Today In Patriots History July 30: A French Rugby Player

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Today in Patriots History
The French Patriot​

Happy 59th birthday to Richard 'Le Sack' Tardits
Born July 30, 1965 in Biarritz, France
Patriot LB, 1990-1992; uniform #53
Acquired in a trade with the Phoenix Cardinals on March 23, 1990

Richard Tardits learned to speak English as a high school exchange student in Augusta, Georgia. Against his father's wishes he stayed in the US and became the University of Georgia's career leader in sacks. Tardits played in 27 games for the Patriots over three seasons. Following that Tardits played on the United States national rugby union team, the USA Eagles, from 1993 to 1999. If that's not enough versatility for you, Tardits was also on the 1992 French Olympic bobsled team, ran with the bulls in Pamplona, and surfed in Hawaii.

Richard Tardits, first Basque-born NFL Player

Tardits played rugby at junior level for Biarritz Olympique, and represented the French national side at the same level. Moving to the United States to attend college he took up football and played for the Georgia Bulldogs. There, he held the record for most sacks (until surpassed by David Pollack in 2004), earning the nickname “Le Sack.”​

Below is a detailed and worthwhile biography on the very interesting life of Richard Tardits.

'Le Sack' Always Took the Right Fork in the Road - University of Georgia Athletics

Aug. 30, 2011 Richard Tardits, the onetime holder of the Georgia career sack record, lost out in the National Football League to a veteran's experience but p...

georgiadogs.com

His reluctance for self-aggrandizement is admirable, but seldom has any college had a player who embodied the student athlete concept as did Richard Tardits. You must keep in mind that he didn't grow up from infancy with a familiarity with football or a natural appreciation of the nuances of the popular American sport. When he was a senior, he was studying for a Masters degree, taking 25 hours. There was an NCAA rule that stipulated that he could only take 22 hours, so he audited courses like art appreciation, photography, and typing, the last a skill he knew he would need one day in the business world. When he earned an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, a remarkable achievement for someone who learned to speak English as a high school exchange student in Augusta, Georgia, where he visited longtime family friend, Dr. Edouard Servy, he took the money and learned to fly an airplane and maintains an active pilot's license today.​

There is also this, more relevant to Patriots fans:

From that point on, Richard played and practiced with the heart of a lion while placing unending emphasis on his academic options. Looking back, he realizes that his academic emphasis was not in his best interests in regard to an NFL career but has no regrets. "I was in the middle of working for my MBA degree and did not prepare for the NFL combine as a result," Richard said. Yet he knew what he had to do to make the team in the specialized NFL system. With his speed, he learned to cover backs out of the backfield and made the team at Arizona. Traded to the New England Patriots, he knew he was a better pass rusher than Andre Tippett, who was getting by on experience. "Once you are established in the NFL, they are not going to cut you if you have experience," he said.​

The then-lowly Patriots made a move for rebirth and hired Bill Parcells. By this time, Richard was injured. After a team meeting, Parcells told him, "You won't be well by training camp, so we are going to release you." Tardits knew the rules and said, "Coach I am injured, you cannot cut me." Parcells curt reply, was, "Sue me."​

That did not offend Richard, who understands how cutthroat business is in the NFL. "Parcells was right. I would not have recovered by training camp." With no place for bitterness in his life, Tardits holds no grudge and says wistfully, "I would have liked to have played for a coach like Parcells." While in Boston, Richard applied for Harvard Law School and was admitted, but he knew he could not play in the NFL and take classes, so he opted not to enroll--one of the few regrets in his life.​

Some more articles on Richard Tardits:

All-Time American List: Richard Tardits

The story of a man born in France and grows up playing rugby, walks on to the University of Georgia football team, sets an all-time record in sacks, and then goes on to play for the USA rugby team and New England Patriots NFL team is as improbably as the man.

www.goffrugbyreport.com

Richard Tardits scores for the USA, versus Ireland in 1996​

Top 50 UGA Players of All Time - No. 38 - Richard Tardits

Dawg Post is counting down the Top 50 UGA players of all time through the summer. Keep checking back each weekday to see who we have next…

dawgpost.com

Nicknamed “Le Sack” by Bulldog fans due to his French heritage, Tardis’ story could be turned into a movie one day. The Bayonne, France native tried out for the football team as an exchange student, making quite an impression on hall of fame coach Vince Dooley. His rugby background in France stood out to Dooley and helped him see the field early on special teams.​

