Today In Patriots History Feb 11, 2011: Bill O'Brien named Offensive Coordinator

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
BOB named OC​

February 11, 2011:
Bill O'Brien named Offensive Coordinator

2011 would be O'Briens final year in his first stint with the New England Patriots. That season the teaam set a franchise record with 6,846 yards of offense while scoring 32.1 points per game. O'Brien's offense scored 513 points and 61 touchdowns, third most in team history at the time (fourth now). In what was expected to be a bit of a down/regroup-reload year, the Patriots exceeded expectations and won their seventh conference championship.

Bill is a local guy, born in Dorchester and raised in Andover. He attended Brown University, playing linebacker and defensive end for the Bears from 1990-92. He then stayed in Providence to begin his coaching career, first as a TE coach and then ILB coach the following year. From there he spent eight successful seasons at Georgia Tech, working his way up from a grad assistant to RB coach to offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. Next was two years as RB coach at Maryland and two as OC at Duke. Seems like Bill had a penchant for schools highly regarded for their academics, going back to his Ivy League days.

After 14 years of coaching college football, O'Brien seemingly started all over in his first NFL job on the bottom rung of the Pats staff as a coaching assistant in 2007.

Bill O'Brien was literally the last coach mentioned in the Patriots' 2007 media guide​

BOB was quickly promoted to wide receivers coach in 2008, and QB coach in 2009-2010. After Josh McDaniels departed to become head coach of the Denver Broncos, Bill Belichick did not officially have an offensive coordinator on his staff from 2009-10, but O'Brien was the de facto OC until being formally assigned the title in 2011.

​

O'Brien then became the 15th head coach in the history of Penn State. He replaced formerly lauded and then disgraced Joe Paterno, having to take over a program that was in shambles following the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal and coverup. The program had a four-year postseason ban and loss of 40 scholarships - but despite that the Nittany Lions went 8-4 in O'Brien's first season as HC, and 7-5 in 2013. O'Brien then got a much larger reclamation project, becoming head coach of the Houston Texans, who were coming off a 2-14 season. In his first year as an NFL head coah the Texans had a seven-game improvement, barely missing the playoffs. The Texans would go on to win three division titles under BOB before he was fired after an 0-4 start in 2020.

BOB then worked as the OC under Nick Saban at the University of Alabama, with the Tide averaging over 41 points per game and QB Bryce Young winning the Heisman Trophy. He returned to New England in 2023 but was fired after one year, as Jerod Mayo became the new head coach and cleaned house, opting for Alex Van Pelt to become his new OC.

In 2024 O'Brien was hired as head coach at Boston College, succeeding Jeff Hafley, who recently became the new head coach for the Miami Dolphins. In his first season BOB exceeded expectations as the Eagles went 7-6, but this past year they regressed, finishing 2-10.



Feb 12, 2011 - Ian Logue:

Saturday New England Patriots Links 2/12

Here are today's headlines for Saturday February 12th, 2012.

www.patsfans.com

There's not much going on so this will be a brief entry this morning, but here are today's headines.​

Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald reports that Bill O'Brien was finally officially named the team's offensive coordinator. O'Brien more or less handled the playcalling duties for the team this season, and this new designation is considered a promotion and a reward for the job he did this season.​

Feb 9, 2011 - Mike Reiss:

Questions to ask with coaching staff

Some dominoes have already fallen when it comes to the Patriots' 2011 coaching staff, with defensive backs coach Corwin Brown not returning and strength coach Mike Woicik scheduled to travel to Dallas today and likely to land on the Cowboys staff.

www.espn.com

2. Will coordinators be named? Belichick took the unconventional step of going coordinator-less in 2010, which generated a media buzz about him doing too much but ended up being more of a non-story. One line of thinking is that Belichick went that route because it was a message to his coaching staff about what was important -- working together and not focusing on job titles. Quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien led the offense, while Belichick was more involved with the defense. If Belichick feels the message got across, do the titles return in 2011?​

Feb 11, 2011 - Tom Curran:

