Today In Patriots History August 9, 2017: Vince Wilfork Retires

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Vince Wilfork retires as a New England Patriot​

August 9, 2017:

Vince Wilfork signs one-day contract, retires as a Patriot

Vince Wilfork, who played with the Patriots from 2004 to 2014, signed a one-day deal with the team and announced his retirement with owner Robert Kraft, players and coaches in attendance.

www.espn.com

In an emotional retirement news conference Wednesday at Gillette Stadium, longtime New England Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork choked up at the end while describing the only regret of his 13-year NFL career.​

"My parents didn't get a chance to see their son live out a dream he told them at the age of 4 I was going to be," Wilfork said in a ceremony with many players and coaches in attendance, including owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft. "Physically it hurt every day. It hurt by the hour. Daily. Not a minute [went] by, but I know they had the best seat in the house."​

Wilfork's father, David, died of kidney failure in June 2002, when Wilfork was a sophomore at the University of Miami. David Wilfork, 48 at the time, had suffered from diabetes. Wilfork's mother, Barbara, died in December 2002 after complications from a stroke. She was 46.​

As he concluded his remarks, Wilfork -- who played for the Patriots from 2004 to 2014, winning two Super Bowls -- paused for an extended period after mentioning his parents, before saying, "I love you."​

The retirement ceremony began with remarks from Robert Kraft, who wore a necklace he said Wilfork and his wife, Bianca, gave him. The necklace included a picture of Kraft with his late wife, Myra, with Kraft explaining it gave him comfort to wear it when Myra was undergoing cancer treatments.​

Kraft kept the necklace on Wednesday as he signed Wilfork to a ceremonial one-day contract, signifying his retirement as a Patriot after spending the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the Houston Texans.​

After a highlight montage of Wilfork's career, coach Bill Belichick said Wilfork is one of the best two-gapping defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. He added that in his 43 years in the NFL, one of his biggest surprises was that Wilfork was available with the No. 21 overall pick, which is when the Patriots selected him in the 2004 draft.​

Wilfork, 35, had 559 tackles, 16 sacks, four forced fumbles and three interceptions in 189 regular-season games.​

​

 

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[ahmed]

In honour of Vince's retirement anniversary, I present to you the most awkward (and hilarious) 5 minutes in sport interviews history. Courtesy of the Dan Le Batard show, my favourite sports show!

The gloriousness is from 20 seconds to 4 minutes 40 seconds mark. Very much worth the watch!!!

 

[signbabybrady]

Put this man in the NFL HoF

 

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Vince Wilfork - University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame

Biography page for University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame member, Vince Wilfork

www.umsportshalloffame.com

Vince Wilfork​

2001-2003​

Inducted 2019​

Vince Wilfork came to Coral Gables after a stellar athletic career at Santaluces High School in Lantana, Florida. A Super-Prep All-American and second team USA Today All-American in football, he also was state runner-up in the shot put and discus.​

One of just 4 true freshmen to see extensive playing time for the Hurricanes during the 2001 National Championship season, Wilfork proved to be one of the most disruptive defensive players in the Miami arsenal as the season progressed, finishing with 41 tackles and 15 quarterback hurries.​

During the 2002 season, Vince had 43 tackles and 7 sacks. Before the 2003 season, he was named a pre-season All-American and was voted the No. 2 defensive tackle in the country by The Sporting News. Though he was sometimes double- and tripled-teamed, he did not disappoint in his third and final year at The U, totaling 64 tackles with a team-leading 20 quarterback hurries, 11.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and was named first team All-Big East.​

Wilfork also was a member of the track and field team and held the school indoor shot put record of 17.05 meters (55’- 11.25”) for 12 years until it was surpassed in 2013.​

The 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Vince would go on to a stellar 13-year career, 2004-14 with the Patriots and 2015-16 with the Houston Texans. He would win two Super Bowl rings, one in 2004, his first season in New England, and 2014, his last year with the Patriots. He was also named to the Pro Bowl five times.​

But Wilfork’s success in football didn’t come without having to overcome great hardship. In December of 2002, just as Miami was preparing for their second consecutive National Championship game, his mother passed away, only six months after his father’s passing. Vince credits two people, UMSHoF member Greg Mark, then the Miami defensive line coach, for giving him perspective on life and not letting him quit, and his wife, Bianca, who reminded Vince that his parents always wanted success for him, because he always wanted it for himself. He also thanks his teammates for supporting him through it all …with so much love and support from his U Family, he wanted to make his parents and U brothers proud of him.​

Vince Wilfork | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Vince Wilfork​

Defensive Tackle - 2004-2014​

Wilfork is recognized as one of the best defensive linemen in team history. He played 11 of his 13 seasons for the Patriots and helped bring two Super Bowl Championships to New England with victories in Super Bowls XXXIX and XLIX. The Patriots drafted Wilfork 21st overall out of the University of Miami (Fla.) in 2004. He played in 158 games in New England with 148 starts while helping the Patriots to a 123-35 (.778) record as a force on the defensive line. He played in 21 playoff games, including six AFC Championship Games and four Super Bowls during his Pats tenure. The seven-time team captain earned five Pro Bowl selections and four All Pro honors. The Patriots finished in the top 10 in league defense eight times during his career.​

★ Florida Class 4A state champion in the shot put, 2000
★ Florida Class 4A state champion in the discus, 2000
★ BCS National Champion, University of Miami, 2001
★ 1st round draft pick, 2004 (thank you to Brian Billick for trading that pick away, so he could draft Kyle Boller)
★ Super Bowl XXXIX champion
★ Pro Bowl, 2nd Team All Pro, 2007
★ Pro Bowl, 2nd Team All Pro, 2009
★ New England Patriots All-2000s Team
★ Pro Bowl, 2nd Team All Pro, 2010
★ New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
★ Pro Bowl, 2nd Team All Pro, 2011
★ Pro Bowl, 1st Team All Pro, 2012
★ Super Bowl XLIX champion
★ One of only two players to win super bowl championships with the Patriots in both decades
★ University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame, 2019
★ New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
★ New England Patriots Hall of Fame, 2022; sixth player to be inducted in first year of eligibility
★ Pro Football Hall of Fame . . . to be determined

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pat Sullivan coaxes John Hannah out of retirement​

August 9, 1983:

John Hannah has ended his brief retirement and said... - UPI Archives

John Hannah has ended his brief retirement and said he will return to the New England Patriots this week....

www.upi.com

John Hannah has ended his brief retirement and said he will return to the New England Patriots this week.​

Hannah, who had quit football in mid-April after feuding with coach Ron Meyer, said Tuesday he'd report to the team's Smithfield, R.I., training site on Thursday.​

I'm glad he's back with us,' said Meyer, who Hannah called a 'liar' when the coach suggested earlier this spring that the All-Pro guard was interested in ending his short retirement. 'He's a good football player and he's going to help us win games.​

'Despite the disagreements we've had, I like this guy ... we're similar in that we're both very competitive people who put a strong emphasis on winning. I'm looking forward to having him back again.'​

But the 6-foot-3, 282-pound former University of Alabama star is far from being in playing shape.​

During a televised interview before last Saturday's exhibition game between New England and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Knoxville, Tenn., Hannah said he had not retired as a ploy to get more money.​

'Anybody who can see my fat gut knows that,' he said.​

But the Boston Herald reported Hannah would receive a significant raise in the two-year contract extension negotiated in talks with general manager Pat Sullivan.​

He will play for $350,000 this season and $400,000 next year under terms of the pact signed after the 1981 season. Hannah will receive an estimated $500,000 for the two additional seasons, and an annuity fund from cash in the four-year agreement will be set up to pay Hannah nearly $150,000 a year for 20 years after his playing career ends, the newspaper reported.​

Hannah, a 10-year veteran some have called the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history, said he does not expect much resentment from teammates. Some players had been critical that Hannah, who is white, was being courted while the Patriots wouldn't talk to black holdout lineman Shelby Jordan.​

The signing leaves only Jordan and All-Pro cornerback Mike Haynes as unsigned veterans. Sullivan said there has been progress in talks with agents for both players in the last week.​

But, he added, 'I doubt very much anything will happen before we leave for the (West) coast' for Saturday's exhibition game with the San Francisco 49ers.​

John Hannah Ultimate NFL Career Highlights
7:01 Highlight Video
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats claim Mack Herron off waivers​

August 9, 1973:
The Pats claim Mack Herron off waivers. The 5' 5" running back had played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL from 1970-72.

