Today In Patriots History July 3: Happy Birthday to Elmo Wright

[jmt57]

After the last two days featuring Mike Haynes, Troy Brown, Bobby Hamilton and more, July 3rd is going to be a major letdown.
Nine birthdays highlighted by a guy with bum knees that played in four games for the Pats, and no particularly special events either.

Today in Patriots History
O.G. of the End Zone Dance​

Happy 76th birthday to Elmo Wright
Born July 3, 1949 in Brazoria, Texas; hometown Sweeny, Texas
Patriot wide receiver, 1975; uniform #17
Signed as a veteran free agent on October 17, 1975
Pats résumé: one season, four games; four receptions for 46 yards


Similar to Eddie Hinton from a few days ago, Elmo Wright was a talented receiver whose career was cut short due to knee injuries, from an era when those surgeries were a death knell to professional athletes. Though he was just 26 when he arrived in Foxborough, Wright's knees were already toast.


The 16th overall pick of the 1971 draft appeared in four games for the Pats in '75, capturing the final four receptions of his career while gaining 46 yards. Medical science being what it was at that time, a single knee injury was career ending. Elmo Wright had three, the first coming near the end of a very promising rookie season when he averaged 20.3 yards per catch, for 528 yards. Although Wright had just 1,116 yards receiving in his NFL career, he left an indelible mark for all future wide receivers in the game of football.

While at the University of Houston, Elmo Wright set an NCAA record with 34 touchdown receptions, averaging 22 yards per catch for the Cougars. He became the first player to high step his way to the end zone, and is considered to be the godfather of the end zone dance.

After retiring from pro football, Wright worked in land development in the private and public sectors. He was a finance officer for Harris County, and became Chief of Staff to Harris County Commissioner Jim Fontino, working in his office for over two decades. During this time Wright obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Houston's C.T. Bauer College of Business (MBA 1985). He subsequently mentored Bauer business students.



College Football Hall of Fame -- Elmo Wright

During an era when Houston ranked among the nation's leaders in rushing, Elmo Wright managed to leave his mark as a receiver and remains in the top five of nearly every receiving category in school history. He becomes the third Cougar player elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.​

A consensus First Team All-American in 1970, Wright was named the Touchdown Club of Columbus Player of the Year after leading Houston to a No. 19 final ranking. He earned Second Team All-America honors in 1969 after leading the NCAA with 14 touchdowns and guiding the Cougars to a No. 12 final ranking and a win over Auburn in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl. In 1968, Wright helped Houston finish at No. 18 while earning Honorable Mention All-America honors and setting a still-standing NCAA single-season record with eight touchdown receptions of 50 yards or more. His 111.6 career receiving yards per game were the second most in FBS history at the end of his career and still rank 12th all-time.​

Fifty years later, Wright still owns five Houston records – all-purpose career average yards per play (21.0), yards per reception in a season (27.9 in 1968), yards per reception in a career (21.9), 200-yard receiving games in a season (2 each in 1968 and 1969) and 200-yard receiving games in a career (4). He posted career marks of 34 touchdown receptions and 3,347 receiving yards, which rank second and fourth in Cougar history, respectively. Wright also sits second in Houston annals for 100-yard receiving games (15) and 1,000-yard receiving seasons (2) while placing third in both single-game receiving yards (262 vs. Wyoming in 1969) and single-game touchdown receptions (4 – two occasions). He led College Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Yeoman's Cougars to upsets over No. 17 Ole Miss in back-to-back seasons, and he scored twice in the team's historic 100-6 win over Tulsa in 1968.​

A first-round pick in the 1971 NFL Draft, Wright played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1971-74 before splitting the 1975 season between the Houston Oilers and New England Patriots.​

Now retired, Wright earned an MBA after his football career and worked for more than 25 years for Harris County in Houston. He has been involved with the YMCA and served as a mentor for students in the University of Houston's C.T. Bauer College of Business. Considered by many to be the inventor of the end zone dance, Wright is a member of the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame.​

Texas High School Football Hall of Fame Inductees: Elmo Wright

Texas High School Football Hall of Fame Inductees: Elmo Wright

www.texasfootball.com

Elmo Wright Named to CFB HOF Ballot - University of Houston Athletics

University of Houston Athletics

uhcougars.com

Former Chiefs WR Elmo Wright still dancing after touchdowns. Hey, Hank Stram was OK with it.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/te...-Wright-SMU-s-Eric-****erson-get-15124305.php