Pats name Bill O'Brien offensive coordinator

By Tom E. Curran CSNNE.com We can now drop the “de facto.” For two seasons, Bill O’Brien has been the lead game-planner and playcaller for the Patriots offense. His title, though, has been quarterbacks coach. On Friday, the Patriots decided to hand him the title of the job that best fits the job...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

We can now drop the "de facto."​

For two seasons, Bill O'Brien has been the lead game-planner and playcaller for the Patriots offense. His title, though, has been quarterbacks coach. On Friday, the Patriots decided to hand him the title of the job that best fits the job he's been doing. It's a good deal for O'Brien, who persevered through a tough 2009 after succeeding former OC Josh McDaniels after McDaniels left to coach the Broncos.​

Coordinating a 2009 offense that featured a still-healing Tom Brady and a subtly declining Randy Moss, O'Brien got a lot of flak for the Patriots' offensive failures, especially in the second halves of games. But in 2010, he helped craft an offense that successfully featured tight ends, reincorporated Deion Branch after the trade of Moss and got production from unlikely sources (Danny Woodhead, BenJarvus Green-Ellis). Brady, meanwhile, returned to full strength and had one of the great regular seasons in NFL history with 36 touchdown passes, four picks and arecord for throws without an interception.​

The fiery O'Brien and equally fiery Brady have been known to flare at each other, but Brady consistently praises O'Brien's preparation and game-calling. O'Brien, meanwhile, has deflectedsole responsibility for offensive game-planning when asked about it, saying it's a shared job among all the offensive coaches and Bill Belichick.​

Meanwhile, jettisoned safeties coach Corwin Brown will be replaced by linebackers coach Matt Patricia. Brown, we've come to hear, could be an especially hard guy to work with whether you werea coaching peer or a player. Patricia figured to be a leading candidate for the defensive coordinator spot vacated last year after the team's au revoir to Dean Pees (Belichick handles that job). Patricia will be working with a group that - despite Brown's demeanor - had an outstanding season.​

Patrick Graham, a defensive assistant, now takes over a linebackers group that returns an All Pro inside linebacker in Jerod Mayo. The 32-year-old Graham is a 2002 graduate of Yale where he played defensive line. Brian Flores goes from offensive assistantassistant coach of special teams to Graham's old job. There's no word out of Dallas yet on the possible hiring of highly respected Patriots strength coach Mike Woicik. It's been acknowledged by a source that the loss would be a blow because of Woicik's expertise but that Harold Nash, Woicik's current assistant, is well thought of, as well.​

Feb 27, 2007 - barely a blip about hiring BOB on Patriots.com:

Patriots hire O'Brien as offensive assistant

Aug 26, 2015:

Bill O'Brien celebrates his son's birthday, other 'Hard Knocks' notes

Hard Knocks spent a morning with Texans coach Bill O'Brien's family on their son Jack's 13th birthday.

www.espn.com

Jan 26, 2023 - Patriots.com:

Patriots Hire Bill O'Brien as Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach

Jan 19, 2024:

Bill O'Brien reportedly leaving New England Patriots to become Ohio State offensive coordinator

Ohio State is hiring Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien as its offensive coordinator, according to reports.

www.cbsnews.com

Feb 9, 2024:

Bill O’Brien leaving Ohio State football for Boston College job after less than a month: Report

Bill O'Brien, Ohio State football's newly hired offensive coordinator, is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the next head coach at Boston College.

www.cleveland.com

Bill O'Brien Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Stats, Coaching Records, Team Ranks, Coordinators, and more for Bill O'Brien on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Bill O'Brien (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bethel Johnson​

Happy 47th birthday to Bethel Johnson
Born Feb 11, 1979 in Dallas, Texas; hometown Corsicana TX
Patriot KR and WR, 2003-2005; uniform #81
Pats 2nd round (45th overall) selection of the 2003 draft, from Texas A&M
Pats résumé: 3 seasons, 39 games (7 starts); 25.1 yard average on 102 kickoff returns (2 TD); 30 receptions with 4 touchdowns


The New England Patriots kick returner, wide receiver and two-time Super Bowl champion turns 47 today.
Johnson is best remembered for an electrifying 41-yard touchdown reception in a freezing cold playoff game against Tennessee.

