed by the San Francisco 49ers as a rookie free agent on May 5, 2006, out of the University of Southern California.​

Aug 1, 2008:

Patriots sign OL Barry Stokes; Clement to IR

The New England Patriots signed veteran offensive lineman Barry Stokes today. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

www.patriots.com

The Patriots signed veteran offensive lineman Barry Stokes today. The Patriots also placed veteran offensive lineman Anthony Clement on the reserve/injured list with a knee injury.​

Stokes, 34, has played in 83 career games with 44 starts for the Miami Dolphins (1998), Green Bay Packers (2000-01), Cleveland Browns (2002-03), Atlanta Falcons (2005) and Detroit Lions (2006). He also spent time on the active roster but did not see game action with the Dolphins (1997), Packers (1999), Oakland Raiders (1999) and Lions (2007). He spent the 2004 season on injured reserve with the New York Giants. The 6-foot-4-inch, 310-pound offensive lineman has started at both guard and tackle in his career. Stokes was originally signed by the Lions as a rookie free agent out of Eastern Michigan on April 26, 1996. He spent much of the 1996 season on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad and began the 1997 season on the St. Louis Rams' practice squad.​

Clement, 32, is a veteran of 10 NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (1998-2004), San Francisco 49ers (2005) and New York Jets (2006-07). The 6-foot-8-inch, 320-pound offensive tackle has played in 128 career games with 107 starts. He started at right tackle for the Jets in every game in each of the last two seasons. He was signed by the Jets as an unrestricted free agent on March 11, 2006 after spending the 2005 season with the 49ers, when he started six of 14 games for San Francisco. Clement spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Cardinals after being selected by Arizona in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft (36th overall) out of Louisiana-Lafayette. Clement was released by the Jets on March 4, 2008.​

Aug 1, 2007:
Pats activate S Mel Mitchell from physically unable to perform list. He would play in tne games for the Patriots in '07. He was used primarily on special teams, totaling 75 career special teams tackles in his 54 NFL games. In 2006, Mitchell had been placed on the reserve/injured list with an arm injury and missed the entire season.



Aug 1, 2006:

Patriots Remove WR Bam Childress and WR Chad Jackson From PUP List

The New England Patriots removed wide receivers Bam Childress and Chad Jackson from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list today. Both players participated in the Patriots’ 8:45 a.m.

www.patriots.com

The Patriots removed wide receivers Bam Childress and Chad Jackson from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list today. Both players participated in the Patriots' 8:45 a.m. training camp practice at Gillette Stadium this morning.​

Childress, 24, was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent on July 24, 2005 and spent the first 16 weeks of the 2005 season on the Patriots practice squad before he was signed to the active roster for the regular-season finale against Miami on Jan. 1, 2006. The 5-foot-10-inch, 185-pound wide receiver played on both offense and defense in his only NFL game (1/1/06), and led the Patriots with three receptions for 32 yards and also collected five tackles (2 solo) on defense. The Ohio State product was listed among the day-of-game inactives for both of New England's playoff games last season.​

Jackson, 21, was selected by the Patriots in the second round (36th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-1-inch, 215-pound rookie wide receiver attended the University of Florida, where he started 14 of 36 games over three seasons from 2003-05. In his collegiate career, Jackson caught 120 passes for 1,586 yards and 16 touchdowns, recorded 16 rushes for 88 yards and two touchdowns, returned 10 kickoffs for 188 yards and returned nine punts for 35 yards. As a junior in 2005, he tied the Gators' single-season record with 88 receptions, a mark that led the Southeastern Conference and ranked sixth in the nation.​

Aug 1, 2005:

Patrtiots activate Tim Dwight, release two

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) — Wide receiver Tim Dwight was activated Monday from the New England Patriots preseason physically unable to perform list. The team also released nose tackle Ethan Kelley and wi…

www.fosters.com

Wide receiver Tim Dwight was activated Monday from the New England Patriots preseason physically unable to perform list.​

The team also released nose tackle Ethan Kelley and wide receiver Jake Schifino.​

Dwight, who underwent surgery on his right big toe in January, signed as a free agent last March 13 after spending the previous four seasons with San Diego. He participated Monday in his first practice of training camp, which began last Friday.​

Dwight, entering his eighth NFL season, is competing for a job as a receiver and kick returner.​

Kelley, a seventh-round draft choice of the Patriots in 2003, spent that season on the practice squad and played in one game last season, the season finale against San Francisco.​

Schifino, who played 14 games during the past three seasons with Tennessee, signed with New England as a free agent last Jan. 6.​

Doug Flutie and Tom Brady during warm-ups before practice on Aug 1, 2005​

Aug 1, 2004:

Pats re-sign WR Ricky Bryant

The Patriots announced the signing of Hofstra wide receiver Ricky Bryant today.

www.patriots.com

The Patriots announced the signing of Hofstra wide receiver Ricky Bryant today.​

Bryant, 23, was originally signed by the Patriots as a non-drafted rookie free agent on May 2, 2004. Bryant led Hofstra in receiving for two seasons after transferring from Ohio State. The 5-foot-11-inch, 175-pound receiver caught 67 passes for 793 yards and four touchdowns as a junior and added 60 receptions for a career-high 897 yards and three touchdowns as a senior. Last year, he also averaged 7.5 yards on 22 punt returns and 22.2 yards on 15 kick returns.​

Aug 1, 2003:

Patriots sign RB Frank Moreau, Release Ben Kelly

Patriots sign RB Frank Moreau, Release Ben Kelly

www.patriots.com

New England signed running back Frank Moreau today. The team also announced the releases of cornerback Ben Kelly.​

