Today In Patriots History July 28: Nick Kaczur

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Nick Kaczur​

Happy 45th birthday to Nick Kaczur
Born July 28, 1979 in Brantford, Ontario
Patriot RT, 2005-2010; uniform #77
Pats 3rd round (100th overall) selection of the 2005 draft, from Toledo

Nick Kaczur grew up in Brantford Ontario, a city where Alexander Graham Bell invented the first telephone, and is also where hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and comedian/actor Phil Hartman grew up. After high school Kaczur worked in construction for two years before enrolling at the University of Toledo. He was the first player there to be All-Mac conference for each of his four seasons. Besides being drafted by the Pats he was also selected in the first round (ninth overall) by the Toronto Argonauts in the 2005 CFL draft. Because of the delay enrolling in college he was already 26 years old when he began his first NFL training camp in New England.

Kaczur played in 68 regular season games for the Patriots, with 62 starts. The Pats were also 5-2 in the postseason when he started. In 2008 Nick started 14 games at right tackle as a member of an offensive line that was a part of the best rushing season for the Patriots in more than twenty years in terms of rushing yards (2,278), rushing touchdowns (21) and yards per carry (4.44). The following year he started 13 games on an offense that allowed the fewest sacks (18) by a Patriots line since the NFL went to a 16-game schedule in 1978.

Despite the somewhat relatively short career, Nick Kaczur is a member of the Patriots All-Decade Team of the 2000s. He was inducted into the University of Toledo Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.

Below is a timeline of events directly and indirectly related to Kaczur:

- April 23, 2005: Nicholas Jesse Kaczur is drafted by the Patriots.

- July 20, 2005: Signs a 5-year, $2.59 million contract.

- 2005: Begins season as backup to Tom Ashworth. Becomes starting LT in week four after Matt Light is injured.

- Nov 2006: Replaces Ryan O'Callaghan as starting RT.

- 2007-08: As the starting RT, misses only three games due to injuries over two seasons.

- June 2008: Boston Globe reports that Kaczur had been arrested in April for illegal possession of oxycontin after being pulled over for speeding.

- April 2009: Pats draft OT Sebastian Vollmer.

- Aug 24, 2009: Kaczur signs a 4-year, $16 million extension.

- Oct 18, 2009: Part of a Patriots' line that powers the offense to 619 yards, setting a franchise record in an epic 59-0 victory over Tennessee.

- Dec 13, 2009: New England gets a much needed win over Carolina, 20-10. The Pats were coming off a 1-3 stretch that began with the 35-34 loss at Indy after leading 24-7 (the 4th and two, pass to Kevin Faulk game), then the 38-17 Monday Night annihilating loss at New Orleans, and finally the 22-21 loss at Miami, blowing a 21-10 second half lead. The victory over the Panthers would turn out to be Kaczur's final NFL start. He would leave the game with a back injury, replaced by Sebastian Vollmer.

- Dec 20/27, 2009: Inactive for games against the Bills and Jaguars due to the back injury.

- Jan 3, 2010: Kaczur is healthy and active, but Vollmer remains at RT in the starting lineup for the week 17 loss at Houston. Wes Welker shreds his knee, putting a damper on New England's postseason hopes.

- Jan 10, 2010: Ray Rice runs for an 83 yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage as the Pats are one-and-done in the playoffs. Kaczur does get some playing time but Vollmer again got the start; it would turn out to be Nick's final NFL game.

- April 2010: Pats draft OL Ted Larsen as a potential replacement for Kaczur on the offensive line.

- July 2010: The plan is to move Kaczur inside to guard and leave Vollmer at RT. Kaczur suffers a back injury in first week of training camp.

- Sept 2010: Kaczur makes the initial roster over Larsen, who is quickly claimed off waivers by Tampa. Larsen would go on to play 137 games from 2010-19.

- Oct 12, 2010: After missing almost all of training camp due to a back injury and being inactive for first four games, Kaczur is placed on IR.

- July 29, 2011: Kaczur is released by the Patriots, one day before he turns 32.