Bethel Johnson grew up in the Dallas suburb of Corsicana, then traveled a couple hours south to go to Texas A&M. As a member of the Aggies he set what was then a school record for receptions and receiving yards. He and Ty Warren were teammates at College Station.

Johnson had modest numbers as a member of the Patriots. In 39 regular season games he made seven starts, with 30 receptions for 450 yards and four touchdowns. His performance on kickoff returns was superior, averaging 25.1 yards on 102 returns with two touchdowns.

Those stats back up a case for Bethel Johnson being a major draft bust when considering how early he was selected. Johnson had the misfortune to often being compared to another wide receiver that was still available in that draft: Anquan Boldin. On the other hand look at who was selected immediately prior (Taylor Jacobs), and who the number two overall pick was (Charles Rogers). Two wide receivers with similar career stats to Bethel but without the kickoff returns, or the big plays. In other words, far worse draft picks.

The question I would ask though is this: why did the Patriots even use a second round pick on Johnson, when they already had two young receivers (David Givens, Deion Branch) and a pair of solid veterans (Troy Brown, David Patten)? Considering the competition it is no wonder Johnson saw limited playing time.

Bethel Johnson diving catch vs Seahawks
33-second Highlight Play
​

That is not to say that Bethel Johnson did not have any memorable moments for Pats fans. In 2003 he returned a kickoff 92 yards against the Colts as time in the first half expired, giving the Patriots a 24-10 lead. That was the same game that ended with Willie McGinest stonewalling Edgerrin James on 4th-and-1 for a 38-34 victory.

In the 2003 postseason versus Tennessee, Johnson had another clutch performance. In the freezing cold he hauled in a 41-yard pass for a touchdown to give the Pats an early lead. Then on 3rd-and-13 Johnson took a screen pass and managed to gain 14 yards, leading to New England’s second touchdown. On that play the Titans appeared to have Johnson trapped behind the line of scrimmage for a huge loss, but he reversed direction and used his superior speed to evade defenders, then barely stayed in bounds to race up the sideline, eeking out a first down.

4:22 Highlight Video
1/10/04 Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots AFC Divisional Playoff




Bethel Johnson Highlights
3:25 Highlight Video
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The Patriots went undefeated in Bethel Johnson’s six postseason games.

As a rookie Johnson made it a point to put money away and plan for the future. After his pro football career came to an end he began a new career working in the Dallas area as a financial advisor.

Financial adviser Bethel Johnson flattered to 'return' to Pats' headlines

We catch up with former Patriots speedster Bethel Johnson, whom Bill Belichick referenced after the arrival of fleet-footed Cordarrelle Patterson.

www.espn.com

“I got into this about three years ago, because I wanted to help our guys in this industry to stop going broke and help guys understand how money works,” Johnson told ESPN.com in a phone interview. “I look at it as, ‘These guys are my brothers.’ Whether they played before me, or after me, we’re all in the same fraternity. The last thing you want to read is that a player’s money was mismanaged by someone who took advantage of them. I understand what players go through, because I was one of those guys, but I was different in how I saw money. I wasn’t a big spender.”​

When Johnson was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2003 draft, he received a $1.75 million signing bonus as part of a five-year, $3.8 million contract.​

With the assistance of a trusted adviser, Johnson said he planned for his retirement “from Day 1” of his professional career and that upon his retirement in 2008, after a short stint with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, he was “taken care of.”​

“I got my signing bonus and said, ‘Listen, I may never see this money again, so I want this to last me the rest of my life. What I don’t want to do is go back to being broke,’” he said. “That was the game plan.”​

Oct 17, 2004 - Patriots.com:

Patriots Notebook: Johnson redeems himself in win

Bethel Johnson earned a bit of redemption Sunday. A week after he was left of the team's active roster in what amounted to a coach's decision - supposedly because of a lackluster week of practice - the wide receiver became the latest Patriot to come up with a big play at a key time. His clutch 48-yard career-long reception, with the Patriots leading by three points and facing a third down with just under three minutes remaining, was easily one of the biggest plays of the game.​

