Today In Patriots History August 2: Brandon Browner

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Brandon Browner​

Happy(?) 40th birthday to Brandon Browner
Born August 2, 1984 in Sylmar, California
Patriot CB, 2014; uniform #39
Signed as a free agent on March 14, 2014

March 14, 2014:

Patriots sign CB Brandon Browner to three-year deal

Brandon Browner just got another chance in the NFL. (Ted S. Warren/AP) Cornerback Brandon Browner's time with the Seattle Seahawks ended ignominiously when he

www.si.com

Cornerback Brandon Browner's time with the Seattle Seahawks ended ignominiously when he was suspended indefinitely last December for multiple violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy. Browner had first been suspended in late November, and was facing a possible year-long suspension as a Stage 3 offender in the NFL’s drug program. Browner was suspended four games late in the 2012 season for a violation of the league’s policies against performance-enhancing substances, which is separate from the NFL’s drug policy. As a result, he missed the Seahawks' run to the Super Bowl and the franchise's first NFL championship, though Seattle's defensive excellence was something that he helped build.​

On March 4, Browner tweeted that he had been reinstated by the NFL, and he will serve a four-game suspension to start the 2014 season -- that was going to happen no matter where he went. The New England Patriots were apparently undeterred by this, signing Browner to a three-year, $17 million deal on Friday evening. Browner had been meeting with the Pats since Thursday, and the Redskins and Saints also expressed interest.​

The Seahawks plucked Browner out of the Canadian Football League in 2011, and the 6-4, 221-pound defender made the Pro Bowl in his first season in Seattle. Through 2011 and 2012, Browner and Richard Sherman combined to make life very, very difficult for opposing receivers with their size and aggressiveness.​

Browner’s suspension is also more complicated story than is typical. When he first came into the league in 2005, he failed a drug test while in the Denver Broncos’ employ. The Broncos released him in 2006. After that, according to a source familiar with the situation, Browner ran low on money and was sleeping on friends’ couches to stay solvent while he waited for another shot at pro football. He was automatically placed in Stage 3 of the program because he missed multiple notifications for drug tests when his cell phone service apparently lapsed. Browner played with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League from 2006 through 2010, and maintained his Stage 3 status when he returned to the NFL with the Seahawks in 2011.​

Browner passed multiple tests per week from 2011 through 2013 without a hitch, but failed another non-PED test, and that tripped the year-long suspension. Had he not missed those notifications years ago, he would face a few missed game checks at best, and a four-game suspension at worst. Browner’s appeal concluded in late November, and the Seahawks had been awaiting a result for almost a month.​

Butler picks off Wilson to seal Patriots Super Bowl (1:05):




Super Bowl XLIX (2015) Patriots & Seahawks Final Drive (6:21):




Brandon Browner Patriots Highlights | 2014 (1:51):

March 12, 2015:

Saints add CB Brandon Browner

The New Orleans Saints signed former New England Patriots cornerback Brandon Browner to a three-year contract -- their first new free-agent addition in an offseason that has so far been dominated by subtractions.

www.espn.com

The New Orleans Saints signed former New England Patriots cornerback Brandon Browner to a three-year contract -- their first new free-agent addition in an offseason that has so far been dominated by subtractions.​

Browner's three-year deal is worth $15 million, including $10 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.​

Browner becomes the second starting cornerback from the Super Bowl champion Patriots to leave the team this week. Darrelle Revis signed a five-year, $70 million contract with the New York Jets earlier this week after the Patriots declined his $20 million option for 2015.​

Browner, 30, is a big, physical corner (6-foot-4, 221 pounds) who made the Pro Bowl in 2011 and played for the past two Super Bowl championship teams. He spent last year with the Patriots after spending the three previous seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.​

Dec 4, 2018:

Brandon Browner, ex-Seahawks and Patriots CB, reportedly gets eight years in prison in attempted murder case

The former NFL cornerback is headed to prison for a long time

www.cbssports.com

Browner "pled no contest to 1 count of attempted murder and 2 counts of willful child endangerment" when he appeared in court Tuesday, in exchange for having three other charges dropped.​

As a result, the former NFL cornerback received eight years in prison.​

Reports at the time indicated that Browner "allegedly physically harmed and made threats to kill the victim inside the residence" and stole a $200,000 Rolex watch.​

As it turns out, Browner broke into the house of an ex-girlfriend about 30 miles east of Los Angeles in La Verne and allegedly threatened to kill her. The woman's two children were present when the incident occurred.​

Browner, who had been arrested multiple times in the previous calendar year, won multiple Super Bowls, one with the Seahawks (the original LOB victory over Peyton Manning's Broncos) and another with the Patriots (the following year on the infamous goal-line interception of Russell Wilson).​

The former Pro Bowler was an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State in 2005, where he was a highly penalized defensive back. He would get picked up the Broncos, but put on IR before he could play for Denver. Browner would eventually spend several years in the CFL before returning to the NFL as a member of the Seahawks' famed secondary.​

He spent 2015 with the Saints, where he set an NFL record for most penalized player in league history, but has not played in the NFL since.​

May 26, 2016:

Brandon Browner Excited About His New Role With Seahawks

July 6, 2016:

NFL's Brandon Browner -- Investigated for Alleged Assault ... On Baby Mama's Dad

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner has been named in a police report -- by a man who claims the NFL star attacked him at an L.A. County home ... TMZ Sports has learned.

www.tmz.com

Sept 12, 2017:

NFL's Brandon Browner Arrested in L.A., 'Criminal Threats' (UPDATE: MUG SHOT)

Ex-Seahawks star Brandon Browner was arrested in Los Angeles on Monday night, TMZ Sports has learned.

www.tmz.com

Oct 20, 2017:

NFL's Brandon Browner Was Secretly Busted for Coke In May

Ex-Seahawks star Brandon Browner was arrested for cocaine in L.A. back in May, TMZ Sports has learned.

www.tmz.com

Nov 6, 2017:

NFL's Brandon Browner Off Hook In Dom. Violence Case Despite Gun Allegations

Finally, some good news for ex-Seattle Seahawks star Brandon Browner

www.tmz.com

June 22, 2018:

Ex-Seahawks Star Brandon Browner Arrested for Domestic Battery

The former Seahawks star was jailed over the incident.

www.tmz.com

July 10, 2018:

Former Seahawks CB Brandon Browner charged with attempted murder for incident in Southern California

Browner played with the Seahawks from 2011-13 but has not played in the NFL since the 2015 season.

www.seattletimes.com

July 10, 2018:

Ex-NFL Star Brandon Browner Charged With Attempted Murder, Faces Life In Prison

He faces life in prison.

www.tmz.com

Dec 4, 2018:

Ex-Seattle Seahawks' Brandon Browner Gets 8 Years in Prison in Attempted Murder Case

The 2-time Super Bowl champ was convicted in his attempted murder case.

www.tmz.com

Dec 4, 2018:

Former Seahawks' CB Brandon Browner sentenced to 8 years in state prison

LA VERNE, Calif. — 12/4/2018 UPDATE: Former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner was sentenced to 8 years in state prison after pleading no contest to one count attempted murder and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to a child in a negotiated plea agreement, KIRO 7 confirmed with the Los...

www.kiro7.com

Jan 30, 2019:

NFL's Brandon Browner Blames CTE For Attempted Murder Conviction

The ex-NFL star hired Chris Darden, of O.J. fame, in an effort to get out of his prison sentence.

www.tmz.com

May 25, 2019:

Seahawks' Brandon Browner Sued by Ex-Girlfriend for Multiple Attacks

Ex-Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner sued by his ex-girlfriend while he serves time behind bars.

www.tmz.com

March 16, 2020:

Former Pro Bowl player Brandon Browner is sent to prison for attempted murder

Brandon Browner was admitted to Wasco State Prison to serve the rest of an eight-year sentence for attempted murder and two counts of child cruelty.

www.latimes.com

March 18, 2020:

Ex-Beaver Browner begins prison sentence for attempted murder

Browner, 35, pleaded no contest to the charges of attempted murder and child cruelty in December 2018.

www.oregonlive.com

March 24, 2020:

The Rise and Fall of Former Seahawks CB Brandon Browner

Back in 2005, the Denver Broncos signed a little-known undrafted free agent cornerback out of Oregon State, but his stint as an NFL player didn't last very

www.si.com

May 14, 2020:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1806911/2020/05/14/brandon-browner-from-the-legion-of-boom-to-inmate-no-bl707/

July 7, 2021:

Brandon Browner 'took that few millions (and) ran with it,' he says on Instagram

It appears Brandon Browner has found another way to rile up a segment of New Orleans Saints fans, even several months after he played his final down for the team.

www.nola.com

Dec 27, 2023:

30 Athletes You Probably Didn't Know Who've Been In Prision

Here are 30 pro athletes who are currently serving time behind bars. Many serve lengthy sentences and are convicted of heinous crimes.

espnsiouxfalls.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Owen Pochman​

Happy 47th birthday to Owen Pochman
Born August 2, 1977 in Renton, Washington
Patriot kicker, 2001 offseason
Pats 7th round (216th overall) selection of the 2001 draft, from Brigham Young

During the 2001 draft the Patriots traded down 31 spots, sending their fifth (149th overall) to Detroit for the Lions' sixth (180th overall) and a seventh (216th overall). The Pats used the former on tight end Arthur Love and the latter on kicker Owen Pochman.

Neither made it to the 2001 week one roster for New England. Love in fact never played in the NFL at all, while Pochman played in a total of 16 games for the Giants and 49ers.

Granted, it was only a seventh round draft pick. But why?

Why not use the pick on one of your soon to be undrafted rookie free agents?

Or don't make the trade, and use the fifth round pick on OL Russ Hochstein, WR Cedrick Wilson or QB AJ Feeley?

Better yet, tell Detroit you make the deal only if they send you their 2002 fourth round pick.



Maybe this decision was the 'chip on the shoulder' incentive that fueled Adam Vinatieri for the next two decades.

