Today In Patriots History Feb 24: Happy Birthday to Marv Cook

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Marv Cook​

Happy 59th birthday to Marv Cook
Born February 24, 1966 in Iowa City, Iowa
Patriot TE, 1989-1993; uniform #46 ('89-'90) and #85 ('91-'92)
Pats third round (63rd overall) selection of the 1989 draft, from Iowa
Pats résumé: 5 seasons, 80 games (59 starts); 210 receptions for 1,843 yards and 11 TD; 1991 1st Team All Pro, 2x Pro Bowl


For a few years Marv Cook was statistically the best tight end in Patriots history (although there was universal agreement that the best TE ever at that time was still Russ Francis). Cook thrived in spite of his quarterbacks being Marc Wilson, Hugh Millen, Tommy Hodson, Scott Zolak and Jeff Carlson. He set franchise records despite playing for head coaches Rod Rust and **** MacPherson, and GMs Pat Sullivan, Joe Mendes and Tom Bass - people not exactly known for filling a team with a quality complimentary roster.

Marv Cook never missed a game over five seasons with the Patriots. He led Pats in touchdowns in 1990 and 1991, and receptions (82) in ’91. Those 82 catches were fourth among all players in the NFL that year; no other tight end ranked in the top thirty. That also set a then-franchise record for most receptions in a single season by a TE, shattering the old mark of 66 catches by Derrick Ramsey in 1984. That same year Cook tied a team single-season record for the most yards receiving by a tight end with 808, breaking the mark set by Don Hasselbeck ten years earlier.

Because his career in Foxborough was only for five seasons, took place in different decades, and was never with a playoff team, you won't find Marv Cook's name on any Patriot All-Decade Teams. For the 1990s the obvious choice was Ben Coates, and Lin Dawson took the honor for the 1980s. But Cook compares favorably to Dawson in an apples to apples comparison. Remove his rookie season when he had just three catches, and Cook averaged 54 catches for 458 yards and 3 touchdowns - all more than double than what Dawson averaged per 16 games.

Cook was fearless going after the ball even though he was not particularly big (6’4, 234). His playmaking skills resulted in becoming a first team All Pro in 1991 and named to the Pro Bowl in ’91 and ’92. In 1992 Cook (and Irving Fryar) become the first players in club history with three straight seasons of 50 receptions. By comparison Russ Francis, Ben Watson and Hasselbeck never had a single season with that many catches for the Patriots – though to be fair, Francis was a far superior and more complete player, playing on a run-oriented offense. In ’92 New England rewarded Cook for his production with a contract extension and pay raise.

Bill Parcells, Ben Coates and Drew Bledsoe​

In 1993 Bill Parcells became head coach of the Patriots. Nagging injuries slowed Cook down, resulting in more playing time for then-third year backup Ben Coates. The on field rapport rookie quarterback Drew Bledsoe had with Coates was evident immediately. Midway through the season Tuna made Coates the primary tight end, and Cook finished the year with just one touchdown. Three days before the 1994 draft the Pats released Cook due to the emergence of Coates, and to clear salary cap space. Cook signed with the Bears, and retired after the 1995 season. Meanwhile Coates went on to soon break all of Cook’s franchise records.

Marv Cook finished his five years in New England with 210 receptions. At that time it was the sixth most in franchise history, and today it is still the third most by a tight end, behind only Gronk and Coates. Since 2010 Cook has been a partner in an investment firm and very successful high school football coach in his hometown of Iowa City.




