Today In Patriots History August 23: Joe Andruzzi

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Joe Andruzzi, American Hero​

Happy 49th birthday to Joe Andruzzi
Born Aug 23, 1975 in Brooklyn
Patriot guard, 2000-2004; uniform #63
Signed as a veteran free agent on September 9, 2000

Joe Andruzzi was originally signed as an undrafted rookie by Green Bay in 1997. He had played his college football at D-2 Southern Connecticut State in New Haven. Andruzzi spent three years in the Packer organization (including one season allocated to NFL Europe) before being released near the end of training camp in 2000.

The Patriots signed Joe a week later. He spent the next five years as a starter in Foxborough, earning three super bowl rings. In 2002 Andruzzi received the Ed Block Courage Award, voted annually by teammates to players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage, for a recipient who symbolizes professionalism, great strength and dedication. In 2003 Joe and his wife began the C.J. Buckley Brain Cancer Research Fund at Boston Children’s Hospital, in memory of a young man the couple had became friends with who died from a brain tumor.


Joe Andruzzi Foundation

In 2003, months after his passing and still reeling from the hole left in our hearts, we wanted to do something to take action. To show our continued love and support for C.J.’s family, Joe and I started the C.J. Buckley Brain Cancer Research Fund at Boston Children’s Hospital.​

Years later, when Joe was diagnosed in 2007 with non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma, he immediately started aggressive chemotherapy treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital – fighting the disease with the strength and courage he learned from CJ. Throughout several months of treatment, it was Carter and Lucy Buckley – CJ’s parents (and current honorary JAF Board Members) – who were right there by our side.​

Later that year, Joe was told that there was no sign of cancer in his body and remains cured today. Our family was given a second lease on life, and Joe and I decided to dedicate our time towards helping less fortunate families battling cancer. In 2008, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation was born.​

Joe Andruzzi played both LG and RG for the New England Patriots from 2000 to 2004, starting 72 regular season games plus nine postseason games. The Pats were a perfect 9-0 in the playoffs with Andruzzi, winning three super bowls. In 2005 he got a well deserved payday when he signed with Cleveland as a free agent. Altogether Joe played in 122 regular season games and ten postseason games from 1998 to 2006 with the Packers, Patriots and Browns.

The Sports Illustrated article below is an absolute must-read, in my opinion.
Sept 24, 2001.

How the brother of an NFL player survived the 9/11 attacks

The Andruzzis grew up the best kind of brothers, four boys wedged into two small bedrooms in their Staten Island home, loving and fighting, best friends and

vault.si.com

April 15, 2013:

Joe Andruzzi handles Boston Marathon attack the way Joe Andruzzi would

Former NFL offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi, a cancer survivor, runs a foundation that raises funds to assist cancer patients and to support pediatric brain cancer research.

www.nbcsports.com

April 17, 2013 - Greg Bedard:

Ex-Patriots guard Joe Andruzzi: ‘I am definitely not a hero’ for Boston Marathon actions

Marathon Monday was shaping up as a banner day for former Patriots guard Joe Andruzzi and his namesake foundation. The foundation, JAFwhich aids the families dealing with cancer, had 21 runners who raised $163,000 entering the Marathon. It was hoping to raise more at a watch party a few blocks...

www.boston.com

Sept 10, 2021:

20 Years Later: Joe Andruzzi Recalls 9/11 & His Brothers Being Honored By Patriots

Former Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi remembers 9/11 like it was yesterday, as he waited for word on his three brothers, all of whom were New York firefighters at the time.

www.cbsnews.com

Aug 21, 2024 - NFL.com

Pats Alum Joe Andruzzi Continues His Impact on Boston Community | NFL Alumni

www.nflalumni.org

 

[kmac14]

One of my favorite players!
Professional on the field and a nice guy off the field.

 

[signbabybrady]

One of my favorite players!
Professional on the field and a nice guy off the field.