Oct 27, 2003:

Expect 49ers to have another kicker today

There might have been worse performances by special teams in general and kickers in...

www.sfgate.com

So long, Owen Pochman. We hardly knew ye.​

"I've not seen a kicker influence a game negatively as dramatically as today," 49ers general manager Terry Donahue said, and no one could dispute that after the 49ers lost 16-13 in overtime to the Arizona Cardinals.​

Donahue's comment called for clarification.​

Did he mean, uh, ever?​

"Not in my career," he said.​

At least Donahue still has a career. Pochman, a 24-year-old left-footed kicker, is starting today on his post-49ers career. He missed a 45-yard field- goal attempt in the second quarter, missed a potential game-winning, 35-yard field-goal attempt with 2:25 remaining in the fourth quarter, and then ended his career in San Francisco by kicking off out of bounds to begin the overtime, setting up the Cardinals at their 40-yard line.​

For the record, Pochman's last kickoff was supposed to be deep down the middle, said special-teams coach Larry Mac Duff. Well, it was neither deep nor down the middle. It bounced out of bounds around the 15-yard line.​

"Special teams weren't very damn special," coach Dennis Erickson said.​

Strange how things turn out. A year ago, the 49ers drafted Jeff Chandler. In the first two games this season, Chandler made six of seven field-goal attempts. Nevertheless, the 49ers wanted a stronger kickoff leg, so they replaced Chandler with Pochman.​

Owen Pochman | Hilton & Hyland

www.hiltonhyland.com

After a five year career in the NFL, Owen began his initial foray into real estate as an investor, buying and flipping property in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Having played at the highest level in professional football, Owen has built a broad-ranging clientele consisting of seasoned real estate investors, athletes, and entertainers.​

A graduate of Brigham Young University, Owen was drafted by the New England Patriots as a place kicker. He went on to play for the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. Combining his sports background with his passion for architecture and design has allowed Owen to flourish in the real estate market. That, coupled with his instincts, persistence, and vast knowledge of the Los Angeles market has led to sales throughout the city, spanning from the beach to the Hollywood Hills.​

Thriving on a challenge, Owen is a dedicated and relentless professional when searching for the perfect property for his client. Committed to delivering the highest level of personalized service to his clients, Owen diligently approaches every transaction with the same focus and work ethic.​

Happy 28th birthday to Jordan Thomas
Born August 2, 1996 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Patriot TE, 2020; uniform #83
Claimed off waivers from Arizona on Nov 10, 2020

Dec 30, 2020: Patriots Release TE Jordan Thomas

The Patriots announced that they have released TE Jordan Thomas.​

Thomas, 24, was claimed off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals and awarded to New England on Nov. 10, 2020. He played in two games as a reserve for the Patriots and was inactive for four contests. He did not accrue any statistics. The 6-foot-5, 277-pounder originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick (211th overall) by the Houston Texans out of Mississippi State in the 2018 NFL Draft. Thomas has played in 27 career regular season games with 12 starts and totaled 22 receptions for 226 yards and five touchdowns. He has also appeared in three postseason contests with one start and caught one pass for 7 yards.​

Aug 1, 2024:

Falcons sign QB Nathan Rourke, TE Jordan Thomas

The Falcons announced a couple of new additions to the roster on Thursday.

www.nbcsports.com

Three August 2 birthday players that were part of Patriot draft pick trades:

Jordan Lucas, 31 (8/2/93); Chicago Bears safety
Selected in the sixth round (204th overall) of the 2016 draft by Miami.

September 28, 2015: Traded by the Patriots as the 2016 6th round pick (204th overall) to Chicago for Jon Bostic​

March 17, 2016: Traded by the Bears as the 2016 6th round pick (204th overall) with Martellus Bennett back to New England for a 2016 4th round pick (127th overall, Deiondre' Hall)​

April 30, 2016: Traded again by the Patriots as the 2016 6th round pick (204th overall) along with another 2016 6th round pick (196th overall, subsequently traded, Blake Countess) and a 2016 7th round pick (250th overall, subsequently traded, Scooby Wright) to Miami for a 2016 5th round pick (147th overall, subsequently traded, Quinton Jefferson)​

April 30, 2016: The Pats trade the pick they received above (2016 5th round pick, 147th overall) along with a 2016 7th round pick (243rd overall, Kenny Lawler) to Seattle for a 2016 7th round pick (225th overall, Devin Lucien) and a 2017 4th round pick (131st overall, Deatrich Wise)​

Will Whitticker, 42 (8/2/82); Green Bay Packers guard
Selected in the seventh round (246th overall) of the 2005 draft by Green Bay.

April 24, 2005: Traded by the Patriots as a 2005 7th round pick (246th overall) along with a 2005 6th round pick (195th overall, Craig Bragg) to Green Bay for a 2005 6th round pick (175th overall subsequently traded, Anttaj Hawthorne)​

April 24, 2005: The Pats trade the pick they received above (2005 6th round pick, 175th overall) to Oakland for a 2005 7th round pick (230th overall, Matt Cassel) and a 2006 5th round pick (136th overall, Ryan O'Callaghan)​

Eldridge Small, 75 (8/2/49); Giants corner
Selected in the 1st round (17th overall) of the 1972 draft by New York.