Highlighted Year: Marv Cook, 1991 - Today in Pro Football History

Age: 25​

3rd season in pro football & with Patriots​

College: Iowa​

Height: 6’4” Weight: 234​

​

Prelude:​

Cook caught 112 passes for 1660 yards (14.8 avg.) and six touchdowns in three varsity seasons and received first-team All-American honors from UPI and the American Football Coaches Association in 1988. He was chosen by the Patriots in the third round of the 1989 NFL draft and saw scant action as a rookie due to a broken foot, catching three passes and performing well on special teams. Cook became the starting tight end in ’90 and broke out with 51 receptions for 455 yards (8.9 avg.) and five TDs.​

1991 Season Summary​

Appeared in all 16 games​

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]​

Pass Receiving​

Receptions – 82 [4th]​

Most receptions, game – 10 vs. Houston 9/22​

Yards – 808​

Most yards, game – 99 vs. Houston 9/22​

Average gain – 9.9​

TDs – 3​

Scoring​

TDs – 3​

Points – 18​

Awards & Honors:​

1st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News​

1st team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly​

Pro Bowl​

Patriots went 6-10 to finish fourth in the AFC East.​

Aftermath:​

The overachieving Cook followed up with 52 catches for 413 yards (7.9 avg.) and two TDs in 1992 and was again chosen to the Pro Bowl. His production dropped off in ’93 as Ben Coates saw more action at tight end and he was let go by the Patriots. Cook moved on to the Chicago Bears in 1993 and finished his career with the St. Louis Rams in ’94, catching 47 passes in his last two seasons for 347 yards and two TDs. Overall, Cook caught 257 passes for 2190 yards (8.5 avg.) and 13 TDs, with 210 receptions for 1843 yards and 11 TDs coming with the Patriots. He was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection once and was chosen to two Pro Bowls. From 2007 to 2021 Marv Cook was a high school football coach, whose teams won seven straight Iowa state championships at the Class 1A or 2A level, and had a state record 56-game winning streak from 2010 to 2013.​

May 7, 1994:

BEARS SIGN COOK, EX-PATRIOTS TIGHT END, TO BOLSTER PASSING GAME

The Bears strolled through the 10-items-or-less line of the free-agency market Friday and signed tight ends Marv Cook and Keith Jennings. Cook, a former All-Pro with the New England Patriots, agreed to a contract paying $1.4 million over…

www.chicagotribune.com

Nov 17, 2016:

From 30,000 feet, Marv Cook has evolved Regina into unprecedented power

From 30,000 feet, Marv Cook has evolved Regina into unprecedented power.

www.press-citizen.com

May 27, 2021:

Marv Cook's historical run as Iowa City Regina football coach comes to an end - Hawk Fanatic

By Pat Harty IOWA CITY, Iowa – The sport of football has been very good to Marv Cook, and he has certainly reciprocated, first as a star player and then as a high school head coach. Football changed the course of Cook’s life, how it paved his way to the University of Iowa where he […]

hawkfanatic.com

Marv Cook steps down as Regina football coach

He coached Regals to 7 state titles in 14 seasons

www.thegazette.com

Sept 11, 2024:

Marv Cook: Enjoy every snap & let tough teams shape you - West Branch Times - West Branch, Iowa - westbranchtimes.com

www.westbranchtimes.com

Marsh Cook Investment Group, West Des Moines IA

fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com

Marv Cook Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Dennis Owens​

Happy 65th birthday to Dennis Owens
Born February 24, 1960 in Clinton, North Carolina
Patriot NT, 1982-1986; uniform #98
Signed May 13, 1982 as an undrafted rookie from North Carolina State
Pats résumé: 5 seasons, 71 games (44 starts); 11½ sacks, 3 fumble recoveries; four sacks in five playoff games

Dennis Owens grew up in a small hog farming town that produced several pro football players. He was a roster surprise as the only undrafted rookie to survive training camp cuts in 1982. That year he backed up Lester Williams and rotated in as a fourth defensive lineman. At the start of the following season Owens replaced Williams in the starting lineup. Owens had four sacks in ’83 and was second on the team with 6.5 in ’84. He was often a disruptive force collapsing the pocket, allowing Andre Tippett to come in from the outside and cause havoc. Owens had two sacks on Jim McMahon in Super Bowl 20 against Chicago. The Pats waived Owens on September 8, 1987 in order to get down to the 45-player roster limit – just a month after signing him to a two year contract extension.


