Today In Patriots History Feb 23: Jerod Mayo turns 39

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jerod Mayo​

Happy 39th birthday to Jerod Mayo
Born February 23, 1986 in Hampton, Virginia
Patriot MLB, 2008-15; uniform #51
Pats first round (10th overall) selection of the 2008 draft, from Tennessee
Pats résumé: 8 seasons, 103 games, 802 tackles; 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year; 1x All Pro, 2x Pro Bowl; Patriots All 2010s Team; one ring (on IR)


Happy birthday to Jerod Mayo. May your next career be more productive and fulfilling than your last one was - an endeavour that you were woefully unprepared for, and far too inexperienced to be realistically expected to succeed in.

Jerod Mayo was the New England Patriots team captain for seven consecutive seasons. The defensive play caller appeared in 111 games, all with the Patriots. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2008 and an All Pro two years later when he led the NFL in tackles. Mayo ranks eighth in franchise history in tackles, tenth in fumble recoveries, 11th in tackles for a loss and fourth in passes defensed by a linebacker. To me he was a high effort player that was adequate to good in every phase of the game, yet simultaneously not great in any one area either.

Three consecutive seasons ending on IR resulted in Mayo’s decision to retire from football at the age of 29. He was then hired by Optum, the technology division of UnitedHealth. In 2019 the Patriots the Patriots lured Mayo back to football as their inside linebackers coach. He remained in that position through the 2023 season, then took over as the franchise's 14th non-interim head coach in 2024.

Mayo joins Rod Rust as one of only two head coaches to be fired after just one season. His career .235 winning percentage as a head coach - bolstered by a week 18 gift versus Buffalo - is the second worst in team history, better only than Rust's .063 percentage in 1990. To put it in perspective, Clive Rush (5-16), John Mazur (9-21) and **** MacPherson (8-24) all had better winning percentages as a Pats head coach than Jerod Mayo did.


27-photo slide show, via Patriots.com:

Happy Birthday Jerod Mayo!

Feb 16, 2016:

LB Jerod Mayo says he's 'retiring a Patriot' in Instagram post

Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo, 29, is retiring from the NFL, his agent confirmed to ESPN. Mayo wrote in a message on Instagram earlier Tuesday that he was "retiring a Patriot."

www.espn.com

Jerod Mayo retires from New England Patriots and NFL at 29

The New England Patriots’ NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2008, Jerod Mayo, has announced his retirement from football

www.theguardian.com

Jerod Mayo retires: What the New England Patriots have said about the star LB over the years

New England Patriots LB Jerod Mayo retires after eight seasons. Here's what his teammates have said about him over the years.

www.masslive.com

Jan 12, 2024:

Jerod Mayo hired to replace Bill Belichick as Patriots coach

The Patriots have chosen Jerod Mayo as Bill Belichick's successor and the 15th head coach in franchise history.

www.espn.com

Patriots hire Jerod Mayo as next head coach, Bill Belichick’s successor

Mayo, a linebackers coach for the Patriots, played eight NFL seasons and won a Super Bowl ring with the team during the 2014 season.

www.nbcnews.com

Patriots hire Jerod Mayo: These four NFL teams considered Mayo as head coach prior to New England promotion

This isn't the first time he's been targeted for a top job

www.cbssports.com

Jan 10, 2024:

Is It Time For Mayo To Be Our Head Coach Or To Move On

https://www.pressherald.com/2024/01/02/nfl-notebook-patriots-assistant-jerod-mayo-says-hes-ready-to-be-nfl-coach/ Mayo was interviewing for DC and HC jobs when the Kraft's basically paid him to stay: a new contract with a bonus. Mayo immediately stopped interviewing. Folks guessed that he had...

www.patsfans.com

Jan 11, 2024:

Mayo will be the new HC

www.patsfans.com

Jan 17, 2024:

Mayo's Intoductory Press Conference

It starts in 90 minutes. What are you hoping to hear and what did you hear? For me personally, I want to hear realism from the team. It's okay to be 2-3 years away from having a talented offense. Own that. The worst thing would be quick fixes and pretending we're just a couple of pieces away...

www.patsfans.com

Jan 24, 2024:

Why was Mayo hired?

Speculation on my part. BB left this team so depleted of talent on the offensive side that Kraft was likely worried that opening the coach search to top tier external candidates would risk the embarrassment of being turned down. That would not be a good look for the franchise. To avoid this...

www.patsfans.com

Nov 25, 2024:

Optum, Israel, and Mayo's Way: A Swindler's Journey.

Chronicle of Mayo’s post-playing career, told by his own and Robert Kraft’s quotes (all quotes are pulled from Mayo puff pieces): His hiring as Vice President of Business Development at Optum: "Half of it is all about relationships in business," Mayo said. "A lot is about relationships. They...

www.patsfans.com

Jan 5, 2025:

PATRIOTS NEWS - Jerod Mayo FIRED per Schefter

According to Adam scehfter

www.patsfans.com

Jan 9, 2025:

Boston Herald - Inside the Patriots’ 2024 season, Jerod Mayo’s firing and a franchise’s continued fall

https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/01/09/patriots-inside-story-jerod-mayo-robert-kraft/

www.patsfans.com

Best of Jerod Mayo | Career Highlights | 2008 - 2015
3:44 Highlight Video



INSTANT REACTION: Patriots fire head coach Jerod Mayo after one season
17:07 roundtable: Phil Perry, Tom Curran, Ted Johnson and Michael Holley react to the Pats firing HC Jerod Mayo after one season



Patriots FIRE Jerod Mayo after ONE SEASON | SportsCenter
11:27 ESPN Sports Center discussion with Herm Edwards, David Lloyd and Kevin Connors



Jerod Mayo | Career Highlights
3:21 Highlight Video
​

Jerod Mayo Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Jerod Mayo - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Hyped]

Happy Birthday, Jerod.....and....