July 22, 1971: Traded by the Los Angeles Rams as a 1972 first round pick (17th overall) along with a 1972 3rd round pick (73rd overall, Jim White) to the Patriots for 1970 first round pick Phil Olsen​

Jan 31, 1972: Traded by the Patriots as a as a 1972 first round pick, along with a 1972 sixth round pick (#140, Mike Perfetti) and 1973 second round pick (#30, RB Greg Pruitt) to the New York Giants for Fred Dryer​

Others born on this date with New England connections include:

Foyesade Oluokon, 29 (8/2/95)
Yale, class of 2018
Middle linebacker for the Falcons and Jaguars since 2018, Oluokun has played in 98 games and started 47 consecutive games. He led the NFL in total tackles in 2021 and 2022, and in solo tackles in '22 and '23.

Elmer Volgenau (8/2/00-12/6/65)
Born in New Haven
Colgate educated Elmer Volgenau was a lineman in the twenties for the Rochester Jeffersons - a franchise that went winless in the NFL for four consecutive years before the owner lost so much money on the team that his house went into foreclosure, and the football team ceased to exist.




Other pro football players born on this date include:

Ace Gutowsky (8/2/09-12/4/76)
One of six NFL players that was born in Russia, the fullback led the NFL with 146 carries with the Detroit Lions in 1934, and 857 yards from scrimmage in 1936.

Tom Rafferty, 67 (8/2/54)
Right guard and then center played in 221 NFL games, all with Dallas, from 1976-1989.

Billy Cannon (8/2/37-5/20/18)
The Heisman Trophy winning running back from Oklahoma tilted the balance of power when he signed with the upstart American Football League in 1960. Cannon was part of three victorious AFL championships, two with the Oilers and one with the Raiders.

Matt Hazeltine (8/2/33-1/13/87)
The 49ers linebacker played 198 games while going to two Pro Bowls, missing just eight games over his 15-year career from 1955 to 1970.

Golden Tate, 33 (8/5/88)
The wide receiver had 90-plus receptions in four consecutive seasons, from 2014 to 2017, and scored 46 touchdowns during his career.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats sign Ras-I Dowling, and other August 2 News

Aug 2, 2024:

Patriots sign T Kellen Diesch and S A.J. Thomas, release T Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

The Patriots announced a series of roster moves on Friday.

www.nbcsports.com

Diesch has spent time with the Dolphins, Bears, Steelers, and Browns over the last two years, but has not seen any regular season action. Thomas played six games for the Bears over the last two seasons and had three interceptions in the UFL this year.​

Patriots Make A Series of Roster Moves

Patriots announced today that they have signed T Kellen Diesch and S A.J. Thomas. To make room on the roster, the Patriots released RB Deshaun Fenwick and T Tyrone Wheatley Jr.​

Aug 2, 2023:

Patriots cut WR Ed Lee

The Patriots waived rookie receiver Ed Lee on Wednesday, the team announced.

www.nbcsports.com

The Patriots waived rookie receiver Ed Lee on Wednesday.​

Lee, 24, was signed by New England as a rookie free agent out of Rhode Island on June 5.​

He finished his college career with 86 receptions for 1,263 yards with eight touchdowns. Lee also returned 14 punts for 158 yards.​

Last season, he finished with 56 receptions for 908 yards and five touchdowns. He earned All-CAA Football Honors after leading the CAA with 908 receiving yards.​

Aug 2, 2022:

Patriots Sign Undrafted Rookie S Brad Hawkins, Veteran S Jalen Elliott

The Pats hosted the former Michigan and Norte Dame products for workouts on Monday.

www.si.com

The Patriots have added two additional pieces to an already crowded defensive backfield.​

Upon taking the field for their sixth practice of 2022 training camp, the Pats appeared to be carrying a pair of new defensive backs, wearing numbers 35 and 36 respectively. The new numbers belonged to safeties Brad Hawkins (35) and Jalen Elliott (36).​

The 24-year-old Hawkins originally signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in May. During his time at Michigan, he appeared in 56 games and made 31 starts with the Wolverines. The 6-1, 221 pound safety had his most productive collegiate season in 2021, compiling 60 total tackles and two forced fumbles. By the conclusion of his time in Ann Arbor, Hawkins had compiled 178 tackles, eight pass deflections and a pair of forced fumbles. He was waived by the Falcons in July.​

In addition to Hawkins, the Patriots also signed Elliott. Having played his college football at Norte Dame, the 6-0, 205-pound safety was named a team captain during his senior year in 2019. Elliott played college football at Notre Dame from 2016 to 2019. He was named a captain for Notre Dame during his senior year in 2019.​

In May 2020, Elliott signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent Despite being released from the team during final roster cuts, he was signed to the Lions’ practice squad. Elliott saw his first on-field action at the pro level on Oct 23, 2021. He was activated from the practice squad by the Lions for the team's week 7 game against the Los Angeles Rams, and was subsequently signed to the active roster in early November.​

In May, the Lions waived Elliott as part of a roster numbers crunch to make room for their incoming rookie class. The 24-year-old finished his tenure with the Lions having played in eight games (making one start), with 12 tackles to his credit.​

The Patriots had also worked out free agents Devin Hafford and Daniel Wright on Monday, in addition to Hawkins and Elliott. The pair join safeties Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger and Joshuah Bledsoe on New England’s positional depth chart at saftey.​

