Today In Patriots History August 25: Mike Jones

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The other Mike Jones​

Happy 55th birthday to Mike Jones
Born Aug 25, 1969 in Columbia, South Carolina
Patriot DE, 1994-1997; uniform #96
Signed as a veteran free agent on June 7, 1994

Mike Jones was the 32nd overall pick by Phoenix in 1991, out of North Carolina State. He missed only three games with the Pats over four seasons, compiling 15 sacks, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Jones also played in six playoff games for the Patriots, including Super Bowl 31 versus the Packers.

On August 30, 1998 the Patriots traded Jones to the St. Louis Rams. In exchange the Pats received a fifth round draft pick in the 2000 draft. That was used on Missouri guard Steve Marriott - who was cut at the end of his rookie training camp, and never played in the NFL. While the Pats got nothing to show for that trade, Jones became a starter with the Rams.

At the time there were two starters on defense in the NFL whose careers overlapped. To make matters more confusing for announcers and fans, they played together on the 1998 St. Louis Rams.

After one year with the Rams, Jones signed with Tennessee for his final year in the NFL. Those two teams would meet in the Super Bowl, with Jones' Titans on the losing end of 23-16 thriller.

That championship game came down to the final play, when Tennessee WR Kevin Dyson was tackled on the one yard line. Ironically, the player who tackled Dyson was the other Mike Jones - this one a linebacker for the Rams.

Our Mike Jones finished his NFL career with 27.5 sacks over nine seasons. He played in 135 regular season games, plus ten playoff games.

Overall there are more than a half dozen people by the name of Mike Jones that have been in the NFL.

LB Mike Jones of Missouri played from 1991-2002, mostly with the Raiders and Rams, as referenced to above for his super bowl tackle

DE Mike Jones of North Carolina State played from 1991-99, including four seasons with the Patriots

WR Mike Jones of Tennessee State played for the Vikings and Saints from 1983-89

TE Mike Jones of Bridgeport CT and Texas A&M was a 3rd round draft pick by Minnesota in 1990

LB Mike Jones of Jackson State played for the Seahawks in 1977

LB Mike Jones of Brockport State was a replacement player for Buffalo in 1987

LB Mike Jones of LSU was with Atlanta in the 2023 offseason

LB Mikel Jones of Syracuse was on the Dallas practice squad in 2023, and is now with Tennessee

 

[signbabybrady]

All the Joneses we've had the last few years and not a single Mike.

Dyson coming up one yard short....... Where else have I heard of a Superbowl ending one yard short?

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Kicker who preceded Missin' Sisson​

Happy 57th birthday to Charlie Baumann
Born Aug 25, 1967 in Erie, Pennsylvania
Patriot kicker, 1991-1992; uniform #8

The Patriots signed Baumann after Jason Staurovsky went on injured reserve with a pulled quad muscle in the middle of the 1991 season. Baumann had spent the 1989 offseason in Buffalo, a couple weeks on the Minnesota taxi squad, the entire 1990 season on IR in Seattle, and had filled in for two games with Miami earlier in '91.

Baumann connected on 7 of 10 field goals in 1991, and returned in '92, going 11-17. A year later he was cut near the end of training camp, which was not a surprise. The Pats had used a fifth round draft pick on Scott Sisson - who would last only 13 games in New England, connecting on just 14 of 26 field goal attempts to become one of the biggest draft busts in franchise history.

Charlie Baumann later spent two seasons with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League. He went back to school at the University of Central Florida for his MBA, and is now the CFO of US Medical Group in Orlando.

U S Medical Group Inc. Mobile Surgical Facilities for Correction Institutions

U.S. Medical Group .. State-Of-The-Art Mobile Surgery Facilities servicing the Corrections Industry.

www.usmginc.com

Charlie Bauman​

Charlie Baumann is Chief Financial Officer and Director of Business Developement. In addition to receiving a bachelors degree from West Virginia University in 1990, Charlie has earned the following degrees from the University of Central Florida; a business administration degree in 1996, an MBA with a concentration in finance in 1997 and a Master of Science in Accounting Degree in 2004.​

After a six year National Football League career, Baumann accepted a contracts and agreements position with high-tech conglomerate Siemens Information and Communication Networks at their Lake Mary, Florida facility. Baumann was responsible for $50 million in annual negotiation and international business activity. Baumann’s latest venture was with industry giant Arrow Electronics where he helped conceptualize and implement an initiative to cultivate the telecommunications industry as an emerging market.​

Charlie Baumann - Erie Sports Hall of Fame

Football. Three-year scoring leader at Cathedral Prep 1982-84. 87 of 93 PATs and 6 of 12 field goals. Kicked field goals of 33-44-50 yards in 1985 Save an Eye game. Veterans Memorial Stadium record of 50-yard field goal in 1984. Full scholarship to West Virginia University. Starting kicker for...