The Patriots also claimed Larry Stevenson off waivers from Washington. The running back had played his college football at Minnesota, but never compiled any stats in the NFL.

Larry Stevenson Obituary (2008) - Legacy Remembers

View Larry Eugene Stevenson's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

In addition the Pats traded backup guard Bill DuLac to Green Bay for backup tackle Kevin Hunt. DuLac was cut by the Pack and eventually returned to New England, playing in 26 games for the Patriots from in 1974-75. Hunt was a local guy, who was born in Framingham and grew up in Vermont. He played in 70 NFL games, mostly with the Oilers - but got on the field as a Patriot in only one game.

At 5 feet 5 inches, Mack Herron was dwarfed by teammates such as offensive lineman Leon Gray​

Mack Willie 'Mini-Mack' Herron was a shooting star. The 5'5 170 lb Kansas State product was an incredibly exciting athlete. Herron provided a reason for New England sports fans to be enthusiastic about the Patriots, in a time when Pats recent history consisted of the Clive Rush/John Mazur/Phil Bengtson era (or should I say 'error').

1973 was Herron's first season with the Pats, and he led the NFL with 41 kickoff returns for 1,092 yards, including one touchdown. The following year Herron became a rock star, shattering Gale Sayers' NFL record with 2,444 all-purpose yards. In the first game of the '74 season Herron led the Patriots to a 34-24 victory over Miami - a team that was defending back-to-back Super Bowl championships. The Pats created a buzz not just in New England but nationwide, jumping out to a 5-0 start. Injuries and lack of depth eventually took their toll, but for the first time in eight years the Patriots did not finish the season with a losing record. Herron and Sam Cunningham joined veterans Jim Plunkett and Randy Vataha as legitimate reasons to buy tickets to watch the Patriots.


And then boom, just like that - in the blink of an eye, Mack Herron's time with the Patriots was over.




While diabetes was the official cause of his death, Mack Herron's life was a sad story for the final forty years of his life. It has been reported that he was arrested twenty times due to drugs.


March 16, 2013:

Former NFL star facing drug charges again

Former NFL running back Mack W. Herron, whose power and small stature earned him the nickname “Mini Mack” when he played for the New England Patriots during the 1970s, is accused again of drug possession after being arrested…

www.chicagotribune.com

Wednesday about 10:30 a.m. Herron was behind the wheel of a tan 2003 Chevrolet Impala when a police officer saw the car stop. . .​

Herron was arrested in May of 2011, also for drug charges, authorities said.​

Chicago police saw Herron, who was 62 at that time, at the back door of an abandoned building in the 1600 block of South Drake Avenue in the North Lawndale neighborhood about 3 p.m. on May, 6, 2011, according to a police report.​

As the officers approached, Herron, whose address at that time was in the 1800 block of South Hamlin Avenue, dropped a tinfoil packet holding 0.20 of a gram of heroin, police said.​

Herron has been arrested dozens of times since he left football and has at least seven felony convictions, prosecutors said.​

Dec 7, 2015:

Former Patriots running back and return specialist Mack Herron passed away Sunday at the age of 67

Herron signed with the Patriots in 1973 after two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. The 5-foot-5-inch, 175-pound back was affectionately nicknamed "Mini Mack" for his diminutive size and became a fan favorite for his electrifying returns and explosive offensive contributions, despite only playing in New England for two-and-a-half seasons (1973-75).​

In his first season with the Patriots, he led the NFL in kickoff return yardage (1,092) and broke eight Patriots return records while totaling 1,839 all-purpose yards in 1973, second only to O.J. Simpson that year. In 1974, his legend grew when he finished ahead of Sam Cunningham as the team's leading rusher with 824 yards and seven touchdowns while also leading the team with 38 receptions, including a team-high five receiving touchdowns. He also led the team in kickoff and punt returns. That year, he finished with 2,444 all-purpose yards for the Patriots, which broke Gale Sayers' 1966 NFL single-season all-purpose yardage record of 2,440 yards.​

Born on July 24, 1948 in Biloxi, Miss., he grew up on Chicago's West Side and was a football standout at Farragut High School. He played his college ball at Kansas State and had a sensational senior season when he led the Wildcats in rushing and led the Big 8 Conference in receiving. He scored 21 touchdowns as a senior, which ranked second in the nation behind Oklahoma's Heisman Trophy winner, Steve Owens. Drafted in the sixth round of the 1970 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons, Herron opted for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers instead, where he twice led the CFL in all-purpose yardage.​

Mourning the loss of 'Mini' Mack Herron

It was footnote, one that got hardly any mention from anybody of note.

www.eagletribune.com

There have been several recent deaths of former Boston greats, but this one hurt a little more.​

I wondered why. Why did this feel like a punch to the gut?​

Then it him me. It was about the time Herron arrived in 1973 that pro football started to matter to me.​

I had already been hooked on the Red Sox (see 1967 Impossible Dream) and the Bruins (I remember where I was when they won the Cup in 1970). One of my early recollections of caring about the Patriots was when they hired Chuck Fairbanks before the 1973 season and drafted a pair of superstars in John Hannah and Sam “Bam” Cunningham.​

But my favorite player was the 5-foot-5 running back, “Mini” Mack Herron. But what made Herron special wasn’t just his size, but his “all-purpose” yards as a rusher, receiver, punt returner and kick returner. It mattered to me, and only me, that Herron led the league in a somewhat meaningless stat.​

Like Danny Woodhead nearly four decades later, Herron was hard to tackle because he was so small and played with his shoulders even lower. Herron and “Sam Bam” were a great duo.​

What I realized on Monday, upon hearing about Herron’s passing, was something “kids” under the age of 25 could never understand. The Patriots were bad, sometimes embarrassing, but it didn’t matter. There was something about the hope, probably because under Fairbanks the talent level grew.​

Jan 7, 2016:

Mack Herron's Death and Reverse Mortgage Anxiety

Chicago native Mack "Mini-Mack" Herron used money he made playing professional football to help buy a house for his mother on the city's West Side in the 1970s. The prospect of losing the home to an alleged reverse mortgage scam may have contributed to his death at age 67 last month, according...

www.huffpost.com

Mack Herron with his sister at their family home in January 2015​

Chicago native Mack “Mini-Mack” Herron used money he made playing professional football to help buy a house for his mother on the city’s West Side in the 1970s.​