Dec 23, 2002:

Incredible bulk: Huge UT offensive line eats up opponents

When sizing up the University of Toledo's starting offensive line, the second-biggest in college football, it's understandable if members of some enemy ...

www.toledoblade.com

“We went to a Pizza Hut buffet [recently] and they were scared. We could've put 'em out of business.”​

Oct 16, 2003:

Kaczur hits it big at UT

Try to conjure up this image in your mind. You will need the big screen to capture it all. As a junior hockey player advances near the blue line, coming ...

www.toledoblade.com

Nov 10, 2005:
Rookies making an impact | Patriots.com

Five rookies: Logan Mankins, Nick Kaczur, Ellis Hobbs, James Sanders and Mike Wright have been thrown into the mix and asked to make large contributions for a team who is trying to be the first in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls.​

Having two new starters on the left side of the offensive line may not be a team's ideal situation but both Mankins and Kaczur have played well this season. Kaczur, especially, has been a pleasant surprise. The rookie has held his own against some of the best pass rushers in the NFL like the Falcons Patrick Kerney and the Colts Dwight Freeney.​

Dec 17, 2005:
Behind the Scenes with...Offensive Tackle Nick Kaczur | Patriots.com

In his first season with the Patriots, rookie offensive lineman Nick Kaczur was thrust into the starting lineup because of an injury to starting left tackle Matt Light. He has since started in 7 games in place of Light.​

What is your favorite type of food?
I'm a big fan of double cheeseburgers from Wendy's.​

What is your favorite movie?
I like Adam Sandler movies, so I'll go with Happy Gilmore.​

What is your favorite television show?
The Simpsons. I have been watching that show since the beginning.​

Feb 2, 2008:

From Great One to Perfect One

A handwritten sign on the door to Frankie’s Hometown Tavern reads “Super Bowl Party – Already Sold Out.”

www.thestar.com

Canadian lineman loving life: Nick Kaczur grew up in the same town as a guy named Gretzky

Kaczur was a defenceman ... a big defenceman.​

"I think I scared some of the other kids' parents when they saw me come on the ice", he recalled.​

June 5, 2008:

Patriots' Kaczur arrested; Ex-UT lineman turns informant in drug case, lawyer says

BOSTON - A starting offensive lineman for the New England Patriots worked as an informant for federal drug agents after he was arrested in New York on a ...

www.toledoblade.com

A starting offensive lineman for the New England Patriots worked as an informant for federal drug agents after he was arrested in New York on a charge of carrying the powerful painkiller oxycodone without a prescription, an attorney said.​

Nicholas Kaczur, 28, wore a wire to help agents build a case against his alleged supplier, Daniel Ekasala, according to Ekasala's attorney.​

Kaczur, a third-round selection in the 2005 NFL draft, was a four-time All-Mid-American Conference player at Toledo. He had 51 career starts at UT.​

A Drug Enforcement Administration agent said in an affidavit that a cooperating witness - whose name was not revealed in the document - wore a recording device during three drug buys last month.​

In each of the deals, the witness bought 100 OxyContin pills from Ekasala for $3,900 in cash, the agent wrote.​

Ekasala's lawyer, Bernard Grossberg, said Kaczur was that cooperating witness.​

Kaczur denied to the Boston Globe that he participated in the investigation, telling the newspaper, "I don't know what you're talking about, bro."​

Dec 11, 2008:

Man sentenced for selling drugs to Pats player

BOSTON (AP) - A Massachusetts man has been sentenced to 42 months in prison for selling prescription painkillers to New England Patriots lineman Nick Kaczur.

www.thesunchronicle.com

Kaczur is not named in court records but The Boston Globe reports that Ekasala's defense attorney, Bernard Grossberg identified the player as the cooperating federal witness. The drug charges were put on hold if Kaczur stays out of trouble for six months.​

July 29, 2010:

Meet the Patriots' new left guard ...

