Today In Patriots History July 12: Pats trade N'Keal Harry

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
Patriots Trade N'Keal Harry​

Chicago Bears acquire New England Patriots WR N'Keal Harry for seventh-round pick

The Bears have acquired wide receiver N'Keal Harry from the Patriots in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round draft choice.

www.espn.com

The Chicago Bears have acquired wide receiver N'Keal Harry from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round draft choice.​

Harry, the final selection in the first round of the 2019 draft (32nd overall), never truly panned out in New England after becoming the highest drafted receiver in Bill Belichick's tenure (2000-present).​

He totaled 57 receptions for 598 yards and four touchdowns in 36 regular-season games.​

Harry, who had requested a trade prior to the 2021 season, faced an uphill climb to earn a roster spot this season after New England traded for veteran DeVante Parker. In addition to Parker, the Patriots have Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne locked into the top spots on their depth chart.​

Harry had not been a participant in the team's voluntary offseason program, and during June's mandatory minicamp, had been leapfrogged by others who had previously been behind him on the depth chart.​

The Patriots, who are tight to the salary cap, receive roughly $1 million in much-needed relief by trading Harry.​

In 2019, Harry had been a highly-touted prospect coming out of Arizona State, where he had appeared in 37 career games and totaled 213 receptions for 2,889 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Patriots had been excited about his physical makeup (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) and knack for making contested catches.​

Analysis: Pats swap Harry to Bears | Patriots.com

The Patriots announced on Wednesday that they are sending 2019 first-round pick wide receiver N'Keal Harry to the Chicago Bears, reportedly in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick. With a stacked depth chart returning at receiver, as well as new additions DeVante Parker and rookie Tyquan Thornton, Harry faced an uphill battle in the team's upcoming training camp to make the 53-man roster.​

Selected 32nd overall in 2019, Harry failed to deliver on his draft pedigree, recording just 57 catches in three seasons with four touchdowns. He did find ways to contribute on offense, using his large frame as a willing blocker in the run game, but never developed a consistent rapport in the passing game with the three different quarterbacks that he played with in his initial seasons. His 33 catches in 2020 with Cam Newton was his best season of the three.​

[indent=2=Harry had originally requested a trade last summer but was forced to wait a year until a deal came to fruition. He'll see renewed opportunities in Chicago with second-year quarterback Justin Fields and a wide-open depth chart at his position.[/indent]

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This Date In Transactions History: Patriots WR N’Keal Harry Requests Trade

On this date in 2021, one of the more egregious public trade requests crossed the Twitter/X timeline. Former Patriots first-round …

www.profootballrumors.com

While the agent’s statement was filled with hyperbole, he wasn’t entirely wrong about Harry’s collegiate production. The Arizona State product earned a pair of first-team All-Pac-12 honors after compiling 175 catches, 2,305 yards from scrimmage, and 18 touchdowns between the 2017 and 2018 seasons. That two-year performance helped put him firmly on the NFL map, and he was ultimately the second wideout off the board during the 2019 draft (behind Marquise Brown and ahead of the likes of Deebo Samuel and A.J. Brown, who were the next two receivers taken).​

The Patriots broke their tradition by selecting Harry with the No. 32 pick. Bill Belichick had never selected a first-round WR during his time in New England, and Harry was the organization’s first Round 1 receiver since Terry Glenn in 1996. So, it goes without saying that expectations were high for Harry.​

Unfortunately for both the player and the organization, those expectations were never met. Tom Brady often looked off rookie wideouts during his illustrious career, and Harry wasn’t an exception. Despite the Patriots offense being without Rob Gronkowski (retirement) and Josh Gordon (injury), Harry only finished the 2019 campaign with 12 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Things got a bit better with Cam Newton under center for the 2020 season, but Harry still struggled to match his first-round pedigree. The wideout finished his sophomore season with 33 catches for 309 yards, with both marks still representing career-highs.​

With two underwhelming seasons under his belt, Harry and his camp decided he’d be best served to rehabilitate his career elsewhere. Unsurprisingly, there weren’t any teams willing to give up significant draft capital to acquire the wideout, leading to rumors that the Patriots could just outright cut the impending third-year player. Instead, Harry ended up sticking on the roster, although a shoulder injury kept him off the field for the first month of the season. When he returned, he once again struggled to make a connection with his quarterback, a position that was now manned by rookie Mac Jones. Harry finished the 2021 season with 12 catches for 184 yards.​

Naturally, the Patriots declined Harry’s fifth-year option during the 2022 offseason, and the team eventually honored the player’s trade request. Harry was ultimately traded to the Bears for a seventh-round pick (a selection they eventually used on tight end Jaheim Bell). Harry didn’t do a whole lot during his cameo in Chicago, finishing with only seven catches. He spent most of the 2023 campaign in Minnesota, going catchless in 23 offensive snaps. After inking a reserve/futures contract with the Vikings this offseason, it was revealed that the six-foot-four, 225-pound athlete will be attempting to make Minnesota’s roster as a tight end in 2024.​

