Today In Patriots History August 4: Eddie Cade

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Today in Patriots History
The Well Runs Dry Today on Patriot Birthdays​

Happy 51 birthday to Eddie Cade
Born August 4, 1973; from Eloy, Arizona
Patriot safety, 1995; uniform #41
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 1, 1995, from Arizona State

Eddie Ray Cade played in ten games for the Patriots in 1973, mostly on special teams. He was waived near the end of the 1996 training camp. Cade later signed with KC ('97) and then Pittsburgh ('98), but did not make it onto either of their regular season rosters.

Prior to the 2021 season his claim to fame is being the only Boston/New England Patriots player in the history of the franchise that was born on August 4.

From the 1995 Patriots Media Guide:

41 EDDIE CADE S 6-1 206 ARIZONA STATE​

Signed with the Patriots as a rookie free agent on April 24, 1995​

College: Finished his collegiate career with 147 tackles, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in three seasons at Arizona State ... started ten games at free safety in 1994 and finished with 82 tackles with four pass deflections and an interception ... led the Sun Devils with 14 tackles and a forced fumble vs. Oregon State (9/3/94) ... started nine of 11 games at free safety in 1993 ... recorded 57 total tackles, causing three fumbles and recovering two ... intercepted two passes and batted away four others ... made 11 stops in a game at Oregon State (10/2/93) ... played in ten games, but did not start in 1992 ... made eight hits for the year in reserve ... sat out the 1991 season.​

Personal: Born Eddie Ray Cade on August 4, 1973 in Casa Grande ... lettered in football, basketball and track at Santa Cruz (Eloy, Ariz. High) ... earned all-state and all-conference honors in football as a running back and defensive back while leading Santa Cruz to a 13-0 record and state title ... rushed for a career-high 246 yards in a game as a senior ... earned all-conference honors in basketball and track ... majored in family studies at Arizona State.​

Fields of dreams: How farming and football helped Eloy harvest NFL talent

Santa Cruz Valley High School in Eloy has produced some of the best football talent to come from Arizona.

www.azcentral.com

Midway between Phoenix and Tucson along Interstate 10 sits the small city of Eloy. It’s home to just under 16,000 residents and is mostly known for world-class skydiving and copious amounts of dust. But a rich history can be found deeper in the city off Exit 208.​

Santa Cruz Valley High School has produced some of the best football talent to come from Arizona. While it is the only high school in Eloy and has a yearly enrollment of roughly 400 students, the football program has produced five NFL players – the most per capita in Arizona.​

Of those five, there is a set of brothers: Art Malone (class of 1965) played seven seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons, while his brother, Benny Malone (‘69), played six seasons with the Miami Dolphins and Washington. And there’s a set of cousins: Mossy Cade (‘79) played two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Eddie Cade (‘89) played one season with the New England Patriots. Levi Jones (‘96) played eight seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington.​

Eloy was initially established as a railroad town for the Union Pacific railroad during the late 1800s, before being formally established as a city in 1949. It was during that time when the city established its new reputation and workers would come from all over.​

Jeff Dean, a Santa Cruz graduate in 1977 and a current Eloy resident, said it was the “perfect example” of a small-town melting pot, with kids from all races and socio-economic backgrounds coming together to farm and play sports.​

The low humidity and flat terrain provided an opportune settlement.​

“In the early 50s, it was called Cotton City,” said Lawrence, adding at some points there would be “as many as 100,000 (farmers).”​

The football players never spent any time in the weight room, but out in the fields along with everyone else at Santa Cruz.​

“But you know, you’d see guys that would leave weighing 150 pounds and come back after a summer pitching melons weighing 175,” Dean said. “By the time they went to two-a-day football practices, that was fun, because working like some of these guys did, they weren’t afraid of it.”​

The Eloy Way: Arizona's unexpected football factory

Nestled near the Picacho mountains, at the halfway point between Phoenix and Tucson, sits Eloy, a proud town where football under the Friday Night Lights is its beating heart.

www.abc15.com

Kids were put to work in the fields, and if they played football, sometimes they were doing two-a-days before and after.​

"We didn't need weight rooms," said Powell. "We used to pitch those watermelons and pack them from the railroad trains. But these things were huge, so you didn't have to work out, didn't need an exercise room."​