Aug 2, 2020:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nfl/marqise-lee-matt-lacosse-bring-pats-list-of-opt-outs-to-8/2020/08/02/e6b398c8-d51a-11ea-a788-2ce86ce81129_story.html

The number of New England Patriots who have decided to sit out the season because of concerns over the coronavirus continues to grow.​

On Sunday, receiver Marqise Lee and tight end Matt LaCosse joined a list of six other Patriots players who have already declared their intentions to sit out this season.​

Lee signed a one-year deal in April coming off two injury-filled seasons in Jacksonville. LaCosse is entering his second season in New England.​

Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung, tackles Marcus Cannon and Najee Toran, running back Brandon Bolden and fullback Danny Vitale previously opted out.​

Patriots Place Sony Michel, Mohamed Sanu, Brandon King on PUP List - CLNS Media

The Patriots placed starting running back Sony Michel, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, and special teams ace Brandon King on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) to start training camp.

www.clnsmedia.com

This offseason, Sanu was active on social media filming his intense rehab and workouts with just about every Patriots teammate, including quarterbacks Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham.​

The expectation is that Sanu is not in jeopardy of missing any serious practice time and is on track to be ready for the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 13, per a source. . . .​

The Pats lead back had offseason foot surgery in May after rest didn’t fix the issue and will be in a time crunch to be ready for Week 1.​

Michel’s injury means more opportunity for second-year running back Damien Harris, who could cut into Michel’s workload. Undrafted rookie J.J. Taylor could also benefit as he vies for a spot on the initial 53-man roster.​

As for Brandon King, the Patriots’ special teams ace missed the entire 2019 season after suffering a torn quad in New England’s third preseason game against the Carolina Panthers last August. King’s timetable is a bit more uncertain.​

Aug 2, 2019:

Patriots sign Meredith, place him on PUP

Cameron Meredith had a breakout season in 2016, but he's been plagued by knee problems since.

www.patriotledger.com

The Patriots have signed Cameron Meredith, a veteran wide receiver who has been plagued by knee injuries the past two years.​

Meredith was immediately placed on the physically unable to perform list.​

Meredith had a breakout season with the Chicago Bears in 2016 when he caught 66 passes for 888 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games, but he torn his ACL and other ligaments in his knee in the preseason in 2017.​

Meredith moved on to New Orleans as a restricted free agent last year only to be placed on the injured reserve list with knee woes, his production limited to nine catches for 114 yards and one TD in six games.​

Aug 2, 2018:

Patriots waive Nate Theaker to make room for Eric Decker

The Patriots waived offensive lineman Nate Theaker on Thursday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

www.nbcsports.com

The Patriots waived offensive lineman Nate Theaker on Thursday. New England needed the roster spot for veteran receiver Eric Decker, who signed a one-year deal.​

The Patriots moved on from veteran Jordan Matthews after his hamstring injury, and veteran Julian Edelman will serve a four-game suspension to start the season.​

Theaker went undrafted out of Wayne State last year and spent time with the Cowboys and Saints before making his way to New England. He spent some time on the Saints’ practice squad last year.​

Aug 2, 2015:

Patriots claim G Harland Gunn on waivers from Falcons

The New England Patriots claimed guard Harland Gunn off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday to add depth to their offensive line.

www.espn.com

New England has claimed second-year guard Harland Gunn on waivers from the Atlanta Falcons. Gunn, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Miami in 2012, appeared in 13 games for the Falcons over the last two seasons. The 25-year-old Gunn (6-foot-2, 310 pounds) was waived by Atlanta on Saturday.​

The Patriots' depth along the offensive line was thinned when reserve offensive tackle Kevin Hughes appeared to injure his left shoulder Saturday and didn't practice Sunday. That led to a shift in which Jordan Devey moved from guard to tackle.​

Aug 2, 2014:

New England Patriots Release Rookie Wide Receiver Cole Stanford - NESN.com

Cole Stanford is the latest New England Patriots casualty. The Patriots announced Saturday that they have released the wide receiver, who was signed as a rookie free agent out of Cal Poly on July 27. Stanford, 23, was originally a linebacker, but he played a hybrid role on offense starting after...

nesn.com

Cole Stanford is the latest New England Patriots casualty.​

The Patriots announced Saturday that they have released the wide receiver, who was signed as a rookie free agent out of Cal Poly on July 27.​

Stanford, 23, was originally a linebacker, but he played a hybrid role on offense starting after his freshman season at Cal Poly. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Stanford ran the ball 54 times for 314 yards with one touchdown and caught 43 passes for 891 yards and eight touchdowns over 42 games during his college career.​

Aug 2, 2013:

Patriots Sign Offensive Linemen Luke Patterson, Brice Schwab, Release Travis Chappelear, Mike Zupancic - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots made a few roster moves before taking the field on Friday. The Patriots signed offensive linemen Luke Patterson and Brice Schwab to add depth to a battered offensive line. The team also announced the release of defensive lineman Travis Chappelear, who was signed on...