 

[FortressX]

He can carry memories of that glorious win against the mighty Bills with him for the rest of his life !

 

[TheRainMaker]

Let’s see how much activity this thread gets. I never liked him at the spot he was drafted at and thought he was one of those random draft risers who forced the Pats to take him too early. Ryan Clady (who was heavily mocked to the Pats) should’ve been the pick given what just transpired in the Super Bowl with Brady getting roughed up.

He had Seymour and Warren for a short time, but he had Wilfork his entire career. Mayo was a stat collector with very little impact. He was absolutely awful in space where he was a step slow, took poor angles and wasn’t as fast as his 40 time. In fact, the run defense was mediocre to bad during his time when he was a starter. The guy was cooked after 5 years.

Now for him as a coach. There wasn’t one thing he was known for around the league that warranted him to skip the line and become a HC. I heard that Bill didn’t sign off on this plan. Then you have his magnum opus which was week 18 of last season.

The guy is a turd.

 

[Pape]

Happy Birthday Coach

 

[jmt57]

Let’s see how much activity this thread gets. I never liked him at the spot he was drafted at and thought he was one of those random draft risers who forced the Pats to take him too early. Ryan Clady (who was heavily mocked to the Pats) should’ve been the pick given what just transpired in the Super Bowl with Brady getting roughed up.

He had Seymour and Warren for a short time, but he had Wilfork his entire career. Mayo was a stat collector with very little impact. He was absolutely awful in space where he was a step slow, took poor angles and wasn’t as fast as his 40 time. In fact, the run defense was mediocre to bad during his time when he was a starter. The guy was cooked after 5 years.

Now for him as a coach. There wasn’t one thing he was known for around the league that warranted him to skip the line and become a HC. I heard that Bill didn’t sign off on this plan. Then you have his magnum opus which was week 18 of last season.

The guy is a turd.

Nice summation.

As I said above, 'adequate to good, but not great' - perhaps I am being a bit generous there?

He was a team captain, handling the defensive play calls; I'm unsure if that contribution was overstated or under appreciated.

And yes, a lot of those tackles were due to the defensive line funneling plays towards him. If I recall correctly very few opponents were able to shed his tackles - but on the other hand, he looked awfully slow at times, not suited to having to play in space.

Certainly not a draft bust, but at the same time you hope for just a bit more from the #10 overall pick in a draft.

 

[Steve102]

This thread...

 

[Real fan 02]

Nice summation.

As I said above, 'adequate to good, but not great' - perhaps I am being a bit generous there?

He was a team captain, handling the defensive play calls; I'm unsure if that contribution was overstated or under appreciated.

And yes, a lot of those tackles were due to the defensive line funneling plays towards him. If I recall correctly very few opponents were able to shed his tackles - but on the other hand, he looked awfully slow at times, not suited to having to play in space.

Certainly not a draft bust, but at the same time you hope for just a bit more from the #10 overall pick in a draft.

Great post JMT.. this goes back to BBs system in a 2 gap defense.. he puts alot on the MIKE LBs to set the calls up.. if Mayo was allowed to be aggressive and blitz and rush up the middle he would have had alot more impact than just an accumulation of tackles.

 

[Pape]

Let’s see how much activity this thread gets. I never liked him at the spot he was drafted at and thought he was one of those random draft risers who forced the Pats to take him too early. Ryan Clady (who was heavily mocked to the Pats) should’ve been the pick given what just transpired in the Super Bowl with Brady getting roughed up.

He had Seymour and Warren for a short time, but he had Wilfork his entire career. Mayo was a stat collector with very little impact. He was absolutely awful in space where he was a step slow, took poor angles and wasn’t as fast as his 40 time. In fact, the run defense was mediocre to bad during his time when he was a starter. The guy was cooked after 5 years.

Now for him as a coach. There wasn’t one thing he was known for around the league that warranted him to skip the line and become a HC. I heard that Bill didn’t sign off on this plan. Then you have his magnum opus which was week 18 of last season.

The guy is a turd.

He's no longer here.

That's good enough for me.

Good player. Bad Coach. Not going to worry about it now.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jonathan Wilhite​

Happy 41st birthday to Jonathan Wilhite
Born February 23, 1984 in Monroe, Louisiana
Patriot CB, 2008-2010; uniform #24
Pats fourth round selection (129th overall) of the 2008 draft, from Auburn
Pats résumé: 3 seasons, 39 games (13 starts); three interceptions, one fumble recovery


The 5’9, 183 pound corner played in 39 games with 13 starts over three seasons with the Pats. Wilhite had three interceptions and nine pass deflections with New England. He was unable to crack the starting lineup during his tenure with the Patriots despite constant turnover. As a rookie Wilhite watched Deltha O’Neal and Ellis Hobbs start, and in year two it was Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden. Then in 2010 Wilhite was surpassed on the depth chart by Devin McCourty, Kyle Arrington and Darius Butler.

Wilhite was waived at the end of training camp in 2011, and signed by Denver a few days later. He played in 15 games for the Broncos that year - once again primarily in nickel and dime situations (two starts), with one pick. The Bears signed him early in the 2012 offseason but released him at the end of training camp - and that was the end of his NFL career.


In 2009 Wilhite pulled a groin muscle in a rather odd manner. North Attleboro police reported that Wilhite came home and two people in his parking lot approached him and began yelling at him. Wilhite ran away to a Cumberland Farms store to call police, with the sprint resulting in the bizarre injury.