When Harry’s camp made the trade request on this date three years ago, it was hinted that the player’s landing spot was to blame for the lack of production. Really, everyone involved deserves some responsibility for the disappointing results. The Patriots should have done a better job assuring that Harry would be a fit with Brady and the technical New England offense, especially after the organization had struck out on so many young WRs over the years. On the flip side, Harry was hoping to simply capitalize on his physical talents, a factor that his college coach, Herm Edwards, confirmed when he noted that rookies need “to have work ethic” and have “to focus in on football.”​

Patriots wide receiver N'Keal Harry fumbled into the end zone, highlighting one of the most frustrating rules in the NFL

The Patriots were inches from scoring a touchdown. Instead, the Dolphins got the ball with the help of one of the most frustrating rules in the NFL.

www.businessinsider.com

NFL Twitter rips N'Keal Harry for muffed punt vs. Bills

Patriots wide receiver N’Keal Harry took a punt off the helmet in the first quarter of Monday night’s game vs. the Bills, sparking plenty of harsh reactions on the Internet.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

NEW ARTICLE: What Would the Team Look Like if the Patriots Had Drafted …?, Morse’s Morsels

What Would the Team Look Like if the Patriots Had Drafted …?, Morse’s Morsels Mark Morse With the trade of N’keal Harry and the resulting disaster of the 2019 draft, I thought it would be a fun exercise to look back and see the players I wanted the team to take based on the actual draft results...

www.patsfans.com

What Would the Team Look Like if the Patriots Had Drafted ...?, Morse's Morsels | PatsFans.com

With the trade of N’keal Harry and the resulting disaster of the 2019 draft, I thought it would be a fun exercise to look back and see the players I wanted the team to take based on the actual draft results.

www.patsfans.com

NEW ARTICLE: Patriots News 7/13: Daily Team Notebook

Patriots News 7/13: Daily Team Notebook Ian Logue The New England Patriots finally closed the book on wide receiver N'Keal Harry on Tuesday, with Harry getting traded to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2024 7th-round pick. The post Patriots News 7/13: Daily Team Notebook appeared first on...

www.patsfans.com

Patriots News 7/13: Daily Team Notebook | PatsFans.com

The New England Patriots finally closed the book on wide receiver N'Keal Harry on Tuesday, with Harry getting traded to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2024 7th-round pick.

www.patsfans.com

NEW ARTICLE: Patriots News 07-17, Harry’s Trade Was Overdue, Interior DL Questions

Patriots News 07-17, Harry’s Trade Was Overdue, Interior DL Questions Steve Balestrieri “To me, I think one of the next steps that he needs to take is who is his go-to guy going to be?” Pioli said The post Patriots News 07-17, Harry’s Trade Was Overdue, Interior DL Questions appeared first on...

www.patsfans.com

Patriots News 07-17, Harry's Trade Was Overdue, Interior DL Questions | PatsFans.com

“To me, I think one of the next steps that he needs to take is who is his go-to guy going to be?” Pioli said

www.patsfans.com

Harry to Chicago for 2024 7th rounder

www.patsfans.com

 

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
The Pynes: First Family of the NFL​

Sorry to burst your bubble Archie, but the first pro football family comes from Milford, Mass - not New Orleans.



Happy birthday to George Pyne III, who would have been 83 today
Born July 12, 1941 in Marlboro, MA
Patriot DT, 1965; uniform #75
Died November 26, 2015 at the age of 74 in Milford, MA
Pats 16th round (127th overall) pick of the 1965 draft, from Olivet College

George Pyne II was a native of Milford who played in all 14 games for the Pats in 1965, making four starts. As a backup to Jim Lee Hunt and Houston Antwine he didn't have a whole lot of opportunity to be on the field very often defensively, and was used primarily on special teams. Jim Pyne's father played in the NFL briefly in the early thirties, and his son Jim played for the Bucs and a few other teams from 1994-2001. That made the Pynes the first to have three generations of family members play in the NFL. Another son, George Pyne IV, was captain of the Brown University football team and all-Ivy League, and then went on to become NASCAR's chief operating officer and President of Sports and Entertainment for IMG.