The prospect of losing the home to an alleged reverse mortgage scam may have contributed to his death at age 67 last month, according to relatives.​

“He was packing his bags,” said Barbara Herron, younger sister of the former Farragut High School great. “I didn’t know he was packing his things until after he had passed.”​

Herron first burst into prominence at Farragut, where he starred in baseball, basketball and track in addition to his gridiron heroics.​

He continued to stand out at Hutchinson Junior College and Kansas State University, finishing fourth in the nation in touchdowns in 1969. He played professionally for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL and the New England Patriots, where in 1974 he set a single-season record for all-purpose yardage.​

He used some of the money from his football career to help purchase the home in the 1800 block of S. Hamlin Ave.​

Herron’s years on the gridiron took a toll on his body, as did his drug use that led to repeated arrests. Barbara Herron said that at the time of his death her brother was diabetic and dealing with memory loss caused by a football-related head injury.​

But he was also impacted by the strain of potentially being homeless, she said.​

In 2010, Herron’s mother Effie Herron had taken out a reverse mortgage on her home, which had been paid off for years.​

John Hannah (73), Sam Cunningham (39) and Mack Herron (42)




​

New England Patriots Playbook - Sean Glennon, A Great Look at Pats History | PatsFans.com

Author Sean Glennon takes a great look at some of the very best....and heartbreaking moments in Patriots history. It is required reading for Patriots fans

www.patsfans.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2011 Season Dedicated to Myra Kraft​

August 9, 2011:

Patriots dedicate 2011 season to Myra Kraft

The New England Patriots announced that they will dedicate the 2011 season to the loving memory of Myra Kraft, who passed away on July 20 after a courageous battle with cancer.

www.patriots.com

The New England Patriots announced that they will dedicate the 2011 season to the loving memory of Myra Kraft, who passed away on July 20 after a courageous battle with cancer. On Thursday, Aug. 11, when the Patriots kick off the 2011 campaign against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium, every Patriots player and coach will honor Myra's memory by wearing a patch with her initials on it in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the local and global community and her influence on the charitable mission of the entire Patriots organization. The patch will be worn on the left chest of every player throughout the season.​

Pats honor Myra Kraft with pins for fans

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots will honor the memory of Myra Kraft by distributing 70,000 pins bearing her initials -- MHK -- to fans during the home-opener against the San Diego Chargers Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

www.espn.com

Myra Hiatt Kraft, 'MHK,' Inspires Patriots' Super Bowl Bid

In Indianapolis on Sunday, the New England Patriots will wear on their jerseys two patches bearing meaningful letters. One is for Super Bowl 46: the Roman numerals XLVI. The other spells MHK, the initials of the team owner’s late wife.

www.wbur.org

The Patriots to honor memory of their "Jewish mother," Myra Kraft, at the Super Bowl

Remembering the Patriots' first lady

Myra Hiatt Kraft sitll provides a guiding light for the Patriots, writes Greg Garber.

www.espn.com

 

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On a side note, when searching for more youthful photographs of Myra Kraft, my internet search quickly reminded me that long before Bill Belichick met Jordon Hudson, Robert Kraft was spending his time with women less than half his age.

Does Myra disapprove, or rationalize that at least Bob is happy, and it is better that than another Orchids of Asia type of headline?

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The JuJu era error comes to an end​

August 9, 2024:
New England releases WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

In his one season with the Patriots JuJu had 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown. According to Pro Football Reference, Schuster averaged a paltry 3.2 yards after a catch, with two drops and four interceptions on the 47 passes thrown to him - culminating in an anemic 48.2 passer rating on balls thrown to him.

Somebody please remind me of the logic in letting Jakobi Meyers walk in free agency, and then spending virtually the same amount of money on a gimpy, rehabbing-from-surgery JJSS?

Patriots Parting Ways With Smith-Schuster | PatsFans.com

It looks like Smith-Schuster’s time with the New England Patriots is finally over.

www.patsfans.com

He’s struggled during camp getting separation, which comes despite the veteran saying he was significantly healthier from where he was a year ago.​

Coming off a knee injury prior to his signing with the Patriots, Smith-Schuster ended up having a tough 2023 season, failing to make an impact in replacing the production after the departure of Jacoby Meyers last offseason.​

He finished with just 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown last season, and never ended up being the receiving threat they thought they were getting when they signed him back in March last offseason.​

Patriots Player Departure - Patriots release JU JU

Yep he gone

www.patsfans.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats draft a QB in the sixth round​

Happy 46th birthday to Kliff Kingsbury
Born August 9, 1979 in San Antonio
Patriot QB, 2003; uniform #15 (2003), #16 (2004)
Pats 6th round (201st overall) selection of the 2003 draft, from Texas Tech
Pats résumé: one season on injured reserve, two training camps


During the 2003 draft the Pats traded down eleven spots in the fifth round, from #154 to #164. In return Tennessee gave the Patriots their sixth round draft pick; the two clubs also swapped seventh round picks. New England used their fifth rounder on Dan Koppen, who started at center for eight seasons; with the freebie in the sixth the Pats selected Kliff Kingsbury. The player Tennessee just had to have was Donnie Nickey, a special teams ace who did play for eight seasons - but was never close to being as important or as good as Koppen was.

At the time New England had Rohan Davey and Damon Huard backing up Tom Brady, entering his third season as an NFL starting quarterback. Kliff Kingsbury never got on the field for the Patriots, but he did get a Super Bowl ring. Kingsbury spent the entire 2003 season on IR with an arm injury, and was cut the following September at the end of training camp when teams need to get down to their regular season roster limit.

Aug 30, 2004:

Inside the Patriots: An interesting effort

Regarding playing in the preseason, Tom Brady said what most starters would say. "If it were up to me I'd play the whole game," he told reporters. Granted, it was the third week of the preseason,…

www.southcoasttoday.com

Brady was 18 of 27 for 217 yards with two touchdowns and one interception through three quarters. Brady's passer rating was 100.4.

In the fourth quarter, instead of Rohan Davey, it was Kliff Kingsbury who would take his place.

The move to bring Kingsbury came as a surprise, especially with last season's No. 2 (Davey) standing there in full uniform. The move to bring in Kingsbury was perhaps an indication that Davey's spot on the team is more in doubt than you might think. Veteran Jim Miller is injured but waiting in the wings, and the Pats will surely keep just three QBs.

Kingsbury, however, did little to push Davey out of the picture. Kingsbury was 4-of-5 passing, but it was his interception on fourth down by Brandon Short with under three minutes to go that could be the proverbial nail in the coffin for the second-year man. The Patriots were leading 17-13 at the time and in scoring position.



Kingsbury later spent time on practice squads for the Saints and Broncos, and in 2005 appeared in garbage time for one game with the Jets. New York then allocated him to Cologne for the 2006 NFL Europe season. After having been waived by Buffalo at the end of their 2006 training camp, his pro football playing days finished in 2007 as the third string quarterback of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL.

The following year Kingsbury took an entry level coaching job at the University of Houston. He quickly progressed, and was named college football's Offensive Coordinator of the year in 2011 after the Cougars scored an average of 50 points per game. That led to being hired as the OC for Texas A&M. In 2012 the Aggies were the only team in college football ranked in the top 15 for scoring offense, total yards, rushing yards and passing yards - and QB Johnny Manziel won the Heisman Trophy.