Football practice wasn't so hard after pitching watermelons all summer.​

With an average student body size near 400, no Arizona high school has produced more NFL players per capita than Santa Cruz Valley's five.​

The water isn't what it used to be in Eloy. Businesses have dried up. Frontier street is no longer a thoroughfare between Phoenix and Tucson since the I-10 was built just a mile west.​

Agriculture has taken a backseat to the biggest draw in town now: skydiving. But the pride in the community still remains.​

No. 36: Santa Cruz’s wishbone attack too much for Superior in 1990 battle of 2A unbeatens | ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com

Share Tweet CATCH UP ON THIS SERIES BY CLICKING HERE No. 36 CHAMPIONSHIP: Class 2A SCORE: Eloy Santa Cruz 33, Superior 7 DATE: November 21, 1990 SITE: Tempe Marcos de Niza High School GAME SUMMARY: In a battle of unbeaten teams, Eloy Santa Cruz relied on the rushing of Kevin Butler and Eddie...

allsportstucson.com

GAME SUMMARY: In a battle of unbeaten teams, Eloy Santa Cruz relied on the rushing of Kevin Butler and Eddie Cade to win its first state title in 10 years. The Dust Devils capped a 13-0 season behind Butler’s 186 yards rushing and Cade’s 70 yards and one score.​

Cade’s brother Joe was also on the team as a fullback/linebacker. Their cousins Mike and Mossy Cade starred at Santa Cruz during its run of three straight state titles from 1978-80. Butler is also a cousin of all of the Cades.​

Santa Cruz’s win over Superior was observed by recruiters from **** Tomey’s staff at Arizona and Larry Marmie’s staff at ASU. Eddie Cade went on to ASU before playing with the New England Patriots in 1985. Butler suffered a hamstring injury during an all-star game after his senior year, which hampered him from a chance at playing at the college level.​

Butler and Eddie Cade executed out of coach Jay Denton’s wishbone offense and shreded Superior’s defense that yielded an average of less than 100 yards a game on the ground. The Dust Devils amassed 235 yards rushing.​

“It was a dream backfield (Butler and Eddie Cade). We’re all relatives and we have the same potential because we come from good bloodlines.” — Joe Cade, Eloy Santa Cruz senior FB/LB in 1990.​

From Eddie Cade's LinkedIn page:

Buyer Engagement Manager, Market Expansion Executive @ EBlock | Former NFL Player​

San Diego, California, United States​

As a Buyer Engagement Manager at EBlock, I leverage my relationship building skills to expand the company's market and increase customer satisfaction. During my 2 years starting as a Market Expansion Executive and then transitioning to Buyer Engagement Manger. In this position, I oversee the operations of the online auction platform, manage relationships with buyers and sellers, and identify new opportunities for growth and innovation. I have a strong background in business development, operations management, and cold calling, which I acquired during my 11-year tenure as an Auction Coordinator at Openlane/ IAA/KAR. I am passionate about creating value for the automotive industry and delivering exceptional service to our clients. I am also committed to learning new skills and staying updated on the latest trends and technologies.​

Senior Direct Sale Executive​

Cox Automotive Inc.​

Jul 2024 - Present​

California​

EBlock​

Market Expansion Executive​

Buyer Engagement Manager​

Jan 2022 - Mar 2024​

San Diego, California​

Auction Coordinator​

IAA/KAR​

Jan 2011 - Jan 2022​

San Diego, California​

Education​

Arizona State University​

Business​

Honors & Awards​

Former NFL Player​

New England Patriots​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Kendrick Bourne​

Happy 29th birthday to Kendrick Bourne
Born August 4, 1995 in Portland, Oregon
Patriot WR, 2021-present; uniform #84
Signed as a free agent on May 19, 2021


Kendrick Bourne Profile | Patriots.com

March 15, 2021:

Report: Patriots add receiver Kendrick Bourne

New England reportedly makes a move on another wide receiver, adding Kendrick Bourne from San Francisco.

www.patriots.com

Patriots Sign Kendrick Bourne

The 49ers never will replace those dance moves.

www.si.com

Patriots reportedly sign WR Kendrick Bourne

Patriots reportedly trying to sign WR Kendrick Bourne

www.providencejournal.com

June 7, 2021:

Nate Burleson says Kendrick Bourne is primed for a breakout 2021 season

NFL Network's Nate Burleson predicts new Patriots wide receiver Bourne could put up career-highs in 2021 with Cam Newton as his quarterback.