Understatement of the year. He's the best.

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Joe Andruzzi, American Hero​

Happy 49th birthday to Joe Andruzzi
Born Aug 23, 1975 in Brooklyn
Patriot guard, 2000-2004; uniform #63
Signed as a veteran free agent on September 9, 2000

Joe Andruzzi was originally signed as an undrafted rookie by Green Bay in 1997. He had played his college football at D-2 Southern Connecticut State in New Haven. Andruzzi spent three years in the Packer organization (including one season allocated to NFL Europe) before being released near the end of training camp in 2000.

The Patriots signed Joe a week later. He spent the next five years as a starter in Foxborough, earning three super bowl rings. In 2002 Andruzzi received the Ed Block Courage Award, voted annually by teammates to players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage, for a recipient who symbolizes professionalism, great strength and dedication. In 2003 Joe and his wife began the C.J. Buckley Brain Cancer Research Fund at Boston Children’s Hospital, in memory of a young man the couple had became friends with who died from a brain tumor.


Joe Andruzzi Foundation

In 2003, months after his passing and still reeling from the hole left in our hearts, we wanted to do something to take action. To show our continued love and support for C.J.’s family, Joe and I started the C.J. Buckley Brain Cancer Research Fund at Boston Children’s Hospital.​

Years later, when Joe was diagnosed in 2007 with non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma, he immediately started aggressive chemotherapy treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital – fighting the disease with the strength and courage he learned from CJ. Throughout several months of treatment, it was Carter and Lucy Buckley – CJ’s parents (and current honorary JAF Board Members) – who were right there by our side.​

Later that year, Joe was told that there was no sign of cancer in his body and remains cured today. Our family was given a second lease on life, and Joe and I decided to dedicate our time towards helping less fortunate families battling cancer. In 2008, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation was born.​

Joe Andruzzi played both LG and RG for the New England Patriots from 2000 to 2004, starting 72 regular season games plus nine postseason games. The Pats were a perfect 9-0 in the playoffs with Andruzzi, winning three super bowls. In 2005 he got a well deserved payday when he signed with Cleveland as a free agent. Altogether Joe played in 122 regular season games and ten postseason games from 1998 to 2006 with the Packers, Patriots and Browns.

The Sports Illustrated article below is an absolute must-read, in my opinion.
Sept 24, 2001.

How the brother of an NFL player survived the 9/11 attacks

The Andruzzis grew up the best kind of brothers, four boys wedged into two small bedrooms in their Staten Island home, loving and fighting, best friends and

vault.si.com

April 15, 2013:

Joe Andruzzi handles Boston Marathon attack the way Joe Andruzzi would

Former NFL offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi, a cancer survivor, runs a foundation that raises funds to assist cancer patients and to support pediatric brain cancer research.

www.nbcsports.com

April 17, 2013 - Greg Bedard:

Ex-Patriots guard Joe Andruzzi: ‘I am definitely not a hero’ for Boston Marathon actions

Marathon Monday was shaping up as a banner day for former Patriots guard Joe Andruzzi and his namesake foundation. The foundation, JAFwhich aids the families dealing with cancer, had 21 runners who raised $163,000 entering the Marathon. It was hoping to raise more at a watch party a few blocks...

www.boston.com

Sept 10, 2021:

20 Years Later: Joe Andruzzi Recalls 9/11 & His Brothers Being Honored By Patriots

Former Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi remembers 9/11 like it was yesterday, as he waited for word on his three brothers, all of whom were New York firefighters at the time.

www.cbsnews.com

Aug 21, 2024 - NFL.com

Pats Alum Joe Andruzzi Continues His Impact on Boston Community | NFL Alumni

www.nflalumni.org

That first pic is iconic.