“Le Sack” was a rough and tough athlete who loved contact. If anyone played football like a bulldog would, it was Richard Tardis. His style of play was aggressive, and his motor tough to stop. Tardits played at Georgia from 1985-1988, and left as the school’s all-time career sack leader with 29.​

Even as a former walk-on, it’s safe to say Tardits was one of the most productive defensive ends in school history. After his playing days in Athens, Tardits was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 5th round of the 1989 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons in the NFL, with three of them coming in New England. Tardits played in 27 total games in his NFL career before moving to Hong Kong to play professional rugby.​

While many remember him for his football days, there are others who remember him as a U.S.A Rugby star. After his days in Hong Kong where he would meet his wife, Tardits helped the United States team win the Rugby World Cup in 1999.​

There are plenty of special people and amazing stories that come through the University of Georgia, but none will be as cool as Richard Tardits’.​

 

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Today in Patriots History
Stephen Starring​

Happy 63rd birthday to Stephen Starring
Born July 30, 1961 in Baton Rouge
Patriot WR/KR, 1983-1987; uniform #81
Pats 3rd round (74th overall) selection of the 1983 draft, from McNeese State

Steven Starring (2000) - Hall of Fame - McNeese State University Athletics

Steven Starring, Class: Induction: 2000 Sport(s): Football - A running quarterback who could also pass was the best way to describe Stephen Starring. He came out

mcneesesports.com

A running quarterback who could also pass was the best way to describe Stephen Starring. He came out of Vinton and led the Cowboys to an Independence Bowl game appearance in 1980, passing and rushing for 1,980 yards. He holds the school season rushing record for quarterbacks of 974 yards. Three times he led the Cowboys in total offense and passing and he ranks seventh on the all-time passing list with 3,083 yards on 181 completions and is 12th in rushing with 1,906 yards. He was the team MVP in 1980 and the SLC offensive player of the year. He also became an all-American in track and field and won three SLC titles, two in the high hurdles and one in the long jump. He went on to a pro football career, playing with the New England Patriots and in the Super Bowl.​

Foxboro Stadium History - 1983

www.patriots.com

Fans got an indication of what they could expect from their club in the season opener at the newly renamed Sullivan Stadium. In the first of many big plays in 1983, quarterback Steve Grogan hit rookie wide receiver Stephen Starring on a 73-yard touchdown bomb for New England’s first score of the season.​

As a rookie in 1983 Stephen Starring had 17 receptions for 389 yards and two touchdowns, including the score above. The following season he won the competition as the starting wide receiver opposite Stanley Morgan and finished second on the team with 46 catches, and third in both receiving yards (647) and touchdown receptions (4).

In 1984 the Pats had traded up to select Irving Fryar with the first overall pick of the draft, and in '85 he had shown enough to be inserted into the starting lineup. New England also had Cedric Jones, a third round pick from the 1982 draft at receiver. Starring's playing time took an immediate nosedive. In '85 he became the fourth option at wide receiver behind Morgan, Fryar and Jones, and ranked just eighth on the team with 16 receptions - also behind running backs Tony Collins and Craig James, and tight ends Derrick Ramsey and Lin Dawson.

His status did not change over the next two years. From 1985 through 1987 Starring averaged 16 catches for 273 yards and two touchdowns. Already expendable, Starring did not help his cause in the offseason. At a charity golf event he had a bit too much to drink and was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of indecent exposure, on June 7, 1988. (Though to be fair to Starring, his off-field incident barely made the news. Irving Fryar, Hart Lee Dykes, Mack Herron, Tony Collins, Robert Perriman and Shelby Jordan were all Patriots from that era that had more autographs on bail bond slips than they did on football cards.)

Two months later the Patriots were guilty of grand theft when they were somehow able to obtain a third round pick - which they used on a far more productive player, tight end Marv Cook - from Tampa Bay in late August of 1988. Starring suffered an injury and had only three receptions in six games for the Bucs, before being released. He spent the second half of the '88 season with Detroit and wrapped up his NFL career by being waived by the Raiders at the end of training camp in 1989.


Stephen Starring appeared in 72 regular season games for the Patriots, with 23 starts. He had 112 receptions for 1,865 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 16.7 yards per catch. Starring also averaged 21.1 yards on 107 kickoff returns, 5.7 yards on 19 punt returns, and returned another 15 kickoffs in the playoffs.