Nick Kaczur talks about his transition.

www.boston.com

… Or old right tackle, depending on your viewpoint.​

Nick Kaczur settled in at left guard, Logan Mankins’ old spot, early this spring and has played exclusively there since. It’s a position he’s never played in a game, so there is a learning curve. And now’s the time to work the kinks out.​

Kaczur has flipped and flopped from right to left tackle and back before, so he’s used to change. Even if this one’s a little different.​

Aug 7, 2010:

Guarded optimism has taken a blindside hit at Patriots camp

The team’s plight at the left guard position has gone from bad to worse as the team is now coping with Nick Kaczur’s weak back as well as the chip on Logan Mankins’ shoulder.

www.enterprisenews.com

Two-time Pro Bowl left guard Logan Mankins, unquestionably the team’s best offensive lineman, has a chip on his shoulder.​

His projected replacement, Nick Kaczur, the veteran right tackle who has appeared in 76 games (68 regular-season, eight postseason), reportedly has a weak back.

Aug 10, 2010:

PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK: Connolly is Plan C for the Pats at left guard

With Nick Kaczur down and Logan Mankins out, the Patriots turn to Dan Connolly, whose time with the team dates back to 2007 when he was signed to the practice squad.

www.enterprisenews.com

Nick Kaczur is down (back injury). Logan Mankins is out (contract dispute).​

Plan C is for Connolly.​

“Everything’s an opportunity when you get a chance to play,” the New England Patriots’ new left guard, Dan Connolly, said during a break at the team’s Gillette Stadium training camp on Monday. “I’m going to take it full stride and do the best I can.”​

Aug 12, 2010:

Patriots lineman Nick Kaczur to miss season

The New England Patriots have placed Canadian offensive lineman Nick Kaczur on injured reserve with a back problem.

kitchener.ctvnews.ca

The New England Patriots have placed Canadian offensive lineman Nick Kaczur on injured reserve with a back problem.​

The Brantford, Ont., native was hurt on the second day of training camp. He underwent back surgery in August and hasn't played all season.​

Aug 21, 2010:

Back surgery jeopardizes lineman Nick Kaczur’s season

The Patriots may have lost another likely starter to a season-ending surgery. Two sources close to the situation told The Herald that offensive lineman Nick Kaczur has already undergone back surgery. Those involved seriously believe his…

www.bostonherald.com

July 29, 2011:

Patriots Release Ty Warren, Alge Crumpler, Nick Kaczur, Others

The Patriots continued to make moves on Friday, announcing several players had been cut.

boston.cbslocal.com

The Patriots continued to make moves on Friday, announcing several players had been cut.​

Veterans Defense Lineman Ty Warren and Tight End Alge Crumpler seemed to be the biggest surprises on that list.​

Warren missed last season after undergoing hip surgery. Many expected him to make a big impact this season.​

Crumpler was a team captain last season.​

The Patriots also released Nick Kaczur, Tully Banta-Cain, Tony Carter, Marcus Stroud, and rookie free agent Ryan Coulson.​

2012:

Nick Kaczur (2012) - Hall of Fame - University of Toledo Athletics

University of Toledo Athletics

utrockets.com

Nick Kaczur is one of only two Rocket football players to ever make All-MAC four times. A starter at left tackle in all 51 games his four-year career, Kaczur made second-team All-MAC as a freshman in 2001, then earned first-team honors in 2002, 2003 and 2004. He played on MAC Championship teams in 2001 and 2004, and bowl teams in 2001, 2002 and 2004. Kaczur blocked for future NFL players Chester Taylor and Bruce Gradkowski. In his senior season, Kaczur was a Lombardi Award candidate for the nation's best lineman, linebacker or tight end, and an Outland Trophy candidate for the nation's best interior lineman. Kaczur earned his degree in recreation & leisure from UT in 2005.​

June 13, 2013:

Nick Kaczur

Sports hall welcomes Kaczur

Nick Kaczur's place in Brant County's sports history was cemented on Thursday night as the retired NFL player was inducted into the Brantford and Area Sports Hall o…

www.brantfordexpositor.ca

Kaczur is a trailblazer, becoming the first and only player from Brant County to play in the NFL.​

Kaczur, 33, was a highly recruited offensive lineman out of Brantford Collegiate Institute. The six-foot-four, 315-pound tackle attended the University of Toledo where he was a three-time first-team All-Mid-American Conference honoree.​

After playing in 51 games for the Rockets, Kaczur was drafted in the third round (100th overall) of the 2005 NFL draft by the New England Patriots.​