eriesportshalloffame.org

Three-year scoring leader at Cathedral Prep 1982-84. 87 of 93 PATs and 6 of 12 field goals. Kicked field goals of 33-44-50 yards in 1985 Save an Eye game. Veterans Memorial Stadium record of 50-yard field goal in 1984. Full scholarship to West Virginia University. Starting kicker for 45 games (1985-88). Co-Captain senior year. Career kicking stats included 52 of 70 field goals and 134 of 138 PATs. Single season WVU records of points (119), PAT attempts (61) and made PAT (59). Ranks 4th in WVU career scoring (294 points), second in consecutive field goals made (14) and 3rd in career field goals (52).​

Graduated from West Virginia University in 1990; All-Big East and UPI All-American played in a total of 81 professional games in the NFL, World League, Canadian Football League, and Arena indoor League. Kicked for Buffalo, Minnesota, Seattle, Miami, New England, New York Jets, – Pittsburgh of the NFL, and Orlando Thunder of NFL Europe, Baltimore Stallions (CFL) and the Orlando Predators (Arena Football).​

Received his MBA in Finance from the University of Central Florida in 1997 and Masters in Accounting from UCF in 2004. Currently President and Shareholder of the Brevard County Manatees of the Florida State League (Advanced Class Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers), Chief Financial Officer and Shareholder of US. Medical Group of Florida, Inc., and Financial Consultant to the Cancer Institute of Florida. Charlie and his wife Michelle have two daughters.​

Charlie Baumann on LinkedIn

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Greg Salas​

Happy 36th birthday to Greg Salas
Born Aug 25, 1988 in Chino, California
Patriot WR, 2012; uniform #17
Acquired via trade with the Rams on September 1, 2012

While at the University of Hawaii, Salas had 285 receptions for 4,345 yards and 26 touchdowns. He was a 4th round pick by the Rams in 2011, and had 27 receptions in six games before being placed on IR with a broken leg.

​

At the end of the 2012 training camp the Rams traded Salas to the Pats for a conditional draft pick, which turned out to be a 7th rounder. Salas was released and re-signed to the practice squad two weeks later. On November 17 he was promoted to the active roster and appeared in a 59-24 victory over the Colts, then released again a few days later to make room for Markus Zusevics. Philadelphia claimed Salas off waivers, ending his career with the Patriots.

In six NFL seasons Greg Salas played in 29 games, with 50 receptions and one touchdown. He played in only one game with the Patriots, on the field for six snaps with no stats.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jaylinn Hawkins​

Happy 27th birthday to Jaylinn hawkins
Born Aug 25, 1997 in Buena Park, California
Patriot FS, 2024 offseason-present; uniform #32
Signed as a free agent on March 21, 2024

Patriots signing free-agent S Jaylinn Hawkins

The Patriots added to their free-agent class Thursday.

www.bostonherald.com

Patriots Sign Ex Chargers Safety

The New England Patriots have added free agent safety Jaylinn Hawkins to a defensive backfield which was in need of some depth heading into the upcoming NFL Season.

www.si.com

Patriots sign safety Jaylinn Hawkins

Safety Jaylinn Hawkins is heading to New England.

www.nbcsports.com

Hawkins originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick of the Falcons in 2020. He played in 48 games over four seasons in Atlanta and became a starter in 2022, but he was largely phased out of the defense in 2023 before he was waived in October.​

The Chargers then claimed Hawkins on waivers, and he became a solid contributor on both defense and special teams for the rest of last season.​

Patriots sign ex-Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins

The Patriots have agreed to a deal with former Falcons and Chargers safety Jaylinn Hawkins, the team announced Thursday afternoon.

www.boston.com

Hawkins will bring depth to the Patriots secondary after the team released veteran safeties Jalen Mills and Adrian Phillips.​

Marte Mapu, who is entering his second year, spent time playing safety and linebacker last year. Special teamer Brenden Schooler is listed as a safety. Joshuah Bledsoe, who has appeared in four games over the past two seasons is also a safety.​

Aug 3, 2024 - Mike Dussault, Patriots.com:

Patriots Nickel Package: Safety Hawkins Making Most of Opportunities

With injuries hitting the Patriots safety group in training camp, veteran free agent addition Jaylinn Hawkins has found opportunity knocking at the team's most involved position group over recent days. Hawkins has made the most of his chances, showing up with a tipped pass interception during Saturday's padded practice session, while being active around the line of scrimmage and in coverage.​

His fiery energy has fit in well with the safety group which is one of the core pieces of the defensive scheme.​