Moreau, 26, has played in 14 games with one start in two NFL seasons, running the ball 75 times for 206 yards and five touchdowns. This past spring, he played for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe and gained 462 yards on 99 carries (4.7 avg.) with a pair of touchdowns. Moreau carries an NFL Europe roster exemption, meaning he does not count against the team's 80-man roster limit. The 6-foot, 223-pound back had his best NFL season while with Kansas City in 2000, when he saw action in 11 games and ran the ball 67 times for 179 yards and four touchdowns. His four scores were the most by a Chiefs rookie in 16 seasons. The Louisville product played in three games and started one contest for Jacksonville in 2001.​

Kelly, 24, was claimed off waivers by the Patriots from the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 2, 2001. He played in nine games for the Patriots over two seasons from 2001-02, recording four tackles (3 solos) and a special teams tackle in his Patriots career. In 2001, he also returned kickoffs in two games, totaling seven returns for 123 yards. The University of Colorado product was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round (84th overall) of the 2000 NFL draft.​

Aug 1, 2001:

Patriots Sign Veteran G Sale Isaia; Release NT Chuck Osborne

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The New England Patriots announced the signing of veteran offensive lineman Sale Isaia today.

www.patriots.com

The Patriots announced the signing of veteran offensive lineman Sale Isaia today. Subsequently, the Patriots released nose tackle Chuck Osborne.​

Isaia, 29, returns to the Patriots after starting 14 of 16 games last season, establishing career-highs in both categories. The 6-foot-5-inch, 320-pound tackle first signed with the Patriots on Aug. 30, 2000 after being released from the Oakland Raiders. He was inserted into the Patriots starting lineup by the second week of the regular season and missed just one start (10/8/00) the remainder of the season.​

Isaia was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Cleveland Browns in 1995 and spent the season on injured reserve. He saw action on special teams and short yardage situations in nine games for the Baltimore Ravens in 1996. The next two seasons, 1997 and 1998, were spent on the Ravens injured reserve list. He played for the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe in 2000 before returning to the Raiders.​

Osborne, 27, was signed by the Patriots as a free agent on Dec. 13, 2000. He was listed among the team's inactives prior to each of the final two regular season games. The 6-foot-2-inch, 295-pound nose tackle was originally drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 1996 NFL draft. He started two of 16 games played as a rookie, but was waived on Aug. 19, 1997 and was out of football for the year. He played in 22 games over two seasons (1998-99) with the Oakland Raiders. He was traded to Green Bay on Aug. 27, 2000, but eventually released on Oct. 11 before playing in a game for the Packers.​

Aug 1, 2000:

Patriots waive Tony Ortiz and Noel Scarlett

SMITHFIELD, RI – The New England Patriots waived rookie free agent Tony Ortiz, 23, and 26-year old, Noel Scarlett today.

www.patriots.com

New England waived rookie free agent Tony Ortiz, 23, and 26-year old, Noel Scarlett today.​

Scarlett, a 6-foot-3-inch, 320-pound defensive tackle, was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 22, 1999. He then played in NFL Europe for the Scottish Claymores. The Atlanta, Ga. native played his collegiate football at Langston (Okla.).​

Ortiz, a 6-foot, 225-pound special teams performer, was originally claimed off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys on July 14, 2000. The South Bronx, N.Y. native played his collegiate football for Nebraska.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
August 1 News III​

Aug 1, 1999:
Derrick Shepard is waived. The defensive lineman from Georgia Tech had originally been signed as an undrafted rookie in 1998 by Miami.


Aug 1, 1988:
WR Sammie Martin is activated off the non-football injury list. The wide receiver from LSU was a rookie fourth-round draft pick in '88, a year highlighted by his 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in week 13 at Indy.


Aug 1, 1987:
Patriots announce six contract signings:
- C Pete Brock is re-signed for his 12th and final year with the Pats
- RB Craig James is re-signed to a 6-year contract
- TE Lin Dawson is re-signed to a 3-year contract
- NT Dennis Owens is re-signed to a 2-year contract
- G Paul Fairchild is re-signed to a 2-year contract
- CB Ernest Gibson is re-signed to a 2-year contract


Aug 1, 1979:
John Zamberlin leaves camp.

A fifth round pick from Pacific Lutheran, he would return six days later. Zamberlin was a starting inside linebacker for the Pats from 1979 to 1982. In '83 he left for KC, but he never returned from a neck injury in 1984.


Aug 1, 1977
Pats release Richard LaFargue. a center from Arkansas originally drafted in the 8th round of the 1976 draft by Philadelphia. Ironically that draft pick had previously been traded in 1975 to the Eagles as part of the trad for OLB Steve Zabel.

Patriots also release Tim Mazzetti, a kicker from Penn who would play for the Falcons for three seasons.


Aug 1, 1976:
Patriots release Clifford Brown. The defensive tackle from Tuskegee had been chosen by the Pats in the 16th round (436th overall) of the '76 NFL draft.


Aug 1, 1971:
WR Bill Rademacher suffers a broken arm, prematurely ending his pro football career at the age of 29. Rademacher had 17 receptions and three touchdowns for the Pats in 1969. He was part of the Jets Super Bowl III team, and later was head coach at Northern Michigan for five years and linebackers coach at Michigan State from 1983 to 1991.

In his place the Patriots signed defensive back John Peacock, who had been a fifth round (#118) pick of the 1969 draft by the Oilers, from the University of Houston.

Former Patriots WR Bill Rademacher dies at 75

After five scoreless years with the Jets, Bill Rademacher scored all of his career points in two years with the Patriots

www.newscentermaine.com

Aug 1, 1963:
Boston trades Charlie Theokas to the Jets for cash. The guy was a center, but that's all I know. There's another person by the same name from Lowell that was involved in the NBA, but there is no mention of the second Theokas being a football player.

https://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/17-03-606.pdf