www.boston.com

July 7, 2021:

Former Oregon prep star Kendrick Bourne: The New England Patriots will ‘make me a better player, a better man’

The former Milwaukie High School star wide receiver signed a three-year contract worth up to $15 million with the team in March.

www.oregonlive.com

Aug 2, 2021:

Bourne believes Patriots ‘work harder' in camp than 49ers

Former 49ers receiver Kendrick Bourne believes the Patriots “work harder” than the 49ers in training camp.

www.nbcsports.com

April 18, 2022:

Patriots Kendrick Bourne Takes Care of Parents By Buying them a New Home

Anyone who has come to like Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne will probably smile about this one, as the veteran receiver did something really cool for his parents recently.

www.patsfans.com

July 3, 2022:

NFL expert explained why Kendrick Bourne is the most underrated player on the Patriots

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne had a career year in his first season with the Patriots. Read more on Boston.com.

www.boston.com

Dec 25, 2022:

Between the Patriots’ awful start and the terrible ending, Marcus Jones and Kendrick Bourne shined - The Boston Globe

It was embarrassing how overmatched the Patriots were in the first half Saturday. After the first quarter, the Bengals had 189 total yards to the Patriots’ 10.

www.bostonglobe.com

June 9, 2023:

Kendrick Bourne focused on a bounce-back season

Sept 10, 2023:

Despite early struggles, Kendrick Bourne states his case as Patriots No. 1 receiver with 2-touchdown game

Despite some early struggles, Kendrick Bourne bounced back with a two-touchdown game against the Eagles in Week 1.

www.boston.com

Oct 31, 2023:

Patriots place Kendrick Bourne on injured reserve

The Patriots placed receiver Kendrick Bourne on injured reserve, the team announced Tuesday.

www.nbcsports.com

What Kendrick Bourne's injury means for Mac Jones, Patriots

Bourne, easily the Patriots' most productive pass-catcher this season, sustained a season-ending ACL injury Sunday.

www.espn.com

Feb 7, 2024:

Kendrick Bourne said the Patriots locker room was 'kind of a toxic place'

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne said the Patriots locker room was "kind of a toxic place." He also discussed Matt Patricia and Mac Jones.

www.boston.com

March 10, 2024:

Source: Patriots re-signing WR Kendrick Bourne to 3-year deal

A Patriots fan favorite is coming back to New England. Here are the details.

www.bostonherald.com

Kendrick Bourne agrees to three-year deal to remain with Patriots

Receiver Kendrick Bourne said in an interview with NFL Media last week the he hoped to re-sign with the Patriots rather than hitting free agency.

www.nbcsports.com

May 30, 2024:

How a Latter-day Saint seminary class learned from — and ministered to — an injured NFL football player

A Latter-day Saint seminary class in Bellevue, Washington, learned gospel lessons in overcoming trials from injured NFL player Kendrick Bourne. After the students sent him get-well cards, he responded with a video message of faith.

www.thechurchnews.com

April 20, 2024:

Kendrick Bourne talks ACL recovery, Mac Jones trade, and who he wants to see Patriots trade for

Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne breaks down his recovery from ACL surgery, why he came back to the Patriots, and Mac Jones's rapping skills.

www.boston.com

May 20, 2024:

Kendrick Bourne out of Patriots' offseason program as he recovers from torn ACL

Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has said he expects to be ready for training camp after suffering a torn ACL last season.

www.nbcsports.com

July 1, 2024:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5584988/2024/07/01/kendrick-bourne-patriots-injury-training-camp/

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Well Runs Dry on Patriot Birthdays​

In memory of Bill Hull, who would have turned 84 today
Born August 4, 1940 in Fayetteville, NC
Died May 3, 2020 in Raleigh, NC at the age of 79
Patriot DE, 1962 offseason
Selected in the 5th round (38th overall) of the 1962 AFL draft, from Wake Forest

Bill Hull did not last long with the Pats. On March 26, 1962 the Boston Patriots traded him to the Dallas Texans in exchange for TE Tony Romeo. Romeo played in 75 games for the Patriots from 1962-67. He had 110 recptions and ten touchdowns, with most of those numbers coming in the first three seasons. Hull played in 12 games with five starts for the Texans in '62, but that was the extent of his pro football career.