Facing a third-and-seven from their own 40-yard line, Brady rolled to his left and lofted the ball deep down the left side of the field. Johnson, who was lined up wide right, raced from the opposite side of the field to make a diving catch before he slammed into the ground. Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren challenged the play and lost, and Corey Dillon's 9-yard touchdown two plays later sealed the game.​

"He made a great catch," Head coach Bill Belichick said. "That was a huge play. [It] changed the field position and put us in position to run the clock out. That was a huge play."​

Johnson, who was seemingly in Belichick's doghouse a week ago and was benched against Miami despite a depleted receiving corps, became the latest Patriot to contribute during the team's 20 game winning streak.​

Bethel Johnson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Bethel Johnson - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Damien Harris​

Happy 29th birthday to Damien Harris
Born February 11, 1997 in Richmond, Kentucky; hometown Berea, KY
Patriot RB, 2019-2022; uniform #37
Pats third round (87th overall) selection of the 2019 draft, from Alabama
Pats résumé: four seasons, 38 games (34 starts); 20 touchdowns, 2,375 yards



2019 was a redshirt season for Damien Harris. He was out with a hamstring injury for three games and was a healthy scratch fifteen times. His playing time was limited to brief appearances in two games against the Jets. In week three Harris was on the field for five special team snaps, and in week seven he had four carries for twelve yards while getting off the bench for five plays. Even when the Patriots were thin at running back due to Rex Burkhead’s injury, Harris was invisible.

The 2020 season was a different story. In ten game Harris bulled his way for 30 first downs, despite playing against opponents that stacked the line with no fear of the New England passing game. Harris averaged 5.0 yards per rushing attempt, gaining 743 yards from scrimmage and scoring two touchdowns.

2021 was a breakout year, as Harris rushed for 15 touchdowns and gained 1,061 yards from scrimmage. He started the first nine games, then suffered a concussion. Harris was not as productive after that, and rookie backup Rhamondre Stevenson ended up splitting time with Harris. The following year Harris was sidelined with a hamstring injury in week 5, and Stevenson took over as the lead back.

The Patriots did not appear to make any attempt to re-sign Harris as an unrestricted free agent, and he signed with Buffalo on March 21, 2023 to a one-year, prove-it $1.7 million contract. In week six Harris was carted off with a neck injury, and was placed on injured reserve. Due to the health risks Harris retired from pro football on March 25, 2024, his once-promising career over after five seasons.


Despite his short tenure, Damien Harris ranks 15th all time in franchise history with 20 rushing touchdowns, and eighth with 55.1 yards rushing per game. His 4.7 yards per carry ranks fourth all-time on the team record books (minimum 200 carries). The only running backs with a better career yards-per-carry are Dion Lewis and Danny Woodhead, at 4.8. (QB Steve Grogan owns the team record, with 4.9 yards per carry.)

RB Damien Harris signs 1-year deal with Bills

On the same day their leading rusher left for the Texans, the Bills reached a one-year deal with former Patriots RB Damien Harris.

www.espn.com

Bills RB Damien Harris Reveals Why He Signed with Buffalo

Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris switched sides in free agency after spending the first four years of his career with the New England Patriots.

www.si.com

Instant Reaction: Damien Harris Signs With The Buffalo Bills

www.footballguys.com

Bills coach says Damien Harris has full movement after neck injury

Bills running back Damien Harris was taken off the field in an ambulance and transported to a local hospital after suffering a neck injury Sunday night against the Giants.

www.espn.com

Bills running back Damien Harris taken off field by ambulance

Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris was taken off the football field by ambulance during Sunday night's game with the New York Giants.

abcnews.go.com

Damien Harris retires at age 27: Former Patriots, Bills RB walks away from NFL after five seasons

Harris played five seasons in the AFC East

www.cbssports.com

Buffalo Bills RB Damien Harris announces retirement

Former New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris, 27, a veteran drafted out of Alabama in the third round back in 2019, announced his retirement in an Instagram post on Monday night, saying he has "found the strength to walk away."

www.espn.com

 

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
Feb 11 Trivia​

February 11, 1960:
Boston Patriots announce Lou Saban's coaching staff

One of Billy Sullivan's first hires in December of 1959 was Boston College head coach Mike Holovak, as a scout/director of personnel. Lou Saban was hired as the team's first head coach on February 8, and he added three other assistants to his coaching staff.