During mini-camp, while the team was holding organized team activities, Kaczur missed a week with pain in his back.​

Then, when two-a-days started for main camp in the summer, things got worse. Doing individual drills, Kaczur punched a dummy bag and that was it.​

"After the first day, I kind of felt it," he said. "I was like, 'Man, I feel this thing going again.'"​

He found out he had three ruptured discs and would go through two surgeries.​

In his post-NFL life Nick Kaczur is back in his hometown of Brantford, coaching varsity football:
April 24, 2020:

Kaczur: 'I would do it again in a heartbeat'

Nick Kaczur is using lessons learned from his first career to help him with a second one.

www.brantfordexpositor.ca

 

[TheRainMaker]

@captain stone favorite RT.

I thought he was alright, but I think Light and Solder have flown under the radar of being bad. Going back and watching old games, there would be DL flying right past them, but Brady would bail them out.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Milt Graham​

In memory of Milt Graham, on his 90th birthday
Born July 28, 1934 in Chatham, MA
Died Dec 13, 2021 at the age of 87 in Norwalk, CT
Patriot RT, 1961-1963; uniform #70

Milton Russell Graham went to Colgate University where he played both football and basketball. Graham was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 14th round (167th overall) of the 1956 NFL draft, as well as by the Syracuse Nationals (predecessor to the Philadelphia 76ers) in the 13th round of the 1956 NBA draft. The 6'6 tackle/defensive tackle ended up playing for the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League from 1956 to 1961 before joining the Boston Patriots for three games late in the '61 season.

Graham played in 28 regular season games for the Pats, plus the franchise's first two playoff games in 1963. He was was part of the CFL All-Star team in 1958 and a member of the 1960 Grey Cup (CFL championship) winning team for Ottawa, and was named the Unsung Hero of the 1962 Patriots. After two-plus years with the Pats, Graham decided to retire in 1963 at the age of 29 due to the physical toll on his body. Milt Graham then spent more than twenty years working for the FBI.

Oct 22, 1955: Milton Graham (#86) blocks a pass; Colgate went on to defeat Yale 7 to 0.


After two years with the Boston Patriots, Milton Graham retired from football and became an FBI agent.


Milton Graham at Quantico in 1971.​

From the 1963 Patriots Media Guide:
He won the regular right tackle berth prior to the 1962 season and at the end of the campaign was honored by the 1776 Boosters Club as the Pats' "Unsung Hero" . . . A resident of North Chatham and a Massachusetts native, Milt was an honorable mention All-America in his senior year at Colgate, 1955 . . . He played six years for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian league and was on the All-Star team in 1958 . . . A bad back has hampered Milt during the current season . . . The injury was aggravated during the Pats' victory over Oakland Oct. 11 and he is currently on the injured deferred list



If you are interested in what pro football players lives are like, and what they do after they retire, then I highly recommend reading the next couple of articles on Art Graham's life in full:

From Football To The FBI, Longtime Fairfield County Resident Milton Graham Shares His Story

The way the story was shared in the news a couple of years back, you’d think Charles Tillman, known as one of the best cornerbacks in Chicago Bears history, was the first retired professional football player to become an FBI agent. But yo…

dailyvoice.com

As a senior in high school in Defreetsville, N.Y., the 6’6’’ Graham was a hoops star — so much so that Divison I Colgate University (in Hamilton, N.Y.) recruited him to join the basketball team. That wasn’t enough for Graham. Once there, he decided to give football a try as well.​

“I didn’t play football in high school,” admitted Graham. “I decided to try out at Colgate because I was 6’6” and 270 pounds — big and active. The varsity coach saw me after one practice and called me in. He said, ‘Son, we’re going to make a football player out of you.’ And they did.”​

After eight years, the physical toll on his body was enough for Graham, so he retired in 1962. While concussions are the talk of the NFL these days, in the early 1960s it was just part of the game.​

“When we played they referred to it as ‘getting knocked out,’” remembered Graham. “A coach would come out onto the field, hold up his hand and ask if you knew how many fingers he was holding up and if you knew where you were. I saw stars frequently. I was knocked out two times but went back into the game both times.”​