His final game was a good one though. The Texans were 6½ point underdogs to the Houston Oilers in an all-Texas 1962 AFL title game. Hull intercepted George Blanda late in the first overtime of what is professional football's longest championship game. Hull's interception allowed the Texans to start the second overtime with two runs to move the ball to the Oilers' 25-yard line, and Tommy Brooker kicked a field goal to give the Dallas the win, 20 - 17.

A year later owner Lamar Hunt moved the franchise to Kansas City and re-named them the Chiefs. Head coach Hank Stram won another AFL championship four years later before losing to Green Bay in what would later be known as Super Bowl I. Stram, Len Dawson and the Chiefs would return to the big game three years later and proved to the world that the AFL was no fluke, defeating Bud Grant, Joe Kapp and the 12-point favorite Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV 23-7.

Which means that if you want to mess with a Chiefs fans, ask them what was the franchise's first championship. They'll probably think they are well educated on the history of the team, and answer Super Bowl IV - and you can be a smartass by correcting them with details on that 1962 game.

Wake Forest University

godeacs.com

Bill Hull, once referred to by journalist Smith Barrier as the "Incredible Hull," was the first Atlantic Coast Conference athlete to start in both basketball and football (1960.) Hull started his basketball season for Bones McKinney just two days after the football team finished its campaign. Hull earned three varsity letter in football (1959-1961) and two in basketball (1961-1962).​

Hull was on two ACC championship teams under McKinney.​

As a senior in 1961, Hull earned All-ACC honors in football as an end and had a professional stint with the Dallas Texans of the American Football League the following year.​

On the hardwood, he averaged 7.1 rebounds per game, a figure that remained in the Top 10 for several years after his graduation.​

Hull was inducted into the Wake Forest University Sports Hall of Fame on January 18, 1992.​

H. William Hull Jr. Obituary

Harry William Hull, Junior attended Virginia Episcopal School, but chose to return to Tarboro High School playing football, basketball and baseball. Wake Forest University offered him a full scholarship to play football. In 1962 the school’s basketball team suffered the loss of several players due to injury. Being 6’7” and having had experience playing on his high school team, Bill was asked to join the basketball team as a forward/center becoming the first ACC player to start in two major sports. In 1963 Wake Forest went to the Final Four placing third. Bill was involved in several campus activities including ROTC, Sigma Chi social fraternity, ODK Honorary fraternity and served as President of the Senior Class of 1962. He graduated from the Wake Forest University business school with Honors.​

Bill was drafted in the 3rd round (35th overall) of the 1962 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears and by the AFL’s Boston Patriots in the 5th round (38th overall). He ended up being traded to the AFL’s Dallas Texans. He intercepted George Blanda late in the second overtime of what was professional football's longest championship game. In that 1962 American Football League Championship game against the Houston Oilers, Hull's interception allowed the Texans to start the second overtime kicking a field goal to give the Texans the win, 20 - 17.​

Upon returning from service as a Captain in the Army in 1965, the late coach Hank Stram asked Bill to join them in Kansas City as the Texans had now become the Chiefs in the NFL. Bill carefully considered this offer, but decided to begin his career in commercial development. He had married Marilyn Haufler whom he met on a blind date while in college and was ready to settle down. They were married for 54 years welcoming two daughters and numerous dogs into their family.​

In a career spanning 45 years, Bill constructed and operated hotels, shopping centers, and office buildings. Bill always had a strong work ethic, but found time for travel and salt water fishing. He cherished being on the water and the challenge of reeling in Marlin and other Billfish all the while advocating for “Catch and Release”. In the company of numerous friends, he fished off the southeast coast, Mexico and Central America. Some of the best days of his life were spent at Atlantic Beach, N.C. Rarely demonstrating anything remotely associated with patience, he was determined to teach his young daughters water skiing. Calmly, Bill drove his Grady-White in circle after circle, his booming voice yelling pointer after pointer in the tranquil water by the lighthouse of Cape Lookout. The girls succeeded eventually. Marilyn and Bill enjoyed more time on the coast after purchasing a second home on a marsh in Savannah, Georgia. Their social life was very active and many very close friendships were formed. Their toddler grandchildren, Lily and Tate, got a thrill from exploring the long dock and learning to swim at the Savannah Yacht Club.​

Always an athlete, he played in the Senior Olympics for 15 years. The team won the North Carolina State Tournaments every year qualifying them for the National Tournament held every other year. The team placed in the Final Four each year with a victory in 2003. Bill was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Tarboro High School Sports Hall Fame in 2018.​

Three other players born on this date with a New England connection:

John Joseph 'Jumbo" Yonakor (8/4/21-4/18/01)
Born in Boston; Mechanic Arts High School
Defensive end for the Browns and others, from 1946 to 1952.