AP News - June 7, 1988:

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) _ Stephan Starring, a reserve wide receiver for the New England Patriots, was arrested following an indecent-exposure incident involving two women hotel employees, authorities said.​

The 26-year-old Starring, who has played five seasons with the NFL team, was arrested Saturday night at the Embassy Suites Hotel, issued a summons on the misdemeanor charge and released on $500 bond, said Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Beatty. Starring is scheduled to appear in county court on July 1.​

Penalty for conviction on the charge ranges from a $50 fine to six months or $750 or both, Beatty said.​

Patriots spokesman Jimmy Oldham said the club was aware of the incident but had no comment.​

Beatty said the arrest report showed that a 28-year-old woman employee of the hotel said Starring approached her Saturday night in her office and exposed himself.​

She told him to stop, he left the room and got on an elevator with a 25- year-old woman hotel employee and twice exposed himself to her, then followed her around the hotel talking to her, the report said.​

Beatty said no physical contact was made in either incident.​

Deputies were called to the hotel and arrested Starring when he returned to the building, Beatty said.​

Starring, of Lake Charles, La., was in the Denver area taking part in the John Elway Golf Classic, Beatty said.​

IN BRIEF : Starring Guilty of Indecent Exposure

Wide receiver Stephen Starring of the New England Patriots has been convicted by an Arapahoe County Court jury on two counts of indecent exposure.

www.latimes.com

February 17, 1989:

Wide receiver Stephen Starring of the Patriots has been convicted by an Arapahoe County (Colo.) Court jury of two counts of indecent exposure. After the jury returned the verdict this week, County Judge Jim Macrum fined Starring $500 and ordered him to appear in court March 6 to review the results of a mental-health examination. Starring was arrested last year after allegedly exposing himself to two women at an Aurora, Colo., hotel while attending a golf tournament to raise funds for the John Elway Foundation.​

There is a very well-detailed article about the state of the New England Patriots in the immediate aftermath of their Super Bowl 20 loss to the Chicago Bears below. The sheer number of major issues is astounding. The Pats were dealing with all of the following:
1) the worst loss in Super Bowl history;
2) a drug scandal;
3) lack of trust between players as well as mistrust between the players and management;
4) the retirement of two of their best players;
5) unanswered questions about Irving Fryar missing the AFCCG due to a knife wound;
6) the impending sale of the team;
7) a feud between the team and the area's largest media/source of information; and
8) a quarterback controversy.

Wow.

THE PATS ARE TRYING TO PATCH THINGS UP BESET BY ALL MANNER OF WOES, THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MAY FIND A SECOND STRAIGHT SUPER BOWL APPEARANCE ELUSIVE

This off-season has been emotional, upsetting, disturbing anddistracting,'' Brian Holloway, the New England Patriots All-Prooffensive tackle, was saying last

vault.si.com

THE DRUG SCANDAL. Those named in the Globe as having failed drug tests were wide receiver Irving Fryar, a Pro Bowler who had been the league's No. 1 draft pick in 1984; defensive tackle Kenneth Sims, the No. 1 overall pick in 1982; cornerback Raymond Clayborn, a two-time Pro Bowler; running back Tony Collins; defensive back Roland James; and wide receiver Stephen Starring.​

January 24, 1997:

AH YES, THE ’85 PATS: THEY WERE NEVER DULL

The problems really started when they stole the goal posts. Remember? After the Patriots clinched a wild card berth with a 34-23 victory over Cincinnati at Sullivan (now Foxboro) Stadium on Dec. 22…

www.courant.com

Only 1 minute, 19 seconds in, the Patriots kicked a field goal for a 3-0 lead. It was the fastest score in Super Bowl history, but a touchdown would have provided a major emotional boost.​

Instead, the Bears unleashed their "46" defense. The number was appropriate, because when it was over, the Bears had a then-Super Bowl-record for points.​

There were other dubious records: largest margin of victory (36), most sacks (seven) and fewest rushing yards allowed (seven). Quarterback Tony Eason's stats said it all: 0 of 6 passing, three sacks and a fumble.​

For the Patriots and their fans, the game was awful. But the nightmare was just beginning.​

A scandal delayed​

Two days after the Super Bowl, the Boston Globe reported that as many as 12 Patriots had drug problems -- five of them termed "serious" by coach Raymond Berry. It was reported the Patriots voted for voluntary drug testing -- a violation of the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the players' union.​

The Globe also indicated it was aware of the scandal before the AFC Championship Game two weeks earlier, but sat on the story.​