It is an indelible memory that stands tall along side of some of the worlds most noted photographs.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Tony Carter​

Happy 52nd birthday to Tony Carter
Born Aug 23, 1972 in Columbus, Ohio
Patriot FB, 1998-2000; uniform #30
Signed as an unrestricted free agent on Feb 25, 1998

Not to be confused with Tony Lamar Carter, the 5'9 CB who was a Patriot in 2010, today's Tony Marcus Carter was a 6', 230 pound fullback from the University of Minnesota. Tony Carter joined the Pats in 1998 after four seasons in Chicago. Carter played in 43 games with 27 starts, and scoring two touchdowns. In his three seasons with the Pats, Carter was used as a blocker and short yardage rusher to move the chains, while also catching 47 passes as a safety valve when receivers were covered downfield.

In six consecutive seasons with Carter as the lead blocker, a backfield teammate of his totaled 1,000-plus yards from scrimmage. Three of those years that back rushed for over 1,000 yards, including Robert Edwards in 1998.

After one season each in Denver and Green Bay, Tony Carter finished his NFL career with 133 games played (plus three playoff games).

Here's an awesome rare vintage New England Patriots promotional video from 2000:
Tom Brady & Tony Carter Teach How to Make a Successful Handoff | Patriots [4:28]



Fullback Tony Carter Highlights [3:35]






11 Oct 1998: Fullback Tony Carter #30 eludes linebacker Wayne Simmons of the Kansas City Chiefs
during a game at Foxboro Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs 40-10.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Blake Miller​

Happy 56th birthday to Blake Miller
Born Aug 23, 1968 in Alexandria, Louisiana
Patriot C, 1991 (offseason/practice squad)
Pats 7th round (168th overall) selection of the 1991 draft, from LSU

Blake Miller

lsusports.net

1990 COACHES ALL-SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE​

1990 AP ALL-SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE (First team)​

Developed into the most consistent performer on the Tigers’ offensive front in 1989 and was one of the dominant linemen in the SEC in 1990 … LSU coaches said he always accounted for his man, regardless of the blocking scheme … “He has the attitude that his man isn’t going to make the play,” said his 0-line coach, Kenny Ferro … Inherited the position from Todd Coutee and quickly established himself as one of the top centers in the SEC … Equally strong as a run blocker and pass blocker … Great technique, smart player …​

Miller, Blake | The Football Autograph Encyclopedia

lee.n8d.com

It’s a small world. My family had been harassing me about getting a new insurance agent for a while, so I decided to take my father-in-law’s advice and check out his insurance agent at State Farm. It turned out that it was none other than Blake Miller, former offensive lineman.​

​

He came up to work to pitch me on life insurance and other amenities that State Farm offered and we ended up talking about football and the upcoming Super Bowl.​

​

He was cheering on the Patriots because he was a former member of the team. We then talked about the good old days of football. I told him that I was a football enthusiast and autograph card collector and he dropped this bad boy out to me in the mail. (He was really amazed at the depth of knowledge I had for many of his former teammates from that era- especially the early 1990s Patriots.)​

Blake Miller played for LSU in college. He was a two year starter and letterman for the Tigers at center. A 7th round pick of the New England Patriots in 1991, he started a career high 5 games for the Detroit Lions in 1992 (played in 12), before finishing his career with the New York Giants in 1993. Post NFL, and pre-insurance, Blake climbed the coaching ranks. A seasoned positional coach, he saw fruitful stints at Rice, Texas State, and Northwestern State.​

Blake Miller | LinkedIn

Blake Miller - State Farm Insurance Agent in Austin, TX

Contact Austin State Farm Agent Blake Miller at (512) 795-9200 for life, home, car insurance and more. Get a free quote now

www.statefarm.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Kenny Moore​

Happy 29th birthday to Kenny Moore
Born Aug 23, 1995 in Valdosta, Georgia
Patriot CB, 2017 offseason; uniform #42
Signed as an undrafted free agent from Valdosta State on May 5, 2017

For much of the 2017 training camp and preseason, it looked as though Kenny Moore might be able to overcome huge odds and make the 53-man roster. He was very impressive throughout camp, but with Malcolm Butler, Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe, and Jonathan Jones ahead of him as near-locks on the depth chart there simply wasn't much room. Moore was cut on the final day for NFL teams to reach the 53-man roster limit.