nesn.com

The Patriots signed offensive linemen Luke Patterson and Brice Schwab to add depth to a battered offensive line. The team also announced the release of defensive lineman Travis Chappelear, who was signed on Thursday, and long snapper Mike Zupancic.​

There was a need on the offensive line, especially with the workload in training camp, as third-year guard Marcus Cannon was absent at practice on Thursday and veteran guard Dan Connolly has been limited throughout camp thus far. Patterson, 25, spent parts of the 2011 and 2012 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs after coming out of Texas A&M.​

Schwab, an undrafted rookie from Arizona State, spent the spring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but was released on July 31 after a few days in camp.​

The decision to release Zupancic bodes well for long snapper Danny Aiken, who has been the team’s primary long snapper for each of the past two seasons.​

Aug 2, 2012:

Patriots claim OT, place Richard on IR

Jamey Richard was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a concussion.

www.boston.com

- The Patriots claimed offensive tackle Dustin Waldron from the Dolphins (the same day they signed guard Derek Dennis, who was also waived by Miami). Waldron (6-5, 305 pounds) was undrafted out of Portland State. Like Dennis, Waldron is viewed as a camp body, but Waldron was the better prospect coming out in the draft.​

- The Patriots played C/G Jamey Richard on injured reserve after he sustained a concussion. Expect an injury settlement at some point.​

- C/G Nick McDonald, who was not on the field today, passed his physical to come off of the PUP list.​

Aug 2, 2011:

Patriots sign Dowling, Vereen, Cox; cut Crompton

The Patriots have signed second round picks Ras-I Dowling and Shane Vereen, as well as rookie free agent Christian Cox. They also released first-year quarterback Jonathan Crompton. Dowling, a 23-year-old defensive back from the University of Virginia, was selected 33rd overall. He recorded 160...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

The Patriots have signed second round picks Ras-I Dowling and Shane Vereen, as well as rookie free agent Christian Cox. They also released first-year quarterback Jonathan Crompton.​

Dowling, a 23-year-old defensive back from the University of Virginia, was selected 33rd overall. He recorded 160 tackles in 40 games during his college career and was named team captain as a senior.​

Vereen was picked 56th overall. A 22-year-old running back from the University of California, Berkley, he rushed for a total of 2,834 yards and 29 touchdowns in his college years. He also made 74 receptions for 674 yards and six touchdowns, returned 24 kickoffs for 551 yards, and returned two punts for ten yards. His 4,069 total yards rank him fifth all-time at his school.​

Cox, 25, is a defensive end who started all 13 games at the University of Utah in 2010, recording 53 tackles and four sacks.​

Crompton, originally a fifth round pick by San Diego in 2010, was signed to the Patriots' practice squad on November 3 after being waived by the Chargers.​

Aug 2, 2010:

Patriots moving on without Burgess

As each day goes by and Derrick Burgess remains AWOL, the New England Patriots are starting to adjust to life without one of their starting outside linebackers.

www.norwichbulletin.com

As each day goes by and Derrick Burgess remains AWOL, the New England Patriots are starting to adjust to life without one of their starting outside linebackers.​

Coach Bill Belichick said Monday he doesn’t know where things stand with Burgess, who signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal in the offseason but reportedly has been considering retirement.​

“I don’t think he knows for sure,” Belichick said.​

There are five outside linebackers in camp: incumbent starter Tully Banta-Cain, the eighth-year pro who was the most pleasant surprise on defense last year with 10 sacks; Rob Ninkovich, in his fifth year, signed as a free agent last August; Pierre Woods, also in his fifth year, who has seen most of his action on special teams; former New York Jet Marques Murrell, signed as a free agent; and rookie Jermaine Cunningham, who was a defensive end at Florida.​

= = = = = = = = = =​

The Patriots filled two roster spots by signing a pair of free agents who practiced Monday — tight end Carson Butler and wide receiver Rod Owens. Butler, 6-4 and 260, is a Michigan product and veteran of several NFL training camps. He brings the number of tight ends in camp to five. Owens caught 61 passes for Florida State last fall. He signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in April and was released in May.​

 

[Pape]

Owen Pochman looks better in Patriot blue...



and a couple of Jordan Thomas...

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats sign former Saints free agent Rob Ninkovich​

Aug 2, 2009:

Rob Ninkovich one that Saints let get away

METAIRIE, La. -- Fortunately for the New Orleans Saints, they don’t have too many stories of “guys that got away.” But New England Patriots pass-rusher Rob Ninkovich is at the top of that short list.

www.espn.com

Patriots sign LB Rob Ninkovich, DB Jamar Love; Release LB Redd

The New England Patriots signed LB Rob Ninkovich and DB Jamar Love today. Additionally, the Patriots released LB Vince Redd.​

Ninkovich, 6-2, 255 pounds, is a veteran of three NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints (2006, 2008) and Miami Dolphins (2007-2008). He was originally a fifth-round draft pick by New Orleans in 2006 out of Purdue. Ninkovich played in three games as a rookie with the Saints and was then claimed off waivers by Miami in 2007 and played in four games that season. He began the 2008 season on the Miami practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster in early November and playing as a reserve for one game. Ninkovich re-joined the Miami practice squad until being signed to the New Orleans 53-man roster in early December. He was inactive for the final four games of the 2008 season for New Orleans.​

