Today In Patriots History Feb 2: Vince Wilfork's replacement

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Malcom Brown​

Happy 31st birthday to Malcom Brown
Born Feb 2, 1994 in Brenham, Texas
Patriot DT, 2015-2018; uniform #90
Pats 1st round (32nd overall) selection of the 2015 draft, from Texas
Pats résumé: four-year starter, 60 games (51 starts); 11 playoff games, two rings


Malcom Brown was a solid but not spectacular player for the Patriots, not quite living up to his draft status. He played in 60 games with 51 starts with the Pats, as well as in all 11 playoff games - and earned two Super Bowl rings. Brown was typically used on first and second downs and was effective against the run. His annual percentage of playing time was 47%, 57%, 51% and 44%.

The Pats declined his fifth year option and did not appear to make an attempt to re-sign him. As a rookie he had been signed to a four-year contract worth $7.6 million, with $6.1 million guaranteed and a $3.8 million signing bonus. Six days into free agency in 2019 the Saints signed Brown to a three-year, $15 million deal. Brown was Sean Payton's starting right defensive tackle for two seasons, then traded to Jacksonville for nothing more than a 7th round draft pick. He was the Jags' starting nose tackle in 2021, his final season of pro football. Brown now works as a high school football coach in Texas.

Jan 29, 2018:

Why Malcom Brown is crucial piece for Patriots against Eagles

MINNEAPOLIS — Malcom Brown began his career with impossible-to-reach expectations in New England. The Patriots declined their team option on Vince Wilfork’s contract in March 2015. Less than two months later, Brown was drafted in the first round. MORE PATRIOTS Eagles defensive coordinator Jim...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Malcom Brown began his career with impossible-to-reach expectations in New England.​

The Patriots declined their team option on Vince Wilfork's contract in March 2015. Less than two months later, Brown was drafted in the first round.​

Brown, like Wilfork, came out of college as a 320-pound defensive tackle. Like Wilfork, Brown fell to the Patriots in the back half of the first round despite projections that he'd go higher. The presumption was that Brown would be Wilfork 2.0.​

But through two seasons in a two-gapping system that differed vastly from the style he played at the University of Texas, Brown hadn't quite lived up to that reputation. He was good. Very good at times. But he wasn't Vince.​

See? Impossible.​

But now, three seasons in, people know what to expect from Brown. While he may not be Wilfork in his prime, he's an excellent run defender who has the ability to occasionally flash as a pass-rusher. In 15 games this season, including playoffs, he has 30 run-stuffs to go along with three sacks, a quarterback hit and 14 hurries, per Pro Football Focus. Despite dealing with an ankle injury mid-season, this was likely Brown's best and most consistent year as a pro.​

Brown represents one half of his team's top defensive tackle duo, along with Lawrence Guy. As a first- and second-down player mostly, he's been relied upon to take on heavy workloads when the plan is to snuff out opposing running backs. Against the Jaguars and Leonard Fournette in the AFC title game, for instance, Brown played 57 of a possible 73 snaps and helped hold the Jags to 3.2 yards per carry.​

Aug 19, 2015:
Was Malcom Brown the Best College 3-Tech DT in Last Year's Draft?


Dec 30, 2015:

No 'rookie wall' for Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown

FOXBORO — Malcom Brown has no idea what the “rookie wall” is. He's heard people talk about it, but isn’t sure if it exists. Ask him about it and he’ll let out a smile and then put the two words into …

www.telegram.com

Brown enters the regular-season finale against Miami coming off his best game as a pro. Against the New York Jets, he had five tackles and constantly pressured Ryan Fitzpatrick, totaling two of the Patriots' four quarterback hits. He also accounted for three pressures and three run stops.​

June 3, 2016:

Patriots' Brown shows maturity beyond his years

FOXBORO — Terrance Knighton entered the NFL in 2009. That same year, Malcom Brown entered Brenham High School as a freshman. When Knighton, however, joined the Patriots this offseason, the eight-y…

www.providencejournal.com

This spring, Brown has made it a point to talk to the new defensive line players on the Patriots and pass along advice that was given to him this time last year. He helps them with the playbook in an attempt to get them acclimated to the Patriots defensive system quicker.​