Any hopes of re-signing Moore to the practice squad were squashed when the Colts claimed Moore off waivers the next day. After two solid seasons Indy made Kenny Moore the highest paid slot corner in the NFL, signing Moore to a four-year, $36 million extension that includes $18 million guaranteed.

Kenny Moore has played in 103 games (89 starts) at corner for the Colts, with one Pro Bowl honor. He has 17 interceptions, 55 passes defensed, 516 tackles (32 TFL) and three pick-sixes to his credit.


Sept 2, 2017 - Patriots.com
Slide show with head shots of the 53 Players that made the initial roster

Patriots reach 53-man limit

The New England Patriots announced today that they have released 32 players to reach the NFL-mandatory 53-man limit. The Patriots placed WR Julian Edelman, CB Cyrus Jones and 2017 third-round draft pick DE Derek Rivers on injured reserve. The Patriots also placed OL Andrew Jelks and DL Keionta Davis on the non-football injury/reserve list and 2017 third round draft pick OL Tony Garcia on the reserve/non-football illness list.

The Patriots released 11 veteran players: RB Brandon Bolden, OL Jamil Douglas, OL James Ferentz, RB D.J. Foster, LB Jonathan Freeny, DL Geneo Grissom, DL Woodrow Hamilton, OL Ted Karras, DL Darius Kilgo, TE James O'Shaughnessy and WR Tony Washington.

The Patriots released four first-year players: LB Trevor Bates, FB Glenn Gronkowski, WR Devin Lucien and WR K.J. Maye.

The Patriots released 17 rookies: DL Josh Augusta, DL Michael Bart, WR Austin Carr, TE Sam Cotton, RB LeShun Daniels, Jr., LB Brooks Ellis, WR Cody Hollister, DB David Jones, DB D.J. Killings, OL Jason King, DB Will Likely, OL Conor McDermott, DB Kenny Moore II, OL Max Rich, DB Jason Thompson, DB Damarius Travis and LB Nick Usher.

July 27, 2017: Kenny Moore breaks up a pass intended for Malcolm Mitchell​

Jul 29, 2017:

Patriots Undrafted Cornerback Kenny Moore Opening Eyes At Training Camp - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — Undrafted free agents typically don’t warrant stories in the first week of New England Patriots training camp. Cornerback Kenny Moore is the exception to the rule and has pushed the issue by tormenting Patriots quarterbacks dating back to the spring, when he had writers glancing...

nesn.com

Undrafted free agents typically don’t warrant stories in the first week of New England Patriots training camp. Cornerback Kenny Moore is the exception to the rule and has pushed the issue by tormenting Patriots quarterbacks dating back to the spring, when he had writers glancing down at their 90-man rosters asking, “Who’s No. 42?”​

We know now. Moore already has two interceptions and four pass breakups in competitive drills during the Patriots’ first three training camp practices. He had two pass breakups in the spring, as well, and impressed enough that he received some reps with the veterans rather than his fellow rookies.​

Aug 31, 2017:

New England Patriots CB Kenny Moore among those who could benefit from big preseason finale

New England Patriots undrafted rookie cornerback Kenny Moore is among those hoping to make a final impression in tonight's preseason finale vs. the New York Giants.

www.masslive.com

Five years ago, Kenny Moore completed his first season of organized football. He was a senior at Lowndes high school in Valdosta, Ga., and he weighed less than 150 pounds.​

"Obviously," Moore said, "you're not going to go D1."​

Moore received a scholarship from the local college -- Valdosta State, a Division II school -- and further pursued football from there.​