George Pyne Obituary

Mr. Pyne was a graduate of Milford High School, Class of 1959 and also a graduate of Olivet College in Michigan, where he was a standout football player, named as All Conference and an All American. Mr. Pyne was drafted by and played as a rookie for the Boston Patriots.​

Following his career in the NFL, he was a Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company sales executive. In the 1980’s he founded Hillview Equipment & Real Estate Development Company of Milford MA.​

Mr. Pyne was a lifelong resident of Milford and summered with his family in Falmouth MA. He was a longtime communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Milford and St. Anthony’s Church in Falmouth. He was a longtime member if the Milford Lions Club and had served as a member of the Milford School Committee for nine years, as well as a longtime town meeting member. He was also an avid fisherman, hunter and skier. He was also a member of the Million Dollar Round Table in the insurance industry.​

Mr. Pyne was a member of the Milford High School Sports Hall of Fame; the Olivet College Sports Hall of Fame and had served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Olivet College. He also had the honor of having the Pyne Pavilion at Olivet College named in his honor.​

Born To Block

Jim Pyne was born to the NFL the way some thin Waspy guys are born to regattas. It's a bloodline thing. The trio of helmets that represent the Pyne family's

www.si.com

In new firm, Pyne sees legacy

George Pyne unfolded his 6-foot-5 frame from the dinner table after a night of explaining how his new sports venture would work. Following healthy stints at IMG and NASCAR, and at 49 years old, Pyne figures he’s got one more good run in him with Bruin Sports Capital, the business he raised $250...

www.sportsbusinessdaily.com

Pyne Didn't Follow A Playbook On His Way To NASCAR Executive Suite

Former Boston Patriots player George Pyne III passes away

The New England Patriots are saddened to learn of the loss of former Patriots defensive tackle, George Pyne III. He passed away on Thanksgiving Day at the age of 74.

www.patriots.com

Born on July 12, 1941, George grew up in nearby Milford, Mass. where he was a standout high school football player for the Milford Hawks. After playing college football at Olivet College in Michigan, Pyne was drafted in the 16th round of the 1965 draft by the American Football League's Boston Patriots. He appeared in all 14 games during the 1965 season, his only season with the Patriots.​

Pyne's family carries with them a strong football lineage. His father, George Pyne II, played for the Providence Steam Roller in 1931. George Pyne III's son, Jim, spent nine seasons in the NFL as an offensive lineman. It is believed that the Pyne's were the first family to have three generations play football at the professional level.​

George F. Pyne, III

George F. Pyne, III

www.olivetcomets.com

You starred and lettered in football at Olivet College for four years and were a member of the All-MIAA Football Team in 1962, ’63, and ’64. In addition to All-MIAA recognition you were nominated and selected for two successive years to the NAIA All-State Team. Later you became the first Olivet College football player to sign a professional football contract when you agreed to play with the Boston Patriots.​

You were a member of the Adelphic Alpha Pi and represented them in student government. You served as manager for the baseball team and played on several intramural athletic teams.​

Your superior ability on the playing field prepared you for a successful career in the business world. Olivet honors you as a winner and is proud to induct you into the Olivet College Hall of Fame on this 14th day of October, 1989.​

Born To Block

Jim Pyne was born to the NFL the way some thin Waspy guys are born to regattas. It's a bloodline thing. The trio of helmets that represent the Pyne family's

vault.si.com

Jim Pyne was born to the NFL the way some thin Waspy guys are born to regattas. It's a bloodline thing. The trio of helmets that represent the Pyne family's football legacy—the cracked leather antique worn by Jim's grandfather George Pyne Jr. for the Providence Steam Roller; the Boston Patriot relic belonging to his father, George Pyne III; and the version that Jim wears now for Virginia Tech—are all scarred and soiled as if they have been used to break rocks or haul dirt. Jim was bred to be a lineman, playing from a low crouch at center, that dark manhole of a position, where the games are long and everything sounds like one big whang.​

Pyne inherited his build and stance from his 288-pound father, a self-made success story with an occasional tendency toward bullying. George Pyne III played defensive tackle for the Boston Patriots in 1965 before he went on to found a construction and machinery company and develop a thriving business building condominiums. That was a considerable advancement for a family with small-town working-class roots. George's family ran a flower shop; the parents of his wife, Rosaleen, were Irish immigrants, a fisherman and a cleaning woman whose names are inscribed on a plaque at Ellis Island.​

"He's a tough man," Jim says of his father. "You got to understand, he loves carrying bags of cement. He's nuts."​

George still puts on a game face every weekend, even though the games now involve the two sons who play collegiately: Jim and his brother David, a preseason All-America at tackle for Division I-AA Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. David, a 6'4", 295-pound specimen who is 13 months older than Jim, is also a pro prospect. George has been known to make two games on a Saturday, hopping puddle jumpers from Easton to the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg. If there is a big guy bellowing in the stands, chances are it's George Pyne III.​