That kind of early leadership is rare these days, but not completely a surprise. Brown had a meteoric rise last season in Foxboro. The first-round pick essentially came off the bench for the first six weeks of the season. But things clicked for him in Week Seven and that’s when he moved ahead of Sealver Siliga on the depth charter. Brown started the remaining 12 regular-season games and the Patriots two postseason matchups.​

Aug 9, 2016:

Malcom Brown could be Patriots’ next breakout star

FOXBORO — Terrance Knighton already knew. Soon, the rest of the NFL will catch up.Defensive tackle Malcom Brown is in line to be the Patriots’ breakout player of the year after his impressive rookie season. The 2015 first-round…

www.bostonherald.com

Dec 1, 2016:

Malcom Brown has come a long way in second year - The Boston Globe

Brown has started all but one game and had a hand in two sacks and 36 tackles this season.

www.bostonglobe.com

Dec 7, 2017:

Malcom Brown has settled into a lead role in Patriots locker room

FOXBORO — Malcom Brown had a difficult time staying positive.The Patriots third-year defensive tackle never missed a game because of injury in his life — not high school, college or the NFL — so a three-week absence due to…

www.bostonherald.com

March 14, 2019:

NFL Rumors: Saints sign Malcom Brown to three-year, $15M contract

Another staple of the New England Patriots’ defensive line in 2018 is headed for greener pastures. The New Orleans Saints are signing free agent defensive tackle Malcom Brown to a three-year contract worth $15 million, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday. Brown, the Patriots’ first-round...

www.nbcsports.com

The 25-year-old didn't record a sack last season for the first time in his career but was a solid run stuffer for the Super Bowl champions.​

Brown follows defensive end Trey Flowers and cornerback Eric Rowe among the Patriots' free-agent departures on defense. New England landed Michael Bennett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles but still has plenty more holes to fill on the defensive line entering free agency.​

Malcom Brown signs three-year, $15 million deal with New Orleans

Brown was a first round draft pick by the Patriots in 2015, but the team did not exercise the fifth-year option on his contract.

www.boston.com

Brown had a good sense as free agency approached that there was likely to be more money available if he left New England. The Patriots drafted the 6-2, 320-pounder in the first round in 2015, but declined to pick up his fifth-year option last offseason. Brown was still a big piece of the defensive line, playing 44 percent of the defensive snaps, mostly as a space eater on first and second downs.​

Brown does have some pass-rushing ability for a big guy, with 8.5 sacks over his four seasons in the NFL, and may get better production in a different scheme.​

His departure isn’t a surprise, but leaves the Patriots with work to do on their defensive line with Danny Shelton still a free agent. Lawrence Guy and Adam Butler are the top defensive tackles currently on the roster, with Ufomba Kamalu, Frank Herron, and David Parry filling out New England’s depth.​

NFL Rumors: Malcom Brown Signing With Saints After Four Years With Patriots - NESN.com

The New England Patriots will lose at least one of their two free agent defensive tackles this offseason. 2015 first-round draft pick Malcom Brown is signing a three-year, $15 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday afternoon. Brown played in 71...

nesn.com

The 25-year-old Texas product finished the 2018 season with 39 tackles, one quarterback hit and one fumble recovery, grading out as Pro Football Focus’ 85th-best interior defender. Brown was part of two Super Bowl-winning teams during his Patriots tenure but never quite lived up to his billing as the 32nd overall draft pick.​

With only Lawrence Guy, sub rusher Adam Butler, David Parry and Frank Herron currently under contract for the 2019 season, bolstering the interior of their defensive line ranks near the top of the Patriots’ offseason to-do list. The team reportedly hosted former Kansas City Chiefs D-lineman Allen Bailey on a free agent visit Thursday.​

Danny Shelton, the Patriots’ other internal free agent D-tackle, remains unsigned and would welcome a return to New England, a source told NESN.com’s Doug Kyed.​

With defensive end Trey Flowers also leaving Foxboro this week to sign with the Detroit Lions, guard Shaq Mason and long snapper Joe Cardona are the only members of the Patriots’ 11-man 2015 draft class who still are with the team.​

Patriots Add Multiple Free Agents, Lose Malcom Brown To Saints

Defensive tackle Malcom Brown is leaving the Patriots after signing a three-year, $15 million contract with the Saints.