"I was in and out of it, saying I wanted to go (to the NFL) and saying...I'm not going to lie, coming from a small place like that, you don't have so much hope on some days," Moore said Tuesday from the Pats locker room. "But I wanted to be in this position and I can only thank God where he has brought me from. I'm just trying to make the most of that."​

Most of the 20 undrafted free agents signed by the Patriots this past spring were graduates of well-known football schools. Two players came from Iowa, two from Arkansas, two others from Vanderbilt. Northwestern, Utah, Tennessee, LSU, and Minnesota were also represented.​

The 5-foot-9, 190-pound Moore was the outlier in the gigantic undrafted free agent class, the lone Division II prospect to latch on with the Super Bowl champs. He has been one of the brighter young players in camp and, with one preseason game remaining, is one of the few in position to win a roster spot.​

Undrafted free agent linebacker Harvey Langi seems like a near-lock. Langi has played with the first-team defense from the beginning of camp and figures to make an impact on special teams. Adam Butler, an a defensive lineman out of Vandy, has probably been the best overall player from the large crop of undrafted free agents. He has made a strong push to secure a roster spot.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More August 23 Birthdays​

Happy 43rd birthday to Brian Jones
Born Aug 23, 1981 in Bastrop, Louisiana
Patriot TE, 2007 offseason; uniform #85
Signed as a free agent on August 13, 2007

Aug 12, 2007:

Patriots sign TE Jones, release TE Kranchick

Pats move

TE Matt Kranchick released; TE Brian Jones signed.

www.boston.com

The Patriots announced the release of tight end Matt Kranchick today. The team also announced the signing of free-agent tight end Brian Jones.​

The 25-year-old Jones has played in 29 games with one start for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2004-2006). The 6-3, 258-pound Arkansas-Pine Bluff product has nine career receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown.​

Jones missed the 2006 season after he was placed on injured reserve last August.​

Jones was a part of roster cuts on September 1, 2007.

Patriots cuts

A full list of Patriots cuts.

www.boston.com

In addition to placing Richard Seymour on the reserve/PUP list; activating David Thomas off the PUP list; and placing Oscar Lua on injured reserve, the Patriots announced the following cuts tonight.

DB Larry Anam
OLB Chad Brown
WR Bam Childress
WR Chris Dunlap
C/G Mike Elgin
OT Corey Hilliard
TE Brian Jones
WR C.J. Jones
WR Kelvin Kight
ILB Corey Mays
TE Garrett Mills
NT Rashad Moore
C/G Gene Mruczkowski
OT Clint Oldenburg
TE Marcellus Rivers
OLB Justin Rogers
RB Quinton Smith
QB Vinny Testaverde
DL Santonio Thomas
CB Dante Wesley
DL Zach West

Pats cut 21, roster down to 51, not including Samuel

As per Tomase. QB12

www.patsfans.com

Patriots tight end Brian Jones (85) hauls in a pass for a touchdown
during evening practice at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, August 15, 2007​

Happy 29th birthday to Trace McSorley
Born Aug 23, 1995 in Centreville, Virginia
Patriot QB, 2023 offseason; uniform #19
Signed as a free agent on April 13, 2023

​

April 13, 2023:

Patriots sign veteran quarterback Trace McSorley to fill depth chart behind Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe

The Patriots added Trace McSorley to their depth chart on Thursday as a backup option for both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.

www.boston.com

The Patriots are adding another signal caller to their depth chart.​

New England announced Thursday that the team signed former Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Trace McSorley to a contract.​

McSorely is expected to replace Brian Hoyer as a seasoned, backup option at quarterback behind both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.​

The 27-year-old McSorley appeared in six games with the Arizona Cardinals last season, making his first career start against the Buccaneers back in December.​

The 2019 sixth-round pick threw for 412 yards with Arizona in 2022, completing 54.2 percent of his passes and throwing for zero touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s an athletic quarterback, rushing for 1,697 yards in college and 61 yards over 15 attempts last season with the Cardinals.​