A year later at the age of 36, Kingsbury became head coach at Texas Tech. Despite the Red Raiders posting mediocre records (7-5, 4-8, 7-6, 6-7, 5-7), Kingsbury became a hot topic among speculation for coaching hires. Much of that was due to Patrick Mahomes' first season as an NFL starter; Mahomes was the QB in 2016 for Kingsbury when Texas Tech had the sixth best offense in college football. Overlooked was the fact that they also had the worst ranked defense.

Early in 2019 Kingsbury signed a contract to become head coach at Southern Cal, then resigned when offered the same position by the Arizona Cardinals. The Vegas over/under on win totals for the 2019 Cardinals was just five, after coming off a 3-13 season. The linemakers were spot on, with Arizona going 5-10-1. The following year Arizona stood at 6-3 after defeating Buffalo in week 10, but stumbled to an 8-8 finish. While it was not enough to give them their first winning season since going 13-3 in 2015, at least it avoided a third straight last place finish. The oddsmakers did not show much faith in improvement though, setting the line for Arizona's 2021 win total at 8½ - which would place them fourth in the NFC West, behind the Rams (10), 49ers (10) and Seahawks (9½). Kingsbury's Cardinals bucked the odds, jumping out to a 10-2 start - then stumbled with a 1-4 finish and 34-11 wild card loss to the eventual super bowl winning Rams.

In 2022 the Bidwells signed Kingsbury to a five-year contract extension guaranteed at $7.5 million annually, but another late season slump followed. Arizona lost their last seven in a row to finish 4-13, and fired Kingsbury. In 2023 he took a position as a senior offensive analyst at Southern Cal, where he worked with Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. On February 5, 2024 Kingsbury returned to the NFL, as offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. Their offense vaulted from #25 in points scored in 2023, to #5 in 2024 as they improved from 4-13 in '23 to 12-5 last year.

Aug 12, 2019:

Patriots played major role in Kliff Kingsbury's coaching career

Kliff Kingsbury's first coaching gig in the NFL turned out to be a head coaching position for the Arizona Cardinals. He was a sixth round quarterback drafted by the New England Patriots in 2003, but his playing career turned out to be unsuccessful. Subsequently, he…

patriotswire.usatoday.com

Nov 24, 2020:

Cardinals coach Kingsbury started NFL career in New England

Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury spent a year in New England when he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2003 draft.

www.enterprisenews.com

The 41-year-old Kingsbury told the media in Arizona this week that his one season being part of the Patriots was invaluable.​

“I learned more football in that short time than any other stop along the way when it comes to coaching and pertaining to coaching,’’ Kingsbury said. “The work that goes in and the game-planning, preparation day in and day out.​

“I really got to see behind the scenes there. It was phenomenal being around all those coaches that went on to be head coaches and went on to win a bunch of Super Bowls, and obviously, getting to watch that Super Bowl (against the Panthers) was phenomenal.’’​

“The way they operate, the level of preparation, the competitive in practice, those are all things that stay with you for life when you’ve been in that building,’’ said Kingsbury of the Patriots in 2019 after being hired. “That’s kind of the mountaintop of preparation and competitive. You can see why they win so much.’’​

Kingsbury said that Belichick has been a help to him through the years since leaving the Patriots.​

“He’s obviously a legend,’’ Kingsbury told the media. “There’s definitely an intimidation factor there, even when you’re done playing, just because of all he’s accomplished and what he’s about.​

“But he’s been amazing to me over the years. Even when I got fired at Texas Tech, he reached out, and he allowed me to come up there when I was at Texas Tech and sit in on meetings, go to practices. I can’t thank him enough for all he’s done for me.’’​

July 21, 2021:

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury's offense needs to move further away from its roots to thrive in the NFL

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury is at a crossroads and needs to continue to adapt his offense in order to take the next step during the 2021 NFL season.

www.pff.com

The Cardinals sacrifice the boost a receiver gets from moving around to find favorable matchups in exchange for added speed and efficiency that comes with every player always knowing where to line up and the tempo it allows.​

Kingsbury’s offense is at that crossroads right now. NFL defenses have a pretty good handle on how to combat his offense. He had to adapt his system significantly to even get to where it is today. While showing that adaptability stands in his favor right now, it needs more.​

The 2021 season is critical for Kingsbury. The team has a lot of talent at its disposal, but Kingsbury needs to break out the next phase of his offense.​

March 2, 2022:

Arizona Cardinals extend contracts of GM Steve Keim, coach Kliff Kingsbury through 2027

The Cardinals announced Wednesday they have reached an agreement with GM Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury on contract extensions through 2027.

www.azcentral.com

Jan 9, 2023:

Cardinals fire Kliff Kingsbury; GM Steve Keim steps aside

The Cardinals have fired coach Kliff Kingsbury, 10 months after the two sides agreed to an extension. GM Steve Keim also is stepping aside, the team announced.

www.espn.com

Kliff Kingsbury - Football Coach - USC Athletics

Kliff Kingsbury, who has head coaching experience at both the collegiate level and the NFL, joined the USC staff as a senior offensive analyst in April 2023....

usctrojans.com

June 2, 2024:

What new OC Kliff Kingsbury brings to Commanders

The former Cardinals coach is now in charge of improving a unit that has been one of the NFL's worst for a decade.

www.espn.com

2004 Patriots Media Guide

Kliff Kingsbury Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Checkout the latest stats for Kliff Kingsbury. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Kliff Kingsbury

Kliff Kingsbury - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other old August 9 Pats trivia​

August 9, 1960:
The Boston Patriots release Joe Guido

The 5'11, 190lb halfback played in college for the Youngstown State Penguins, and was a 14th round (162nd overall) selection of the 1957 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts. Guido never played in the NFL or AFL, but did play briefly for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the CFL.

August 9, 1964:
Exhibition Game #1; Sunday, 2:00 pm at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill
Houston Oilers 38, Boston Patriots 7

Mike Holovak's club was coming off a defeat in the 1963 AFL title game, while the Oilers had finished 1½ games behind in the AFL East. The Pats got on the scoreboard first with Jim Colclough hauling in a 43-yard touchdown pass from Tom Yewcic, but it was all Houston after that. The Oilers threw for 356 yards, five touchdowns and one interception, compared to the Pats 191 yards, one TD and three picks. Overall Houston gained 413 yards on 73 offensive plays, while Boston gained 250 yards on 55 plays.

Five-time AFL All-Star Charley hennigan gained 116 yards and scored two touchdowns on three receptions, one from future Patriot QB Don Trull. Charley Frazier, another future Patriot, had six catches for 63 yards and a TD. George Blanda threw for 202 yards and three touchdowns while also kicking a field goal and five extra points for the Oilers. A month shy of his 37th birthday, he wan't close to retirement; Blanda would play pro football for 12 more seasons.




August 9, 1971:
New England signs free agent Roy Winston, and trades Jim Clack and a conditional draft pick to Pittsburgh for Ara Person

The latter was a tight end from Morgan State who played in four NFL games, none with the Pats. Winston never played for the Patriots either. Clack, on the other hand, proceeded to play in 146 games at guard and center for the Steelers and Giants from 1971 to 1981. Typical early 70s mismanagement by the front office.




August 9, 1973:
The Pats claim Mack Herron off waivers
See post above.


August 9, 1983:
John Hannah un-retires with a new contract
See post above.


August 9, 1985:
WR Gerard Phelan is placed on injured reserve after undergoing knee surgey at Mass General Hospital
See Wednesday August 6 post.