Feb 1, 2006:

STEEL HORSE

Once a longshot to reach the NFL, Willie Parker of rural Clinton, N.C., has developed into a 1,000-yard rusher for Pittsburgh

www.latimes.com

(Besides Steeler RB Willie Parker), three other players coached by Lewis -- running backs Leonard Henry and Jerris McPhail and defensive tackle Ronnie Dixon -- played in the NFL. And Clinton grad Dennis Owens, who graduated before Lewis arrived, played nose guard for the New England Patriots in the 1986 Super Bowl.​

“I can’t explain it, nobody can explain it,” Lewis said of Clinton’s fertile training ground. “It’s like these guys crawl out of the woodwork.”​

Sept 8, 1987:

The New England Patriots put six players on their... - UPI Archives

The New England Patriots put six players on their injured reserve list, waived seven others and reclaimed veteran center Guy Morris just in time to meet...

www.upi.com

The New England Patriots put six players on their injured reserve list, waived seven others and reclaimed veteran center Guy Morris just in time to meet their 45-player limit for the start of the 1987 NFL season.​

The team said Morris, in his 15th year in the league, had agreed to a new contract just 24 hours after being waived by the Patriots.​

Morris replaced defensive back Roland James, who was placed on injured reserve with a bad knee.​

Also placed on injured reserve were defensive back Derrick Beasley of Winston Salem with a bad toe, running back Reggie Dupard (hip), running back Elgin Davis (quadricep), defensive end Tom Gibson (hamstring), center Trevor Matich (foot).​

The Patriots waived linebacker Steve Doig of the University of New Hampshire, kicker Jim Gallery of Minnesota, linebacker Brian Ingram of Tennessee, tight end Mark Keel of Arizona, nose tackle Dennis Owens of North Carolina State, tight end Willie Scott of South Carolina and linebacker Clayton Weishuhn of Angelo (Texas) State.​

Placed on the physically unable to perform list was running back Robert Weathers, with an ankle injury.​

Oct 25, 2007:

Interview with Coach Owens

Dennis Owens, now Midway (North Carolina) High School’s line coach, was once a New England Patriot. From 1982 to 1986, Owens played nose tackle for the Patriots.​

Dennis earned the starting NT role in the Patriots’ 1983 training camp. He may have been the team’s biggest surprise in ’82 in that he was the only rookie free agent to make the team.​

He played in all 16 games in ’83 with 14 starts. In the ’83 season, he was in on 49 tackles and recorded four QB sacks.​

Dennis had a big day in the Patriots’ 37-21 win over San Diego (10-16-83) when he was in on five tackles and recorded one QB sack. Dennis nearly single handedly controlled the line of scrimmage and was in on seven tackles on a snow-covered Sullivan Stadium field in Patriots’ 7-0 victory over New Orleans (12-4-83).​

In 1984, Dennis Owens started all 16 games at nose tackle. That season, Dennis won the game ball vs. Cincinnati on New England’s 10-14 win. During the ’84 season, he had 12 solo and 43 assisted tackles; was second best on the team in sacks with six and a half for 36 yards.​

Dennis played both right DT and NG during his tenure at N.C. State where he was listed as running a 4.8 40-yard dash as a senior.​

Coach Owens: I grew up playing high school football in Clinton, North Carolina. I played my college ball at North Carolina State University and then played five years for the New England Patriots.​

I often referred to myself as a “blue collar” NFL football player. I didn’t get drafted, I walked on.​

SORSN: The 1986 Super Bowl between New England and Chicago unfortunately did not consist of many bright spots for Patriots players and fans. However, you did have one of the biggest and most memorable defensive moments of the game when you sacked the “Fridge”, William Perry. The Refrigerator Perry was a defensive lineman, however, he is probably best known for his 1 yard touchdown run in the big game. But prior to his score, he was given the opportunity earlier in the game to run the ball. QB Jim McMahon pitched the ball to the Fridge but you sacked the Refrigerator Perry! Tell us about that play. As you closed in, did you think “how am I gonna bring this guy down???”​