The Globe identified six players as drug abusers: Fryar, Tony Collins, Stephen Starring, Kenneth Sims, Roland James and Raymond Clayborn. The names, the Globe said, were confirmed by Sullivan. The Patriots reacted by rescinding their vote for voluntary testing, saying player confidentiality had been promised but was betrayed.​

The Globe defended its decision to hold the drug story, claiming reporter Ron Borges' information was "off the record" and that Berry, the main source, would not go on record until after the Super Bowl.​

The Super Bowl humiliation and the drug scandal -- and how the story broke -- ended one of the most bizarre chapters in Patriots history. The ill will it created hung over Foxboro for years​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Only NFL Player from Fall River​

Happy 48th birthday to Marc Megna
Born July 30, 1976 in Fall River
Patriot LB, 1999-2000; uniform #96
Signed to the practice squad on September 7, 1999

Born and raised in Fall River, Marc Megna is a member of the 1994 class of Durfee High School. Although Fall River has produced several professional athletes, Marc is the only pro football player from that southeastern Massachusetts city. The two-time All-American was a sixth round draft pick out of Richmond by the Jets in 1999. Megna appeared in four games for the Pats in 2000. He also played with Cincinnati, and spent two seasons in NFL Europe. In 2002 he signed with the Montreal Alouettes and was an all star and Grey Cup champion in his first of four seasons in the CFL.

Marc Megna (2013) - Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame - University of Richmond Athletics

Marc Megna, Class: 1999 Induction: 2013 Sport(s): Football - Marc Megna was a four-year starter at defensive end who culminated his Richmond football career with

richmondspiders.com

Marc Megna was a four-year starter at defensive end who culminated his Richmond football career with a conference championship and multiple All-America and Player of the Year awards. In 1998, Megna recorded 74 tackles, 13 quarterback sacks and 16 tackles for loss. He was part of a defense that led the Atlantic 10 in rushing, passing and total defense, and fewest points allowed. Following his senior season, Megna was selected as a Walter Camp, Sports Network, Don Hansen, Associated Press and Strength Team All-American. He was honored as Defensive Player of the Year by the Atlantic 10 and Roanoke Times. He was also tabbed Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season by the Richmond Touchdown Club.​

He received the top honor awarded to a college football player in the Commonwealth of Virginia when he became the first Division I-AA (now FCS) player to receive the Bill Dudley Award. Megna, a captain during his senior season when the Spiders went 9-3 and finished with a Top 10 National Ranking, was a two-time Atlantic 10 First Team Defensive standout and a two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist, symbolic of the nation's top I-AA defensive player. He holds the school record for career quarterback sacks (32) and owns the top two single-season quarterback sack marks with 14 in 1997 and 13 in 1998. Megna was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL draft. He also spent time professionally with the New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Barcelona Dragons, Berlin Thunder and Montreal Alouettes.​

About Marc - Megna Method

megnamethod.com

From Last Picked to NFL and Fitness Great – This is my story​

As a child, I wasn’t very athletic; let’s face it I was never picked to play on any teams. I was lazy, very out of shape and had the self-esteem of a wallflower.​

One summer my grandfather took me to the local boys and girls club to teach me how to weight train. It was strange but I felt better after each training session, I was hooked on the feeling. The next summer I begged my mother for 1 thing as my birthday gift, a 1-year membership to the local gym.​

To this day I will tell you that decision changed my whole life (way to go Mom!). From then on, fitness and health became a top priority. It became my ultimate escape. My freshman year in high school something happened and my body caught up to my work ethic. The rest is history. With my newfound confidence and athletic ability, I wanted to play every sport I could from football, Ice hockey to baseball. I loved to move and staying active. Eventually I focused on just one, football. I was offered a full scholarship to play ball at a great school and became a two-time All-American athlete. I ended up getting drafted by the New York Jets and played in the league for a few years. I was coached by NFL greats like Bill Parcels, Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll and **** Lebeau. Toward the end of my pro career I was training with a group of teammates based on programs I had designed. One of my teammates turned to me and said you should be getting paid to do this. It was like the light bulb turned on. I thought, “I can continue to do something I love and get paid to do it! SWEET!” I went on to get certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and evolved into the foremost strength and conditioning coach based in Miami. I have been fortunate enough to have trained and studied under some of the top strength coaches in the world like Mike Woicik, John Lott, and Pete Bommarito.​

Marc Megna, '99

“Dream big. Never Quit.” This personal mantra drove Marc Megna, ’99, to play football for the Spiders and the NFL. He’s now turning the phrase back to his clients as a fitness coach.