August 9, 1990:
Preseason Week One; Thursday, 7:30 pm at Jarry Park, Montreal, Quebec
Pittsburgh Steelers 30, New England Patriots 14

This "American Bowl" game was the second time the Pats played in Canada. On August 25, 1969 the Boston Patriots lost to the Detroit Lions 22-9, in this same stadium. Before a crowd of 26,869 the Steelers took a 16-0 halftime lead and cruised to an easy win. Pittsburgh controlled the ball for 36:25, outrushed the Pats 240 yards to 23, and gained 381 total net yards to just 105 for the Pats. The Steelers sacked the Pats quarterbacks six times, limiting New England to 1.8 yards per rush and a net of 2.2 yards per offensive play. The Patriots points came on a 26-yard pick-six by Maurice Hurst in the third quarter, and a 10-yard pass from Tommy Hodson to Marv Cook on the first play of the 4th quarter. Other than Hurst's interception, the only other highlight was Richard Tardits blocking a 27-yard field goal attempt.

The offensive woes were a sign of things to come. The 1990 Patriots finished dead last in points scored, with 10 or fewer points scored in ten of their games. The defense wasn't any better, ranking 27 out of 28 teams as the Pats had their worst season in franchise history, finishing with 14 straight losses and a 1-15 record.




August 9, 1998:
Preseason Week Two; 7:30 pm at Foxboro Stadium
Minnesota Vikings 28, New England Patriots 0

Rookie Randy Moss caught a 44-yard touchdown pass and 35-year old Randall Cunningham threw two touchdown passes to guide the Vikings to an easy road win in front of 54,111. The Pats went 3-15 on 3rd down (and 0-2 on 4th), allowing three sacks on Drew Bledsoe. Rookie RB Robert Edwards did not play, with Harold Shaw (13 carries, 22 yards, 1.7 ypc) and Sedrick Shaw (8 carries, 13 yards, 1.6 ypc) going nowhere out of the backfield. Of the 13 Patriot offensive drives, nine resulted in a punt, two in turnovers on downs, one in an interception, and the other in a one-play drive before halftime.




August 9, 1974:

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
The JuJu era error comes to an end​

August 9, 2024:
New England releases WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

In his one season with the Patriots JuJu had 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown. According to Pro Football Reference, Schuster averaged a paltry 3.2 yards after a catch, with two drops and four interceptions on the 47 passes thrown to him - culminating in an anemic 48.2 passer rating on balls thrown to him.

Somebody please remind me of the logic in letting Jakobi Meyers walk in free agency, and then spending virtually the same amount of money on a gimpy, rehabbing-from-surgery JJSS?

Patriots Parting Ways With Smith-Schuster | PatsFans.com

It looks like Smith-Schuster’s time with the New England Patriots is finally over.

www.patsfans.com

He’s struggled during camp getting separation, which comes despite the veteran saying he was significantly healthier from where he was a year ago.​

Coming off a knee injury prior to his signing with the Patriots, Smith-Schuster ended up having a tough 2023 season, failing to make an impact in replacing the production after the departure of Jacoby Meyers last offseason.​

He finished with just 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown last season, and never ended up being the receiving threat they thought they were getting when they signed him back in March last offseason.​

Patriots Player Departure - Patriots release JU JU

Yep he gone

www.patsfans.com

never should have happened,

Jakobi should still be in new england

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
August 9 Pats trivia from the aughts​

August 9, 2005:
The Patriots cut a player 24 hours after signing him.

Tight end released by Patriots a day after signing

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots released tight end Matt Brandt on Tuesday, one day after they signed him. Brandt, who played at Miami (Ohio), had signed with the Super Bowl champions…

www.fosters.com

The New England Patriots released tight end Matt Brandt on Tuesday, one day after they signed him.​

Brandt, who played at Miami (Ohio), had signed with the Super Bowl champions on the same day they released tight end Andy Stokes, of William Penn, the last player chosen in this year's draft. The Patriots are deep at tight end with Daniel Graham, Benjamin Watson, Christian Fauria and Jed Weaver.​

Brandt was released in August 2004 by the Detroit Lions, who had signed him in April 2004 as an undrafted free agent after he caught 76 passes for 916 yards and nine touchdowns in college.​

This was the end of the 6'5, 248 lb Brandt's pro football career. It's not clear if the release was health related or something else. The article above is slightly off; Pats had waived TE Andy Stokes to make room for Brandt on the roster the previous day. As mentioned above, the Pats utilized Watson (in his second season), fourth year pro Graham, and 34-year old Fauria; Weaver was released as part of final roster cuts.




August 9, 2008:
Strong safety Tank Williams is placed on injured reserve.

I was really intrigued with the 6'3, 223lb Williams when he was signed, with Belichick envisioning him in big nickel packages. Unfortunately he never played a single down in a regular season game for the Patriots.

Tank Williams to IR

The Patriots place Tank Williams on injured reserve, ending his season.

www.boston.com

The Patriots announced that safety/linebacker Tank Williams has been placed on injured reserve today, ending his season.​

Williams injured his knee in Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Ravens while playing on special teams.​

The team also announced the signing of veteran cornerback Jeff Shoate. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Shoate has played in 14 NFL games, all with the Denver Broncos.​

Denver selected Shoate in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL draft and released him Dec. 4, 2007. He was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad eight days later and he ultimately joined the New York Giants practice squad during last season's playoffs.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
August 9 Pats trivia from the 2010s​

August 9, 2010:

Patriots sign 2; cut Farnham, Grady

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots announced the signing of offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton and cornerback DeAngelo Willingham today. To make room on the 80-man roster, the team released receiver Buddy Farnham and defensive lineman Adrian Grady.

www.espn.com

The Patriots announced the signing of offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton and cornerback DeAngelo Willingham today. To make room on the 80-man roster, the team released receiver Buddy Farnham and defensive lineman Adrian Grady.​

Farnham, who grew up in Andover, Mass., and played at Brown University, was battling longshot odds to earn a roster spot.​

Stapleton is an interior offensive lineman, and that's a spot where the Patriots are thin as starting left guard Logan Mankins did not report to camp in a contract dispute and his replacement Nick Kaczur is out with a back injury. Stapleton (6-3, 305) entered the league in 2007 as a rookie free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He made 15 starts at right guard in 2008 (including playoffs and Super Bowl XLIII). He injured his knee last preseason and did not play in 2009.​

Willingham gives the Patriots another layer of depth at cornerback, as starter Leigh Bodden and rookie free agent Terrence Johnson have been sidelined and probably won't play in the preseason opener. Willingham (6-0, 200) has bounced around the league, and this is his second stop in New England: he spent two weeks on the Patriots' practice squad in 2009.​

August 9, 2011:
New England Patriots dedicate the 2011 season to Myra Kraft
See post above.