Nobody likes George on game day. Not even Roseleen is inclined to put a question to him. "Please," he will respond, then retreat to a glower. Two years ago, when Virginia Tech played South Carolina, Jim's girlfriend, Pam Schucolsky, and a couple of friends were late arriving. As they filed to their seats, they heard some yahoo yelling and cussing at them. "Sit down you dingdongs!" he hollered. Pam turned. The yahoo was Jim's old man.​

Sometimes George's larger-than-life behavior is not amusing. He can be meddlesome, criticizing his sons' coaches or campaigning on his sons' behalf. Virginia Tech administrators roll their eyes at the mention of his name. "A hard man," says one assistant coach. With good reason, according to George, who says he has had a hard life and is determined to see that his children don't have one. "It's hard being a father," he says. "Half of me is happy, half of me bleeds."​

Jim admits that his father can be interfering. They have wrangled over George's desire to be involved in Jim's career and choice of an agent. "He's not always as nice as you'd like him to be," Jim says. "We've had our battles. But you have to understand he overcame a lot to get where he is."​

George is much more interested in his sons' football careers than in recounting his own. Actually, none of the Pynes knew their father had played professionally until Jim and David came across pictures and memorabilia in the attic when they were in the seventh and eighth grades, respectively, and beginning to play Pop Warner football. "Basically, I didn't want them growing up in a shadow," George says. "They weren't going to be the sons of George Pyne."​

And anyway, George wasn't exactly Gino Marchetti. His lengthier and far more productive career was as a businessman whose construction company at one point had 900 condominiums under contract and provided his family with vacation homes and boats in Cape Cod and Florida. In 1989, when the bottom fell out of the building industry and George's business as well, he started a company dealing in heavy machinery. Clearly he has been too busy to worry about where to hang his photos and trophies. "They just stayed in the box," George says.​

Once his sons had discovered the remnants of his football career and had embraced the game themselves, George decided to take charge of their athletic development. He dragged his stuff down from the attic, took the kids to the backyard, strapped on the pads and snapped on his chin strap, got down in a stance and told them to hit him. From then on, George would conduct blocking and tackling drills in the yard, even in the dead of summer. "I figured if they could play against me," he says, "the other guys they faced wouldn't be a problem."​

The neighbors no doubt thought the Pynes were crazy, a nearly 300-pound man down on his haunches while two 135-pound preteens threw themselves at him. Jim would launch himself at his dad and nothing would move. "You'd be driving with your legs, just digging a hole in the ground," he says.​

Like his father, George III used football as a means to an education and a better life. George suffered from dyslexia to such an extent that his high school counselor advised him not to apply to college. George finally found a school that would accept him—tiny Olivet College in Michigan, where he started and starred at defensive tackle for four years. He was drafted in the 16th round in 1965 by the Patriots, then of the AFL, and became an immediate starter. But he left after one season and settled down to make a living and raise a family.​

Obituary for George F. Pyne III

Mr. George F. Pyne III, 74, of Milford MA, died Thursday (November 26, 2015) at his residence after an eleven year courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Roseleen (Houton) Pyne. A former Boston Patriot ...

www.edwardsmemorialfuneralhome.com

Mr. Pyne was born in Milford MA, the son of the late George F. Pyne Jr. and the late Florence (Mainini) Pyne. He was a graduate of Milford High School, Class of 1959 and also a graduate of Olivet College in Michigan, where he was a standout football player, named as All Conference and an All American. Mr. Pyne was drafted by and played as a rookie for the Boston Patriots.​

Following his career in the NFL, he was a Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company sales executive. In the 1980’s he founded Hillview Equipment & Real Estate Development Company of Milford MA.​

Mr. Pyne was a lifelong resident of Milford and summered with his family in Falmouth MA. He was a longtime communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Milford and St. Anthony’s Church in Falmouth. He was a longtime member if the Milford Lions Club and had served as a member of the Milford School Committee for nine years, as well as a longtime town meeting member. He was also an avid fisherman, hunter and skier. He was also a member of the Million Dollar Round Table in the insurance industry.​

Mr. Pyne was a member of the Milford High School Sports Hall of Fame; the Olivet College Sports Hall of Fame and had served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Olivet College. He also had the honor of having the Pyne Pavillion at Olivet College named in his honor.​

 

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
Victim of a Bogus NYJFL Call​

Happy 34th birthday to Chris Jones
Born July 12, 1990 in Brownsburg, Indiana
Patriot DT, 2013-2015; uniform #94
Claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on September 11, 2013

Christopher Dwightstone Jones grew up in Indiana, went to Bowling Green, and was a sixth round draft pick by the Texans in 2013. He was waived as part of final roster cuts after his rookie training camp, picked up by the Bucs, and waived again a week later. Right after the first game of the 2013 season the Patriots waived Josh Kline, and picked up Jones.