The Saints released Ninkovich on July 30, 2009.​

Love, 6-0, 191 pounds, was originally signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Arkansas on April 30, 2009 before being released on July 29, 2009.​

Redd, 6-6, 260 pounds, was originally signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Liberty on May 2, 2008. He spent the first part of his rookie season on the practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster. Redd played in five of the final six games and finished with two tackles on defense and six special teams tackles.​

Aug 2, 2008:

Welker, Hobbs, Rudd off Patriots PUP list

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham The New England Patriots are three steps closer to being whole. WR Wes Welker, CB Ellis Hobbs and ILB Bo Ruud all practiced today in Foxborough, Mass.

www.espn.com

WR Wes Welker, CB Ellis Hobbs and ILB Bo Ruud all practiced today in Foxborough, Mass. That means their plump physically unable-to-perform list is down to five: G Stephen Neal, T Oliver Ross, LB Mike Vrabel and DLs Jarvis Green and Mike Wright.​

Welker, Hobbs, Ruud return; Saturday notes

Welker and Hobbs obviously were the headliners. Hobbs began camp on PUP because he was recovering from offseason surgeries to his labrum and groin while Welker had a reported groin issue of his own that he was dealing with. Both were predictably happy to get back on the field.​

Both players took regular reps throughout the afternoon. Hobbs worked with Mike Richardsonand Lewis Sandersat cornerback with the second group while Fernando Bryant and rookie Terrence Wheatley held down the top spots.​

Welker appeared in a variety of groups in the slot, working in the red area, on the goal line and countless situations that Bill Belichickcalled out. He appeared to be his normal self, darting over the middle and working himself into the clear consistently. But there was one major difference: his hands.​

Last year in camp there was barely a pass intended for Welker that wasn't caught. He continued that right on through the regular season when he grabbed 112 balls to set a team record.​

On Saturday, that wasn't the case, and no one was more upset about it than the wideout, whose verbal self-scoldings were at times vulgar in nature.​

"I think you just heard me wrong. I normally don't do that," said Welker, able to smile about it afterward.​

Aug 2, 2005:

Patriots Notebook

FOXBORO — Richard Seymour is back in the fold, which pleased everyone on the Good Ship Patriot Tuesday.

www.thesunchronicle.com

Richard Seymour is back in the fold, which pleased everyone on the Good Ship Patriot Tuesday.​

“ We're happy about it,” Patriots' coach Bill Belichick said early Tuesday in announcing the agreement with the veteran defensive end. “ In terms of the contract or the negotiations or anything that went down, I'm not really going to get into any of that. I think that is between the player and the club.​

“ But we're happy to have Richard coming back to camp and I look forward to seeing him out there on the field,” he added.​

= = = = = = = =​

The Patriots signed a free agent defensive tackle, 6-foot-2, 325-pound former Dolphin Mario Monds.​

The well-traveled native of Fort Pierce, Fla., was selected in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft (186th overall) out of the University of Cincinnati by Washington, but spent that season with the Cincinnati Bengals, appearing in only two games. Last year in Miami he appeared in five games, being credited with five tackles, before being released in April. He was assigned Ethan Kelley's No. 99 jersey.​

Aug 2, 2004:

Torn Achilles tendon sidelines Pats lineman Bailey for season

FOXBORO — Defensive lineman Rodney Bailey is out for the season after undergoing surgery on his torn Achilles tendon, the New England Patriots announced yesterday. Bailey, who was placed on injured…

www.capecodtimes.com

Defensive lineman Rodney Bailey is out for the season after undergoing surgery on his torn Achilles tendon, the New England Patriots announced yesterday. Bailey, who was placed on injured reserve, is expected to make a full recovery. The team signed Bailey, 24, as a restricted free agent in March.​

The 6-foot-3-inch, 305-pound Bailey was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL draft. During his first three seasons, he played in every game, starting one game as a rookie in 2001. He has logged 39 career tackles, including 9.5 sacks.​

Also yesterday, the Patriots released offensive tackle Jack Fadule nearly six months after he signed as a free agent.​

Fadule, who played at Harvard, appeared in one exhibition game last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers before being released. He signed with the Patriots on Feb. 6.​

Aug 2, 2003:

Patriots release WR Scott McCready

New England released wide receiver Scott McCready today.​

McCready, 26, was originally signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent on April 27, 2001. He spent the past two Springs in NFL Europe as a Patriots allocate to the Scottish Claymores, where he grabbed 45 passes for 647 yards from 2002-03. McCready spent stints on the Patriots practice squad in 2001 and 2002 and was in his third training camp with the team.​

Best & Worst: Scott McCready

What was the best moment of your career? It would have to be winning the Super Bowl [with the New England Patriots in 2002]. It was my rookie season, a whirlwind season for the club and we were big

www.thetimes.com

Who was the best player you played with?​

Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback that ever lived and I’ll argue that point with anyone. That season, he stepped in and played when Drew Bledsoe got injured. We were 1-3 and the next thing you know this 24-year-old kid is leading us to the Super Bowl. What people don’t see with the greats is all the hard work they put in. The amount of film Brady watches, the amount of preparation he does for each opponent. He’s also probably one of the nicest guys you’ll meet in the NFL.​