Elmo Wright, end-zone dance originator, says Cam Newton has right to celebrate

www.newsday.com

Father of End-Zone Dance Explains His Happy Feet (Published 2005)

In 1969, Elmo Wright, an exuberant junior wide receiver for the University of Houston, started capping his touchdown receptions with celebratory moves. That was recognized as the beginning of what is now a craze in the N.F.L.: the end-zone dance. Wright, still the Houston leader in career...

www.nytimes.com

Deadspin | The Man Who Invented The End-Zone Dance

Deadspin | The Man Who Invented The End-Zone Dance

deadspin.com

The Man Who Invented the End-Zone Dance

I thought about Elmo Wright on Sunday, right after DeSean Jackson got himself and his Eagles in some trouble for channeling a little of old Elmo's...

slate.com

From the first 'spike' to the 'dab,' a look at the history of the end zone celebration

Cam Newton's dancing might offend some, but don't call it new. The spike is 50 years old, and dancing in the endzone has been going on for 40 years. Greg Garber takes a look.

www.espn.com

Elmo Wright Says Football Is Supposed to Be Fun

Meet the UH alum, former wide receiver, and creator of the end-zone dance.

www.houstoniamag.com

Elmo Wright Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Elmo Wright Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Elmo Wright Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Elmo Wright Transactions

Elmo Wright - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
A lawyerly athletic director​

Happy 62nd birthday to Larry Williams
Born July 3, 1963 in Orange, California; hometown Santa Ana, CA
Patriot right guard, 1992; uniform #75
Signed as a veteran free agent on April 1, 1992
Pats résumé: one season, 13 games (nine starts)


The 6-5, 292 lb lineman was a 10th round pick by the Browns in 1985 out of Notre Dame, and he was Cleveland's starting left guard from 1986-88. At the age of 29 Williams appeared in 13 games with nine starts for the Pats, on that abysmal 2-14 **** MacPherson team that didn't win until Dante Scarnecchia took over on an interim basis. Williams retired from pro football in 1993 as a member of the Patriots, and after that '92 season I can understand why. Overall he played in 61 NFL games with 44 starts from 1986 to 1992 while missing significant time on PUP and IR due to a broken arm, ankle and shoulder injuries.


Larry Williams earned a J.D. degree from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1992. He practiced law for six years for Baker & Daniel in Indianapolis, and then the two-time All-American returned to the collegiate scene. Williams took a position at Notre Dame to work on licensing and product marketing for their athletic department from 1999 to 2003.


From 2004 to 2011 he was the athletic director at the University of Portland. In 2011 Williams became the AD at Marquette University, and in 2015 he took over the same position at Akron University before retiring in 2021. His wife Laura Lee was a collegiate All-American and national champion tennis player at Notre Dame, and they have five children. Their daughter Kristin was a rower at Santa Clara University while their sons Sean, Scott and Eric all played football at Yale.


Dec 5, 2011:

Marquette names Portland's Williams new athletic director

Marquette University on Monday named Larry Williams as its new athletic director. Williams, 48, a former two-time All-American offensive lineman at Notre Dame, has been the director of athletics and recreation at the University of Portland since 2004.

archive.jsonline.com

Dec 14, 2013:

Athletic Director Larry Williams Resigns

Ain’t no party like a Friday afternoon news dump party, cuz a Friday afternoon news dump party don’t stop.

www.anonymouseagle.com

March 3, 2021:

Williams to Step Away After Successful Tenure as Akron AD - University of Akron Athletics

AKRON, Ohio – University of Akron Director of Athletics Larry Williams announced today he would not seek an extension of his contract with the University whe...

gozips.com

1992 Patriots Media Guide

Larry Williams Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Larry Williams Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Larry Williams Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Larry Williams Transactions

Larry Williams (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Todd Jones​

Happy 58th birthday to Todd Jones
Born July 3, 1967 in Hope, Arkansas; hometown Little Rock AR
Patriot offensive lineman, 1993; uniform #63
Claimed off waivers from Dallas on August 31, 1993
Pats résumé: one season, four games (no starts)