Chris Jones is most well known for being involved in a bizarre, game altering penalty. On October 20, 2012 the 5-1 Patriots were playing Rex Ryan's 3-3 Jets at Exit 44W. The game went into overtime and after three consecutive incomplete passes to Aaron Dobson, Gronk and Julian Edelman the Pats were forced to punt. Ryan Allen got off a 62 yard kick which rolled into the end zone for a touchback.

The Jets were able to get three first downs behind Chris Ivory's rushes before their drive stalled, fourth and seven at the New England 38. Jet kicker Nick Folk lined up for a 56 yard field goal attempt, which was no good - and would have given the Patriots the ball back on the 46 yard line with plenty of time remaining.

A flag was thrown, however, and Jones was called for pushing a teammate into the line on a field goal attempt - something that had never been called previously in the history of the NFL. The Jets lost a yard on the next three downs, but with the benefit of those extra 15 yards, Folk was successful on his mulligan to win the game in overtime for the Jets.

Earlier in the game the Jets were guilty of the same type of push - but no flag was thrown.

The new rule had just been put into place that year; it was part of the PR attempt by the NFL to convince the public that they were concerned about player safety, in the aftermath of reports about covering up concussions and long term negative player health issues.

In an incredible twist of irony, Jones blocked a Folk field goal one year later to secure a victory for the Pats against the Jets. In the fourth quarter on Thursday Night Football the Pats scored to take the lead, recovered an onside kick after the Jets scored to go ahead, and then blocked a last second field goal attempt.

Jones reportedly played with a torn calf in the Super Bowl 49 victory over Seattle, and spent all of 2015 on the PUP list. New England released him in April of 2016. Chris Jones played in 28 games with 22 starts with the Patriots, plus four playoff games. During that time he had 88 tackles (46 solo), nine sacks and a fumble recovery.

Bill Belichick congratulates Chris Jones after his blocked field goal attempt helped the Patriots
to a 27-25 week 7 victory over the Jets. Jones was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.​

Miami claimed Jones off waivers from the Patriots in 2016, and he played in seven games for the Dolphins before again being released. San Francisco then claimed him, and he started six games for the Niners. Jones spent 2017 on IR, and in the 2018 off season was with the Jets, then San Francisco a second time. He played in a total of 41 NFL games with nine sacks, 102 tackles (16 for a loss), and 18 quarterback hits.

Deadspin | NFL: Jets Should Have Been Called For Same Pushing Penalty As Pats

Deadspin | NFL: Jets Should Have Been Called For Same Pushing Penalty As Pats

deadspin.com

Patriots lose on ridiculous unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Chris Jones

The New England Patriots lost to the New York Jets 30-27 in overtime on Sunday after referees called an obscure and ridiculous unsportsmanlike conduct

larrybrownsports.com

Jets appeared to do same thing as Patriots by pushing player into field goal formation (GIF)

The New England Patriots lost to the New York Jets on Sunday thanks in part to a call that was made for the first time in NFL history. Jets kicker Nick

larrybrownsports.com

Blocked Field Goal A Bit Of Redemption For Patriots' Chris Jones

A year after a penalty on special teams cost the Patriots a game against the Jets, defensive lineman Chris Jones got a bit of redemption Thursday night.

boston.cbslocal.com

 

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
Chad Brown and more July 12 Trivia​

Happy 54th birthday to Chad Brown
Born July 12, 1970 in Pasadena, California
Patriot LB, 2005 and 2007; uniform #98
Signed as a free agent on May 7, 2005

In his college days at Colorado, Chadwick Everett Brown lined up next to Ted Johnson, forming a potent linebacking combo for the Buffaloes. He was a second round 1993 draft pick, by Pittsburgh. In 1996 Chad registered 13 sacks and was a first team All Pro, then signed with Seattle the following offseason. Brown made the Pro Bowl in 1998 and 1999, but in 2004 his playing time dwindled to seven games; he was released the following off season.

Brown was a 35 year old veteran of 12 NFL seasons when the Patriots signed him in 2005, to fill in as a replacement for Tedy Bruschi. He played in 15 games with five starts, recording 39 combined tackles; Chad also played in both playoff games that postseason. He did not impress fans or the coaching staff and was relegated to mostly special team duties in the second half of the season. The Pats re-signed Brown in 2007 and he bounced on and off the roster, appearing in two games for what turned out to be his final NFL season. The two-time All Pro had 79 sacks over 188 games in his NFL career.

Former Steeler Chad Brown says he learned from the best — Bill Belichick

Brown also played for New England coach Bill Belichick, whom, he says, taught him more about football than anybody else.

www.post-gazette.com

Happy 61st birthday to Bill Lewis
Born July 12, 1963 in Sioux City, Iowa
Patriot center, 1993; uniform #75
Signed as a free agent on May 12, 1993

An All American at Nebraska in 1985, Bill Lewis spent the final season of his seven year NFL career with the Patriots. He played in seven games with five starts, and is somehow credited with having two fumbles for a net loss of 43 yards. Since retiring from pro football Lewis has worked as the manager of alumni relations with the Arizona Cardinals, an assistant high school football coach, and on the Cardinals' football broadcasts.