He believes the game is safer these days but feels it would have to be changed into almost something unrecognizable to eliminate head injuries completely. And head injuries aren’t the only concern. Graham himself has a metal plate in his neck from an old football-related injury — “My neck took a beating,” said Graham — and the middle finger of his right hand is so misshapen it’s difficult to understand how he has remained a right-handed writer.​

“It’s a paradox in a sense,” mused Graham. “I was a firearms instructor but I never liked it. If I had to use my gun I wanted to come out on top.”​

It was the FBI assignment to New York that brought Graham to Connecticut, where he settled with his beloved Gerrie in Darien to raise their family. Gerrie was a longtime third-grade teacher in town and Graham coached his children’s Little League teams.​

The father of three and grandfather of seven was also an avid climber in his younger days. In fact, he’s climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro (the highest peak in Africa) twice as well as Mt. Rainier in Washington among other peaks. Everest beckoned, but Graham had to settle for climbing two mounts near the apex of apexes, Gikyo Ri and Kala Pattar, both in Nepal.​

From Football to the FBI

Milton Graham ’56 retired from professional football and became an FBI agent.

news.colgate.edu

An acquaintanceship with an FBI agent pulled Graham to the bureau, where he would remain for 20 years. In the 1960s he was sent down south to enforce the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He often dealt with the Ku Klux Klan: “Every day was a struggle with those lunkhead Klansmen and their sympathizers,” says Graham. He proudly recalls being part of an FBI team that brought to justice the white murderer of an African American man — one of the first successful prosecutions, according to Graham.​

His work with the FBI — first in the South and later in New York City working to capture fugitives — earned him notice from top brass, including FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. “I was involved in 8 to 10 cases that came to Hoover’s attention,” says Graham, who has the letters of commendation to prove it. “What the FBI did meant a lot to me. It changed the country.”​

As an agent, Graham recalls only one standoff in which he had to shoot his weapon in defense. While not a fan of firearms, Graham proved to be an excellent shot and served as a firearms instructor at the FBI. “It’s a paradox in a sense,” mused Graham. “I was a firearms instructor, but I never liked it. If I had to use my gun, I wanted to come out on top.”​

Life has certainly held adventure and excitement for Graham. He has scrapbooks chronicling his football playing and FBI career that he shares fondly with a ready smile. And he has his memories.​

Milton R. Graham (1984) - HALL OF HONOR - Colgate University Athletics

Milton R. Graham, Class: 1956 Induction: 1984 Sport(s): Football - Milt Graham established himself as a solid performer on the gridiron and hardwood during his collegiate

gocolgateraiders.com

Milton Russell Graham Obituary | M B Clark Inc Funeral Home | Lake Placid, NY

View Milton Russell Graham's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 3 tribute posts from the community.

mbclarkfuneralhome.com

After retiring from football in 1964 he joined the FBI as a special agent, where he worked for 20 years. He was particularly proud of the role he played in the mid 1960's, enforcing civil rights and working against the Ku Klux Klan in Bogalusa, Louisiana.​

He and his wife Gerrie became innkeepers in 1984 for 15 years at the award-winning Wedgewood Inn in Yarmouth Port, MA. Stemming from fond childhood memories in the Adirondack Mountains, Milt was an avid mountain climber throughout his life, having climbed many US peaks including Mt. Rainier, Mt. Whitney and Mt. Marcy, as well as numerous mountains overseas such as Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Russia, and other mountains in the Himalayas and South America. He was an active member of the Christian Science Churches in both Darien, CT and in Hyannis, MA.​

Born with an innate sense of right and wrong, Milt made it a point to help everyone he could, stand up to bullies wherever he found them, and love his family immensely.​

 

[State]

Sept 2010: Kaczur makes the initial roster over Larsen, who is quickly claimed off waivers by Tampa. Larsen would go on to play 137 games from 2010-19.

Oops. We all make mistakes.

So the team didn’t know the severity of Kaczur’s back injury?

 

[jmt57]

Oops. We all make mistakes.

So the team didn’t know the severity of Kaczur’s back injury?

I'm going to assume no, the team did not realize how bad it was.