Coach Owens: Playing in Super Bowl XX was probably one of the biggest highlights of my football career. When I played ball, I always took pride in being a good technician. I always worked hard on doing everything right. So therefore, when I saw the “Fridge” coming instincts took over and before he knew it, he was on the ground and I was back at the huddle.​

SORSN: It was often said that the Patriots keyed on Walter Payton and that’s why he didn’t score in the Super Bowl. Did the defensive indeed pay any more attention to Payton than usual? (Why would you not pay attention to Payton?)​

Coach Owens: I would say that Walter got special attention during that week. I think we paid a little too much attention to him and not enough on the rest of their offensive weapons.​

Dennis Owens Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

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Dennis Owens - Pro Football Archives

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Art McMahon​

Happy 79th birthday to Art McMahon
Born February 24, 1946 in Newark, New Jersey
Patriot CB/S, 1968-1972; uniform #28
Pats 15th round (385th overall) selection of the 1968 draft, from North Carolina State
Pats résumé: 4 seasons, 43 games (7 starts); 3 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries


Art McMahon overcame long odds to make the 1968 roster and had two interceptions as a rookie. He was known for his bone jarring hits, and worked his way into the starting lineup over the last half of that season. However, back injuries caused him to miss half of the 1970 season and all of 1971. McMahon returned for the entire 1972 season, then played briefly in the WFL. Overall he played in 43 games for the Patriots, with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.


1972 Patriots Media Guide:

PRO CAREER: One of the most promising defensive backs in Patriots field until injury jinx hit . . . missed half of '70 season, all of 1971 campaign . . . returned three interceptions for 99 yards in first 29 games . . . standout special teams performer.​

COLLEGE CAREER: Pats 15th round draft choice in the 1968 meeting . . . defensive captain at North Carolina State . . . played three varsity seasons . . . two-time All-Conference choice.​

At that point in time nearly all pro football players took other jobs during the offseason; they had to, for financial reasons. Art McMahon did as well, working in personnel and industrial relations for Raytheon. Since retiring from pro football in 1973 he has held senior management positions as a human resource director for various high tech companies in the Boston area.

January 23, 2007:

Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. Announces Additions to Senior Management Team | Madrigal Pharmaceuticals.

The Investor Relations website contains information about Madrigal Pharmaceuticals.'s business for stockholders, potential investors, and financial analysts.

ir.madrigalpharma.com

New Hires Provide Depth and Experience in Key Functions​

LEXINGTON, MA - January 23, 2007 - Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp., a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing small molecule drugs to treat severe medical conditions, today announced three appointments to its senior management team. Art McMahon has been named Vice President of Human Resources, Andrew Sonderfan has been appointed Vice President, Pre-clinical Safety Assessment and Rob Kloppenburg has joined the Company as Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications.​

Prior to joining Synta, Art McMahon served as Senior Director of Human Resources for Cabot Corporation, a publicly traded specialty chemical company. From 1995 to 2001, Mr. McMahon was Vice President of Human Resources for Osprey Systems, Inc., a privately owned software and information technology services company. Mr. McMahon's past experience in the field of human resources also includes positions with Broadway and Seymour, Inc., Wang Laboratories, Inc. and Raytheon Company. Mr. McMahon earned his B.S. from North Carolina State University and his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.​

Art McMahon Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Art McMahon - Pro Football Archives

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Dwayne Allen​

Happy 35th birthday to Dwayne Allen
Born February 24, 1990 in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Patriot TE, 2017-2018; uniform #83
Acquired in a trade with the Colts on March 9, 2017
Pats résumé: 2 seasons, 29 games (16 starts); 13 receptions, 1 touchdown; six playoff games; ring from 14-3 victory over Rams in SB53