Sept 16, 2009:
What's up with former Cardinal Bill Lewis | Arizona Central

Happy 59th birthday to Peter Shorts
Born July 12, 1966 in Janesville, Wisconsin
Patriot DT, 1989; uniform #90
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in May of 1989

Peter Shorts grew up in a small town (Clinton, Wisconsin; population 2,154) and went to a small football school (Illinois State, of the Missouri Valley Conference). He appeared in the final game of the 1989 season, in what was Raymond Berry's final game as head coach. He was then with the Packers and Rams for the next two two seasons, but never saw any playing time. Shorts then played for San Antonio in an early rendition of the WLAF, when there were six teams in the US, one in Montreal and only three in Europe. After that he played for four seasons in the Canadian Football League.

Happy 38th birthday to Lavelle Hawkins
Born July 12, 1986 in Stockton, California
Patriot WR, 2013 offseason; uniform #83
Signed as a veteran free agent on May 9, 2013

The Patriots signed Lavelle Hawkins at the age of 27, in the 2013 offseason. He had played in 52 games with four starts for Tennessee over five seasons; his only year of note was in 2011 when he had 47 receptions for 470 yards. After he dropped a few balls in early drills and miscommunicated with Tom Brady on routes and adjustments, the Pats released Hawkins just after the start of training camp, on July 31.

May 9, 2013:

Patriots sign free agent WR Lavelle Hawkins

The New England Patriots announced that they have signed veteran free agent WR Lavelle Hawkins.

www.patriots.com

May 9, 2013:

Report: Patriots Sign WR Lavelle Hawkins

The New England Patriots have added yet another wide receiver in hopes of revamping the position this off-season.

boston.cbslocal.com

July 30, 2013:

Lavelle Hawkins, Michael Jenkins, Kamar Aiken Among Patriots' Wide Receivers Battling for Final Roster Spots - NESN.com

Tom Brady may still need some time to get everyone’s names down. The Patriots have nine new wide receivers on their roster as they roll on through training camp, and of the three who do have experience with Brady — Kamar Aiken, Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater — only Edelman has more than one...

nesn.com

August 1, 2013:

Nick McDonald, Lavelle Hawkins released

The Patriots unloaded a pair of players yesterday who arrived at training camp with a chance to make the 53-man roster.Offensive lineman Nick McDonald, who failed his physical, and wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins were released. A third…

www.bostonherald.com

In memory of Dave Pureifory, who would have turned 75 today
Born July 12, 1949 in Pensacola, Florida
Patriot NT, 1978 offseason
Acquired in trade with Steelers on August 22, 1978

Dave Pureifory had played in 78 games over six seasons with the Packers before he was traded to Pittsburgh for a 1978 fifth round draft pick. After dealing with a nagging back issue, three months later the Steelers then sent him to the Patriots for a 1979 sixth round pick. Apparently the back was still an issue; Chuck Fairbanks waived Pureifory just six days later, and he was claimed by Cincinnati. He then spent four-plus years with Detroit, finishing his NFL career in 1982 with 148 games played. He had seven sacks that season, then played in the USFL.

David L. Pureifory (1981) - E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame - Eastern Michigan University Athletics

Eastern Michigan University Athletics

emueagles.com

Former DT Dave Pureifory Dies | Packers.com

Dave Pureifory worked hard to get to the QB

Dave Pureifory knew only one speed. When you stand 6-foot-1 and weigh 255 pounds and play defensive end in the National Football League, playing hard until the whistle blows is a given.

archive.jsonline.com

Dave Pureifory knew only one speed.​

When you stand 6-foot-1 and weigh 255 pounds and play defensive end in the National Football League, playing hard until the whistle blows is a given.​

"Dave had a motor that never stopped," said former teammate Lynn ****ey. "I played with Dave for two years and I remember how hard he practiced.​

"He was undersized, but very quick and strong. When everyone else was conserving energy in practice, Dave was still going fast. Every team has a guy like that."​

The Tasmanian Devil—Dave Pureifory

By John Turney Every NFL player has a story, a journey if you will. Dave Pureifory totaled 323 tackles (56 for losses) at Eastern Michiga...

nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com

Regardless the stay in Steelerland was short. He had a nagging back issue and through camp it seemed the young Steelers linemen were proving themselves to be good players and Joe Greene was healthier in 1978 than he had been the last few seasons so they sent Dave to New England.​