news.richmond.edu

Marc Megna, ’99, doesn’t mince words when he describes himself as a child. “I was a very out of shape, lazy little kid,” he says. “If I had a dollar for everyone who laughed in my face when I told them what I was going to do, I would be the wealthiest man on the planet.”​

The support of his mother changed his path, and provided the mantra — “Dream big. Never quit.”— that still drives him today.​

“She constantly told me that I would play in the NFL,” he says. “And that’s just the power of having a positive role model. If someone tells you what you can do and totally believes in you, then that makes you believe in yourself.”​

Marc Megna, Durfee graduate, subject of an upcoming documentary

Durfee High graduate Marc Megna , a former pro football player in the United States and Canada and now a successful personal trainer and businessman in Miami, is the subject of a documentary film whi…

www.heraldnews.com

My NFL Journey Part 7 — 212 Health & Performance

by Kerry Taylor Hey! Hey! I’m back with another look into what an aspiring NFL player goes through on his journey to live his sports dream. When I last left you, I just arrived back in New England to play for the hometown team.

www.212healthandperformance.com

Fitness Model and Ex NFLer Marc Megna Interview

Retired NLF Player and fitness model Marc Megna talks with us about training, diet, workouts and more.

theathleticbuild.com

CutAndJacked.com Interview: Marc Megna

www.cutandjacked.com

MuscleTech Athlete & Fitness Model Marc Megna Talks With Simplyshredded.com - SimplyShredded.com

MuscleTech Athlete & Fitness Model Marc Megna Talks With Simplyshredded.com

www.simplyshredded.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Lex Hilliard​

Happy 40th birthday to Lex Hilliard
Born July 30, 1984 in Kalispell, Montana
Patriot FB, 2012; uniform #30
Signed as a veteran free agent on September 4, 2012

Aug 15, 2007:

Lex Hilliard Runs Down History - Flathead Beacon

MISSOULA – When Lex Hilliard was 7 years old, he shuffled out to his backyard wearing a motorcycle helmet and a chest protector. He was ready to play football. His 14-year-old brother halted the game he had going with friends and observed the strange little warrior. “My brother could have really...

flatheadbeacon.com

When Lex Hilliard was 7 years old, he shuffled out to his backyard wearing a motorcycle helmet and a chest protector. He was ready to play football. His 14-year-old brother halted the game he had going with friends and observed the strange little warrior.​

“My brother could have really creamed me if he wanted,” Hilliard said. “I can’t even remember if they tried to tackle me. The football was bigger than me.”​

Sixteen years later opposing linebackers look at Hilliard, a burly 235-pound running back for the University of Montana Grizzlies, with a greater understanding of what it’s like to tackle a motorcycle. And they get painful glimpses of the warrior mentality that once compelled a little boy to enter battle in the wrong helmet.​

Hilliard, a Kalispell native and former Flathead High standout, begins his senior season within reach of four coveted UM records: career rushing yards, all-purpose yards, carries and touchdowns. Perhaps just as impressive as his place in the record books is the fact that he’s playing at all. One year ago he ruptured his Achilles tendon in a non-contact drill, ruining one of the Grizzlies’ most highly anticipated senior seasons ever before it even started. He remembers writhing in pain on the practice field and understanding his senior season was over.​

“It felt like Barry Bonds hit me in the back of the leg with a full swing,” he said.​

Sept 4, 2012:

Patriots Sign RB Lex Hilliard; Release OL Matt Tennant

www.patriots.com

Hilliard, 28, is a veteran of three NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2009-10). The 5-11, 235-pounder signed with Minnesota as an unrestricted free agent on March 21, 2012 but was released by Minnesota on Aug. 31, 2012. He originally entered the NFL as a sixth round draft choice (204th overall) by Miami out of Montana in 2008. Hilliard spent his rookie campaign on the Miami practice squad. He has played in 48 NFL games with four starts and has 39 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns and 26 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns.​

The Patriots released Hilliard two weeks later, his spot on the roster going to Kellen Winslow Jr. (who lasted just one week). In two games Hilliard had one carry for two yards, appearing on nine offensive snaps and nine special team snaps.