Red Miller was hired to be the offensive line coach, Jerry Smith as the defensive line coach, and Joe Collier would handle the defensive backs. Holovak would coach the offensive backfield in addition to his personnel duties.

Holovak would replace Saban early in 1961, and coach the Patriots through the 1968 season while retaining his duties as general manager. He would return to the organization in the late 70s, as a personnel assistant (for Chuck Fairbanks, 1977-78) and director of college scouting (for Bucko Kilroy, 1979-80) before becoming the GM of the Houston Oilers (1981-1993).

Red Miller is the most well known name from this group in NFL circles. He worked as the OL coach for various teams from 1960 to 1976, returning to New England under Chuck Fairbanks from 1973-76, as the Pats progressed into a running jugernaut. From there he became the head coach of the Denver Broncos, going to the super bowl in his first season as head coach and winning coach of the year honors for the 1977 season. Miller compiled a record of 40-22 over four seasons; in 1978 his staff included Joe Collier as DC, and Bill Belichick as as their assistant special teams coach and defensive assistant, breaking down film.

Jerry Smith left in 1962, rejoining Saban with the Buffalo Bills. Smith would go on to coach offensive and defensive lines in the AFL and NFL from 1960 to 1983.

Joe Collier also bolted to join the Bills, working as their linebackers and defensive backs coach from 1962-65, and as their head coach from 1966-68. He joined the Broncos in 1969 and was Denver's defensive coordinator for 17 seasons, from 1972 to 1988. Collier then returned to New England as the Pats DC for **** MacPherson in 1991-92 before retiring. His son Joel Collier was also on MacPherson's staff as an assistant RB/WR coach, and later worked for the Pats as a pro scout (1993) and secondary coach (2005-07). Since 2016 the younger Collier has worked for Atlanta, as a director of pro personnel and as a national scout.




February 11, 1977:
Larrye Weaver resigns as Pats defensive back coach.

Weaver worked for seven years as a coaching assistant in college before getting a job as the LA Rams defensive backs coach in 1971. He joined the Patriots two years later, working for Chuck Fairbanks for four seasons. Weaver departed for San Diego, also as their DB coach, becoming their OC in 1981-82, and the Browns OC in 1983. Kind of odd that a guy who spent his whole coaching career as a defensive assistant get his first job on offense as OC, but what do I know. Matt Patricia approves, I suppose.

February 11, 1999:
The Patriots terminate DE Ferric Collons' contract, and sign nine other players one day ahead of free agency.

Collons would sign with Oakland but be released as part of the Raiders' final roster cuts, then re-sign with New England on September 8. Collons played in 64 NFL games, all with the Patriots, from 1995 to 1999.

Of the other players signed, seven were practice squaders that would be allocated to NFL Europe later in the month: OL Tarren Crawford, S Cory Gilliard, S Kadar Hamilton, QB Jim Murphy, T Matt Rheem, LB Bernard Russ, OL Brent Warren and WR Sir Mawn Wilson. The other two signed were WR Chad Mackey and former 2nd-round pick DT James Manley. None of them ever made it onto a Patriots roster.




February 11, 2002:

Update: 12 signed; Europe allocations announced

The Patriots announced the signing of 12 free agents late Monday, including five players who finished the season on the team's practice squad.​

Guard Drew Inzer, the only player to spend the entire season on New England's five-man practice squad, defensive tackle Maurice Anderson, offensive lineman Tom Ashworth, defensive end Setema Gali and wide receiver Scott McCready were all re-signed. Also brought back were linebacker Maugaula Tuitele, who played one game for New England in each of the last two seasons, and long snapper Ryan Benjamin, who was with the team briefly during training camp.​

The others signed were guard Mike Clare; cornerback Cecil Deckard; center Patrick Downey; defensive end Radell Lockhart; and safety Mark Washington.​