It is impossible to know what happened there since the stay was so short. With the Bengals, he was a backup to three recent first-round picks and another high pick and when the Bengals needed some offensive line help he was cut to make room.​

With the Lions, Pureifory played end which he had not played since 1973 or so but he adapted well. In fact, he became a starter right away, taking over for Ken Sanders who got injured (Sanders, himself an interesting story, had averaged 6½ sacks a season from 1973-77, including 9 in 1977). But in 1977 Sanders was off to a slow start and got hurt against the Chargers and had knee surgery leaving the left end position to Pureifory.​

The next four years he averaged 9 sacks per 16 games and drew praise from Jackie Slater as one of the tougher ends he ever had to block due to the leverage he could generate by getting low and getting under a blocker.​

His Lions coach Monte Clark was one of his biggest fans (even as he had his issues with Bubba Baker, the right end) and thought Dave should have been a Pro Bowler in 1980 when he was voted the team defensive MVP, and also in 1981 which he thought was Dave's best season.​

Nineteen eighty-two was his final NFL season and it was a good one, nabbing seven sacks in nine games and getting a chance to play in the post-season for the first time since his rookie season. And in that game, he had a severe knee injury. This time he made a few tackles and shared a sack of Joe Theismann with William Gay.​

In 1983 he failed his Lions physical and retired from the NFL.​

One other former NFL player with a New England area connection born on this date:

- Paul Zukauskas, 45 (July 12, 1979); one of five NFL players born in Weymouth, Paul went to BC High and Boston College.
He spent four seasons at right guard for the Browns, appearing in 43 games with 18 starts. Zukauskas was a very successful head coach and associate director of admissions at Lawrence Academy. After seven seasons at the Groton prep school he left coaching in 2018 and co-founded one of several sports-related startups at the Sports Innovation Lab, across from TD Garden.

Green, Zukauskas Members of 2016 Hall of Fame Class - Boston College Athletics

Green and Zukauskas to be inducted in thte Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame

bceagles.com

April 4, 2018:

Paul Zukauskas steps down as Lawrence Academy football coach - The Boston Globe

The former NFL lineman, 38, is leaving coaching to focus on a sports-related startup he cofounded.

www.bostonglobe.com

Paul Zukauskas | President at WePlayed Inc | F6S Member Profile

View Paul Zukauskas's profile on F6S - WePlayed Inc - I built one of the best high school football programs in New England at Lawrence Academy in Groton, Ma. My last four year

www.f6s.com

Paul Zukauskas | LinkedIn


From the way-back machine:
- Bob McChesney (1912-1986); Bob was an offensive and defensive end with the Boston Redskins, and went to two Pro Bowls after the team moved to Washington.
- Bill Ward (1895-1973); born in Cambridge, he was an offensive lineman for the 1921 Buffalo All-Americans.




Some other pro football players who were born on July 12:

- LeSean McCoy, 36 (7/12/88); six-time Pro Bowl RB led the NFL in rushing (1,607 yards) and yards from scrimmage (2,146) in 2013, after leading the league in rushing touchdowns (17) and total touchdowns (20) in 2011. His 11,102 yards rushing ranks 22nd all time, 15,000 career yards from scrimmage is 26th all time, and 73 rushing TDs is 30th.

LeSean McCoy contemplates retirement after back-to-back Super Bowl titles, exclusive interview on The Sports Extra Podcast

After 12 years in the league, is it time for LeSean McCoy to retire? If he hangs up his cleats, it will be in style. The running back has won two Super Bowls, been named to the Pro Bowl six times, …

www.abc27.com

- Frank Ryan (1936-2024); life is good when you begin your NFL career as a QB on a team with Jim Brown running and Paul Brown coaching, followed by Paul Warfield at WR, Leroy Kelly at RB and Blanton Collier the HC.

DR. RYAN OF THE BROWNS: HOW SMART IS TOO SMART?

Frank Ryan of the Cleveland Browns goes through life wearing the Charlie Chan smile of somebody who knows something. He does. He knows how to frisk the

www.si.com

- Rodney Hudson, 35 (7/12/89); three-time Pro Bowl center has played in 159 games with the Chiefs, Raiders and Cardinals.

 

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
July 12 non-N'Keal Harry Transactions​

July 12, 2000:
Patriots sign four picks | Patriots.com
Patriots Chief Operating Officer Andy Wasynczuk took a big step toward keeping his impeccable record of signing draft picks before the start of training camp when four rookies inked deals.