Jake Bobo, 26 (8/4/1998)
Born in North Andover; grew up in Belmont; Belmont High School
Wide receiver from UCLA via Duke had 19 receptions and three TD as an undrafted rookie for Seattle in 2023.

Art Braman (8/4/97-8/12/67)
Born in Torrington CT; Phillips Exeter Academy; Yale
Left Tackle for a team called the Racine Legion in the twenties.




A couple of notable pro football players born on August 4:

John Riggins, 75 (8/4/49)
Hall of Fame running back was the Super Bowl 17 MVP for Washington, and at age 34 was the league MVP with 24 touchdowns. Riggo scored 116 touchdowns and rushed for 11,352 yards in his NFL career, despite missing a full season while in his prime due to a contract dispute.

Clyde Simmons, 60 (8/4/64)
Two-time All Pro defensive end played in 236 games from 1986 to 2000, primarily with the Eagles.

Bob Baumhower, 69 (8/4/55)
Five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle for the Dolphins played from 1977 to 1986.




Other pro football players born Aug 4 with fun names include:

Momcilo Gavric (1938-2010); Croatian kicker for SF in 1969.

Melvyn Maile 'Mel" Tom (1941-2006); native of Honolulu and DE for the Eagles and Bears from 1966-75.

Mike Michel, 70 (1954); placekicker was a 5th round by the Dolphins in 1977.

Marshall Maquell McFadden, 38 (1986); m-cubed was a backup linebacker from 2012-14.

Shaunard Trudell Harts, 46 (1978); Boise State safety played 51 games with KC from '01-'04.

Canute Curtis, 50 (1974); Bengals linebacker played in 70 games from '97 - '02.

Lou Cordileone, 87 (1937); the Jersey native didn't even need to change his name as a Sopranos extra.

Vince Costello (1932-2019); Browns MLB from 1957-1966, and another Sopranos extra.

Edd Gregg (1897-1961); double word score on the letters d and g

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Tom Brady signs final contract with Patriots​

Aug 4, 2024:

Patriots Daily News Thread - Sunday Patriots News Thread 8/4

www.patsfans.com

Patriots News 8-4, Camp Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint | PatsFans.com

We all support Drake. We all know what it's like to be a rookie in this league., and it's not all peaches and cream."

www.patsfans.com

Report: Situation between Matthew Judon, Patriots not ‘completely resolved’

Matthew Judon wants a new contract with the New England Patriots, but the two sides have yet to come to terms on an extension.

www.masslive.com

Aug 4, 2023:

Patriots' Terez Hall: Lands on IR

Patriots' Terez Hall: Lands on IR

www.cbssports.com

Terez Hall reverted to injured reserve Friday after previously being waived/injured by the Patriots.​

Hall hasn't appeared in an NFL game since making four starts across eight games for the Patriots back in 2020. The 26-year-old could soon be cut with an injury settlement.​

Aug 4, 2019:

Tom Brady agrees to contract extension with Patriots

Tom Brady agrees to $70m, two-year extension with Patriots at age of 42

Tom Brady has insisted for some time that he can play into his mid-40s and it appears the New England Patriots agree

www.theguardian.com

Tom Brady has insisted for some time that he can play into his mid-40s and it appears the New England Patriots agree.​

Multiple sources reported on Sunday that the 42-year-old has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Patriots, with whom he has won six Super Bowls. According to the NFL Network, the deal will pay Brady $70m and will take him through to the end of the 2021 season. Brady already has $212m in career earnings.​

It was an open secret that Brady and the Patriots have been negotiating a new deal. The quarterback joked with reporters when he was asked if he deserved an extension recently. “Have I earned [an extension]? I don’t know,” he said. “That’s up for talk show debate. What do you guys think? Should we take a poll?”​

While Brady may not be at the peak of his powers he is still one of the best players in the league. He was recently voted the sixth best player in the NFL by his peers and he led the Patriots to the NFL title in February, his second championship in three seasons.​

The Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, said before this year’s Super Bowl that he expected Brady to be his quarterback for the foreseeable future. “I would be quite surprised if he didn’t continue for quite a while as our quarterback,” Kraft said.​

Here's why experts disagree about Tom Brady's future with the Patriots

The last time the Patriots played a game without Tom Brady under contract was Jan. 2, 2000. In the ensuing two decades, Brady emerged from obscurity to build a Hall of Fame resume as New England happily watched Super Bowl wins pile up. For years, Patriots fans have wondered about the day when...

www.boston.com

In August, the Patriots appeared to do what the team has always done with Brady. With the six-time Super Bowl winner heading into the final year of his deal, the team gave him an extension.​

The new contract was initially reported as a two-year extension, keeping Brady in New England through the 2021 season. However NFL insider Ian Rapoport quickly reported some additional details that changed the complexion of the deal.​

According to Rapoport, the new agreement between Brady and the Patriots raised his 2019 salary from $15 million up to $23 million. Second, and crucially, the additional years in the contract would be voided at the end of the 2019 league year (which happens on March 17, 2020).​

In other words, Brady is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2019 season.​

“Someone can call Tom Brady at 4:01 at the start of the league year in 2020 and try to sign Tom Brady,” Rapoport said on NFL Network in August. “All of this is factually correct. I will also add that the relationship between Brady and the Patriots is very good and the Patriots want to do everything they can to make sure that he plays well with them. But still, Tom Brady will be, if for just one second, a free agent after this season.”​

Normally, the Patriots would have the option — per NFL roster rules — of placing a franchise or transition tag on Brady, thus retaining him for another season. This won’t be possible, however, as a specific provision in the extension was that the Patriots aren’t allowed to franchise or transition tag Brady.​

Aug 4, 2015:

Patriots waive injured sixth-round draft pick AJ Derby

Tight end AJ Derby participated in the first practice of training camp last Thursday but hasn't been spotted since.

www.espn.com

The New England Patriots waived rookie tight end AJ Derby, their sixth-round draft choice out of Arkansas, on Tuesday.​

Derby, the 202nd overall selection in the draft, had participated in the first practice of training camp last Thursday but hasn't been spotted since. If he clears waivers, he would revert to injured reserve.​

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Derby played most of his college career as a quarterback before converting to tight end heading into his senior season. He had 22 receptions for 303 yards and three touchdowns in 2014.​

Aug 4, 2013:

Training camp daily briefing: Sunday, Aug. 4

By Shalise Manza Young, Globe Staff Good morning. Since the Patriots will practice Monday and then travel to Philadelphia for the rest of the week for joint practices with the Eagles and then their first preseason game Friday night, today is a day off for players. On Saturday, Bill Belichick...

www.boston.com

Tom Brady had a light day of work with the white team, leaving Ryan Mallett to quarterback the group for much of the practice; Tim Tebow was quarterback of the blue team. The two sides were competitive, even doing their dynamic and static stretching on different fields and celebrating big plays from their teammates.​

After wrapping up the day with his players, Belichick flew to Canton, Ohio for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony where his former boss, Bill Parcells, was among those honored.​

Released: OL Elvis Fisher, WR Lavasier Tuinei. Both were waived/injured, meaning if neither is claimed on waivers they will revert back to the Patriots and be placed on injured reserve.​

Aug 4, 2012:

Robert Gallery retires, Tony Fiammetta put on exempt/left squad list

The 31-year old lineman who joined the Patriots in March retired, according to the team.

www.boston.com

Robert Gallery was competing for a starting spot on the Patriots’ offensive line, given the team’s injuries and absence of guard Brian Waters.​

Turns out, Gallery will be absent himself. The 31-year old lineman who joined the Patriots in March retired, according to the team.​

The Patriots also announced the signing of two more players, defensive back Derrick Martin and fullback Kareem Huggins.​

Through training camp, Gallery had been alternating between right and left guard on the line, but had struggled. His struggles had given way to Patriots holdover Donald Thomas, who has been practicing with the first team recently.​

Gallery is an eight-year veteran who was drafted No. 2 overall in 2004 by the Oakland Raiders. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an unrestricted free agent in 2011 before being released in March.​

The 6-7 Iowa product had signed a 1-year, $1.8 million contract with the Patriots, including a $400,000 signing bonus.​