Another bit of trivia: Jonathan Wilhite began his collegiate career at Butler - not the university in Indiana known for its basketball teams, but Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. In 2011 there were not one, not two, but six former Butler CC football players on NFL rosters: Wilhite, DT Shaun Smith, DE Jeremy Mincey, CB Elbert Mack, RB Ryan Torain and DE Markus White.

Six former Grizzlies on NFL rosters this year

Six former Grizzlies on NFL rosters this year

www.butlergrizzlies.com

Jonathan Wilhite 97 yard pick 6 - Patriots @ Redskins 2009 Preseason
30 second Highlight Play
​

Other random Jonathan Wilhite headlines:

April 27, 2008 - Mike Reiss:

Jonathan Wilhite transcript

A transcript from fourth-round draft choice Jonathan Wilhite, a cornerback from Auburn, courtesy of the Patriots’ media relations staff: Tell us your thoughts on being drafted, in particular by the Patriots? “It’s a blessing. To be a fan of the Patriots, to actually get in and see Tom Brady...

www.boston.com

You started only 6 games this year. Was there an injury? Was it part of a rotation? What was the reason behind that?
“I dealt with some hamstring injuries earlier in the year and when it came around combine time I was 100 percent healthy and I am still 100 percent healthy, ready to go.”​

July 17, 2008:
Patriots sign CB Jonathan Wilhite - Patriots.com

Wilhite, 24, played in 34 games with 23 starts at cornerback over three seasons at Auburn, recording 101 tackles (77 solo), three interceptions, 14 passes defensed, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. As a senior in 2007, he played in 12 games with six starts while posting a career-high two interceptions in addition to 30 tackles (22 solo). He started all 10 games in which he played as a junior in 2006, finishing the campaign with 24 tackles (20 solo). His first season at Auburn came as a sophomore in 2005, when he started seven of 12 games and tallied a career-high 47 tackles (35 solo) and finished second on the team with seven passes defensed. Wilhite transferred to Auburn after spending his freshman season at Butler County (Kan.) Community College in 2004. During that season, he totaled five interceptions and earned National Junior College All-American honors.​

June 20, 2008:
Meet the Rookies: CB Jonathan Wilhite - Patriots.com

"Jonathan's a great kid. All the players love him," noted Auburn's Director of High School and NFL Relations, Phillip Lolley. "He's very funny, and that keeps everybody loose. He could be a stand-up comedian. He can imitate everybody, including all the coaches on our staff. Most of them have heard his impressions of them, and they love it."​

"As a football player, he has real good man-to-man cover skills, quick feet, and good ball skills down field," observed his former position coach, Will Muschamp, who's now the Defensive Coordinator at the University of Texas. "He's good in sub situations. Jonathan came to work every day, worked hard, and gave a great effort. He has very good upside."
Lolley agrees.​

A knock on Wilhite heading into the draft was that he got beat too often on deep routes, but that he made up for it enough with his recovery speed. That approach might not fly in the pros, which leads Lolley to believe his best chance to make it in New England will be as a nickel or dime back.​

"He has great quickness in confined space. Down the field, he has to play the ball better. He trusts his speed so much he thinks he can get away with things sometimes. He's not as big some guys; he's built for speed. He's gotten much better at the physical end of things, but he needs to stay in the weight room a little more."​

Sept 29, 2009 - Mike Reiss:

Patriots DB tells police he was hurt while fleeing

Patriots cornerback Jonathan Wilhite told police that he pulled his groin Sunday morning while running away from two people in the parking lot at his residence, according to a statement released by the North Attleboro police department Tuesday.

www.espn.com

New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Wilhite told police that he pulled his groin Sunday morning while running away from two people in the parking lot at his residence, according to a statement released by the North Attleboro police department Tuesday.​

Wilhite, who was not on the Patriots injury report last week, did not play in Sunday's 26-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons.​

On Tuesday, North Attleboro police detailed the situation in a written statement:​

"On Sunday, September 27, 2009, the North Attleboro Police responded to the Cumberland Farms store in the Attleboro Falls area of town, after receiving a call from Jonathan Wilhite concerning suspicious activity. Mr. Wilhite stated that 2 subjects were in his parking lot when he arrived home, and one approached him on foot and yelled at him.​

"Mr. Wilhite became concerned and ran to Cumberland Farms where he asked the clerk to call police. He did mention that he had pulled his groin while he was running. The matter remains under investigation by North Attleboro detectives."​

Wilhite, a second-year player, appeared in all 16 games during his rookie season with the Patriots.​

Nov 19, 2009:

Short Memory Serves Jonathan Wilhite Well After Loss to Colts - NESN.com

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Jason Bourne lost his memory, and things turned out all right for him. Now, the New England Patriots are hoping second-year cornerback Jonathan Wilhite can show the same resilience. Wilhite has been up and down this season, starting with an amazing training camp — which got...

nesn.com

Wilhite has been up and down this season, starting with an amazing training camp — which got derailed by a couple of shoulder injuries — and then transitioning to the regular season. The Auburn product has experienced mixed success, whether it's from game to game or drive to drive, such as the game against the Baltimore Ravens, when Wilhite had a good thing going before he got pulled off Mark Clayton midway through the game's decisive drive.​

Dec 1, 2009 - Albert Breer:

Wilhite takes a seat

Patriots second-year CB Jonathan Wilhite had a rough few weeks as it was. The final straw went like this — Marques Colston beat Wilhite up the sideline, Drew Brees hit him on what looked like a fade-stop, then Colston turned it up inside and raced right past Wilhite for a 68-yard gain. Wilhite...

www.boston.com

Patriots second-year CB Jonathan Wilhite had a rough few weeks as it was.​

The final straw went like this — Marques Colston beat Wilhite up the sideline, Drew Brees hit him on what looked like a fade-stop, then Colston turned it up inside and raced right past Wilhite for a 68-yard gain. Wilhite was toasted so thoroughly that he was far too off balance to have any realistic chance at making the tackle.​