Of the players signed Monday, seven have been allocated for NFL Europe play this spring. Clare, Deckard, Downey, Lockhart, McCready, Tuitele and Washington will represent New England overseas. Which team each will play for will be determined Tuesday when the NFL Europe allocation draft is held.​

The most notable of that group was Tom Ashworth, who went on to win two super bowls with the Patriots through 2005 as their right tackle. Ula Tuitele was constantly bouncing back and forth between the practice squad and active roster from 2000 to 2002, appearing in five games with the Patriots. Scott McCready spent much of 2001 and 2002 on the Pats practice squad, and 2003 on IR, but never got on the field for the Pats. He spent six seasons in NFL Europe, and was All-NFLE in 2004.

Hilarious to think that not all that long ago the practice squad consisted of just five players.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AshwTo20.htm

Ula Tuitele Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Ula Tuitele. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Scott McCready Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Scott McCready. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

​

February 11, 2011:

Friday New England Patriots Links 2/11

Here are today's New England Patriots headlines for Friday February 11th, 2011.

www.patsfans.com

A quiet news morning, but here are today's colleciton of Patriots headlines from around the internet.​

Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald writes that Logan Mankins will definitely have the franchise tag placed on him during the 14-day window given teams, and says it could potentially happen as early as today. Rapoport speculates that instead of just a one year deal for the offensive lineman, the Patriots may be using it to extend the negotiation period with Mankins, much like they did with Vince Wilfork.​

ESPN Boston's Mike Rodak has an article on free agent runningbacks, and ponders some of the names that will be available to potentially fill a need with this football team.​

Michael Hurley of NESN reports that Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen broke the three point record last night against the Lakers in a 92-86 loss, but was congratulated by Patriots receiver Wes Welker afterward for his accomplishment. Hurley writes that Welker made a "toe" reference, and ponders if that may get him in further trouble with head coach Bill Belichick.​

February 11, 2020:
Patriots sign veteran CB Lenzy Pipkins

Patriots sign defensive back Lenzy Pipkins

Pipkins, 26, is a veteran of two NFL seasons with Green Bay (2017), Indianapolis (2018), Detroit (2018) and Cleveland (2018). The 6-foot, 196-pounder went to training camp with Cleveland last summer but was released on Aug. 31 and spent the season out of football.​

Pipkins originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with Green Bay out of Oklahoma State in 2017. He appeared in 12 games with one start as a rookie and finished with 17 total tackles, one pass defensed and one special teams tackle for the Packers. Pipkins played in three total games in 2018 with two different teams and totaled nine tackles. He was traded by Green Bay to Indianapolis Aug. 26, 2018, and spent time on the practice squad and 53-man roster. He played in one game for the Colts before being waived and claimed off waivers by Detroit. He was released by Detroit after appearing in two games and then spent the final six weeks of the season on the Cleveland practice squad.​

The Patriots released Pipkins just prior to the start of the 2020 training camp, finishing his NFL career.

Patriots release cornerback Lenzy Pipkins

Lenzy Pipkins had agreed to a futures contract in February.

www.patspulpit.com

Across stints with the Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, Pipkins has appeared in 15 games to record 24 tackles and one pass deflection. He’s seen 175 snaps on defense and 133 snaps on special teams in his regular-season career.​

The New England cornerback depth chart stands with Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams, Justin Bethel, D’Angelo Ross and rookie Myles Bryant out of Washington.​

I didn't realize that Mike Reiss had such a sense of humor:

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More Feb 11 Birthdays​

In memory of **** Klein, who would have turned 92 today
Born February 11, 1934 in Pana, Illinois; hometown Danville, IL
Patriot DT, 1961-62; uniform #62
Signed as a veteran free agent on October 4, 1961
Pats résumé: two seasons, 24 games (22 starts); 1962 AFL All-Star

Richard James ‘Sleepy’ Klein began his pro football career as a draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 1955. He played in 24 games over two seasons with the Boston Patriots. In 1962 Klein and Charlie Long were both named to the AFL All-Star team at defensive tackle. Despite the honors, Klein was let go due to Houston Antwine's successful transition from offense to defensive tackle, and the progress and emergence of Jim Lee Hunt at DT.