I really don't know much of anything about this guy. Searches for Todd Jones are cluttered with news about a former ATF employee by the same name that went to work for the NFL league offices as the chief disciplinary officer. Our Todd A. Jones was an All-American in 1991 at Henderson State, after playing for two years at Arkansas. Jones played in four games for Bill Parcells and the Patriots in 1993 - which was an odd season based on the fact that all 28 NFL teams had two bye weeks. Those were the only games he made it onto the field, though he was with the Browns, Cowboys, Patriots, Broncos and Cardinals at various points from 1991 to 1995. In addition Jones played for the Orlando Thunder in the WLAF in 1992, in the CFL in 1995 and 1996, and briefly alongside Kurt Warner for the Iowa Barnstormers in the Arena Football League in 1996.

Todd Jones Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Todd Jones Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Todd Jones Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Todd Jones Transactions

Todd Jones (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Claxton Welch​

Happy 78th birthday to Claxton Welch
Born July 3, 1947 in Portland, Oregon
Patriot running back, 1973; uniform #43
Claimed off waivers from Kansas City on October 24, 1973
Pats résumé: one season, two games, one start; 20 yards from scrimmage


Claxton Welch appeared in a pair of November 1973 games for the Pats, and had six receptions against the Jets in his only NFL start. He had previously been with Dallas and played on special teams in seven postseason games with the Cowboys, earning a ring from Super Bowl VI. Welch was placed on injured reserve on December 5, and released on August 16, 1974, after failing his physical. He finished his NFL career with 83 rushing yards and 7 receiving yards.


Aug 29, 2018:

Claxton Welch remembers start of Cowboys dynasty

BY DAVID BALL/PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP/Former David Douglas Scots running back had his best day as pro in 1970 NFC title game

pamplinmedia.com

Welch made brief stops in New Orleans, Kansas City and New England before a series of knee operations brought his NFL career to a close. He enrolled at Seattle University, where he earned a masters in English and went on to a career in insurance and financial advising with Coldwell Banker.​

Claxton Welch (#42) makes a special teams tackle for Dallas in Super Bowl V against the Baltimore Colts​

Claxton Welch Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Claxton Welch Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Claxton Welch Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Claxton Welch Transactions

Claxton Welch - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Not Ready For Prime Time​

Happy 28th birthday to Bill Murray
Born July 3, 1997 in Millington, New Jersey; hometown Morristown, NJ
Patriot guard, 2022; uniform #97 (2020-21), #62 (2022)
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of William & Mary on May 5, 2020
Pats résumé: three seasons on the practice squad; one game consisting of three special team snaps

Bill Murray making roster would be Patriots' latest Cinderella story

The DT from William & Mary has a funny namesake, but his game is no joke, and New England has a history of making room for undrafted free agents.

www.espn.com

Patriots sign offensive lineman who switched from defensive line last year

The Patriots are bringing back Bill Murray on a future contract.

www.masslive.com

Murray has stuck around on New England’s practice squad in recent seasons, starting out as a defensive lineman. That was until the team switched him over to the offensive side of the ball before the start of the 2022 season. Murray spent the year as an offensive guard and was elevated to the active roster for three games this year. He made his NFL debut on Dec. 1 against the Buffalo Bills, playing three snaps on special teams.​

Murray arrived in New England as an undrafted free agent out of William & Mary in 2020. He’s officially listed on the roster at 6-foot-4, 265 pounds, which is exceptionally light for an NFL lineman.​

After making the switch to offense this past summer, Murray said that he was hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Patriots lineman Stephen Neal, who made a similar change at the start of his NFL career.​

“I’m excited,” Murray said at the time. “It’s an opportunity. All I can be is grateful for this opportunity, take it with stride and get better every day.”​

A future contract gives Murray a chance to fight for a spot on the 2023 roster. He’s set to be on the team’s expanded roster this offseason and is on course to participate in mini-camp, OTAs and training camp.​

Murray's only NFL playing time with the Patriots came in that one game against Buffalo. He spent 2023 in a familiar spot - on the practice squad - for the Bears. Last year he survived cuts and played in three games for Chicago before landing on injured reserve on October 29. Murray is once again battling for a roster spot with the Bears in 2025, though their addition of Joe Thuney is going to make that possibility more remote.