On the next series, Darius Butler took Wilhite’s place at left corner. And you have to seriously examine whether that was temporary, or permanent. Give Wilhite credit for facing the music, and the facts, after the game.​

July 25, 2010 - Glen Farley:

Kids corner for Patriots

Leigh Bodden will man one side. The other? That'll be the kids' corner. Pick a class, any draft class, of the New England Patriots' recent past. It has a candidate for the Patriots' left cornerback p…

www.metrowestdailynews.com

Leigh Bodden will man one side.​

The other? . . .​

The 2008 first-team All-Big East selection out of the University of Connecticut (Darius Butler) showed more promise in his rookie season in the NFL than either Wilhite (who hasn't distinguished himself on the field) or Wheatley (who can't even get on the field) have displayed in two years in New England.


Dec 12, 2010:

Patriots Again Missing Jonathan Wilhite, Myron Pryor Against Bears - NESN.com

The Patriots will once again be without cornerback Jonathan Wilhite (hip) and defensive linemen Myron Pryor (back) and Mike Wright (concussion), who will all miss Sunday’s game against the Bears. Defensive end/outside linebacker Eric Moore will suit up for the first time since joining the...

nesn.com

The Patriots will once again be without cornerback Jonathan Wilhite (hip) and defensive linemen Myron Pryor (back) and Mike Wright (concussion), who will all miss Sunday’s game against the Bears.​

Pryor is out for the fifth consecutive game, while Wilhite is missing his fourth game in a row and Wright is out for the third straight week.​

Aug 29, 2011 - Mike Rodak:

CB Jonathan Wilhite among 11 players cut

wilhite, sanders among cuts Garrett Mills, Matt Katula, Tyree Barnes, Chris Koeppilin, Kade Weston, Jonathan Wilhite, James Sanders Clay Nurse Malcolm Williams

www.patsfans.com

Katula, Wilhite among cuts; two signed

The Patriots announced a number of roster moves on Monday afternoon, including the release of long snapper Matt Katula and cornerback Jonathan Wilhite.

www.espn.com

Wilhite was a fourth-round pick of the Patriots in 2008 and has started 13 games over the past three seasons for the team. The move may be a positive sign for third-year cornerback Darius Butler, who appears to be on the roster bubble. Otherwise, the Patriots' top four options at cornerback look to be Devin McCourty, Leigh Bodden, Kyle Arrington, and 2011 second-round draft choice Ras-I Dowling.​

 

[JohnJH]

Who cares?

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
John Stephens​

In memory of John Stephens, born on this date 59 years ago
Born February 23, 1966; from Springhill, Louisiana
Died September 1, 2009 at the age of 43 near Shreveport, Louisiana
Patriot running back, 1988-1992; uniform #44
Pats first round (17th overall) selection of the 1988 draft, from NW Louisiana State
Pats résumé: five seasons, 76 games (59 starts); 3,249 yards rushing, 4,030 yards from scrimmage, 18 TD; 1988 All Pro & Rookie of the Year


John Stephens got off to a great start with the Patriots, as he was the 1988 Offensive Rookie of the Year when he rushed for 1,168 yards. The previous year the Pats ranked 20th in rushing yards, led by Tony Collins - who ran for just 3.2 yards per carry and 474 yards. In '88 the Pats improved to ninth in rushing yardage.

On October 22, 1989, Stephens was involved in a violent collision that left the 49ers safety Jeff Fuller with a career-ending spinal injury. To me, Stephens was never the same player again after that play - physically or mentally. He ran for over 800 yards in each of the next two seasons before Leonard Russell replaced him as the lead tailback.

On March 30, 1990 the Patriots traded Stephens to Green Bay in exchange for a fourth round draft pick. Over the course of his five seasons with the Pats, Stephens rushed for 3,440 yards and scored 19 touchdowns.


Stephens was a deeply troubled man. He allegedly fathered nine children from seven women. He was also a serial rapist. In 1994 Stephens plead guilty to rape charges in Kansas City, but was only placed on probation. He was awaiting trial in 2009 for another sexual assault and facing up to 80 years in jail. Stephens lost control of his pickup truck on a back road, crashed into trees and died, avoiding that ignominy.

His daughter Sloane is a professional tennis player who won the 2017 US Open and was once ranked number three on the tour, and his son John Stephens Jr. is a tight end with the Dallas Cowboys.




2005 Northwestern State HoF Induction:

John Stephens (2005) - N-Club Hall of Fame - Northwestern State University Athletics

John Stephens, Class: Induction: 2005 Sport(s): Football - Stephens, a Springhill native, broke Joe Delaney's school career rushing record while piling up 3,057

nsudemons.com

Aug 12, 1990:

Patriots' Stephens tries to shake off the hits

The hits came at John Stephens from all directions. On the field, injuries robbed him of his elusiveness, making him an easier target for huge tacklers. Off it, he couldn't run away from a...

www.tampabay.com

The hits came at John Stephens from all directions. On the field, injuries robbed him of his elusiveness, making him an easier target for huge tacklers. Off it, he couldn't run away from a marital mess.​

The power and promise he showed as a rookie running back with the New England Patriots were gone.​

Then there was the hit.​

Last Oct. 22, San Francisco's Jeff Fuller lowered his helmet to make a tackle. Stephens lowered his. They banged heads. Both went down, and Fuller then was hit by teammate Charles Haley.​

Fuller, 27, suffered a frightening neck injury, either from the contact with Stephens or Haley. Nerve damage has rendered Fuller's left arm virtually useless. His football career, then moving toward its peak with the NFL's best team, is over.​