Who was your most difficult opponent?​

The hardest tussles always came in Patriots practice. Having to face up to legendary DB Ty Law was the toughest thing I ever had to do in the NFL.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century August 2 Pats News​

Aug 2, 1999:

Smith to miss season

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- New England Patriots tight end Devon Smith will miss this season with a knee injury, the team said yesterday after placing him on the injured reserve list. Smith, 23, had recons…

www.southcoasttoday.com

Patriots tight end Devon Smith will miss this season with a knee injury, the team said yesterday after placing him on the injured reserve list.​

Smith, 23, had reconstructive surgery to repair ligaments in his left knee, the team said. The operation was performed at Massachusetts General Hospital.​

Smith signed with the Patriots as a rookie free agent in April. The 6-foot-4, 243-pound player from North Carolina State started 12 of 28 games during his collegiate career and caught 18 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns.​

As a senior, he started nine of 11 games and caught 12 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown.​

The Patriots now have 83 players on their active roster.​

Also yesterday, tight ends Ben Coates and Mike Bartrum each suffered injuries during the morning practice session. Both were diagnosed with mild sprains to their left knees and are day-to-day.​

Aug 2, 1995:
Patriots claim Bucky Richardson off waivers from the Houston Oilers

HE MAY GROW INTO THE ROLE

Bucky Richardson can’t quite get used to the No. 44 on his Patriots uniform. The pads he wears seem too large, too. That’s because underneath it all, he’s still a quarterback. At best, Richardson is a fullback in the…

www.courant.com

Richardson is best known for a preseason game against Dallas when late in the game and down by one score, Richardson led the Oilers within striking distance. The drive culminated with a play during which he, a right-hander, completed the winning touchdown pass with his left arm. . . . . . . .​

Bucky Richardson can’t quite get used to the No. 44 on his Patriots uniform. The pads he wears seem too large, too. That’s because underneath it all, he’s still a quarterback.​

At best, Richardson is a fullback in the making.​

The Patriots claimed Richardson, 26, off waivers Aug. 2 when he was released by the Houston Oilers. The one-time backup to quarterback Warren Moon finds himself backing up fullback Sam Gash in New England.​

“It’s a transition for me,” Richardson said Tuesday. “It’s something I’ve never done.”​

Aug 2, 1990:
Bruce Armstrong is re-signed to a three-year contract. A first-round pick in 1987 from Louisville, Armstrong successfully made the shift from RT to LT in 1990, and was named to the first of his six Pro Bowls.



Aug 2, 1985:
ILB Clayton Weishuhn undergoes arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, placing him out for the season. Sports injuries being what they were at that point in time, it effectively ended what had looked to be an incredibly promising career. Weishuhn would return to play four more games for the Pats in '86 and nine for Green Bay in '87, but his mobility was never the same.

On the same day the Patriots traded linebacker Tim Golden to the Colts for a conditional tenth round pick. The Pats never got anything in return, as Indy waived Golden on August 19. The former Florida Gator had played in 40 games for the Patriots from 1982-84.

The Pats also waived Dean Sanders, a DT from the University of North Alabama.



Aug 2, 1982:
Pats trade Bill Matthews to the Giants for a 1983 tenth round pick. Matthews was a fifth round (129th overall) selection in the 1978 draft from South Dakota State. The inside linebacker played in all 48 games with the Pats from 1979-81, with ten starts - with most of those starts coming in '81 when John Zamberlin was injured. Matthews never played in the NFL again.



Aug 2, 1978:
The Patriots released John Gibney, a center from Colgate that the Pats had selected in the 12th round of the '78 draft. New England also released some guy named William Tiagnad, or possibly William Tiaguard, not sure. I got nothing on him, whatever his name is.



Aug 2, 1973:
Mel Lunsford leaves training camp. The defensive end had just been acquired in a trade with Washington a week later. Lunsford would go on to play 92 games for the Pats from 1973 to 1980, and be most well remembered for exposing OJ Simpson's unhinged side in a 1976 altercation against the Bills.



Aug 2, 1971:
Patriots waive eleven players:
- John Bonistalli, WR from Boston College
- Gary Bugenhagen, OT from Syracuse who started 7 games for the Pats in 1970 at LG
- Jesse Craig, LB from the University of Idaho


- Charley Frazier; WR had 7 TDs for the Pats in 1969
- Larry Jarmon, a 6'8 DT/DE from L.A. City College
- Ron Leigh, DE from Elizabeth City
- Pierre Marchando, guard from UMass
- Steve Olsen/Olson (had been with the Giants)
- Phil Sgrignoli, RB from Pitt
- Ed Toner; DT from Lynn English and UMass played in 26 games for Pats 1967-69
- Glen Woods; DE from Prarie View had been on the Pats 1970 taxi squad



Aug 2, 1969:
The Boston Patriots acquire Tom Janik from Buffalo for cash. The safety had led th AFL with ten interceptions in 1967, but with the Pats he was primarily the team's punter - booting the ball 243 times from 1969 to 1971.