A fourth-round pick of the Falcons in 2020, Hawkins emerged from a special teams player as a rookie to a two-way safety who played over 1,000 snaps in his third season, 2022. 587 of those snaps came as a free safety, but he also spent plenty of time in box with 233 snaps there. His role was reduced in 2023 after the arrival of highly-sought-after safety Jessie Bates and eventually was released by the Falcons after six games. He was picked up by the Chargers and played 10 games with them, peaking with 52 snaps in a Week 16 loss to the Bills.​

Upon taking a free agency visit to New England this offseason, Hawkins instantly got a good feeling and decided to join the Patriots. So far through training camp, it's looking like a valuable signing that could pay off for a veteran defense that didn't have a lot of holes to fill.​

"He's going to be a big piece of the group and honestly, as you go throughout the preseason, he'll play a lot to see what he really has to offer," said head coach Jerod Mayo before practice.​

Jabrill Peppers has missed some time over the last week, while second-year player Marte Mapu has been simply a practice observer over the last week and Josh Bledsoe has recently joined the list of absences as well. Hawkins' reps have increased as a result and he has strung together two active days. During Friday's practice, Hawkins got things started during the first 11-on-11 period with a run stuff of Rhamondre Stevenson, then again came charging into the line to counter an inside zone handoff.​

Whether he's in the box or on the back end, Hawkins is looking like he fits in more and more each day. Playing with the experienced veterans Peppers and Dugger has helped the veteran free agent assimilate into the system and develop the freedom to play within its rules.​

For a defense that has long prided itself on a stable of versatile safeties, Hawkins appears to fit the mold of the successful players who have preceded him.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More August 25 Birthdays​

In memory of George Peoples, who would have turned 64 today
Born Aug 25, 1960 in Tampa
Patriot FB, 1983; uniform #35
Claimed off waivers from Dallas on August 31, 1983

George Peoples was primarily a blocking back at Auburn, but he performed fairly well when given the opportunity. After Josh Cribbs departed for the NFL, Peoples became the Tigers starter in his junior year. He rushed for 443 yards and 5.6 yards per carry, mostly blocking for James Brooks. As a senior in 1981 he ran for 442 yards and scored two touchdowns; his highlight was a 63-yard TD against rival Alabama.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Peoples in the eighth round (216th overall) of the 1982 NFL draft. A preseason game may have piqued the Pats interest in him; he scored on a 79-yard catch-and-run against the Patriots in a week three preseason game against Dallas on August 28, 1982.

Peoples played in all 16 games for Ron Meyer in 1983, primarily on special teams, recording no offensive stats. He was credited with nine tackles and one fumble recovery. Peoples was waived on August 27, 1984, and then spent two seasons back home with the Buccaneers. He played in a total of 32 NFL games from 1982 to 1985.

Aug 21, 1980:
Auburn's Peoples wants 1,000 yards - The Tuscaloosa News

Aug 29, 1982:
Cowboys 36, Patriots 21 - Eugene Register-Guard

Aug 28, 1984:
Patriots trade for Rod McSwaim, waive eleven - The Nashua Telegraph

Nov 24, 2003:

Ex-Bucs player Peoples found dead

Police found former Tampa Bay Buccaneer George Peoples dead Sunday in a downtown Tampa motel room.

www.tampabay.com

Police found former Tampa Bay Buccaneer George Peoples dead Sunday in a downtown Tampa motel room.​

Peoples, 43, of 13923 Bridgeport Drive in Tampa, was found in the Harbor Lite Motel at 3301 W Kennedy Blvd. about 11:15 a.m., police said. When a motel manager couldn't get anyone to answer the door at Room 10, Tampa Fire crews forced their way in, police said.​

"We don't believe it's foul play," said Capt. Bob Guidara, Tampa police spokesman. "It might be accidental. That's how we're going to handle it for now."​

An autopsy will determine the cause of death. Police said Peoples was last seen alive Saturday. An investigation is continuing.​

Peoples, a running back, played in eight games with the Bucs in 1984 and 1985. He also played with Dallas and New England.​

Ten years ago, Peoples worked as a firefighter and emergency medical technician with the Tampa Fire Department, said Capt. Bill Wade, Tampa Fire spokesman.​

"He was a big guy and he was a nice guy," Wade said. "He always tried to help out when he could." Wade said Peoples left the department several years ago, but he was unclear about the circumstances surrounding his departure.​

Records show Peoples had been arrested at least eight times since 1999. His most recent arrest was in July, when police charged him with driving while his license was suspended, canceled or revoked; giving a false name to a law enforcement officer; and possession of cocaine. Previous arrests include other drug and driving violations.​

Born in Tampa, Peoples was a football player and track-and-field star at King High School. He attended Auburn University, majoring in education.​

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Peoples in the eighth round in 1982. He played in eight games for the Cowboys, including the 1982 NFC Championship Game, then signed with the New England Patriots in 1983. Peoples signed with the Bucs in 1984. He is survived by his wife, Regina.​

George Evans Peoples (1960-2003) - Find a Grave...