Stephens only hurt his back. He says he didn't become a timid runner after that but he appeared to lose his aggressiveness following the incident on the game's second offensive play.​

His mind, meanwhile, wrestled with the awful alternative: While he fretted over Fuller's injury, he knew it might have been his career that ended if the collision had occurred differently.​

"I would like to think that it didn't bother me, but, as a human being, yes, it did," Stephens said of his role in Fuller's injury. "I think it was four days later before I could even sleep a full night. Every time I closed my eyes, I could see the guy's shoes coming up to make the hit, can see it today."​

All that most Patriots fans could see were the numbers. In 1988, Stephens rushed for 1,168 yards and was picked as a Pro Bowl starter and NFL offensive rookie of the year. In 1989, he rushed for only 833 yards.​

They didn't see how an ankle injury slowed him down or how he winced behind the protective bars of his face mask when he was hit. . .​

Oct 23, 1989:

Severe Injury For 49er (Published 1989)

www.nytimes.com

Oct 11, 1992:

COLLISION CHANGES VICTIM, SURVIVOR

Quite often, survival in professional football is predicated on adaptation to change. Players change. Coaches change. Situations change. Jobs change. He who can accommodate those changes survives. He who does not passes quickly into the…

www.chicagotribune.com

Sept 4, 1994:

Former Patriot wanted for rape - UPI Archives

Former New England Patriot running back John Stephens was wanted Sunday on charges of raping a womann at a Kansas City hotel in August, authorities said.

www.upi.com

Oct 1, 2023:

The moment football died for me — in an ordinary NFL game, 34 years ago - Salon.com

I was a normal sportswriter, and a lifelong NFL fan. Decades before Damar Hamlin, one game changed my view forever

www.salon.com

May 12, 2009:

Shreveport man allegedly rapes 51-year-old woman

A Shreveport man is behind bars, accused of rape.

www.ksla.com

Sept 2, 2009:

Stephens dies in truck crash

Former Patriots running back John M. Stephens was killed in a truck crash.

www.espn.com

Sept 3, 2009 - Patriots.com

Former Patriots RB John Stephens dies in auto accident

May 14, 2009:

Former Patriots RB John Stephens arrested for rape

Former NFL player accused of rape I used to love this guy and he is one of my all time favorite Patriots RBs but if this is true then I might have to redo my thinking.. at least viewing John as a human

www.patsfans.com

Sept 2, 2009:

Former Pats RB John Stephens killed in car accident

Former Patriot John Stephens was killed in a car accident yesterday. Had a great rookie season. Almost a playoff team. R.I.P. UDPATED: Former NSU, NFL star John Stephens killed in wreck | shreveporttimes.com | The Times J D Sal

www.patsfans.com

Sept 11, 2017:

For those of you who remember John Stephens RB for the NEP..

John's daughter, Sloane Stephens, won the US Tennis Open Saturday.. unfortunately John died in a car accident in 2009 .. John played for the Pats from 1988 to 1992, before he moved on to Green Bay and the Chiefs.. He was rookie of the year in 1988, and went to the pro bowl as well... An...

www.patsfans.com

May 28, 2014 retrospective:
Rookie of the Year: John Stephens, 1988 - Today in Pro Football History

Prelude:​

After setting a school rushing record with 3057 yards at Northwestern State, Stephens was chosen by the Patriots in the first round (17th overall) of the 1988 NFL draft. He proved to be a key component in turning the team around from a 2-4 start with his solid running between the tackles.​

. . .Patriots went 9-7 to finish third in the AFC East.​

Aftermath:​

Beginning in the preseason, Stephens was dogged by injuries in 1989 and his production slipped to 833 rushing yards with an average of 3.4 yards per carry. It was a similar situation in ’90, gaining 808 yards on the ground with a 3.8-yard average gain. While an effective power runner who rarely fumbled, his tendency to carry the ball with both arms slowed him down. Relegated to a backup role behind rookie Leonard Russell in 1991, Stephens was shifted to fullback in ’92. He was traded to Green Bay in 1993 but lasted five games before finishing up with the Chiefs in what was his last pro season. Overall, he rushed for 3440 yards on 945 carries (3.6 avg.) and gained another 812 yards on 105 pass receptions, scoring a total of 20 touchdowns.​

More on Sloane Stephens:

Sept 4, 2009:

For a Rising Tennis Star, a Connection, Then Dealing With Loss (Published 2009)

Sloane Stephens is set to compete at the U.S. Open but must decide whether she will attend the funeral of her father, a former Patriots running back who died on Tuesday.

www.nytimes.com

Jan 24, 2013:

How U.S. tennis sensation Sloane Stephens overcame death of NFL father and learning of his rape charges to beat Serena Williams at Australian Open

The 19-year-old turned to the game as she struggled to deal with the death of her NFL star father whom she had known for just a few short years and later, the discovery that he had been accused of rape.

www.dailymail.co.uk

May 9, 2013:

For tennis phenom Sloane Stephens, fame comes with strings attached - The Boston Globe

American tennis player Sloane Stephens burst on the scene as a 19-year-old phenom, upsetting Serena Williams in the Australian Open quarterfinals in January. Stephens has a powerful game on the court, one rooted in strong athletic bloodlines.

www.bostonglobe.com

Sept 12, 2017:

For a Rising Tennis Star, a Connection, Then Dealing With Loss (Published 2009)

Sloane Stephens is set to compete at the U.S. Open but must decide whether she will attend the funeral of her father, a former Patriots running back who died on Tuesday.

www.nytimes.com

Feb 25, 2019:

Sloane Stephens: Love Game | Flamingo Magazine

Sloane Stephens went to bed late at her New York City hotel on Sept. 7, 2017, dreaming of becoming a Grand Slam champion. The then 24-year-old tennis star,

flamingomag.com

And John Stephens Jr:

Nov 30, 2016:

Logansport’s John Stephens a chip off ol’ block

Stephens' father was standout at NSU and in the NFL with the New England Patriots.

www.shreveporttimes.com

 

[PancakeBlockPaul]

Let’s see how much activity this thread gets. I never liked him at the spot he was drafted at and thought he was one of those random draft risers who forced the Pats to take him too early. Ryan Clady (who was heavily mocked to the Pats) should’ve been the pick given what just transpired in the Super Bowl with Brady getting roughed up.