929theticket.com

The 6-2, 320-pounder was a big piece of the Patriots' defensive line, playing 44 percent of the defensive snaps.​

The Patriots helped fill the void left by Brown's departure by agreeing on a two-year deal with Mike Pennel, a run-stuffing defensive tackle. The 6-foot-4, 330-pounder spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets. He made 27 tackles while starting 7 of 16 games last season.​

New England added to its thin wide receiver core by signing Maurice Harris and Bruce Ellington. The Patriots also signed free-agent safety Terrence Brooks, who spent the last two seasons with the Jets. Matt LaCosse, a 6-foot-6, 255-pound tight end who appeared in 15 games for the Denver Broncos last season, signed a two-year deal with the Patriots on Thursday.​

Oopsies on those 'additions'.




Perhaps Malcom Brown was never a great fit in the Patriots two-gap scheme?

Aug 16, 2019:

Why Malcom Brown signed with the Saints

.

247sports.com

Brown: “I’m a one gap defensive (tackle), that’s what I played in college. I get up in the gap and I want to get up and be disruptive in the backfield. Create tackles for loss and make it a hard count for the offense to do things and pass the ball, run the ball and just try to be as disruptive as I can.”​

March 2, 2021:

Report: Ex-Patriots first-rounder Malcom Brown on trade block

Brown started three straight Super Bowls in New England.

www.masslive.com

Kyle Van Noy might not be the only ex-Patriots defensive lineman on the move this week.​

The Saints are taking trade calls on Malcom Brown, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, as he enters the final year of his deal in New Orleans. The 27-year-old is on the books for $6.4 million in 2021 and the cash-strapped Saints could save almost $5 million by moving on from him.​

March 16, 2021:

Saints agree to trade Malcom Brown to Jaguars

A report last week indicated that the Saints were planning to release defensive tackle Malcom Brown after attempts to trade him didn't come to fruition, but nothing became official and the Saints were able to get something in return for Brown after all.

www.nbcsports.com

He was set to make $4.6 million in the final year of his deal, but Rapoport reports Brown signed a new two-year deal worth $11 million with $8 million guaranteed as part of the trade.​

March 7, 2024:

Former UT football star taking over as head coach at Austin high school

After seven seasons in the NFL, Malcolm Brown is taking over the sidelines at Savio Catholic High School.

www.kvue.com

March 12, 2024:

Malcom Brown Hangs Up Cleats, Accepts Savio Coaching Job |

Former Brenham standout and Longhorns defensive tackle Malcom Brown is returning to the Lone Star state. After seven seasons in the NFL, Brown will take on the role of head football coach at St. Dominic Savio High School. The Eagles will compete in the TAPPS Division I, the largest...

texashsfootball.com

March 14, 2024:

Interview: 2X Super Bowl Champ Malcom Brown Becomes Texas HS Head Coach | NFL Play Football

playfootball.nfl.com

 

[Pape]

I have always wondered what his parents had against the second L in Malcolm...

thats all I really think about MalcoŁm Brown

 

[signbabybrady]

I have always wondered what his parents had against the second L in Malcolm...

thats all I really think about MalcoŁm Brown

My sister in law misspelled my nieces middle name on her birth certificate. She was using her grandmother's name and thought she had some weird spelling. Turned out to be a typo in a text.

 

[jmt57]

I have always wondered what his parents had against the second L in Malcolm...

thats all I really think about MalcoŁm Brown

Just trying to be unique?

At least they didn't name him D'Brickashaw

Or this:

 

[Pape]

I don't hate the guy... just never think about him... at all...

 

[Betterthanmost]

I think we did not play to his strenghts.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More February 2 Birthdays​

Happy 76th birthday to Ray Jarvis
Born Feb 2, 1949 in Chesapeake, Virginia
Patriot WR, 1979; uniform #87
Signed as a free agent on April 25, 1979
Pats résumé: seven games, two receptions, one touchdown

Leon Raeminton Jarvis was originally a fifth round draft pick by Atlanta in 1971, from NAIA Norfolk State. His best season came in 1976 with Detroit when he had 822 yards receiving and five touchdowns, averaging 21.1 yards per catch.