2023 Patriots Media Guide

Bill Murray Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Bill Murray Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Bill Murray Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Bill Murray Transactions

Bill Murray (offensive lineman) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More July 3 Birthdays​

Happy 28th birthday to Ron'Dell Carter
Born July 3, 1997 in Baltimore
Patriot defensive end, 2022 practice squad; uniform #94
Signed as a free agent to the practice squad on October 19, 2022
Pats résumé: two weeks on the practice squad

Ron'Dell Carter - Football - James Madison University Athletics

Ron'Dell Carter (5) Defensive Lineman - Finished career ranking ninth all-time at JMU with 23 sacks. 2019 as a Redshirt Senior: Started in all 16 games at de...

jmusports.com

Patriots sign defensive lineman to practice squad

The New England Patriots reportedly signed defensive lineman Ron’Dell Carter to their practice squad on Wednesday.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

The New England Patriots made an addition to their practice squad ahead of their Week 7 game vs. the Chicago Bears​

Defensive lineman Ron'Dell Carter was signed on Wednesday, the team announced.​

Carter, 25, was originally signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of James Madison. He was cut before the season and signed to the practice squad before being signed by the Indianapolis Colts later that month.​

The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He has appeared in four NFL regular-season games, three with the Cowboys in 2020 and one with the Texans in 2021.​

The Patriots also announced the signing of wide receiver/special teamer Raleigh Webb to the 53-man roster off the Baltimore Ravens practice squad.​

A transfer from Rutgers to James Madison, Carter went undrafted in 2020 and signed his first NFL contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He has appeared in four career NFL games. He spent time with Dallas (2x), Indy, Arizona (2x), Houston and Pittsburgh before signing with the Patriots. The Pats released him on November 1, 2022. Carter has been with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League since 2023.

Happy 75th birthday to Steve Crosby
Born July 3, 1950 in Great Bend, Kansas
Pats résumé: 1990 coach on Rod Rust's 1-15 team

Steve Crosby was the Pats special teams and tight ends coach in 1990. He had been a running back for the Giants from 1974-76. Crosby was a scout for Miami in 1977-78, then Don Shula promoted him to ST/LB coach (1979-82). From 1983-95 Crosby worked as a position coach for the Dolphins, Falcons, Browns and Patriots, and was Cleveland's OC in 1994-95. After that he was a scout for the Eagles (1996-97), OC/WR coach at Vanderbilt (1998-2001) and ST coordinator for San Diego from 2002 to 2010.

1990 Patriots Media Guide

In memory of Chuck Sieminski
July 3, 1940 - May 16, 2020
Pats 14th round (110th overall) pick of the 1962 AFL draft, from Penn State
Pats résumé: 1962 draft pick

The Pats took a flyer on the defensive tackle, who was also drafted by the 49ers in the fourth round of the '62 NFL draft. Sieminski chose to sign with the Niners, and played six years in the NFL with San Francisco, Atlanta and Detroit.

Nov 4, 2004:

Sandusky, Sieminski earn induction into Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame | Penn State University

Chuck Sieminski was a two-way tackle for the Nittany Lions, earning letters from 1960-62 under Engle. From Swoyersville, Pa., he earned second team All-America honors in 1962 and in '67 was selected to the All-Time Penn State Team by the Pittsburgh Press. Recognized as a strong blocker and tackler, Sieminski earned his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1962. He played in the 1963 Senior Bowl.​

Sieminski was drafted in the fourth round by the National Football League's San Francisco 49ers. He played defensive tackle for six years in the NFL with San Francisco, Atlanta and Detroit before starting a career as a high school teacher in Mountain Top, Pa.​

Happy 73rd birthday to Jim Rackley
Born July 3, 1952 in Jacksonville
Patriot running back, 1976 offseason
Date signed unknown; released on July 29, 1976
Pats résumé: one offseason

Jim Rackley was a 12th round (293rd overall) selection by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1975. The 5'10, 205 lb running back from Florida A&M was released early (July 25) his rookie season, and signed with the Philadelphia Bell of the short lived World Football League. Rackley was signed by Chuck Fairbanks early in 1976, but once again was released shortly after camp opened, prior to any preseason games. Rackley left college as one of the leading rushers in FAMU's history. He did not add a single yard to that total in the NFL because, like so many before and after him, he never survived roster cuts.