In 2011 Dwayne Allen won the the John Mackey Award, given annually to the best college football tight end. He was a third round pick by Indy in 2012, and he played for the Colts through 2016. The Patriots received Allen and a sixth round draft pick in exchange for the Pats fourth round pick prior to the 2017 draft. He was a starter with Indianapolis since his 2012 rookie season, scoring eight touchdowns in 2014 and six in 2016. Allen was a good blocker, but never came anywhere close to that offensive production with New England. In 2017 Allen had just ten receptions on 22 pass targets, with one touchdown. Then in 2018 his numbers somehow decreased, to a miniscule three catches for 27 yards – ranking Allen 12th on the team in both of those categories.

The Dolphins signed Allen early in the 2019 offseason but he did not make their 53-man roster, putting an end to his pro football career. Over 86 NFL games from 2012 to 2018 he had 139 receptions and 20 touchdowns. Since then he has worked as a Player Director for the National Football League Players Association, providing guidance to new and upcoming NFL athletes about life in the league and opportunities off the field, particularly in regards to NIL.


March 15, 2017:
Welcome to New England, Dwayne Allen - Patriots.com - 20-Photo slide show


Nov 10, 2022:

Lasting Benefit | Dwayne Allen

clemsontigers.com

After five years with Indianapolis, he was traded to the New England Patriots. His role there became more as a blocking tight end, but he still was a contributor his second year when Tom Brady led the squad to the Super Bowl title.​

“It was very cool to win the Super Bowl. Whenever you are crowned a champion, it is a tremendous honor. That parade in Boston was incredible. I had so much fun with my teammates that year.”​

That Super Bowl victory over the Rams at the conclusion of the 2018 season was basically the end of the line for Allen. He signed a free-agent contract with the Miami Dolphins in March 2019, but he was later put on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and was released just before the 2019 season.​

Today in Patriots History
Chuck Ramsey​

Happy 73rd birthday to Chuck Ramsey
Born February 24, 1952 in Rock Hill, South Carolina
Patriot P, 1975 offseason
Pats sixth round (141st overall) selection of the 1974 draft, from Wake Forest
Pats résumé: 1975 offseason

The punter signed with the Chicago Fire of the World Football League rather than with the Patriots in 1974. After the WFL closed their doors he signed with the Patriots on June 20, 1975. His stay in New England did not last long: the Pats released Ramsey early, on August 6, 1975. Ramsey also failed in a 1975 tryout with Green Bay, sat out the entire 1976 season, and was cut by Detroit after two 1977 preseason games.

With his pro football career appearing to be over, the Jets signed Ramsey after the second game of the 1977 season, and he took over punting duties full time for that season's final twelve games. Ramsey began punting without a shoe in 1979, and all his numbers - gross yards per punt, net average, and percentage inside the 20 - all went up. He ended up punting for eight seasons with the Jets, from 1977 through 1984.




Other NFL players born on February 24 with a New England connection:

Jordan Todman, 35 (1990)
Born and raised in Dartmouth, Mass; Dartmouth High School; UConn
The running back played in the NFL from 2011-2017, primarily with Jacksonville.

Tom Hogan (1895-1937)
Born and raised in Holyoke, Mass; Holyoke High School
NFL Lineman played for three seasons in the twenties.

Joe Sabasteanski (1921-1972)
Born and raised in Portland, Maine; Portland High School
Offensive lineman and linebacker played in the NFL for three seasons after WWII, including two with the Boston Yanks.

 

[BennyBledsoe]

Yeah, for most of my life we've had really good to great tight ends. First one I remember is Marv Cook. Admittedly, just barely, as I was still starting to really become aware of football in the late '80s to early '90s.