McSorley set multiple records at Penn State (2015-18), including the most passing yards and total touchdowns in a single season. Even though McSorely was recruited by Bill O’Brien during his tenure as head coach of the Nittany Lions, he never played for him.​

After O’Brien left to join the Houston Texans, McSorley eventually committed to Penn State under current head coach James Franklin.​

Even though the Patriots’ QB room is essentially set now between Jones, Zappe, and McSorley, that doesn’t mean that New England won’t keep tabs on quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft.​

The Patriots previously had a formal meeting with Florida QB Anthony Richardson during the NFL Scouting Combine back in March.​

August 28, 2023:

Patriots cut Trace McSorley

The Patriots are moving on from one of their quarterbacks as they reduce their roster to 53 players.

www.nbcsports.com

The Patriots are moving on from one of their quarterbacks as they reduce their roster to 53 players. New England is releasing Trace McSorley.​

McSorley didn’t play much in the 2023 preseason, completing just 1-of-4 passes for four yards. He was also sacked twice.​

Bailey Zappe is expected to be the team’s backup behind Mac Jones. But undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham also took snaps at quarterback during the preseason and could be an option if needed.​

McSorley split time in 2023 on the practice squads of the Bears and Steelers. He is currently fighting an uphill battle for a roster spot with Washington, who also have quarterbacks Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel and Sam Hartman.


August 25, 2024:

Washington Commanders Win in 20-10 Preseason Comeback Led by QB Trace McSorley

LANDOVER, Md. -- The Washington Commanders have wrapped their first preseason under new head coach Dan Quinn, and they did it with a relative skeleton crew on t

www.si.com

A year after getting Patriots cut him, QB gets preseason revenge | What Happened?

A QB who was on the Patriots this time last year led his new team to a preseason comeback vs. New England.

www.masslive.com

-- McSorley had a heck of a game, coming in for the second half after Jeff Driskel handled the first half. He finished the game 12-of-21 passing for 125 yards and a touchdown. He was also Washington’s leading rusher, running the ball four times for 40 yards.​

-- This comes after McSorley was buried on the Patriots depth chart behind Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe last preseason. He didn’t get much of a chance in the 2023 preseason. He went 1-for-3 for 4 yards and took a sack in the first game. He then went 0-for-1 and took a sack in the third game.​

-- McSorley was way better for Washington. He led the Commanders on back-to-back touchdown drives to take the lead in the fourth quarter, including a touchdown pass to Martavis Bryant in the closing minutes.​

-- Perhaps the biggest highlight for McSorley was him lowering the shoulder on Patriots cornerback Azizi Hearn as he went to the sideline, generating a big pop from his Washington teammates.​

Other NFL players born on August 23 with a New England connection:

- Cortez Kennedy (1968-2017)
Draft Pick Trade
On April 22, 1990 the Patriots elected to trade down five spots. The Pats appeared to get a good deal, sending their first (#3 overall) and second (#29) to Seattle for two firsts (#8, #10), a third (#64), and a 1991 fourth (#101). Using the old Jimmy Johnson trade value chart, the Patriots should have been winners, with 3,007 points to Seattle's 2,840.

It didn't work out that way though.

The Seahawks took Cortez Kennedy at #3, and he proceeded to become an eight-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle that ended up in the Hall of Fame. With the second pick Seattle selected linebacker Terry Wooden, who had a nine-year career.

The Patriots used their first round picks on Chris Singleton and Ray Agnew. The third was traded again, and turned into Greg McMurty. The 1991 fourth was traded again as well, and that pick helped the Pats trade up for Leonard Russell. While all four contributed, none were particularly impactful (zero Pro Bowls) and none lasted very long. Considering their draft status, the two first rounders were disappointments at minimum; Singleton certainly has to be considered to be a draft bust.