My personal disappointment with the Larsen/Kaczur decision was that the Patriots were in good shape at tackle with Light, Vollmer and Levoir as the swing tackle; in good shape at guard with Mankins, Neal and a choice of Connolly or Wendell as a backup. (They soon traded for Ojinnaka for more depth there as well). Neal (34, multiple injuries) was nearing the end of the line, so Larsen seemed to be a good longterm solution once he completed his studies and graduated from Professor Scar's University of Offensive Linemen. Larsen was only 23, whereas Kaczur was already 31, having not entered college directly after high school. It wasn't like Nick was an All Pro right tackle either.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Christian Barmore​

Happy 25th Birthday to Christian Barmore
Born July 28, 1999 in Philadelphia
Patriot DT, 2021-; uniform #70 (2021), #90 (2022-)
Pats 2nd round (38th overall) selection of the 2021 draft, from Alabama



April 30, 2021:

Patriots select DL Christian Barmore at No. 38 overall in 2021 NFL Draft

He was not a first-rounder, but Christian Barmore is off the board. The former Alabama defensive lineman was taken by the New England Patriots at No. 38 overall in the second round. In two seasons with the Crimson Tide, he was one of the best pass rushers on the team. Barmore turned in 9.5...

tdalabamamag.com

In two seasons with the Crimson Tide, he was one of the best pass rushers on the team. Barmore turned in 9.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks (team-high), three pass breakups, six quarterback pressures, and three forced fumbles in 2020. He was the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Alabama and Ohio State.​

The 6-foot-4, 312-pounder ended his tenure with 10 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback pressures, five breakups, and three forced fumbles. He turned in a 40-time between 4.89 seconds and 4.95 seconds at Alabama’s pro day. The Titans needed a marquee pass rusher, and it has one in Barmore. He is a little raw in his technique but can be coached up to excel.​

April 30, 2021:

6 things to know about Patriots second-round pick Christian Barmore

Bill Belichick wasn’t waiting to select the new anchor of his defensive front on Day 2, trading up eight spots to take Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore with the No. 38 overall pick. Barmore, widely considered the best defensive lineman in the draft, comes to Foxborough to help shore up...

www.boston.com

Bill Belichick wasn’t waiting to select the new anchor of his defensive front on Day 2, trading up eight spots to take Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore with the No. 38 overall pick.​

Barmore, widely considered the best defensive lineman in the draft, comes to Foxborough to help shore up a run defense that ranked among the league’s worst last year.​

He’s also the latest addition in a parade of Crimson Tide players on the Patriots’ roster, including first-round pick and former old teammate Mac Jones.​

Here are a few things to know about the latest Patriots draft pick.​

1) The Patriots were his favorite team growing up.​

The Philadelphia native grew up around the Eagles, but apparently, it was the Patriots that really had his heart as a kid.​

That’s why Barmore called his selection by New England “a blessing” and “a dream come true” despite dropping out of the first round while being regarded as the best defensive lineman in the draft.​

Barmore said his affinity for New England stemmed from his love of the Alabama Crimson Tide, who were incidentally his favorite college team growing up.​

What connected the two squads in his mind?​

“I love dominance. [Alabama’s] like the same program, just in the NFL. I love winners”​

2) He’s the latest Nick Saban player drafted by Belichick.​

3) He learned how to play football on YouTube.​

4) He turned down offers in his home state to play at Alabama.​

5) He was the Defensive MVP of the National Championship Game.​

6) He gets after the quarterback.​

New England Patriots News 05-02, AFC East Notes, Draft Recap

“He’s played a number of different positions in Coach Saban’s defense and has worked pretty much across the front” Belichick said.

www.patsfans.com

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

April 29, 2024:

Patriots Get Extension Done with Barmore

After extending safety Kyle Dugger earlier this offseason, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reported that the Patriots have agreed to a deal on an extension for Christian Barmore, locking up the defensive tackle for the foreseeable future.

www.patsfans.com

Pats extend Barmore on deal worth max $92M

The Patriots and defensive tackle Christian Barmore have reached agreement on a four-year deal with a maximum value of $92 million, agent Nicole Lynn told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

www.espn.com

The New England Patriots and defensive tackle Christian Barmore have reached agreement on a four-year deal with a maximum value of $92 million. Barmore's deal includes $41.8 million in guaranteed money.​