August 9, 2011:

OL Wetterer claimed; Ventrone out

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Thin along the offensive line, the Patriots claimed rookie guard Mark Wetterer on waivers from the Bengals today. To make room for Wetterer on the roster, the club waived safety Ross Ventrone.

www.espn.com

Thin along the offensive line, the Patriots claimed rookie guard Mark Wetterer on waivers from the Bengals today. To make room for Wetterer on the roster, the club waived safety Ross Ventrone.​

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Wetterer signed with his hometown Bengals as a free agent after going undrafted. He started 28 games for Louisville over his college career and was a first-team All Big East selection in 2010.​

The Patriots are battling injuries along the offensive line, with starting right guard Dan Connolly (right elbow) and veteran backup Chris Morris (left ankle) not finishing practice on Monday. Meanwhile, top backup center/guard Ryan Wendell has been sidelined by a calf injury since the early days of camp. The Patriots also are without tackle Matt Light, who is on the physically unable to perform list. This led to tackle Mark LeVoir taking reps at right guard during Tuesday's practice.​

Ventrone, a favorite of coach Bill Belichick, has also been sidelined with an injury and could return when healthy if he clears waivers (which is likely).​

August 9, 2012:
Preseason Week One; Thursday, 7:35 pm at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 7, New Orleans Saints 6

The two teams combined for 15 punts, one fumble lost, three interceptions (including two on back-to-back drives) and two missed field goals. The only touchdown of the game came on a third quarter 3-yard pass from Brian Hoyer to Kenny Britt. Steve Gregory and Patrick Chung both had a pick for the Pats defense.

Game Notes

Full Play by Play:

Patriots 7-6 Saints (Aug 9, 2012) Play-by-Play - ESPN

Play-by-play action for the New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints NFL game from August 9, 2012 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

If you really want to know more there is a complete live blog synopsis below:

Patriots defeat Saints, 7-6, in first preseason game at Gillette Stadium

The Patriots edged the Saints, 7-6, in New England's first preseason game at Gillette Stadium.

www.boston.com

August 9, 2013:
Preseason Week One; Friday, 7:36 pm at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
New England Patriots 31, Philadelphia Eagles 22

Stevan Ridley opened the game with a 62-yard run to set up his 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and the Patriots rushed for 248 yards against the Eagles, averaging 8.0 yards per carry. Tom Brady (7-8-65-1-0) started followed by Ryan Mallett (9-18-97-0-0). Tim Tebow entered the game at the end of the second quarter and played the rest of the game, finishing just 4 of 12 for 55 yards. He also gained 31 yards on four carries - but was sacked three times for a loss of 23.

Game Notes

Patriots 31-22 Eagles (Aug 9, 2013) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles NFL game from August 9, 2013 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

1. TOM BRADY DOESN'T NEED BIG-NAME WRs: Brady has a new group of receivers after the team's top five receiving leaders from last season are gone or injured. It didn't matter. The two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP finished 7 of 8 for 65 yards and one TD. Kenbrell Thompkins was Brady's top target, catching four passes for 23 yards. Rookie Aaron Dobson had two catches for 35 yards. Brady was most pleased with the team's first drive when he handed off all six plays for 80 yards.​

5. TIM TEBOW STILL HAS WORK TO DO: Tebow made his New England debut after backup Ryan Mallett left with a head injury late in the second quarter. He was 4 of 12 for 55 yards and ran for 31 yards on four carries.​

Though Tebow adds a new dimension for the Patriots because he can run the option, he has to improve his passing skills.​

August 9, 2017:
Vince Wilfork signs a one-day contract and retires as a New England Patriot
See original post.




August 9, 2018:

Patriots Waive TE Shane Wimann From IR With Settlement

The New England Patriots officially waived TE Shane Wimann from injured reserve with a settlement on Thursday. Wimann, 23, wound up signing on with the Patriots an undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois back

nfltraderumors.co

The New England Patriots officially waived TE Shane Wimann from injured reserve with a settlement on Thursday.​

Wimann, 23, wound up signing on with the Patriots an undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois back in May. He was waived with an injury designation a few weeks ago and he later reverted to injured reserve. During his four-year college career at NIU, Wimann caught 65 passes for 635 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns over the course of 31 games.​

Shane Wimann walks to the field during Patriots Training Camp on July 26, 2018​

August 9, 2018:
Preseason Week One; Thursday, 7:35 pm at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 26, Washington Redskins 17

After falling behind 17-0 in the first half, the Patriots rallied with 26 unanswered points to claim a 26-17 victory over Washington. Rookie RB Ralph Webb ran for two touchdowns and also scored on a pair of two-point plays in the fourth quarter to lead the comeback. Webb finished with carries with 46 yards.

With Tom Brady sidelined, Brian Hoyer was given the reigns. After a sluggish start, the Pats put together a scoring drive with 49 seconds to play in the first half. Hoyer connected with first-year WR Devein Lucien on a 22-yard pass, followed by a 25-yard pass to set up a 52-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski with eight seconds left in the half.

The Patriots received the second half kickoff and Hoyer led the offense on a 19-play, 84-yard drive that took 10:16 off the clock before RB Jeremy Hill scored on a one-yard run. After stopping Washington on the next series, Hoyer led a 16-play, 90-yard drive that culminated with an 8-yard touchdown run by Webb, followed by a two-point play to give the Pats an 18-17 lead in the fourth quarter.

WR Julian Edelman made his return and was in the starting lineup after missing the entire 2017 season with a torn ACL.

Game Notes

Preseason Game 1: Patriots vs Redskins

NFL: Washington Redskins at New England Patriots NFL: Washington Redskins at New England Patriots NFL: Washington Redskins at New England Patriots NFL: Washington Redskins at New England Patriots NFL: Washington...

985thesportshub.com

Patriots 26-17 Redskins (Aug 9, 2018) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. Washington Redskins NFL game from August 9, 2018 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
August 9 Pats trivia from the current decade​

August 9, 2020:

Lions trade CB Michael Jackson to Patriots for 2022 draft pick

The Lions traded cornerback Michael Jackson to the Patriots on Sunday after the Lions had announced they were planning to release Jackson. The Lions receive a conditional 2022 seventh-round draft pick, a source told ESPN's Mike Reiss.

www.espn.com

The Detroit Lions traded cornerback Michael Jackson to the New England Patriots on Sunday, hours after announcing plans to release the veteran. In return, the Lions receive a conditional 2022 seventh-round pick in the NFL draft.​

Jackson played in one game for Detroit last season, a 19-16 loss at Washington, where he played two special teams snaps. Detroit had claimed him off waivers in September 2019, after he was cut by Dallas. Trading Jackson clears up part of one of the deepest positions the Lions have on the roster with a handful of cornerbacks still competing for backup jobs.​

This is the sixth trade, not including in-draft moves, between the Lions and Patriots since Bob Quinn took over as general manager in January 2016.​

The Patriots have multiple openings on their roster after an NFL-high eight players opted out of the 2020 season. Jackson provides depth at cornerback, which is one of the deepest positions on the team's roster, with reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, followed by Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson, Joejuan Williams, D'Angelo Ross and Myles Bryant.​

The Patriots could have waited and put in a waiver claim for Jackson, but since they are lower in the NFL's priority order, they wouldn't have been guaranteed they'd get him. So similar to how they traded for McCourty in 2018, when the Cleveland Browns had declared their intentions to release McCourty, the Patriots swooped in at the last moment with a trade.​

August 9, 2021:

Report: Patriots waive quarterback Jake Dolegala

The New England Patriots waived quarterback Jake Dolegala on Monday per Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus. The 24=year-old was on the Patriots practice squad for most of last season. Following the injury to quarterback Jarrett Stidham, New England signed Dolegala…

patriotswire.usatoday.com

Jake Dolegala was the fifth signal-caller on the roster behind Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Jarrett Stidham (physically unable to perform list) and Brian Hoyer. Dolegala, 24, had two stints on the New England practice squad in 2020.​

Report: Patriots sign Brian Khoury, D-III longsnapper

Khoury spent time in the XFL before the league halted.