He had Seymour and Warren for a short time, but he had Wilfork his entire career. Mayo was a stat collector with very little impact. He was absolutely awful in space where he was a step slow, took poor angles and wasn’t as fast as his 40 time. In fact, the run defense was mediocre to bad during his time when he was a starter. The guy was cooked after 5 years.

Now for him as a coach. There wasn’t one thing he was known for around the league that warranted him to skip the line and become a HC. I heard that Bill didn’t sign off on this plan. Then you have his magnum opus which was week 18 of last season.

The guy is a turd.

Honestly feel Hightower was a better player....

 

[JohnJH]

Honestly feel Hightower was a better player....

It's not just a feeling on your part. Hightower was a better player! So was Bruschi, Ted Johnson, Andre Tippett, Mike Vrable, and Rob Ninkovich. And except for Hightower, the other guys weren't even 1st Round Draft Picks (and Hightower wasn't in the Top 10).

 

[TheRainMaker]

As I said above, 'adequate to good, but not great' - perhaps I am being a bit generous there?

I completely missed that upon initial reading. I think that was a fine summation of him.

 

[Pape]

Honestly feel Hightower was a better player....

That's not even a question.

Mayo collected numbers, Hightower made an impact.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Rhamondre Stevenson​

Happy 27th birthday to Rhamondre Stevenson
Born February 23, 1998 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Patriot RB, 2021-present; uniform #38
Pats 4th round selection (120th overall) of the 2021 draft, from Oklahoma
Pats résumé: 4 seasons, 56 games (35 starts); 3,066 yards rushing, 4.3 ypc, 23 touchdowns; led team in rushing in 2022, 2024


Rhamondre Stevenson is one of just nine players to rush for over 3,000 yards in Pats franchise history. He ranks 12th with 21 career rushing touchdowns (tied with Antowain Smith and Laurence Maroney) - just one behind Stevan Ridley and Tom Brady on the team's leader board. And his 4.3 yards per carry place him ninth all-time among those with at least 250 rushing attempts.


May 1, 2021:

Rhamondre Stevenson drafted by New England Patriots: Here’s what experts are saying about the pick

The Patriots used the No. 120 overall pick on the Oklahoma running back.

www.masslive.com

It was a surprise for Rhamondre Stevenson to go to Patriots in fourth round

Rhamondre Stevenson gives the Patriots a bruising type running back in their backfield.

www.enterprisenews.com

NFL Draft 2021: Patriots select Oklahoma running back Rhamondre Stevenson in fourth round

New England is adding a big body to its backfield

www.cbssports.com

After going with back-to-back Alabama players with their first two picks of the 2021 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have since double-dipped with Oklahoma players, shipping a couple of Sooners up to Foxborough. The latest is running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who was selected with the No. 120 overall pick in the fourth round. He now joins a Patriots backfield that consists of Damien Harris, Sony Michel, James White, J.J. Taylor, and Brandon Bolden.​

Despite that large contingent of backs, Stevenson's arrival does fill a sneaky need for New England. While Harris is looked at as the clear starter coming into 2021, the long-term depth behind him is relatively shaky. Pass-catching back James White re-signed with the club earlier this offseason, but only to the tune of a one-year deal. Sony Michel may also have one more year left remaining on his rookie contract as it seems unlikely that the Patriots will pick up his fifth-year option, especially after the drafting of Stevenson. With all that in mind, adding another playmaker to this unit was imperative.​

It wasn't until I just re-read Ian's article below before I remembered what an extreme hit-and-miss the 2021 draft was:
1st round, QB Mac Jones
2nd round, DT Christian Barmore
3rd round, DE Ronnie Perkins
4th round, RB Rhamondre Stevenson
5th round, LB Cameron McGrone
6th round, S Joshuah Bledsoe
6th round, OT William Sherman
7th round, WR Tre Nixon

Perkins and McGrone were such immense non-factors, I had completely forgotten about them - as well as the fact that the third rounder came about as a compensatory pick for Tom Brady's departure in free agency. That's a useful trivia question/answer to throw at some unsuspecting, annoying know-it-all football fan's face when needed.

May 3, 2021:

Patriots 2021 Draft Picks: Full List | PatsFans.com

Taking a look back on what was a productive weekend for the New England Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft, here are some thoughts on all of their selections.

www.patsfans.com

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma (#120) – Stevenson is a fellow Sooner and a power back who should be a nice compliment to Damien Harris.​

Stevenson is big, coming in at 6’0″, 247lbs and despite his size, he’s surprisingly quick. He doesn’t go down on first contact and tends to be the guy delivering blows and wearing down defenses. Even better, he does a good job catching the ball out of the backfield and adds another dimension to what should be a much improved Patriots offense.​

His addition likely means that the club isn’t picking up Sony Michel’s option, as well as the fact they’re preparing for a future that might not include James White after this season. But if he turns out to be close to the player he was in college, it should be a nice 1-2 punch with Harris moving forward.​

Rhamondre Stevenson Patriots Draft Profile
11:23 Video
​

Sept 23, 2024:

Fumbling problem has put a 'target' on Rhamondre Stevenson's back, Alex Van Pelt says

Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has fumbled in all three games. Teams will go after him even harder now, one coach says.

www.boston.com

Oct 4, 2024:

Rhamondre Stevenson benched: Patriots RB won't start vs. Dolphins in Week 5, but he'll still play

Stevenson has fumbled in every game this season

www.cbssports.com

Feb 17, 2025:

Patriots 2025 roster reset: RB a sneaky offseason priority

Tom E. Curran assesses the Patriots’ running back situation heading into the 2025 offseason and explains why New England needs an upgrade.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Is it time for the Patriots to move on from Rhamondre Stevenson? Tom Curran and Phil Perry weigh in (1:55 video).​

Rhamondre Stevenson had 801 yards on 207 carries (3.9 average). He led NFL running backs with seven fumbles. The 14 guys ahead of him were quarterbacks, including Drake Maye, who had nine and lost an NFL-high six (tied with Will Levis). Stevenson was 12th in yards after contact (YAC) among runners with 200 or more attempts (2.1).​

The Patriots offensive line was, of course, an unmitigated disaster and the consensus pick for worst OL in the NFL. . . .​

Feb 23, 2025:

Patriots News 2/23: Will the Patriots Explore Moving Stevenson? | PatsFans.com

This is certainly a big week coming up for the New England Patriots, with the NFL Scouting Combine set to begin on February 27th, allowing for a first glimpse of some of the candidates that will be available in this year's upcoming NFL Draft. In this morning's Patriots' news article, we look at...

www.patsfans.com

“Does Vrabel come in here and look at somebody like that and say, ‘He’s making a lot of money, there’s another team that’s probably much closer to Super Bowl contention that might like him and give us something for him, and appreciate him more than we do, should we do it?’ I would leave it open and certainly say it’s within the realm of possibility as well.”​

Rhamondre Stevenson Top Plays of the 2022 Regular Season
11:59 Highlight Video



Rhamondre Stevenson Highlights
8:12 Highlight Video



Rhamondre Stevenson Top Plays of the 2023 Regular Season
7:46 Highlight Video



Sights & Sounds Rhamondre Stevenson's 3-Score Game Highlights Patriots Win vs. Jets | NFL Week 8
6:36 Highlight Video
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Vincent Valentine​

Happy 31st birthday to Vincent Valentine
Born February 23, 1994; from Edwardsville, Illinois
Patriot DT, 2016-2018; uniform #99
Pats third round (96th overall) selection of the 2016 draft, from Nebraska
Pats résumé: 1 season, 13 games (2 starts); 19 tackles, one sack; all 3 playoff games, with a ring from the "28-3" game vs Atlanta

Vincent Valentine showed some promise as a rookie. He was part of the standard rotation as a run stopping specialist, appearing in 13 games while on the field for 28% of the defensive snaps. Valentine suffered a knee injury and spent nearly all of 2017 on injured reserve. He failed to make the roster in 2018, and was relegated to starting the season on the practice squad.

The injury must have been extremely severe; a month later the Patriots released Valentine. He played in just three more NFL games after that - with his pro football career over at the age of 25, when Arizona cut him at the end of their 2019 training camp.


May 4, 2016:

Vincent Valentine Scouting Report: Patriots Defensive Tackle Brings Good Value - NESN.com

The New England Patriots grabbed a defensive tackle high in potential but low in production late in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Nebraska’s Vincent Valentine was taken surprisingly high, with many draft analysts projecting him as a sixth- or seventh-round pick. It seems he was much...

nesn.com

Sept 2, 2016:

Rookie Vincent Valentine makes impression on Patriots defensive line

FOXBORO — The NFL’s cutdown week is a stomach-churning time for players whose careers are in jeopardy of being put on hold, but it’s also difficult for teammates who may have to say goodbye to friends.Patriots rookie…

www.bostonherald.com

Jan 23, 2017:

Patriots DT Vincent Valentine stepped up when the defense needed him most

Patriots rookie DT Vincent Valentine stepped up for his team when it was needed most—a tribute to how the New England defense has improved through a crazy season.

www.si.com

With seven minutes and change left in the second quarter, and trailing at that point by a manageable 17–6, the Steelers began a drive on their own 25. Five minutes and 56 yards later, Ben Roethlisberger found Jesse James in the right flat and James staggered toward the end zone and seemed to have scored. Valentine and some of his teammates left the field while the play went under review. Then the call was reversed.​

So Valentine and his teammates went back out and, on the next play, Roethlisberger handed the ball to DeAngelo Williams—playing in place of the injured Le’Veon Bell—who slanted off toward the left. He hadn’t gone two steps before Valentine, apparently rising from beneath the sod, wrapped him up for a three-yard loss that ultimately would force Pittsburgh to kick a field goal. Ultimately that may have been the game’s most pivotal play, and the most critical in the first of New England’s two goal-line stands.​

If you watch the replay of Valentine’s stop carefully, you can see him deke a Steeler lineman to his right, and then step into a clear lane toward Williams. Well, “stepping” may be overstating it just a bit. He nearly fell right on his face. “Yeah,” Valentine said, “I kind of got my feet crossed there. I think he thought I was going in a different direction and I kind of fooled him. To tell you the truth, I’m not sure what happened. I looked up and there he was.”​

Jan 30, 2017:

Against Steelers, Patriots’ Vincent Valentine had the right stuff - The Boston Globe

The rookie nose tackle’s stop for a 3-yard loss near the goal line was a huge play in the AFC Championship game.

www.bostonglobe.com

Sept 22, 2017 - Patriots.com:

Patriots Sign DL Geneo Grissom to the 53-Man Roster; Place DL Vincent Valentine on Injured Reserve; Sign WR Riley McCarron to Practice Squad