I always 'put him on the team' in Madden when you were allowed to rename rookies.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
February 24 Transactions & Trivia​

Feb 24, 1973:
Patriots sign free agent CB Daryl Johnson

Johnson was originally an 8th round draft pick by the Pats in 1968, from Morgan State. The corner played in all 42 games with the Patriots from 1968 to 1970, then spent all of 1971 on IR. The Pats released on September 6, 1972, and he was claimed on waivers by Cincinnati. After this re-signing he was released at the start of training camp on July 30, 1973. Johnson then finished his pro football career by playing for two seasons in the WFL, for the Shreveport Steamer. He then achieved additional success in the corporate world as a stockbroker, small business owner and small business liaison, living in West Newbury and Haverhill, Massachusetts until his death in 2023 at the age of 77.

Daryl Johnson is a member of the Patriots All-Decade Team of the 1960s.

Daryl Johnson (2008) - Hall of Fame - Morgan State University Athletics

Daryl Johnson, Class: 1967 Induction: 2008 Sport(s): Football - Daryl E. Johnson is a native of Richmond, Virginia and graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School.

morganstatebears.com

Local obituary: Daryl Johnson, member of Patriots' 1960s All-Decade Team

Daryl Johnson, of Haverhill, died on Nov. 25, 2023.

www.boston.com

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

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives - Daryl Johnson




Feb 24, 2007:
Pats re-sign FB Heath Evans to a two-year contract extension

Pats reach two-year extension agreement with RB Heath

The New England Patriots have reached agreement with versatile running back Heath Evans on a two-year contract extension.

www.espn.com

The New England Patriots have reached agreement with versatile running back Heath Evans on a two-year contract extension that will keep the six-year veteran off the unrestricted free agent market. Without the extension, Evans would have been able to sign with another team when the free agency period commenced on March 2.​

Securing the services of Evans for two more seasons, likely at a palatable price tag, gives the Pats a valuable veteran back who plays a lot of key roles in New England. It also bolsters a backfield depth chart that could be thinned if the Pats release veteran Corey Dillon after the start of free agency.​

Dillon has requested his release and indications are it will be granted, although Patriots officials have yet to confirm that.​

Evans, 28, has lined up at tailback and fullback for New England, can play in one-back sets, and is a contributor on special teams. In two seasons with the Pats, he has appeared in 28 games, with six starts, and carried 79 times for 309 yards and no touchdowns. For his career, Evans has 417 yards and no touchdowns on 112 carries.​

The former Auburn standout was a third-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2001 draft. He signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2005 as an unrestricted free agent, was released early that season, and quickly signed with the Patriots.​

Feb 24, 2010:
35-year old David Patten signs a one-year contract with New England
He would retire at the start of training camp, on July 31, 2010.

Patriots Sign Veteran WR David Patten - Patriots.com

Pats bring Patten back

The New England Patriots announced today the signing of veteran WR David Patten. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Patten previously spent four seasons with the Patriots from 2001-04. Patten played in 54 regular-season games with 44 starts for the Patriots from 2001-04 and also played in...

www.boston.com

Patten played in 54 regular-season games with 44 starts for the Patriots from 2001-04 and also played in six postseasons games with three starts during his tenure in New England. He caught 165 passes for 2,513 yards and 16 touchdowns in the regular-season and added 15 receptions for 174 yards with two touchdowns in the postseason for the Patriots. The best statistical season in his 12 NFL seasons was in 2004 with New England when he registered 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Patten was on the receiving end of the longest pass play in New England history, a 91-yard touchdown reception from Tom Brady at Indianapolis on Oct. 21, 2001.​

David Patten Re-Signs with the New England Patriots; Eddie Cohen Joins Todd Spitzer with Columbus Lions in SIFL

David Patten Re-Signs with the New England Patriots; Eddie Cohen Joins Todd Spitzer with Columbus Lions in SIFL

catamountsports.com

Former Western Carolina wide receiver David Patten was re-signed by the New England Patriots today, a team in which he had won three Super Bowl rings with during his professional career.​