Fiammetta out for Pats in '12

The Patriots announced today that fullback Tony Fiammetta has been placed on the exempt/left squad list, meaning he cannot play for the team in 2012.A source said Fiammetta needs to take care of a family issue and looks forward to returning to the Patriots in 2013.

www.espn.com

The Patriots announced today that fullback Tony Fiammetta has been placed on the exempt/left squad list, meaning he cannot play for the team in 2012.​

A source said Fiammetta needs to take care of a family issue and looks forward to returning to the Patriots in 2013.​

Fiammetta wasn't viewed as a roster lock in 2012, as the Patriots didn't even carry a traditional fullback last season. But the team brought Fiammetta and former Denver Broncos fullback Spencer Larsen to camp, with the possibility of reintegrating the position into Josh McDaniels' attack.​

Between Fiammetta, Larsen and Eric Kettani, the Patriots had worked with some two-back sets early in training camp. Fiammetta, who previously had played for the Carolina Panthers (2009-2010) and Dallas Cowboys (2011), had missed practices over the last week.​

Aug 4, 2011:

No. 1 pick Nate Solder inks four-year deal

It was hard to miss Nate Solder, all 6-foot-8 and 319 pounds of him, on the practice field yesterday afternoon. The Patriots and Solder, the team’s first-round draft pick, finally came to terms on a …

www.telegram.com

It was hard to miss Nate Solder, all 6-foot-8 and 319 pounds of him, on the practice field yesterday afternoon.​

The Patriots and Solder, the team’s first-round draft pick, finally came to terms on a four-year contract, and the rookie, wearing No. 77, practiced with his teammates for the first time.​

New England took Solder with the 17th overall pick. He is the heir-apparent to Matt Light at left tackle.​

Solder, who is similar in size to right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (6-8, 315), transitioned from tight end to left tackle in his freshman year at Colorado. He was a consensus first-team All-American last season.​

Aug 4, 2010:

Report: Former Central Michigan lineman Eric Ghiaciuc signs with New England Patriots

Eric Ghiaciuc Former Central Michigan lineman Eric Ghiaciuc has signed a free-agent contract with the New England Patriots, WEEI radio in Boston is reporting.The signing comes a day after Ghiaciuc worked out for the team.The Patriots are the fourth team...

www.mlive.com

Former Central Michigan lineman Eric Ghiaciuc has signed a free-agent contract with the New England Patriots, and released offensive lineman John Wise.​

The Patriots are the fourth team Ghiaciuc has signed with in a little more than a year. After starting 16 games for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, Ghiaciuc signed with the Kansas City Chiefs during the following offseason, before being waived Sept. 4. He spent the remainder of the season with the San Diego Chargers, and part of the 2010 offseason with the Cleveland Browns, before signing with the Patriots this week.​

Ghiaciuc was picked by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft. He has played in 48 NFL games, starting 42.​

The Patriots signed Wise on April 29 as a rookie free agent from Illinois.​

Aug 4, 2008:

Roster move for Pats

The Patriots announce the signing of veteran OL John Welbourn; rookie DL Chris Nowell released.

www.boston.com

The Patriots announced the signing of veteran offensive lineman John Welbourn today. To make room on the roster, the team released rookie defensive lineman Chris Norwell, who was a longshot to make the club.​

Welbourn, 32, is a veteran of nine NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (1999-2003) and Kansas City Chiefs (2004-07). The 6-foot-5-inch, 310-pound offensive lineman has played in 103 career games with 95 starts. Last season, he started every game at right guard for the Chiefs. Welbourn was originally drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round (97th overall) out of the University of California-Berkeley. Over five seasons with Philadelphia, Welbourn started all 56 regular season games in which he played and also started nine postseason contests. After starting one game at right tackle as a rookie in 1999, Welbourn started all 16 games of the 2000 season at left guard for Philadelphia. He started 15 contests at left guard in 2001, and opened 11 games at that position in 2002. In his final season with the Eagles in 2003, Welbourn started 13 times at left guard. He was acquired by the Chiefs on April 25, 2004 in exchange for a 2004 fifth-round draft choice and a 2005 third-round draft choice. He started 10 games at right tackle in his first season in Kansas City in 2004. In 2005, he played in 12 games with nine starts at right tackle. He played in nine games with four starts at right tackle in 2006, before starting every game at right guard in 2007.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century August 4 News​