Aug 4, 2018:

Patriots notes: DT Vincent Valentine is happy to be healthy

FOXBORO — One year after helping the Patriots win Super Bowl LI as a rookie, defensive tackle Vincent Valentine didn’t play a game and spent most of last season on injured reserve with a banged-up le…

www.telegram.com

Aug 22, 2018:

Patriots’ Vincent Valentine has experienced a lot in two years

Valentine won the Super Bowl as a rookie, then missed his second season because of a knee injury.

www.boston.com

In two years as a pro, Valentine has experienced the gamut of football emotions, a designation generally reserved for a veteran. He ascended to the upper reaches of the sport as a rookie in 2016, helping New England to a Super Bowl victory over Atlanta. Less than a year later, a bum knee placed Valentine on injured reserve, where he spent the 2017 season.​

All the perspective Valentine has gleaned in his brief stint in Foxborough brought about a change in his overall temperament.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Cups of Coffee​

In memory of Dave McCurry
Born February 23, 1951 in Grinnell, Iowa; died August 13, 2020 at the age of 69 in Coralville, Florida
Patriot defensive back, 1974; Uniform #40
Signed as a free agent during the 1974 offseason, date unknown

Dave McCurry was one of the last two-way players in college football. Miami drafted the Iowa State alum in the fifth round of the 1973 draft. McCurry spent most of the 1974 season on injured reserve, appearing in two games with the Patriots after being activated on November 27.




Happy 39th birthday to Bear Pascoe
Born February 23, 1986; from Porterville, California
Patriot TE, 2016 offseason; uniform #83
Signed as a free agent on July 27, 2016

Come on, who didn’t root for a tight end named Bear?! McKenna Sean Pascoe was a seven-year veteran when he signed with the Patriots. Unfortunately the 6’5 Fresno State alum was unable to impress the staff over Matt Lengel, Cameron Fleming and Martellus Bennett, competing as a backup to Rob Gronkowski. Foxboro was the final stop of his NFL career when Pascoe was cut on August 22, 2016. At least he has a ‘Fairlea Wicked’ horse.




Happy 35th birthday to Kevin Dorsey
Born February 23, 1990; from District Heights, Maryland
Patriot WR, 2015 offseason
Signed as a free agent on March 11, 2015

Kevin Dorsey had spent two years in the Green Bay Packers organization before coming to Foxborough. The wide receiver from Maryland did not make it to the start of training camp, released on May 9.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
February 23 Transaction Trivia​

Feb 23, 2005:
Patriots add to coaching staff; release four players - Patriots.com

The New England Patriots hired two coaches today, appointing Joel Collier to the position of assistant secondary coach and naming Harold Nash the team's assistant strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, the Patriots released defensive back Earthwind Moreland, defensive lineman Buck Rasmussen, guard Wilbert Brown and tight end Zeron Flemister.​

Collier is entering his 15th season as an NFL coach and returns to New England after spending the last 11 seasons with the Miami Dolphins. As the team's assistant secondary coach, he will enter his second tenure with the Patriots, having previously served as the assistant running backs and receivers coach on **** MacPherson's staff from 1991-92 and then as a pro scout for New England during the 1993 season. Collier spent the last seven seasons as the Dolphins' running backs coach and also served a four-year stint (1994-97) as a defensive staff assistant with Miami. Collier attended the University of Northern Colorado, where he was a three-year starter at inside linebacker. Following graduation, he served for two seasons as a graduate assistant at Syracuse University (1988-89) before entering the NFL as an offensive assistant with the Tampa Bay in 1990.​

Nash joins Coach Belichick's staff as the assistant strength and conditioning coach after recently completing an 11-year career as a defensive back in the Canadian Football League. He earned all-star recognition in three seasons and recorded a total of 367 tackles and 24 interceptions while playing for the Shreveport Pirates (1994-95), Montreal Alouettes (1996-99), Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1999-2003) and Edmonton Eskimos (2004). He is Winnipeg's all-time leader in pass knockdowns.​

The four Patriots released today were Moreland, 27, who played in nine games with two starts at cornerback after being signed from the practice squad on Nov. 6, 2004; Rasmussen, 25, who spent the entire 2004 season on the Patriots' practice squad; Flemister, 28, who was on the reserve/injured list for the entire 2004 season; and Brown, 27, who spent the 2004 season on the reserve/did not report list.​

Feb 23, 2018:

Although on-field impact was limited, David Harris earned Patriots' respect

The veteran linebacker announced his retirement Friday having earned the respect of his new teammates, despite not quite being a fit for the money.

www.espn.com

Veteran linebacker David Harris announced his retirement Friday, a decision that closes the book on his one-year tenure with the New England Patriots. Harris will be remembered most as a player for the New York Jets -- and rightfully so -- as he played for them for 10 seasons and had his most productive years in the NFL there.​

Harris' retirement will create a gross salary-cap savings of $2.125 million for the Patriots. Had Harris not retired, he was unlikely to be back with the club on the second year of the two-year, $5 million pact he had signed in June 2017.​

On-field impact was limited: Speed has never been Harris' forte, so he didn't factor into the special-teams mix. That made it hard for him to carve out a spot on the 46-man game-day roster. When he played, he usually came off the field in pass situations. Overall, he only played 177 defensive snaps for the Patriots, with his primary impact coming more as a result of his professional presence than what he did on the field. The coaches ultimately felt more comfortable with second-year linebacker Elandon Roberts.​

Sometimes a signing pans out, other times it doesn't: The Patriots have had success with late-career players and squeezing additional productive years out of them, but Harris falls on the other side of the ledger. The Patriots' financial investment was such that it seems fair to say they expected more on-field impact from him. It's another reminder that there are no guarantees in free agency.​