Patten, 35, last played with New Orleans in 2008 despite being on the pre-season roster with the Cleveland Browns a season ago. With the Saints in '08, Patten appeared in five games and had 11 receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown. In 2007, Patten had enjoyed a nice comeback season by hauling in 54 passes for 792 yards and three touchdowns.​

A native of Columbia, S.C., who played at Western Carolina from 1992-95, Patten played on all three of the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning teams. During his previous four-year tenure with New England, Patten caught 165 passes for 2,513 yards and 16 touchdowns in the regular season and added 15 receptions for 174 yards with two touchdowns in the postseason.​

The best season of his 12-year career also came in New England in 2004, when he had 800 yards receiving and seven touchdowns.​

One of Patten's career highlights came in 2001 when he became the first player in New England franchise history - and only the sixth player in the NFL since 1960 at the time it occurred - to record a touchdown pass, touchdown reception and rush for a touchdown in one game (at Indianapolis, 10/21/01). He completed a 60-yard touchdown pass, caught two touchdown passes (91 and six yards) and rushed for a 29-yard score.​

Prior to Patten accomplishing the feet, Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton was the last player to accomplish the feat on Oct. 21, 1979 vs. Minnesota.​

Patten, who was not drafted out in 1995 and spent time working in a landscaping business, as an electrician and hauling 75-pound bags in a coffee bean factory until joining the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football League, started his career with the Giants in 1997. He has additionally had career stops with the Browns, Patriots, Redskins and Saints.​

Feb 24, 2018:
Pats re-sign RB Brandon Bolden
A six-year Pats veteran at the time, he would be released on September 1 - and spend 2018 with the Dolphins.

Patriots Re-Sign Brandon Bolden To One-Year Contract | PatsFans.com

Patriots sign Brandon Bolden to one-year contract extension.

www.patsfans.com

Bolden, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012, has spent most of the last two seasons on special teams after coming into the league as a running back. This past season, Bolden was with the kickoff coverage, kickoff return, punt coverage and punt return units, recording eight special teams tackles.​

From 2012-2015, Bolden had over 200 carries with six touchdowns. In 2017, Bolden recorded just 13 carries for 67 yards but did score a touchdown during the Patriots AFC Divisional round victory over the Tennessee Titans.​

With Bolden back in the fold for 2018, he adds depth to a thin running back group with James White, as Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead enter free agency.​

Patriots re-sign Brandon Bolden to 1-year deal

The Patriots have started to put their next roster together. Their first re-signing of the offseason is Brandon Bolden, who signed a one-year through the 2018 season. An undrafted running back, Bo…

www.providencejournal.com

An undrafted running back, Bolden made the Patriots 53-man roster in 2012 and has been in Foxboro ever since. Although his contributions on offense have died down, Bolden remains a core special teams player and a teammate that players love to be around. His one-year deal has a base salary of $790,000. According to ESPN, in total, it’s worth $880,000 when you factor in the signing bonus.​

The contract also includes $170,000 in guaranteed money, meaning Bolden isn’t a lock to make the team next summer.​

In other New England sports history news, Boston Red Sox slugger Tony Conigliaro died at the age of 45 on February 24, 1990.

August 18, 1967: ‘A very sick sound’: Tony Conigliaro’s devastation gives way to purpose – Society for American Baseball Research

sabr.org

On this day: February 24 Boston Red Sox slugger Tony Conigliaro died

Boston Red Sox slugger and right fielder Tony Conigliaro, born and raised in Revere, died on this day in 1990 at the age of 45.

www.fiftyplusadvocate.com

Tony Conigliaro (1945-1990) - Find a Grave...

Major League Baseball Player. For eight seasons (1964 to 1967, 1969 to 1971 and 1975), he was an outfielder (mostly right field) with the Boston Red Sox and California Angels. Born Anthony Richard Conigliaro, he made his initial impression on the baseball diamond during his years at St. Mary's...

www.findagrave.com

And on February 24, 1980, the US Hockey team won the gold medal, two days after beating the Ruskies.