Sept 19, 2012:

Patriots Announce Branch, Winslow; Bring Back Koutouvides

The New England Patriots announced Tuesday they have re-signed linebacker Niko Koutouvides, hoping to bulk up their special teams unit that struggled mightily in Sunday's 20-18 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

boston.cbslocal.com

Koutouvides will replace linebacker Mike Rivera on the roster, who was released by the team along with wide receiver Greg Salas and fullback Lex Hilliard.​

Good article on Lex Hilliard here:
Aug 15, 2018:

#MTTop40: Lex Hilliard ‘ran over a lot of guys’ with Montana Grizzlies

(Editor’s note: MTN Sports began recognizing some of the best football players in Montana history on July 2 with the launch of the #MTTop40. The series started with defensive backs and will run eight weeks, featuring one position each week, concluding with quarterbacks the week of Aug. 20-24 to coin

montanasports.com

“I think his work ethic. I know he worked hard. One thing I remember about Lex, there was a point during a game where he had busted his thumb or something and he had a pin in it. During the game, the pin had stuck out through his thumb. I remember them, with pliers, trying to get the pin out. I remember going, ‘Man this guy, he’s tough.’ I don’t care what you do in the weight room or on the field, he’s trying to get this pin pulled out of his thumb so he can go back in there and play. That memory sticks in there.​

​

June 25, 2016:

Ex-Griz Hilliard hits back at adversity

Lex Hilliard has been getting knocked down his entire life.

mtstandard.com

After stints with the Dolphins, Vikings, Patriots and Jets, Lex lost his NFL job in the summer of 2013. He moved back to Kalispell and four months ago he, wife Rebekah and their four stay-at-home kids lost their home to a fire.​

Life wasn't exactly a bowl of cherries before the fire. Lex took a job as assistant coach for the Kalispell Flathead football team last fall, but even then -- two years after losing his first love to a fractured shoulder blade -- football was still a sore spot.​

"The first year or so after I got done it was, 'Oh, I'm working hard. I'm coming back.' Everything seemed to be going in place," he recalled. "Then I got my first x-ray and things weren't healing right and the doctors told me give it more time. I go for a second x-ray a couple months later and things still weren't looking right. Then it's almost at a year and six months and I go for another checkup and things still aren't looking right."​

Someone in a white coat tells you your first love is gone, the one you've been courting since you were 4 years old, it's tough. Lex didn't really know anything else. Never needed a job résumé. Never really went through a job interview.​

"When you have to step outside the norm and do something else, it's kind of intimidating," he offered.​

 

[Pape]

a few pats centric photos of the cup of coffee players...

Lex Hilliard


Mark Megna

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Another Cup of Coffee: Jeremy Loyd​

Happy 44th birthday to Jeremy Loyd
Born July 30, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Texas
Patriot LB, 2006 offseason
Signed as a veteran free agent on May 8, 2006


Nov 1, 2002:

Loyd achieves Big 12 football dream

The rest of the Big 12 is finding out they missed a golden opportunity. “Iowa State was the only Big 12 school to offer me a scholarship,” ISU linebacker Jeremy Loyd said. “I grew up a Big 12 fan, so I wanted that chance.” Loyd, a Pittsburg, Texas native, is making the rest of the...

iowastatedaily.com

The rest of the Big 12 is finding out they missed a golden opportunity.​

“Iowa State was the only Big 12 school to offer me a scholarship,” ISU linebacker Jeremy Loyd said. “I grew up a Big 12 fan, so I wanted that chance.”​

Loyd, a Pittsburg, Texas native, is making the rest of the conference pay for their indecision.​

After two years of junior college football, and one year of Division I, Loyd has emerged as a key defensive force for the Cyclones. His impact was so severe that the coaches and players voted him Co-Defensive MVP for the 2001 season, and the Big 12 coaches honored him with an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection.​

This season, Loyd has picked up right where he left off, anchoring a solid Cyclone defense that has helped the squad jump into the national spotlight, ranked 22nd in the nation. That defense has the tough assignment of shutting down this week’s opposing quarterback, Missouri’s Brad Smith.​

Smith has been compared to Iowa State’s own Seneca Wallace, with his ability to hurt defenses throwing or running. But don’t expect Loyd and the other Cyclone defenders to panic.​

“We face [Seneca] every day in practice, and everyone across the country has seen what he’s capable of, so we’re used to it,” Loyd said.​

For a lifelong Big 12 fan from Texas, Loyd’s most memorable moment occurred here in Iowa, but not in Ames. “I’d have to say the safety against Iowa this year was my most memorable moment,” Loyd recalled. “It was in there house, against a good team, and it meant a lot to us and our fans.”​