Barmore's new deal in New England is the largest non-Tom Brady contract in Patriots franchise history.​

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Barmore was selected in the second round of the 2021 draft out of Alabama (No. 38 overall). He was entering the final year of his contract in 2024 and scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.82 million.​

The four-year extension is through the 2028 season.​

Barmore has played in 44 NFL games (11 starts), totaling 133 tackles and 12.5 sacks.​

The 2023 season was his most productive, as he totaled career highs in tackles (64) and sacks (8.5), playing in all 17 games. The pairing of Barmore and veteran nose tackle Davon Godchaux at the heart of the defense provided the Patriots a stout presence against the run with the ability to also push the pocket and generate pressure at times.​

Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf, who is in his first season with increased responsibility that includes final personnel say, has said his goal is to become a "draft and develop" team. The agreement with Barmore continues a trend for the team this offseason.​

The Patriots previously agreed to new deals with 2020 draft picks Kyle Dugger, Mike Onwenu, Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings.​

July 28, 2024:

Patriots lineman Christian Barmore out indefinitely after being diagnosed with blood clots

Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore was treated at Mass General Brigham over the weekend and diagnosed with blood clots.

www.boston.com

Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore has been diagnosed with blood clots and does not have a timetable for a return, the team announced Sunday.​

“Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots,” the team’s statement read. “He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian.”​

“Our principal concern at this time is Christian’s health and wellbeing. Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world. While there is no current timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery.”​

 

[State]

Milt Graham was a fascinating individual. Thanks for the info.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More July 28 Birthdays​

Happy 61st birthday to George Colton
Born July 28, 1963 in Lindenhurst, New York
Patriot guard, 1987; uniform #63
Pats 9th round (248th overall) selection of the 1986 draft, from Maryland

George Colton did not make the Pats roster as a rookie, but he did return the following year for three games as a replacement player in 1987. In 1985 he was the winner of the Alvin L. Aubinoe trophy, an award given annually to the Maryland Terrapins 'Unsung Hero of the Season'.




Happy 66th birthday to Darrell Wilson
Born July 28, 1958 in Camden, New Jersey
Patriot safety, 1981; uniform #47

The former UConn Huskie appeared in just one NFL game, a week ten 30-27 overtime loss to Miami, on November 8, 1981. Wilson went on to play in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts for five seasons, where he was a member of the 1983 Grey Cup championship team. After hanging up his cleats Wilson coached high school football in New Jersey for eight years, with his teams winning five conference championships and advancing to the state finals four times. Wilson then became the wide receivers and defensive backs coach at the University of Rhode Island in 1986. Since then he has been a position coach at Rutgers (four years), Wisconsin (two years) and at Iowa from 2002 to 2012. From 2018-2022 Darrell Wilson was an assistant head coach, defensive pass game coordinator, and special teams coordinator at Wagner College in New York; since 2023 he has been the assistant head coach, DC and safeties coach for Delare State.

Darrell Wilson - Assistant Coach / Wide Receivers - Football Coaches - Wagner College Athletics

Recruiting Areas: New Jersey (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Salem, Somerset counties), Philadelphia (Chester,

wagnerathletics.com

​

Other pro football players with a New England connection born on July 28:

- Matt Milano, 30 (1994); Boston College
A 5th round pick by the Bills in '87, the linebacker has ten interceptions and 488 tackles, and was an All-Pro in 2022.

- Mike Trainor (1900-1967); born in Bangor
Wingback for the Buffalo All-Americans in the twenties.

- Jack O'Hearn (1893-1977); born and raised in Brookline
Wingback in the twenties for the Cleveland Tigers and Buffalo All-Americans.

- Bill Stephens (1904-1933); Brown University
Center for the 1926 Brooklyn Lions.

- Jeff Oliver, 59 (1965); Boston College
Offensive lineman for the Jets in 1989.




A few other pro football players born on this date:

- Julian Peterson, 46 (7/28/78)
Five-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the 49ers and Seahawks from 2000-10.