Happy 28th birthday to Josiah Bronson
Born July 3, 1997 in Kent, Washington; hometown Covington WA
Patriot defensive tackle, 2024 offseason; uniform #75
Signed as a veteran free agent on July 28, 2024
Pats résumé: one month in training camp

Bronson has played in eight NFL games; he is currently a free agent.

Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Josiah Bronson

The New England Patriots opened two roster spots this past week by releasing undrafted free agents Jontrey Hunter and Kaleb Ford-Dement. One of those vacancies was filled today with the signing of defensive tackle Josiah Bronson. Bronson stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 310 pounds. He will compete...

patriotsfootballnow.com

The Patriots opened two roster spots this past week by releasing undrafted free agents Jontrey Hunter and Kaleb Ford-Dement. One of those vacancies was filled today with the signing of defensive tackle Josiah Bronson.​

Bronson stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 310 pounds. He will compete with other big bodies on the Patriots defensive interior. He played some defensive end in his previous stops. New England playing him at end is a possibility. They lack NFL experience behind Deatrich Wise Jr. and second-year player Keion White.​

Josiah Bronson’s football journey has seen him overcome many obstacles to arrive in the NFL. He broke his ankle as a freshman at Temple. He transferred to Washington as a walk-on. However, it took him two years to earn a scholarship with the Huskies. He became a starter as a redshirt senior and was granted a sixth-year of eligibility. His final collegiate season in 2020 was cut to four games due to COVID.​

Patriots sign defensive tackle Josiah Bronson

The Patriots welcomed defensive tackle Josiah Bronson to training camp after signing him on Sunday.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Bronson, 27, played college football at Washington before signing with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He played in six games as a rookie for New Orleans before being waived and subsequently claimed by the Cleveland Browns.​

He played in one game for Cleveland before being released. He finished his rookie campaign with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad and joined the Miami Dolphins practice squad ahead of the 2022 season. He played one game for Miami against New England and was released after training camp in 2023.​

Bronson spent the 2024 spring with the Memphis Showboats of the United States Football League (USFL). The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder had 12 tackles with 1.5 sacks in 10 games.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Lombardi Toss, and other July 3rd Birthdays​

Other pro football players born on this date with a New England area connection:

- Cameron Brate, 34 (7/3/91)
Harvard, class of 2014
Cameron Brate scored 33 NFL touchdowns from 2014 to 2022. He also had 273 receptions, but his most famous catch will not be found in the stat sheets. Brate spent his entire career with Tampa Bay, and he was the player who caught the Vince Lombadi Trophy that Tom Brady threw during the Bucs' Super Bowl boat parade in 2021.

Bucs tight end Cameron Brate says he would have had to retire if he had dropped Tom Brady's trophy toss across the water

Cameron Brate made the most important catch of his career on Wednesday, and it wasn't on an NFL field.

www.businessinsider.com

- Jordan Reed, 35 (7/3/90)
born and raised in New London, CT; New London High School.
Jordan Reed was a third round pick from the University of Florida in the 2013 draft by Washington. The tight end had 87 receptions for 952 yards 11 touchdowns in 2015, and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2016. Reed 355 receptions and 28 TDs from 2013 to 2020.

Jordan Reed retiring from NFL due to issues from concussions

Tight end Jordan Reed, who had an injury-filled career, told ESPN he's retiring from the NFL due to lingering issues from multiple concussions.

www.espn.com

- Jack Hagerty (1903-1982)
born and raised in Boston; Dorchester High School.
Hagerty was a RB/QB/PR with the Giants from 1926-32, then became head coach at Georgetown, once winning 23 straight games. After coaching for 16 years he became the Hoyas' athletic director until retiring in 1969.
Jack Hagerty, Retired Coach, Athletic Director at GU, Dies | Washington Post

Georgetown football coach John L. 'Jack' Hagerty (xF'1926) diagrams on the blackboard as his team watches

Coach Hagerty (xF'1926) played running back and quarterback for the New York Giants before returning to Georgetown University as head coach. He led the Hoyas to a run of twenty-three straight wins ...

repository.library.georgetown.edu

- Ray MacMurray (1889-1996)
Dartmouth College, class of 1917
Mac Murray was one of the first people to play pro football, as a guard for the 1921 Muncie Flyers.
Raymond MacMurray | Dartmouth Sports




And some other notable pro football players born on July 3rd:

-Billy Howton, 95 (7/3/30)
The receiver may be the most egregious omission ever from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As a rookie for Green Bay in 1952 - when the season was 12 games long and the rules did not favor a passing game - Howton made the Pro Bowl after catching 53 passes for 1,231 yards (23.2 ypc) and 13 touchdowns. He made three more Pro Bowls and a pair of All Pro teams, including in 1956 when he caught 55 passes for 1,188 yards and 12 TD. Modern equivalents to those numbers are probably along the lines of 20-25 TD and 2,000-2,500 yards receiving in a single season. He was the first receiver with 500 receptions in pro football history, and his record for touchdown receptions as a rookie was not broken for 36 years.

The only explanation that I can come up for regarding his exclusion from the HoF is that he was the Packers' player representative and president of the NFL Players Association in 1958. He played a major role in establishing a pension fund for players, which was a very sore subject with team owners at the time. Not so coincidentally, Vince Lombardi traded Howton before the start of the 1959 season.

Why has Canton ... and virtually everyone else ... forgotten about Billy Howton?

Billy Howton: HOF? - Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Howton gets snub by Hall of Fame

The Baltimore chapter of the NFL Alumni Association held its monthly meeting earlier this week, and guess who came to dinner? No, it wasn?t Gene Upshaw,

www.washingtonexaminer.com

Why Haven't Hall Voters Embraced Former Packers' Star Billy Howton?

BILLY HOWTON: Throw It and I'll Catch It

LOOKING BACK By T.J. Troup The Green Bay Packers lost their last seven games of 1951 as their ground attack struggled all season. The Pa...

nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Biggest Snubs - Sports Central

Original sports fan commentary since 1998 featuring intelligent sports columns on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college, and more.

www.sports-central.org

-Chris Jones, 31 (7/3/94)
Unlike Howerton, the Kansas City Chiefs' defensive tackle is a shoo-in for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jones is a three-time super bowl champion with 80½ sacks in 138 games. He is a First Team All pro for the each of the last three seasons, and has been named to six consecutive Pro Bowls.

Chiefs Veteran Listed As Way-Too-Early DPOY Candidate

The Kansas City Chiefs struck gold in round two of the 2016 NFL Draft, selecting defensive tackle Chris Jones out of Mississippi State. Since he arrived in the

www.si.com

- Jethro Pugh (1944-2015)
Fearsome Dallas Cowboy DT from 1965 to 1978 played in 23 playoff games, an amazing number for back in those days.

Jethro Pugh | BCFHOF

The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 to honor the greatest players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

www.blackcollegefootballhof.org

Jethro Pugh, lineman in Dallas Cowboys' Doomsday Defense, dies at 70

Jethro Pugh, an unsung member of the Doomsday Defense that helped the Dallas Cowboys win two Super Bowls in the 1970s, has died.

www.latimes.com

- Neil O'Donnell, 59 (7/3/66); despite throwing three picks in Pittsburgh's Super Bowl 30 loss to Dallas, the Jets couldn't help but Jete, and immediately signed the QB to what was then a mega-contract a month later in 1996. O'Donnell proceeded to go 0-6 in his first six games with Gang Green, then missed time with a separated shoulder, and for the trifecta was out for the rest of the season due to a torn calf muscle.

SUPER BOWL XXX;For O'Donnell, It's a Game of Misreads, Mistakes and Misgivings (Published 1996)

www.nytimes.com

- Manny Fernandez, 79 (7/3/46)
The defensive tackle went to three super bowl games with the Dolphins from 1968-75, winning two rings.

Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players: 31. Manny Fernandez

Your best source for quality Miami Dolphins news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.

www.thephinsider.com

- Grant Wistrom, 49 (7/3/76)
Rams DE may have been on the losing end in Super Bowl 36, but he did receive four championship rings: three with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and one with St. Louis in SB 34.

Connell: Fifteen years later, Wistrom still living the dream

Former Webb City, Nebraska star helped Rams to a storybook season, Super Bowl victory in his second NFL season

www.news-leader.com

- Paul Naumoff (1945-2018)
The linebacker was famous for an under-the-chin tackle of Syracuse’s Larry Czonka in the 1966 Gator Bowl, and once played in 142 consecutive games for the Lions - and missed only two games over twelve seasons with Detroit.