After a big victory, one would figure that you could find Loyd living it up in Campustown. You couldn’t be further from the truth.​

“When I do have some free time outside of football, I just hang out with my friends and play a little PlayStation 2,” Loyd admitted. “Football and academics take up so much of my time that I just like to hang out and relax.”​

As far as the rest of this season, Loyd hopes he can help the Cyclones get back on the winning track, and help the school to one of the best seasons in Iowa State’s history. However, his football plans don’t end with a Cyclone bowl victory.​

“I think if I keep progressing, stay healthy, and stay focused, that I have a legitimate shot to play in the NFL,” Loyd said. “If that doesn’t work out, I’ll get into coaching.”​

No one should doubt the kid from Pittsburg, Texas, that no other Big 12 school wanted. For he has found a home in Ames, and made a lasting impression on quarterbacks across the country.​

April 28, 2003:

Zach Butler and Jeremy Loyd Sign Free Agent Contracts - Iowa State Athletics

AMES, Iowa - Former Iowa State standout quarterback Seneca Wallace was a fourth round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2003 NFL draft (110th overall pick)...

cyclones.com

AMES, Iowa - Former Iowa State standout quarterback Seneca Wallace was a fourth round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2003 NFL draft (110th overall pick). His Cyclone teammates Zach Butler and Jeremy Loyd will also get a chance to play at the next level, signing free-agent contracts with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns, respectively.​

Loyd, a Pittsburg, Texas, native, tallied 171 tackles as an ISU linebacker (102 solo/69 assisted) and earned all-Big 12 honorable mention by the league's coaches in 2001 and 2002. He notched a season-high 11 tackles (five solo) with two for loss and one sack at Oklahoma last season and ended his Cyclone career at the 2002 Humanitarian Bowl with eight tackles. Loyd accumulated three interceptions, 20 tackles for 64 yards loss and 7.5 sacks in his 25-game career.​

May 25, 2006:
Patriots Release LB Jeremy Loyd | Patriots.com

The New England Patriots released linebacker Jeremy Loyd today. New England had signed him as a free agent on May 8, 2005.​

Loyd, 25, is entering his third full NFL season after spending portions of the last three seasons with the St. Louis Rams (2003-05). The 6-foot-2-inch, 235-pound linebacker has played in 14 career NFL games and has recorded 10 special teams tackles and no defensive statistics. Loyd was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted rookie free agent on June 2, 2003. He was released by the Browns following 2003 training camp and signed to the Rams' practice squad on Sept. 10, 2003. St. Louis then signed him to its active roster five days later and he participated in 10 games as a rookie in 2003. He missed the entire 2004 campaign on injured reserve and was released by the Rams following 2005 training camp on Aug. 31, 2005. Loyd was later re-signed by St. Louis and played in the final four games of the 2005 season, recording four special teams tackles.​

The Rams placed Loyd on injured reserve on August 31, 2004 due to a torn pectoral muscle. After missing the entire 2004 season he did return for the final four weeks of the 2005 season. His stay with the Patriots was so short, I can't help but wonder if Loyd was never 100% healed from his injury. He never signed with another team, finishing his NFL career with 14 games played and ten tackles.


May 25, 2006:

Pats release Loyd

The Patriots have released linebacker Jeremy Loyd after signing him May 8.

www.boston.com

The Patriots released linebacker Jeremy Loyd today. He was originally signed May 8 and was a longshot to make the 53-man roster.​

Loyd spoke last week about how he had just attended the Dolphins’ minicamp on a tryout when the Patriots called to work him out. He expressed excitement about joining the team after signing a one-year deal.​

In 14 career games with the Rams, all of Loyd’s playing time came on special teams. He had entered the league as a rookie free agent in 2003 out of Iowa State.​

In his post-NFL career, Jeremy Loyd found his calling first as a high school soccer coach, and more recently as high school football coach.

https://www.ketk.com/sports/chapel-hill-boys-soccer-coach-moving-to-whitehouse/

Oct 26, 2002: RB Cedric Benson attempts to elude Jeremy Loyd in an Iowa State at Texas Longhorns matchup.