Police: NFL Hall of Famer Cortez Kennedy found dead in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hall of Fame defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy has died in Orlando. Police say the 48-year-old former Seattle Seahawks star was found dead on Tuesday morning. Orlando Police Departm…

www.jacksonville.com

Cortez Kennedy - University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame

Biography page for University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame member, Cortez Kennedy

www.umsportshalloffame.com

Seahawks Cortez Kennedy Ring of Honor | Seattle Seahawks - Seahawks.com

Cortez Kennedy | Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Seahawks defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, who retired with 5 All-Pro selections, is a member of the class of 2012.

www.profootballhof.com

Autopsy report: Former Seahawk Cortez Kennedy died of natural causes related to heart disease, pneumonia, diabetes

A autopsy report released Monday shows former Seahawk Cortez Kennedy died of natural causes related to heart disease, diabetes and pneumonia.

www.seattletimes.com

- Joe Dufek, 63 (1961)
Yale
Backup QB to Joe Ferguson for the Buffalo Bills in the eighties.

- Ed Korisky (1918-1992)
Born and raised in Hartford; Bulkeley High School; lived and died in Manchester CT
Played center for the Boston Yanks in 1944.

- Royce Goodbread (1907-191)
Providence Steam Roller
Goodbread scored 189 points while at St Petersburg High School, and then at Florida he was part of a backfield that led the NCAA in scoring with 336 points and an 8-1 record in 1928.




Besides Cortez Kennedy, other notable NFL players born on August 23 include two more Hall of Famers:

- Sonny Jurgensen, 90 (1934)

Sonny Jurgensen - Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame

gwshof.com

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/redskins/history/greats/articles/jurgensen.htm

Sonny Jurgensen | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

- Rayfield Wright (1945-2022)

Rayfield Wright, Hall of Famer and Dallas Cowboys legend, dies at 76

Rayfield Wright, the Hall of Fame offensive tackle who won two Super Bowl titles with the Dallas Cowboys, died Thursday at age 76.

www.espn.com

Rayfield Wright, Cowboys’ Hall of Fame Lineman, Dies at 76 (Published 2022)

He was an All-Pro right tackle in the 1970s. But in retirement he was diagnosed with dementia, which he linked to repeated hits to the head.

www.nytimes.com

Rayfield Wright | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

- Hugh Douglas, 53 (1971)

Hugh Douglas (2010) - Hall of Fame - Central State University Athletics

Hugh Douglas, Class: Induction: 2010 Sport(s): Football - Hugh Lamont Douglas (born August 23, 1971 in Mansfield, Ohio) is a former American football defensive

maraudersports.com

Eagles announce Trent Cole and Hugh Douglas as newest members of Hall of Fame

- Kyle Clifton, 62 (1962)

The Texas Christian University Magazine; The Numbers

- Taysom Hill, 34 (1990)

Saints Think Gadget Player Taysom Hill Could Squat 800 Pounds

Sport scientist Matt Rhea spoke with Mike Triplett and had a laundry list of quantifiable metrics to express how ridiculous Hill is.

www.si.com

- Rex Grossman, 44 (1980)

Uncrowned kings: An ode to the 2001 Florida Gators, the best to never win a title

Spurrier’s final team ran the Fun ‘n Gun on steroids — and boy, were there side effects.

www.alligatorarmy.com

PHOTOS: Quarterback Rex Grossman's career highlights with Florida football

Rex Grossman was among the best to ever line up under center for Florida football, and despite bridging the historic Steve Spurrier era to the Ron Zook debacle still had a commendable collegiate career. Redshirting his true freshman year in 1999, Grossman had to…

gatorswire.usatoday.com

Jim McMahon, Rex Grossman Dissed

There have been only two Chicago Bears starting QBs in Super Bowls and neither one receives much respect in a ranking of the 66 who have started.

www.si.com

- Stanley Wilson, 63 (1961)

Bengals 50: Stanley Wilson and the Super Bowl relapse

Bengals 50: Stanley Wilson and the Super Bowl relapse

www.cincinnati.com