In his post-football career **** Klein owned and operated his own business, selling municipal and industrial chemicals.

Patriots make changes as San Diego comes east | Lewiston Evening Journal - Oct 5, 1961

DT **** Klein joins East squad | Nashua Telegraph - Jan 3, 1963

​

Happy 72nd birthday to Ricky Feacher
Born February 11, 1954 in Crystal River, Florida
Patriot KR/WR, 1976; uniform #83
Pats tenth round (270th overall) selection of the 1976 draft, from Mississippi Valley State
Pats résumé: one season, three games (zero starts); two receptions

Ricky Feacher made the initial roster as a rookie in 1976, appearing in the first three games of the season. He had two receptions for 38 yards and returned ten kickoffs. Unfortunately he also fumbled the ball three times, although he was at least able to recover two of those miscues. Chuck Fairbanks released Feacher the day after a week three turnover filled game against Pittsburgh. Cleveland picked Feacher up two weeks later and he would go on to play nine seasons with the Browns.

Happy 27th birthday to Hayden Howerton
Born February 11, 1999 in Katy, Texas
Patriot G, 2022-23; uniform #67
Signed to the practice squad on November 1, 2022
Pats résumé: three months on the practice squad

Hayden Howerton spent the last half of the 2022 season on the practice squad, without being promoted to the active roster. The Patriots released him well before the start of 2023 OTAs, just a week after the start of free agency.

Patriots announce 2 roster moves on trade deadline day, add veteran punter

The Patriots announced that they've added a punter and a rookie offensive lineman to their practice squad.

www.masslive.com

On Tuesday, the Patriots announced that they had signed rookie offensive lineman Hayden Howerton and veteran punter Michael Palardy to their practice squad. The 23-year-old Howerton went undrafted out of SMU before signing with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent this year. He was let go in Tennessee at the end of roster cuts.​

Jan 10, 2023:

Patriots sign 11 players to future contracts

March 3, 2023:

Patriots Release OL Hayden Howerton

Patriots announce they have released offensive lineman Hayden Howerton.

www.patriots.com

Other Feb 11 birthdays with a New England connection:
Max Bullough, 33 (1992)
Grandson of Patriot coach Hank Bullough
Linebacker with the Texans from 2014-2016. Hank Bullough was the Pats DC during the Fairbanks era, and patriarch of one of the greatest football families.

Byron Bullough Feature: It’s A Family Tradition - Michigan State University Athletics

Family. That's what it's all about. Family is tradition.

msuspartans.com

Competitive life for MSU's Bullough family

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Wearing big snowsuits to deal with the harsh Michigan weather, Max Bullough and his family -- three siblings and two parents -- piled into the car one winter to hunt for a Christmas tree.

www.espn.com

Dennis Gaubatz, 85 (1940)
Pats 25th round (199th overall) selection of the 1963 AFL draft
The Patriots took a late round flyer on the linebacker from LSU. Gaubatz opted to sign with Detroit, who had drafted him in the eighth round of the NFL draft. He was a seven-year starter in the NFL and played for the Colts in Super Bowl III.


Alex Clement (1904-1970)
Born in Plymouth MA; Chicopee High School; Phillips Exeter; Williams College
Frankford Yellow Jackets wingback in the twenties.


Sam Young (1905-1991)
Providence Steamroller
Halfback played at the Cycledrome in Providence during the 1927 season.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Sports History
Buster Douglas KO's Mike Tyson​

February 11, 1990 in Tokyo:
Back in the day when heavyweight boxing was bigger than current-day UFC, Buster Douglas shocked the sports world by knocking out Mike Tyson. At the time, Tyson was an invincible tank, absolutely destroying each and every opponent that dared to get in the ring with him. Douglas was a relative unknown, a 42-1 underdog. The fight was expected to be a yawner, yet another quick annihilation by Tyson, who had defeated his previous opponent in 93 seconds. This fight was considered to be a warm-up bout for Tyson before meeting up with then-undefeated number-one heavyweight contender Evander Holyfield. Douglas survived the early rounds, but when he was knocked down in the eighth round I thought this was all but over. Douglas made an incredible comeback in the ninth, then floored Tyson for the first time in his life in the tenth. With that, the seemingly unbeatable and invincible Mike Tyson - the most dominating fighter I have ever seen in my life - reign as the champ was over.