Professional Football Player. He began his career playing for Auburn University in 1981, before being signed professionally in 1982 as an NFL running back during the NFL entry draft. He went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys in 1982, the New England Patriots in 1983, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...

www.findagrave.com

He began his career playing for Auburn University in 1981, before being signed professionally in 1982 as an NFL running back during the NFL entry draft. He went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys in 1982, the New England Patriots in 1983, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1984 until he was cut just before the 1985 season.​

Happy 45th birthday to J.T. O'Sullivan
Born Aug 25, 1979 in Burbank, CA
Patriot QB, 2006 practice squad; uniform #9
Signed as a free agent to the practice squad on September 5, 2006

Sept 5, 2006 - Patriots.com

Patriots Sign QB J.T. O'Sullivan to Practice Squad

The New England Patriots signed quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan their practice squad today. The Patriots practice squad now stands at its limit of eight players: WR Bam Childress, WR Kelvin Kight, LB Corey Mays, CB Antwain Spann, G Dan Stevenson, DL Santonio Thomas, G/C Billy Yates and O'Sullivan.​

O'Sullivan, 27, was originally selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round (186th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft out of California-Davis. The 6-foot-2-inch, 227-pound signal caller has played in one career NFL game, but did not record any statistics in the 2004 regular-season finale for the Green Bay Packers (1/2/05). For two seasons from 2002-03, O'Sullivan was in active for every game as the Saints' third quarterback. In 2004, he served as the Saints' third quarterback for the first four games before being traded to the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 4, 2004 along with a 2005 second-round draft choice in exchange for cornerback Mike McKenzie and a conditional 2006 draft choice. He was listed as the Packers' third quarterback for 11 games before making his NFL debut in the 2004 season finale. In 2005, O'Sullivan was released by the Packers following training camp (9/4/05) and was signed to the Chicago Bears practice squad (9/5/05), where he spent the first nine weeks of the season. The Carmichael, Calif. native was signed by the Minnesota Vikings to their active roster from the Bears practice squad on Nov. 8, 2005, and was listed as the Vikings third quarterback for the final eight games of the season. He was with the Vikings in the 2006 preseason and completed 14-of-31 passes for 170 yards and no touchdowns with one interception.​

O'Sullivan played in the NFL Europe League in 2004, starting eight games for the Frankfurt Galaxy, compiling a 6-2 record as a starter. He finished second in NFLEL with a 91.9 passer rating. O'Sullivan led Frankfurt to a berth in World Bowl XII.​

The Patriots released O'Sullivan about a month after signing him. He played in a total of 17 NFL games, including eight starts for the 49ers in 2008. Since 2018 he has hosted The QB School, a digital platform where he provides quarterback play analysis.

J.T. O'Sullivan - Phi Delta Theta Museum

John Thomas “J. T.” O’Sullivan is a former professional football quarterback from 2002 to 2012. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at UC, Davis. O’Sullivan played for 11 different NFL teams as a player. He was a member of...

museum.phideltatheta.org

J.T. O'Sullivan: From NFL QB to Football Talent Evaluator - Coronado Times

Being a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) is a career that so many in this country grow up dreaming about – a job that has created some of […]

coronadotimes.com

The QB School

theqbschool.com

Accelerate Everything – JT O’Sullivan, Former NFL QB, Creator of The QB School

In this episode, the first in our “Accelerate Everything” series, JT O’Sullivan shares tips for play calling and layering a game plan.

coachandcoordinator.com

A few other pro football players with a New England connection born on August 25:

- **** Young (1930-2012)
Born and raised in Trumbull CT; Trumbull HS
Fullback for the Cardinals, Colts and Steelers in the late fifties

- Jim Stifler (1901-1954)
Brown University
End and wingback for the Providence Steam Roller

- Russ Peterson (1905-1971)
Tailback for the 1932 Boston Braves




Other notable NFL players born on Aug 25 include:

- Marvin Harrison, 52 (1972)

Marvin Harrison | Pro Football Hall of Fame | Pro Football Hall of Fame

Marvin Harrison was the 19th pick of the 1996 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts and was a 6-time All-Pro and Super Bowl champion. Learn more today!

www.profootballhof.com

- Charlie Sanders (1946-2015)

Charlie Sanders | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

- Cornelius Bennett, 59 (1965)

Cornelius Bennett - Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

ashof.org

Cornelius Bennett (2005) - Hall of Fame - National Football Foundation

footballfoundation.org

- Doug English, 71 (1953)

https://michigansportshof.org/inductee/doug-english/

https://footballfoundation.org/honors/hall-of-fame/doug-english/2311