Jarvis was 30 years old when the Pats signed him, and 1979 would be the final season of his nine year NFL career. He appeared in seven games for the Patriots, with one touchdown.

Happy 63rd birthday to Mel Black
Born Feb 2, 1962 in New Haven, CT
Patriot LB, 1986-1987; uniform #94, #51
Signed as an undrafted rookie on May 10, 1986
Pats résumé: six games, with two starts

After graduating from West Haven High School, Melvin Black headed west, going to Eastern Illinois University. He was teammates with a surprisingly high number of EIU Panthers football players that made it to the NFL, including future head coaches Sean Payton and Brad Childress.

Black did not make the Patriot roster out of training camp in 1986, but was re-signed late in the season and appeared in three games. He was waived again near the end of the 1987 camp, then re-signed to play in the three replacement player games. Black signed with the Raiders early the following offseason but was waived at the start of training camp, ending his pro football career.

O'Brien Field - 50 Year Anniversary... Linebackers - Eastern Illinois University Athletics

O'Brien Field 50 Years... Top Linebackers

eiupanthers.com

Former EUI Panthers in the NFL
Pro Football Archives - Mel Black




Happy 51st birthday to J.R. Conrad
Born Feb 2, 1974; from Fairland, Oklahoma
Patriot tackle and guard, 1996 (practice squad); uniform #70
Pats 7th round (247th overall) selection of the 1974 draft, from Oklahoma
Pats résumé: 1996 practice squad, 1997 offseason

PRO FOOTBALL; A Crash Course at Center Is 'Just Weird' for the Jets (Published 1997)

Article on New York Jets preparing for game against New England Patriots (M)

www.nytimes.com

Conrad was the last player drafted by the Patriots last year. Playing tackle and guard, Conrad didn't make the team, but hung on with the practice squad.​

''I made a mistake last March,'' he admits. ''I should have come here when Coach Parcells came. Instead I went back to New England, went to camp, and then was cut just before the season.''​

By then it was too late to return to school. He needs nine credits to graduate. So he just hung out at home in Fairland, Okla. The Jets found him a job, though, and hired him for their practice squad, converting him to center.​

After football, Conrad remains involved in athletics

In 1996, Conrad was selected in the seventh round (247th overall pick) by the New England Patriots as an offensive lineman under legendary coach Bill Parcells, who won two Super Bowls as head coach of the New York Giants.​

“It was nice there, but the people were a little different,” Conrad said.​

Before the 1997 season started under new coach Pete Carroll, Conrad was cut from New England, but was picked up by New York Jets under Parcells — who had just taken over as head coach.​

In Oct. 16, 1997, Conrad made his debut as a starter when he played center against the Miami Dolphins.​

“He (Parcells) was awesome,” Conrad said. “It was easy because I am a country boy. Be early, be quiet and do extra.”​

Conrad said he remains in contact with Parcells.​

Since his days at OU and the NFL, Conrad has coached at several Oklahoma high schools. In 2009, Conrad joined Dibble (and former Sooner) coach Charley North’s staff in 2009.​

Conrad later became head coach at Dibble High School in 2011 and coached there until 2014.​

Today the 6-foot-5 Conrad makes his home in the Oklahoma City area and works as a senior territory sales representative for Power-Lift, a company that manufactures athletic performance strength training equipment for athletics and sports performance facilities such as high schools, colleges, pro sports teams and athletic performance facilities.​

J. R. Conrad - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Conrad is a member of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma and grew up in Indian housing in Miami. With neither of his parents present in his early life, he was raised by his maternal grandmother. After his grandmother was placed in a nursing home due to Parkinson's disease, Conrad lived with his uncle, a Marine who had served in the Vietnam War.​

During Conrad's sophomore year of high school, he moved in with his mother in Fairland, Oklahoma. He attended the small Fairland High School and participated in football, basketball, weightlifting, and track at the school. On the football team, he played on the offensive and defensive lines as well as playing kicker. He was an all-state player and Gatorade Player of the Year for both Oklahoma and the Southwest United States. He graduated high school in 1992 with a senior class of just 18 students.​