Tyson-Douglas: 36 Years Later | The Greatest Upset in Boxing History

On February 11, 1990, 42-to-1 underdog Buster Douglas knocked out undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in Tokyo. 36 years later, it remains the biggest upset in boxing history.

www.boxinginsider.com

3:01 Highlight Video
Buster Douglas shocks the world with 10th-round KO of Mike Tyson | ESPN Archives



18:47 Video
Mike Tyson vs James Buster Douglas
​

Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in NFL History
2023 Super Bowl 58​

February 11, 2024:
Super Bowl 58 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada
Kansas City Chiefs 25, San Francisco 49ers 22 in OT

In a rematch of Super Bowl 54 four years earlier, the Chiefs once again defeated the 49ers 25–22 - this time in overtime - making KC the first NFL team since the 2004 Patriots to win back-to-back Super Bowls. This was the second Super Bowl to be decided in overtime following 2017's SB51 win by the Pats over KC and the first Super Bowl to use the new overtime rules implemented during the 2022 season. Patrick Mahomes was named Super Bowl MVP for the third time in his career, completing 34 of 46 passes for 333 yards, setting off silly long-running debates about whether he or Tom Brady was the best NFL quarterback of all time.

Chiefs 25-22 49ers (Feb 11, 2024) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers NFL game from February 11, 2024 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

Happy 34th birthday to Jake Matthews
Born Feb 11, 1992 in Missouri City, Texas
The sixth overall pick of the 2014 draft has started in 195 consecutive games (plus five playoff games) at left tackle for Atlanta, the longest active streak in the NFL. The Matthews family is football royalty: between his grandfather Clay (45), uncle Clay (278), HoF father Bruce (296), cousin Troy Niklas (41), brother Mike (0), brother Kevin (17), cousin Clay (156) and cousin Casey (64), the Matthews clan has appeared in 897 regular season games, plus 49 postseason games.

A Falcons iron man: Jake Matthews chases dad's historic streak

Atlanta's left tackle will make his 193rd consecutive start on MNF -- 36 behind his Hall of Fame father, Bruce.

www.espn.com

Happy 28th birthday to Josh Jacobs
Born Feb 11, 1998 in Tulsa
A first round pick by Oakland out of Alabama in 2019, Jacobs rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons, while being named to NFL All-Rookie Team in 2019 and to his first of three Pro Bowls in 2020. In 2022 he led the NFL in rushing yards (1,653), first downs (93), and yards from scrimmage (2,053) while being named a first team All Pro. Now with the Packers, Jacobs has scored 77 total touchdowns and gained 10,181 yards from scrimmage, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.




Happy 72nd birthday to Gary Barbaro
Born Feb 11, 1954 in New Orleans
The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Barbaro spent seven seasons with the Chiefs, earning Pro Bowl honors at safety following the 1980, 1981, and 1982 seasons. During that time he never missed a single game, registering 39 interceptions. Unfortunately for NFL fans that was it: Barbaro sat out the entire 1983 season due to a contract dispute, signed with the USFL (where he was an All-Star) - but blew out his knee twice, ending his pro football career.

Gary Barbaro – Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame

Induction Year: 2000 By Bill BumgarnerNew Orleans Times-Picayune The initial phone call from the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame to Gary Wayne Barbaro did little to stem the doubt. “I’m a born skeptic,” recalled Barbaro. “I thought, `Who’s putting me on?'” As it turned out, no one. Barbaro’s...

lasportshall.com

Happy 44th birthday to Daryn Colledge
Born Feb 11, 1982 in Fairbanks, Alaska; hometown North Pole, AK
Colledge played in 141 games with 137 starts over nine seasons from 2006-2014, missing only three games in his final year. The Boise State alum was a left guard, winning a super bowl ring with the Packers in 2010 when Green Bay knocked off the Steelers.