Tackle Greg Robinson-Randall, a fourth-round pick, defensive tackles Jeff Marriott (fifth) and David Nugent (sixth) and defensive end/linebacker Casey Tisdale (seventh) all signed with the Patriots on Wednesday. The team also announced the signing of free agent guard Brent Warren out of Brockton. The four rookies join seventh-round pick Patrick Pass, who signed on June 29, as members of the 2000 draft class signed and ready to go.​

July 12, 1991:
- Patriots sign eighth round draft pick Harry Colon
The strong safety from Missouri started 14 games for the Pats in '91, then played five more years with the Lions and Jaguars.

- Patriots sign eleventh round draft pick Paul Alsbury
Alsbury was a punter from Southwest Texas State, where he also played safety. He never did play in the NFL, though he was with the London Monarchs of the WLAF for one season, and also spent time in the Dallas Cowboys organization.

Paul Alsbury — Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame

www.rgvshof.net

- Patriots release Bob Stephens

High school football: Alta hires Bob Stephens as new football coach

Alta High school principal Mont Widerberg and athletic director Morgan Brown announced the hiring of its new football coach Bob Stephens early Wednesday morning. Stephens has been with the program for 13 years as an offensive line and head JV coach while teaching wildlife biology.

www.deseret.com

Stephens played at BYU from 1987-90 and was the center for Heisman winning quarterback Ty Detmer. He also had a short stint with the New England Patriots after signing a free agent contract, but his career was cut short after sustaining an injury.​

- Patriots trade Kip Beach to the Jets for future considerations

Jets knock down 28-year-old wall with phone call to Patriots

Give Adam Gase and the Jets credit for thinking outside the box and ignoring the unwritten provisions of the Border War to trade with New England.

www.espn.co.uk

Gase is new to the Jets-Patriots rivalry, so I asked him if he realized the two organizations had gone decades without making a trade. In fact, the previous player trade between them was July 12, 1991, according to prosportstransactions.com. That's when the Jets sent tackle Kip Beach to New England for future considerations. (P.S.: Beach never played a game in the NFL.)​

July 12, 1988:
- Patriots sign eleventh round draft pick Marvin Allen
Allen was a RB from Tulane who played in 37 games for the Pats from '88-'91. After retiring from playing, Allen worked in the New England Patriots' personnel department from 1993 through 2008. In 2009, he left New England for the Atlanta Falcons, working there through the 2013 NFL season. From 2014 through 2017, he was the Kansas City Chief's Director of College Scouting. In 2018, he was a National Scout for the Buffalo Bills. These days he is an assistant general manager with the Dolphins.

Here's how Marvin Allen supports Chris Grier, Dolphins as assistant general manager

Marvin Allen is the Miami Dolphins' assistant general manager. His connection to Dolphins general manager Chris Grier goes way, way back.

www.palmbeachpost.com

April 20, 2023 - When Marvin Allen was drafted as a running back by the Patriots in 1988, Bobby Grier was his position coach.​

Some 35 years later, Allen sat beside Bobby's son, Dolphins general manger Chris Grier, in a pre-draft press conference this week. Marvin is now Miami's assistant general manager.​

"Who here played Tecmo Bowl back in the day?" Chris Grier said Wednesday. "Did you ever play with the Patriots when Marvin was there? Our scouts found it and it’s hilarious. You give Marvin two carries and he’s running through fast. The third carry he’s tired and fumbles every time."​

July 12, 1979:
- Patriots sign second round draft pick Bob Golic
The Notre dame alum played three seasons with the Pats at linebacker before being let go. The Browns claimed him off waivers and moved him to nose tackle, where he made the Pro Bowl three times while playing in the NFL for another eleven years. Oops.

What About Bob?

Former Browns nose tackle Bob Golic left Cleveland in 1988, a move that led to Los Angeles and a post-NFL career in television and radio. Now, he's back in Northeast Ohio with a new afternoon drive-time radio show that goes beyond sports talk.

clevelandmagazine.com

July 12, 1971:
- Patriots re-sign Houston Antwine
Whenever his name comes up, I cannot understand why the Patriots waited until after he died to put him in the team's Hall of Fame.

Houston Antwine -Defensive lineman | 1961-1971 | The Patriots Hall of Fame

Houston Antwine played 11 seasons for the Patriots, appearing in 142 games from 1961-71.

www.patriotshalloffame.com

HOUSTON ANTWINE

https://www.profootballresearchers.org/biography/Antwine_Houston.pdf

Remembering Patriot DT Houston Antwine | PatsFans.com

Houston Antwine was born on April 11, 1939. He was one of the best players in football history that is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Antwine is also the greatest player in Patriot history that most Pats fans don't know about.

www.patsfans.com

- Patriots claim Paul Flatley off waivers from Atlanta
Flatley had 306 receptions and 24 TD with the Vikings and Falcons from 1963 to 1970. The wide receiver from Northwestern was offensive rookie of the year in 1963, but did not make the Pats roster in '71.

Richmond High School Alumni Association

www.rhsalum.org