Conrad was recruited to play for the Missouri Tigers by coach Andy Reid, but ultimately chose to attend the University of Oklahoma to play for the Oklahoma Sooners, due to his respect for Oklahoma assistant coach Merv Johnson.​

When Conrad arrived at Oklahoma in 1992, both of the school's centers were struggling with injuries, and the team needed someone else to start at the position. Conrad, who had never played or even practiced playing center before, was asked by coaches Merv Johnson and Gary Gibbs to be the starting center, in spite of other coaches' policies against having freshmen as starters on the offensive line. "I thought it was a joke at first," Conrad said of the change, but he made the adjustment quickly and successfully with only two fumbled snaps all season. This made him the first true freshman to ever start at center in Oklahoma Sooners history.​

In 2009, Conrad became an assistant coach at Dibble High School in Dibble, Oklahoma. He became head coach in 2011 but stepped down in April 2014, citing a desire to focus on his own children's athletic development.​

After watching an offensive line coach whose yelling only demoralized players, Conrad was inspired to start his own offensive line training academy. The academy is now called Trench Mafia and has turned out players such as Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Creed Humphrey. . .​

JR Conrad | NAIAHF

www.naiahf.org

Pro Football Archives - J.R. Conrad

Happy 47th birthday to Marques Sullivan
Born Feb 2, 1978 in Chicago
Patriot T, 1974; uniform #?76?
Signed as a free agent on Dec 2, 2004
Pats résumé: 17 days in Foxboro, zero snaps

Patriots Sign OL Marques Sullivan, Waive WR Kevin Kasper - Patriots.com, Dec 2, 2004

Looking to add depth at what has become a thin offensive tackle spot, the Patriots signed former Buffalo Bill and New York Giant Marques Sullivan, 26, on Friday.​

The 6-5, 325-pound offensive lineman has experience at both left and right tackle as well as guard and will provide needed depth across the front.​

The Patriots received a scare last week when left tackle Matt Light was helped off the field with 11:04 to go in the fourth quarter against the Ravens. With starting right tackle Tom Ashworth and backup swing tackle Adrian Klemm already on injured reserve, the Patriots had only current starters Light and Brandon Gorin active at that position with inexperienced Lance Nimmo on the practice squad.​

Sullivan was waived by the Bills in early September and claimed by the Giants on Sept. 6. He was inactive for all 11 games in New York before being waived on Nov. 30 and scooped up by the Patriots.​

He was originally a fifth-round pick (144th overall) by the Bills in 2001 and played in 10 games as a rookie with two starts, one each at left tackle and right tackle. In 2002, he made the jump to a full-time starter at right guard and one was one of three Bills linemen, along with Ruben Brown and Trey Teague, to start all 16 games. But he seemed to fall out of favor last year when he played in only six games with four starts for the Bills. He was actually inactive for the first eight games, but started the last four at left tackle in place of the injured Jonas Jennings. He has played in 32 NFL games with 22 starts.​

Other players born on February 2 with a New England connection:

Harry Swayne, 60 (1965)
Draft Pick Trade
On February 19, 1987 the Pats acquired Sean Farrell from Tampa Bay for three draft picks:
- 1987 second round pick (#51-Don Smith)
- 1987 seventh round pick (#190-Harry Swayne)
- 1987 ninth round pick (#246-Greg Davis)
Swayne never amounted to anything for the Bucs, but once he left there had a productive career with the Chargers, Broncos, and Colts. He played in 186 games over 15 NFL seasons. Farrell started 43 games with the Pats from 1987-1989, then was waived after spending 1990 on injured reserve.

Harry Swayne (2003) - Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame - Rutgers University Athletics

Rutgers University Athletics

scarletknights.com

Wayne Fontes, 85 (1940)
Born in New Bedford; Wareham High School
Wayne Fontes was a defensive back for the 1962 New York Titans, and later went on to become a defensive coordinator with the Bucs (1982-84) and Lions ('85-'88). Fontes was the Detroit head coach from 1988 to 1996, going to the playoffs four times. He was also the head coach that the Lions won their only postseason game during a span of sixty four years!