Aug 4, 1998:

Patriots sign Jason Suttle, a cornerback from Wisconsin. He had originally been signed as an undrafted rookie in April by San Diego. Suttle saw little game action in preseason, partly due to the late signing, and was waived on August 25. Denver picked up Suttle, and he played in 11 NFL games from 1999-2001.​

Pats also released Bob Beveridge, a 6'6 320lb guard from the University of British Columbia. In 1997, Beveridge was named the winner of the Bobby Gaul Memorial Trophy, awarded to the graduating male athlete who best represented the values of leadership and sportsmanship. Beveridge was also named to the West and Canadian university all-star teams, and was a finalist for the J.P. Metras trophy awarded to the outstanding offensive lineman in Canadian university football.​

After leaving New England, the Ontario-born lineman played for Montreal, Hamilton and British Columbia in the CFL. Beveridge played in two Grey Cups, losing with Hamilton in 1998 and winning with BC in 2000.​

Aug 4, 1980:
Patriots release Ron Day, an undrafted running back from Kutztown (PA) University. Day later signed with the Eagles in the 1981 offseason and the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL in 1983.

Golden Bears in the Pros - Football

Golden Bears in the Pros - Football

kubears.com

Aug 4, 1979:
The Pats release Harry Nelson and Tom McLaughlin.

I found several athletes named Harry Nelson, and a couple of football players with the same name, but none of their ages match up with our Harry. Mclaughlin was a quarterback who threw 7 TD vs 24 interceptions from 1975-77 for the University of Iowa.


Aug 4, 1972:
Patriots trade Steve Kiner to Miami for some defensive lineman named Bill Griffin. It was a typical short-sighted move by the Pats in that era and head coach John Mazur. Griffith never played in a single NFL game; Kiner played in 114 NFL games with 99 starts from 1970 to 1978.

Today In Patriots History - June 12: Steve Kiner, Kevin Turner

Continuing from Monday's Chuck Fairbanks-Steve King entry, here's another 70's blast from the past. Unfortunately for Steve Kiner his time in Foxborough was with John Mazur and Phil Bengston, and before Fairbanks turned things around. Today in Patriots History Steve Kiner Happy 77th birthday...

www.patsfans.com

Lewiston Evening Journal - Google News Archive Search

Aug 4, 1971:
The Patriots un-do/re-do their Duane Thomas for Carl Garrett trade, another one of those face-palm moments of Mazur and the early 1970s Pats. In part 2 of this trade the Patriots got RB Garrett back, along with a 1972 first round draft pick. Dallas got RB Thomas back, plus a 1972 second and third round pick.

Today In Patriots History - June 21: Duane Thomas, Jim Nance and John Mazur walk into a bar ....

Today in Patriots History Duane Thomas June 21 is highlighted by the birth date of a player who is center stage on of the more bizarre anecdotes in Patriots franchise history. Happy 77th birthday to Duane Thomas Born June 21, 1947 in Dallas Patriot RB, 1971 offseason Acquired in a trade with...

www.patsfans.com

The article below implies that the trade was instigated by Thomas' refusal to take a drug test - something I have never seen before. Multiple accounts say it was because Thomas preferred being in a two-point stance, rather than sticking his nose in into Jim Nance's butt in a three-point stance. In typical fashion Mazur lost his cool and ordered Thomas off the practice field - just like he did with Kiner - then changed his story, claiming Thomas had failed his physical.

Dallas Again Getting Something from Nothing - Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Aug 4, 1969:
Patriots waive three players:
- DE Dennis Byrd, the Pats first round (sixth overall!!!!) pick from the 1968 draft
- John Erisman, who never played a down in the AFL or NFL
- Wayne Richardson, who never played a down in the AFL or NFL

North Carolina State University

gopack.com

Dennis Byrd (2010) - Hall of Fame - National Football Foundation

footballfoundation.org

North Carolina State University

gopack.com

Aug 4, 1961:
Boston acquires offensive tackle Ed Buckingham from Buffalo in exchange for a late conditional 1962 draft pick. Buckingham had originally been a 16th round draft pick (#183 overall) in the 1957 NFL draft by Green Bay, from Minnesota; he never played in either the NFL or AFL.

 

[captain stone]

And a happy belated 66th birthday to my older brother; thanks for putting-up with me for another year bro!