Paul Naumoff dies - Knox TN Today

Updated 5 p.m. 8/18 Paul Naumoff, one of the legendary hitters in Tennessee football history, has died at age 73. The all-American linebacker, longtime resident of Lenoir City, was famous for an under-the-chin tackle of Syracuse’s Larry Czonka in the 1966 Gator Bowl and for 142 consecutive games...

www.knoxtntoday.com

- Manny Lawson, 41 (7/3/84)
OLB had twelve sacks, 172 tackles and six forced fumbles for the 49ers from 2008 to 2010.

Getting to Know: Manny Lawson loves architecture, a science 'nerd,' was born with six fingers

One of the main chess pieces in Rex Ryan’s defense is veteran linebacker Manny Lawson, who’s seen plenty in his 10-year career. In this week’s Getting to Know, Lawson explains

buffalonews.com

Buffalo Bills LB Manny Lawson under investigation by NFL - UPI.com

The Buffalo Bills confirmed that linebacker Manny Lawson is the subject of a league investigation.

www.upi.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Billy Lott, Fred Marion
and other 20th Century July 3 news​

July 3, 1964:
The Boston Patriots trade fullback Billy Lott to Denver for an undisclosed draft pick.

In college Lott was on the Ole Miss team that crushed the Texas Longhorns 39-7 in the Sugar Bowl; he came to the Patriots along with Babe Parilli in the lopsided 1961 trade that sent Alan Miller, Hal Smith and **** Christy to Oakland. Lott averaged 4.6 yards per carry that season, but was never the same after a knee injury in '62.
Who was Billy Lott? | Tales from the American Football League

July 3, 1969:
Patriots sign Brent Conley and George Muse

Muse was a linebacker from Grambling, and one of the 23 (out of 26) players selected in the 17th round of the 1969 draft that never played in the NFL. As for Conley, the only information I have on him is that he was not one of the 442 players drafted that year.




July 3, 1973:
Patriots trade a 1974 10th round draft pick to Dallas for Herb Adderley

Not wanting to play for the Patriots was a recurring them in this time period. Similar to Fred Dryer, Adderley refused to report to the Patriots - who had not had a winning season since 1968, with three last-place finishes in those six years. The former Packer and future Hall of Fame corner forced a trade to the Rams as well, three weeks later.



July 3, 1973:
Patriots re-sign Art May, Clarence Scott and Rick Cash

May was a fifth round draft pick by the Bengals in 1971. The Pats claimed him off waivers on September 15, 1971, and he played in 11 games with five starts that year. The defensive end from Tuskegee missed all of '72 with an injury, which must have still been lingering: he was cut six days later.

Scott had been with Houston since 1966, stuck on their taxi squad, before being signed by Boston in 1969. The strong saftety from Morgan State played in 43 games for the Patriots from 1969-72, mostly as a special teamer and backup to John Charles and Rickie Harris.

Rick Cash was acquired from the Rams in a trade for Fred Dryer, who refused to report to the Patriots, along with a draft pick that was used for Sam Cunningham. Cash was a starter at DT for the Pats in '72, and at DE in '73.




July 3, 1975:
Patriots trade a 1976 fifth round draft pick to San Diego for CB Bob Howard

Bobby Howard was a second round draft pick (48th overall) by the Chargers in the first common draft between the AFL and NFL in 1967. He played his college football for Don Corryell at San Diego State. The 31-year old Howard was the Patriots starting left corner for three seasons, paired opposite Ron Bolton in '75, then Mike Haynes for the next two seasons. Raymond Clayborn took over the following year, replacing Howard - who went on to play for two more seasons with Philadelphia.

In his three seasons with the Patriots Howard had ten interceptions and one fumble recovery. On November 9, 1975 Howard had a 44-yard pick-six off Dan Fouts and his former team in San Diego. That gave the Pats a 10-3 lead, an advantage they never relinquished as the Patriots won 33-19. Bobby Howard played in 167 NFL games from 1967 to 1979, with an impressive 37 interceptions.

July 3, 1986:
Following a Pro Bowl season in which he had seven picks and an NFL-best 189 yards on those interception returns, the Patriots re-sign free safety Fred Marion. The native of Gainesville, Florida played in 144 games for the Pats from 1982-1991, and ranks third in franchise history with 29 career interceptions.