www.masslive.com

With Joe Cardona sidelined by a wrist injury, the Patriots reportedly signed Brian Khoury, who was released by the Baltimore Ravens in May. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Khoury played college football at Carnegie Mellon and played defensive end/long snapper for the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2019.​

Khoury is the first Carnegie Melon alum in the school’s history to make an NFL roster and was at practice on Monday afternoon sporting No. 46. In Cardona’s absence on Sunday, Deatrich Wise was the emergency longsnapper for field goals, while Jonnu Smith handled the punts.​

August 9, 2023:

Patriots round out 90-man roster by signing ex-Bills linebacker Joe Giles-Harris

The Patriots filled out the final spot on their 90-man roster on Wednesday by signing a veteran linebacker who last played for the Bills.

www.boston.com

New England announced on Wednesday evening that they signed linebacker Joe Giles-Harris, with the 26-year-old veteran accounting for the final vacancy on the team’s roster.​

Giles-Harris’ arrival comes after the Patriots recently put linebacker Terez Hall on injured reserve and released wideout Ed Lee.​

Giles-Harris, 26, has appeared in 17 games (three starts) in the NFL, logging 18 tackles and one sack. The Duke University product spent the last two seasons with the Bills, utilized in more of a special-teams role.​

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots also worked out linebackers Dillon Doyle, Frank Ginda, and Tyreek Maddox-Williams on Wednesday before signing Giles-Harris.​

Giles-Harris is likely looking at more of a potential practice-squad role in New England, with many other linebackers ahead of him on the depth chart including Ja’Whaun Bentley, Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Mack Wilson, Marte Mapu, Jahlani Tavai, and Chris Board.​

Fast-forward one year later:

Studs and duds in Patriots Week 1 preseason victory over Panthers

The New England Patriots had a successful debut to kick-start the Jerod Mayo era in Thursday's preseason opener against the

sports.yahoo.com

Stud: LB Joe Giles-Harris​

Joe Giles-Harris was all over the field. This was one of those games where he kept popping up and making plays. It was mostly his ability to help out in pass coverage that was so impressive. He finished the game with three tackles and two pass deflections. It's going to be tough for him to make the final roster, but anything is possible if he's able to build on this performance throughout the rest of training camp.​

​

August 9, 2024:
Patriots release JuJu Smith-Schuster
See post above.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
**** Steinberg​

In memory of **** Steinberg, who would have turned 90 today
Born August 9, 1935 in Philadelphia
Died September 25, 1995 at the age of 60
Patriot scout, 1972-1976; Director of Player Development, 1981-1989
Named Director of Player Development on February 9, 1981
Pats résumé: five seasons as a scout, nine seasons as an executive


**** Steinberg worked as a high school coach, then as an assistant for Vanderbilt, Kansas State and Southern Miss form 1964 to 1971.

His first job in the NFL was for the Patriots in 1971 when 34-year old GM Upton Bell hired Steinberg as a scout. Bell's tenure did not last long, but Steinberg continued to assist Bucko Kilroy for five seasons.

In 1981, Steimberg returned to the Patriots and for nine seasons he was their Director of Player Development. Four years later the Pats were AFC champions, squishing the fish before losing in Super Bowl 20. The Pats began a slow downward spiral after that, and in 1989 his role was reduced. The Patriots had no problem with his 'exploring other options', and Steinberg was hired by the Jets to be their GM. Owner Victor Kiam - who thought of himself as a much more savvy businessman than he actually was - cried foul. Kiam demanded compensation, but got nowhere. While the Jets did improve with Steinberg from 1990 to 1994, they still only made the playoffs once in the five seaons with Steinberg as their GM.

**** Steinberg passed away just after the start of the 1995 season, after a nine-month battle with stomach cancer.

1972 Patriots Media Guide



1981 Patriots Media Guide



1989 Patriots Media Guide

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ned Martin​

In memory of Ned Martin, who would have turned 102 today
Born August 9, 1923 in Wayne, Pennsylvania
Died July 23, 2002 at the age of 78 in Raleigh, NC
Patriots radio play-by-play announcer, 1965
Pats résumé: one season providing radio broadcasts

Ned Martin is rightfully most well known as being the voice of the Boston Red Sox, but he also worked the Boston Patriots games briefly in the early days of the franchise. Martin was paired with Fred Cusick - who was also better known as a radio voice of another Boston pro sports team, the Boston Bruins.

Bob Gallagher had been the Pats radio guy since their inception. Gallagher was a tackle at North Quincy High School, and then called games at Boston College in 1956 where he met Mike Holovak. Martin replaced Gallagher in 1965, who left to become sports director at WNAC (ABC channel 7 at that time).

In 1966 the Pats radio broadcasts moved from WEEI 590-AM to a more lucrative deal with WBZ. Bob Starr replaced Martin on the play-by-play, and the legendary Gil Santos replaced Cusick for the color commentary.

Martin called Boston Red Sox games on both WHDH radio and WHDH-TV from 1961 to 1971, on WHDH radio from 1972 to 1975, on WMEX radio from 1976 to 1978, on WSBK-TV from 1979 to 1987, and on NESN from 1985 to 1992. Over those years Ned worked alongside fellow announcers or analysts Curt Gowdy, Art Gleeson, Mel Parnell, Ken Coleman, Johnny Pesky, John MacLean, Dave Martin, Jim Woods, Ken Harrelson, Bob Montgomery, and Jerry Remy.

Ned Martin passed away in 2002 after traveling home from a memorial service at Fenway Park for Ted Williams.

1965 Boston Patriots Media Guide

Great detailed bio on Ned Martin below, for anybody that is interested:

Ned Martin – Society for American Baseball Research

sabr.org

Ned Martin – Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame

www.massbroadcastershof.org

Baseball Reference -- Bullpen -- Ned Martin

Ned Martin dies at 79 in airport

Ned Martin, the radio and television voice of the Boston Red Sox for 31 years, died yesterday, a day after attending the Ted Williams tribute at Fenway Park. He was 79. Martin collapsed at North Ca…

www.capecodtimes.com

50 years on, historic Sox win still seems impossible

www.boston.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bill Bain​

Happy 73rd birthday to Bill Bain
Born August 9, 1952 in Los Angeles
Patriot OT, 1986; uniform #62
Signed as a free agent on December 2, 1986

In 1975 Bill Bain was a second round draft pick out of USC in by the Packers. Bain was the starting left tackle for the Rams in 1983 when Eric ****erson set NFL rookie records for most yards rushing (1,808), touchdowns (18) and yards from scrimmage (2,212). Bain was again at left tackle the following season when ****erson set NFL all-time single-season records for rushing yardage (2,205) and 100-yard rushing games (12).

Bain arrived in Foxborough at the tail end of a twelve year NFL career for the last three games of the 1986 season, plus the 22-17 playoff loss at Denver. That 1986 season had a rough ending, with Andre Tippett, Clayton Weishuhn and Steve Nelson all going on IR in November, and then Irving Fryar suffering a concussion in an automobile accident.

Bain had wanted to return for a 13th NFL season, but he and GM Patrick Sullivan were unable to agree to terms for another contract.