- Chris Samuels, 47 (7/28/77)
Washington LT went to six Pro Bowls from 2000-09.

- DeMeco Ryans, 40 (7/28/84)
MLB for Houston and Philadelphia had 970 tackles from 2006-15.

- Dexter Jackson, 47 (7/28/77)
He only had 17 regular season career interceptions, but two picks in the Bucs 48-21 victory over the Raiders resulted in his being named Super Bowl 37 MVP.




Some interesting NFL trades that include players born on July 28:

- In 2009 the Raiders traded their 2010 6th round, 175th overall (Greg Hardy) and 2009 7th round, 216th overall (Captain Munnerlyn) draft picks to the Panthers, to move up for the 2009 6th round, 202nd overall pick (Brandon Myers).
-> Hardy and Munnerlyn became solid starters in Carolina; Myers had one good season in Oakland before departing in free agency.

- In 2012 Houston traded DeMeco Ryans and their 2012 3rd round, 88th overall pick (Nick Foles) to Philadelphia for a 2012 3rd round, 76th overall pick (Brandon Brooks) and a 2012 4th round, 99th overall pick (Ben Jones).
-> Ryans was a very good middle linebacker for the Eagles, and Foles was a winning Super Bowl quarterback. Brooks and Jones both left in free agency after four seasons in Houston; ironically Brooks signed with the Eagles, and the right guard was named to two Pro Bowls.

- In 1999 Chicago traded their 1st round, 7th overall pick to Washington in exchange for a 1999 1st round, 12th overall pick (QB Cade McNown), 1999 3rd round, 71st overall (WR D'Wayne Bates), 1999 4th round, 106th overall (LB Warrick Holdman), 1999 5th round, 143rd overall (OT Jerry Wisne) and 2000 3rd round 87th overall (TE Dustin Lyman).
-> Wisne, who turns 43 today, appeared in 7 games for the Bears. McNown lasted two seasons, going 3-12; Bates had 15 receptions and one TD. Holman was a decent starter; Lyman a backup.
The player Washington drafted: Hall of Fame CB Champ Bailey.



Today's birthdays also include some first round draft busts:
Waymond Bryant (Bears #4 overall in 1974; LB only lasted four seasons in the NFL)
Larry Elkins (#2 in 1965; the pro football career for this Oilers wide receiver was even shorter: 18 games)

 

[jmt57]

July 28, 1965:
Wednesday, July 28, 1965 at 8:00PM
Preseason Exhibition Game One at Lowell Stadium, Lowell Mass.
Rookies Game, per 1965 Media Guide
New York Jets 23, Boston Patriots 6

Namath to Make His Jet Debut In Game With Patriots Tonight (Published 1965)

www.nytimes.com

Namath Passes for Two Scores in Debut as Jets Beat Patriots, 23-6; ROOKIE CONNECTS ON 9 OF 19 IN AIR Schweikert Rushes for 116 Yards, Iacavazzi for 69 (Published 1965)

www.nytimes.com

Alabama All-American Joe Namath (12) pivots to handoff to former Princeton halfback Cosmo Iacavazzi (31) as the two New York Jets rookies make their pro debut against the Boston Patriots in Lowell, Mass. July 28, 1965. Namath, making his first start after knee surgery, led the Jets to a 23-6 victory by tossing two touchdown passes.​

 

[captain stone]

@captain stone favorite RT.

I thought he was alright, but I think Light and Solder have flown under the radar of being bad. Going back and watching old games, there would be DL flying right past them, but Brady would bail them out.

Yep, OxyKaczur was one of the reasons why we didn't have the greatest season in the history of the NFL, like we deserved to have.

 

[captain stone]

"...Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore has been diagnosed with blood clots and does not have a timetable for a return, the team announced Sunday.

“Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots,” the team’s statement read. “He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian.”

“Our principal concern at this time is Christian’s health and wellbeing. Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world. While there is no current timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery.”

- I'm only married to a doctor, but... Is this condition something that could have/should have been detected at his pre-contract extension physical?

 

[203Pat]

Nick Kaczur, our very own hillbilly heroin trafficker.