Marion: 'Still wear colors proudly'

When Fred Marion reflects on some of the games that stand out most from his time with the Patriots (1982-1991), he finds himself back in the locker room at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium.

www.espn.com

Marion, Brown, Parcells on Patriots' ballot

FOXBORO - Younger fans of the New England Patriots, born after the team's first Super Bowl appearance in the 1985 season, probably have trouble believing that anyone other than Rodney

www.thesunchronicle.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
21st Century July 3 news​

July 3, 2002:
Safety Tony Scott is claimed off waivers from the Jets.

The special teamer/backup was waived at the end of training camp.

Patriots claim defensive back Scott off waivers

The Patriots claimed young defensive back Tony Scott on waivers Friday.

www.espn.com

Bound for county sports hall

Check with Tony Scott’s teammates at Burns High or N.C. State, and you’ll get some of the same comments. They’ll mention his energy, enthusiasm and drive to succeed. Those characteristics, as well …

www.shelbystar.com

July 3, 2003:
Pats sign center Bill Conaty for offensive line depth.

The graduate of Milford (CT) Academy had been with the Bills for the previous six seasons, but was placed on injured reserve on August 26 and never did play for the Pats.

Patriots add depth to O-line, sign Conaty

The Patriots have signed unrestricted free agent C Billy Conaty, who spent the first six years of his career with rival Buffalo.

www.espn.com

Pats sign FA Conaty

July 3, 2024:

New England Patriots Quarterback Bailey Zappe Marries College Sweetheart Hannah Lewis at Secluded Lake in Montana

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe married his college sweetheart, Hannah Lewis, in Montana on July 3. The couple invited just 32 guests for the intimate nuptials at a secluded lake, according to The Knot.

people.com

Threads and columns from 365 days ago:

Wednesday Patriots Notebook 7/3: News and Notes | PatsFans.com

With the NFL in the middle of what's arguably the biggest dead portion of the offseason, there remains a lot of discussion when it comes to the New England Patriots offense.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Daily News Thread Thread 'NEW ARTICLE: Wednesday Patriots Notebook 7/3: News and Notes'

Jul 3, 2024

Wednesday Patriots Notebook 7/3: News and Notes
Ian Logue

Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The post Wednesday Patriots Notebook 7/3: News and Notes appeared first on PatsFans.com.

Continue reading...

(If you enjoyed this entry - hit the Thumbs Up/If not, hit the Goodell Image for this thread)

• PatsFans.com Article
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• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

M

Thread 'We Have A Top 10 Defense With Lots Of TC Decisions To Make'

Jul 3, 2024

We have a top 10 Defense, with a solid set of starters (all except CB2). We do have lots of decisions to make regarding backups. Of course, any of these positions could be filled by a free agent. I suspect that we will pick up one or two on waivers.

I count 8 "openings"

DEFENSIVE LINE - Pick 2 from
Watts, Ekuale, Hill, Pharms, Roberts

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS - Pick 2 from
Uche, Ximines, McMillan, Elliss

SECONDARY - pick 4 from
Austin, Wilson, Wade, Bolden, Bledsoe, Hearn

• mgteich
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• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Thread 'OT: Panthers Saw Mrs Tepper Weigh in on Draft Picks'

Jul 3, 2024

This is interesting, especially given all the discussion of who held what say for the Patriots back in April:

• Ian
• Replies: 41
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Does Nicole Tepper remind you of a PatsFans forum member?​

Thread 'Judon apparently doesn't think he's going to get paid.'

Jul 3, 2024

• 203Pat
• Replies: 149
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Patriots Daily Notebook 7/3: Insider Talks Potential Surprise WR Trades, Undrafted RB Making Roster? | PatsFans.com

Get the latest Patriots news for July 3: Greg Bedard projects roster surprises, including trade talks involving Antonio Gibson, Stefon Diggs, and Kayshon Boutte. Plus, camp insight from Phil Perry and more on standout performers.

www.patsfans.com

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
A lawyerly athletic director​

Happy 62nd birthday to Larry Williams

Today in Patriots History
More July 3 Birthdays​

Happy 28th birthday to Josiah Bronson

Today in Patriots History
Billy Lott
​

July 3, 1964:
The Boston Patriots trade fullback Billy Lott to Denver for an undisclosed draft pick.