After Detroit defeated Cleveland 59-14 to win the 1957 NFL championship, they fell prey to The Curse of Bobby Layne. Despite having led the Lions to three championships, the Lions traded the star to Pittsburgh. Detroit did not win another playoff game for 46 years, when Fontes' Lions routed Dallas 38-6 in a 1991 divisional round game - beating a Cowboys team that was coached by Jimmy Johnson and included future hall of famers Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. Among those on Fontes' staff were former Patriot coaches Raymond Berry (quarterbacks coach) and Hank Bullough (defensive coordinator).

Detroit would then go 32 more seasons before finally winning another postseason game on January 14, 2024, when the Lions defeated the Rams 24-23 - in a game where the two team's quarterbacks played agaainst their former team.

Explaining the Curse of Bobby Layne on the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have only won a single playoff game since former quarterback Bobby Layne was traded and allegedly cursed the team in 1958.

www.freep.com

For Wayne Fontes, There Was Nothing Like 1991

"Who could ever forget that Dallas Cowboys game?" Fontes reminisced on 97.1 The Ticket on Friday morning.

www.cbsnews.com

Since 1957, Lions' tortured history riddled with coaching zigs - Detroit News, Oct 9, 2020

James Nixon, 37 (1988)
Born and raised in New Haven; Hyde Leadership High School in New Haven; Bridgton Academy in Maine
Packer CB, 2012-2013

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
End of an era, and other February 2 Trivialities​

February 2, 1983:
New England releases running backs Sam Cunningham and Andy Johnson, marking the official end of what remained of the run-heavy, smashmouth Chuck Fairbanks era.


February 2, 1980:
The Patriots hire Fritz Shurmur to be their defensive coordinator, and Bill Parcells as linebackers coach.


February 2, 1972:
Day Two of the 1972 NFL Draft, rounds 8-17, from the Essex House in New York City
The Patriots select ten players on Day Two of the 1972 Draft, from legendary college football programs such as NW Oklahoma State, Angelo State, Colorado Mesa, Eastern Michigan and San Jose State.

None of those ten draftees would ever play a single game in the NFL.


February 2, 1962:
Boston signs FB Pete Hart, a 5'9, 190 lb fullback who had been a 17th round (194th overall) selection by the Chicago Cardinals from Hardin-Simmons in the 1959 NFL draft. Hart had played in all 14 games for the 1960 New York Titans, but did not make Mike Holovak's '62 Pats roster.

February 2, 1986:
Ronnie Lippett, Fred Marion and Ed Reynolds become 'free agents', and are all tendered a qualifying offer.


February 2, 1987:
Rich Camarillo, Ronnie Lippett and Mosi Tatupu become 'free agents', and are all tendered a qualifying offer.


February 2, 1988:
Irving Fryar, Ronnie Lippett, Johnny Rembert and Andre Tippett become 'free agents', and all are tendered a qualifying offer.


February 2, 1990:
29 players become 'free agents', including Raymond Clayborn, Jeff Feagles, Doug Flutie, Larry McGrew and Mosi Tatupu


February 2, 1992:
19 players become 'free agents'; the Pats decline to tender a qualifying offer to eight, including Ed Reynolds and Jason Staurovsky


February 2, 1993:
Tommy Hodson, Maurice Hurst and Jon Vaughn become 'free agents'


February 2, 1998:
Pats waive WR Larry Ryans, a college track star that never panned out in the NFL.
New England also signs LB Dana Cottrell, a Billerica native who played in two games for the Pats in '98.


February 2, 1999:
Pats sign free agent WR Sir Mawn Wilson, who had originally been signed on Oct 21, 1998 - but never played for the Pats.
New England placed him on IR on 8/31/99, and the royally-named receiver went on to have a lengthy indoor football career, playing in the Arena league until 2006.


February 2, 2002:
Four signed to practiced squad - Patriots.com

The Patriots confirmed Tuesday morning that they had signed four players to their practice squad late Monday. The four players were tight end Arther Love, cornerback Brock Williams, defensive lineman Jace Sayler and defensive lineman Maurice Anderson.​

All four players had been with the team throughout the offseason and training camp and were cut in the final wave of roster moves on Sunday to get down to the 53-man roster. Teams could submit their practice squad lists to the league offices after 4 p.m. on Monday Sept. 2. With the four players, the Patriots still have one spot open on their practice squad.​

Two former Patriots, Drew Inzer and Maugaula Tuitele, have found new homes. Tuitele was claimed off waivers by the Bills and Inzer by the Jaguars.​

February 2, 2008:
Santonio Thomas is elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.
The defensive tackle played in four games for the Pats in 2007, but did not play in the upcoming super bowl game.
The Pats waived Thomas at the end of the 2008 training camp.