Oct 15, 1985:

It Has Been a Strain, Says Bain; No Longer Can He Carry Around 300 Pounds

Arnold Schwarzenegger, relax. Breathe easy, Tom Selleck.

www.latimes.com

1986 New England Patriots Team Season Highlights "Fight To The Finish" (23:52)





1986 Divisional Round Patriots @ Broncos (2:18:45)

​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
James Robinson​

Happy 27th birthday to James Robinson
Born August 9, 1998 in Rockford, Illinois
Patriot RB, 2023 offseason; uniform #3
Signed as a free agent on March 15, 2023





March 15, 2023:

Report: Patriots sign RB James Robinson to two-year deal

The Patriots reportedly signed running back James Robinson to a two-year contract on Wednesday.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Robinson, 24, burst on the scene as a rookie in 2020 with 1,414 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He enjoyed a solid sophomore campaign before tearing his Achilles late in the season.​

In 2022 Robinson played seven games for the Jaguars before being traded to the New York Jets. He amassed 476 yards and five TDs in 11 games and was not tendered a contract from the Jets heading into the new league year.​

Robinson joins a Patriots running back room that includes Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong, and Kevin Harris. Damien Harris is a free agent after four seasons in New England.​

Patriots and RB James Robinson agree to 2-year deal, source says

RB James Robinson has agreed to a two-year deal with the Patriots that has a maximum value of $8 million, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

www.espn.com

Running back James Robinson has agreed to a two-year deal with the New England Patriots that has a maximum value of $8 million. Robinson, 24, became an unrestricted free agent when the New York Jets decided not to tender him an offer for the 2023 season.​

The 5-foot-9, 219-pound Robinson projects as a complement to top running back Rhamondre Stevenson, which was a role previously held by Damien Harris, who is an unrestricted free agent.​

The Jets acquired Robinson last season in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars after starter Breece Hall sustained a season-ending torn ACL. Robinson rushed for 85 yards in four games and had a touchdown reception.​

He rushed for a combined 425 yards and had five total TDs between the two teams last season.​

Robinson burst on the scene as an undrafted rookie in 2020, rushing for 1,070 yards and scoring 10 total touchdowns in his debut season with the Jaguars.​

In three NFL seasons, the undrafted rookie has rushed for 2,262 yards and scored 23 total touchdowns.​

In addition to his rushing production in his first two NFL seasons, Robinson totaled 80 receptions for 566 yards and three touchdowns. The Patriots have traditionally placed an emphasis on running backs who are also reliable pass-catchers.​

Newcomer James Robinson 'Felt Like it Was the Right Move' to Join the Patriots This Offseason (Evan Lazar, Patriots.com)

Three seasons ago, new Patriots running back James Robinson made the 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State University.​

Robinson made the Jaguars roster as a summer standout in training camp, earning the lead back role as one of a few bright spots on a team that finished the year 1-15. The now 24-year-old ran for 1,070 yards with ten total touchdowns in his first NFL season, adding another 49 catches for 344 receiving yards for 1,414 scrimmage yards in the 2020 season.​

The Pats free-agent addition was then on pace for another productive season with 989 total yards and eight touchdowns in the first 14 games of 2021. Robinson was a true hidden gem in Jacksonville. However, his career took an unfortunate turn from there.​

Unfortunately, Robinson's second season ended abruptly when he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in a late December game against the Jets. Robinson would make a remarkable recovery to be ready for the 2022 season. But the Jags already turned the RB1 duties over to first-round pick Travis Etienne, trading Robinson mid-season to the Jets.​

Now well over a year removed from tearing his Achilles, Robinson has found a new home with the Patriots after signing a two-year contract with the team on the first official day of free agency.​

After Stevenson had to play over 66 percent of the offensive snaps with 279 touches last season, the Patriots, who typically rotate running backs to keep guys fresh, are hoping that Robinson will return to his pre-Achilles tear form to carve out a role behind Stevenson.​

Along with trying to prove that he's still the same player he was in his first 28 career games, where he tallied over 2,400 scrimmage yards in Jacksonville, Robinson is also hoping to settle into a role in his new home after moving around during the 2022 season.​

The assumption following Damien Harris's departure is to pencil Robinson in as a potential spell back for Stevenson in an early-down role. Typically, as Harris did, New England's first and second down backs are primarily carrying the ball between the tackles. During his four seasons with the Patriots, nearly 60 percent of Harris's snaps were running plays.​

However, an optimistic projection for Robinson, assuming he has returned to full strength, is that he can also contribute in the passing game. In his first two NFL seasons, Robinson caught 80 passes for 566 yards. He was a reliable option on check downs and screens and also showed some versatility throughout his career to line up in the slot or out wide as a receiver.​

Although he's not a natural short-area separator with jitterbug quickness in the James White mold, Robinson certainly can bring another dependable option in the passing game out of the backfield.​

Harris was in and out of the lineup last season, but he was a productive player with 100-plus rushing attempts in his last three seasons for 2,082 yards and 20 touchdowns. In 2021, Harris had a breakout second season with 929 rushing yards and 15 scores.​

Eventually, Stevenson passed Harris on the depth chart as the top running back in New England's backfield. But the idea was to create a platoon before Harris got injured in 2022.​

The Pats prepared for the end of Harris's four-year rookie contract when they drafted Strong (fourth round) and Kevin Harris (sixth) in the 2022 draft. Then, Harris signed a one-year deal with New England's division rival in Buffalo this spring, opening the door for new contributors.​

Robinson hopes to step through that door as a reliable ball carrier for the Patriots this season.​

June 12, 2023:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4604277/2023/06/12/patriots-waive-james-robinson/

New England signed Robinson to a two-year, $4 million deal this offseason. The contract only contained $150,000 in guaranteed money.​

Here's the reported reason why the Patriots cut James Robinson

According to a report, the New England Patriots decided to cut recently signed running back James Robinson due to injury concerns.

www.boston.com

On Monday, following the first day of mandatory minicamp, the Patriots announced they would be releasing 24-year-old running back James Robinson.​

According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, the Patriots were not comfortable with how injury prone Robinson is.​

Over the past three seasons, the running back has played in 39 of a possible 51 games. In that stretch, Robinson has suffered a season-ending Achilles injury and other injuries to his heel and knee.​

He also had some minor injuries in college, missing three games with a calf injury as a freshman.​

Knowing this injury history, the Patriots opted to sign Robinson to an incentive laden two-year deal with a potential total of $4 million.​

With the way the deal broke down, New England will only owe Robinson $150,000 following his release.​

Without Robinson, the Patriots now have five running backs on their minicamp roster. Rhamondre Stevenson is preparing to enter his third year with the team and should slot in as the starter, but there isn’t much depth behind him.​

Ty Montgomery has starting experience from his early years in the league with the Packers but was used solely as a wide receiver last year by the Patriots.​

After Stevenson and Montgomery, the team has Kevin Harris, Pierre Strong Jr., and J.J. Taylor. Those last three have just 308 career rushing yards between them.​

If Belichick wants to sign a veteran back as insurance, there are some solid options out there.​

The Vikings released Dalvin Cook last week, and Kareem Hunt, Ezekiel Elliot, and Leonard Fournette all remain free agents.​

After being released by the Patriots, Robinson signed with the Giants - but was released as part of final roster cutdowns. He spent most of 2023 on Green Bay's practice squad, elevated to the active roster twice and getting on the field for just four snaps. Robinson finished the 2023 season on the Saints practice squad, and is still currently on their roster.


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A tough inside runner, Robinson has nice vision for open lanes and the patience to set up blocks. He's also a decent receiver and strong in pass protection. Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller will have the top two spots in the New Orleans backfield, leaving Robinson to battle Jamaal Williams for the role of power runner and short yardage specialist in training camp.​