February 2, 2015:
The Pats waive OT/TE Steve Maneri.
This was Maneri's second stint with the Pats - who played in a total of one game for the Patriots, collecting one ring.

Today in NFL History
Two Super Bowls, and a coaching legend​

February 2, 2014:
Super Bowl 48
Seattle's Pete Carroll gets a ring as the Legion of Boom absolutely destroys Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, 43-8. The Seahawks were up 36-0 before Denver finally sored on the final play of the third quarter.


February 2, 2020:
Super Bowl 54
Kansas City wins the big game for the first time in fifty years, 31-20 over the 49ers in Miami. The Chiefs came from behind, scoring 21 unanswered fourth quarter points to crush what would have been Jimmy Garoppolo's finest moment.


February 2 Birthdays:

George Halas (Feb 2, 1895 - Oct 31, 1983)

George Halas | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

Harrison Smith, 36 (Feb 2, 1989)
Vikings safety has 37 interceptions over his 13-year career, and has been named to six Pro Bowls.

The Immortal Harrison Smith

Torture devices. Late-night film. Instincts sharpened through nearly 200 games. The Minnesota Vikings safety is piecing together a career worthy of Canton... and he's not close to finished yet.

www.golongtd.com

Donald Driver, 50 (Feb 2, 1975)
743 receptions, 10,137 yards receiving, 62 touchdowns.
Not bad for a 7th round draft pick from Alcorn State.

Donald Driver

Donald Driver overcame poverty and homelessness to become a Super Bowl champion, Green Bay Packers all-time leading receiver, Green Bay...

www.donalddriver80.com

Dave Casper, 73 (Feb 2, 1952)

Dave Casper | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

Jim O'Brien, 78 (Feb 2, 1947)
The backup receiver (14 career receptions) was also a kicker back in the day of smaller NFL rosters. O' Brien booted a 32-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining in what was the first close super bowl - SB V, following the 1970 season - to give the Baltimore Colts a 16-13 victory over Dallas.

There would not be another game-winning super bowl field goal in the final seconds until Adam Vinatieri's two game winners in the following century.

 

[maust]

Today In Patriots History - Feb 2: Vince Wilfork's replacement

Today in Patriots History Malcom Brown Happy 31st birthday to Malcom Brown Born Feb 2, 1994 in Brenham, Texas Patriot DT, 2015-2018; uniform #90 Pats 1st round (32nd overall) selection of the 2015 draft, from Texas Pats résumé: four-year starter, 60 games (51 starts); 11 playoff games, two...

www.patsfans.com

 

[TheRainMaker]

Brown was right in the middle. Wasn't good and wasn't bad. I remember Brown and Landon Collins were heavily mocked to to the Pats. Brown was also mocked to the Colts. I thought for sure Brown wasn't going to make it past the Colts who were terrible on defense and just got trucked by the Pats running game in the 2014 AFCCG. So they take Phillip Dorset. That was an absolutely idiotic pick.

 

[bakes781]

Today In Patriots History - Feb 2: Vince Wilfork's replacement

Today in Patriots History Malcom Brown Happy 31st birthday to Malcom Brown Born Feb 2, 1994 in Brenham, Texas Patriot DT, 2015-2018; uniform #90 Pats 1st round (32nd overall) selection of the 2015 draft, from Texas Pats résumé: four-year starter, 60 games (51 starts); 11 playoff games, two...

www.patsfans.com

I was watching the NFL Films Super Bowl marathon yesterday and my wife says is that Wilfork? I said no that's the OG Ted Washington!

 

[signbabybrady]

I was watching the NFL Films Super Bowl marathon yesterday and my wife says is that Wilfork? I said no that's the OG Ted Washington!

Ted Washington is the answer to how to stop the tush push.