2006 team photo day in Foxborough​

LB Jeremy Loyd released

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/ May 25, 2006 Pats release Loyd The Patriots released linebacker Jeremy Loyd today. He was originally signed May 8 and was a longshot to make the 53-man roster. Loyd spoke last week about how he had just attended the Dolphins'...

www.patsfans.com

Happy 52th birthday to Clif Groce
Born July 30, 1972 in College Station, PA
Patriot FB, 1998; uniform #33
Signed as a veteran free agent on Dec 12, 1998

Clif Groce was on New England's roster for the final two games of the '98 season, plus the 25-10 playoff loss at Jacksonville. I'm not sure if he dressed for any of those games, but he did not compile any stats in them. Groce (pronounced gross) had previously been with Indy from '95-,97, and later signed with Cincinnati where he was the lead blocker for Corey Dillon. Groce played in NFL games from 1995 to 2000, with 29 starts.

colts rca dome

Clipping found in The Indianapolis Star published in Indianapolis, Indiana on 10/21/1996. colts rca dome

www.newspapers.com

ESPN.com NFL Playoffs: New England Patriots playoff roster

1999 NFL free-agent signings

We're keeping track of all the movement during the NFL's busy offseason.

a.espncdn.com

Other pro football players with New England connections born on July 30:

Ben Claxton, 44 (7/30/80); draft pick trade
On April 27, 2003 the Patriots moved eight spots up in the draft, sending their 4th round (128th overall) and 5th round (157th overall) draft picks to the Broncos in exchange for Denver's 4th (120th overall). The Patriots used that selection on CB Asante Samuel. Denver selected Bryant McNeal and Claxton; both were cut during their rookie training camp and neither one ever played for the Broncos.

During the 2008 training camp Claxton was studying for his LSAT when a workout was scheduled for him with the Patriots. That workout never happened; by the time he arrived the Pats had already signed former Detroit Lion Barry Stokes.


Tom McManus, 54 (7/30/70); Boston College
The middle linebacker played in 53 games for Jacksonville from 1995 to 1999, but was never the same after missing the entire 1997 season due to a torn ACL.

Tom McManus (2009) - Varsity Club Hall of Fame - Boston College Athletics

Boston College Athletics

bceagles.com

Sonny Gordon, 60 (7/30/65); Lynn MA
Gordon grew up in Ohio but was born in Lynn. He was originally a 6th round pick of the Bengals in 1987 who was waived in the final cuts, and picked up by the Buccaneers just after the start of the season. Gordon saw some playing time over seven games on special teams and also recorded six tackles in a backup role. He did not make the roster out of camp the following season, and never played in the NFL again after leaving Tampa Bay.




Other pro football players born on this date include:

- Reggie Roby (1961-2005)
Considered to be one of the best punters in pro football history.

- Robert Porcher, 55 (1969)
Three-time Pro Bowl DE for the Lions played in 187 games from 1992 to 2003.

- Dwight White (1949-2008)
Defensive end on the first four Pittsburgh Steelers super bowl teams.

- Willie Harper, 74 (1950)
Linebacker played for eleven seasons with San Francisco, including their first super bowl championship team.

- Galen Fiss (1931-2006)
Eleven year veteran played linebacker for the Cleveland Browns during the Paul Brown era.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Rob Ninkovich Retires​

July 30, 2021:

Patriots Activate RB Rhamondre Stevenson From NFI List

The New England Patriots officially activated rookie RB Rhamondre Stevenson from the non-football injury list on Friday. Stevenson, 23, led Oklahoma in rushing during the 2020 seasons despite being suspended for the first five games.

nfltraderumors.co

Patriots sign veteran offensive lineman

The Patriots continue to tweak their roster into training camp. On Friday, the team signed offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins

985thesportshub.com

Patriots signing Jerald Hawkins

Offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins worked out for the Patriots this week and he'll be sticking around New England for a while.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

July 30, 2020:

Brian Lewerke re-signs with Patriots less than a week after being released

The former Michigan State quarterback was waived by the team on Sunday.

www.mlive.com

July 30, 2019:

Patriots sign OL Martez Ivey, waive Cole Croston

The Patriots continue to tinker with their offensive line depth, as they signed lineman Martez Ivey and waived Cole Croston on Tuesday. Croston, who is entering his third NFL season, was on New Eng…

www.bostonherald.com

New England Patriots sign undrafted OL Martez Ivey, waive OL Cole Croston (reports)

The Patriots released Croston, who had spent the past couple seasons in New England.

www.masslive.com

July 30, 2017:

​

Lincoln-Way Central grad Rob Ninkovich retires after 11 NFL seasons

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots defensive stalwart Rob Ninkovich capped his 11-year NFL career by announcing his retirement Sunday after the team’s morning practice at Gillette…

www.chicagotribune.com

https://purduesports.com/news/2017/7/30/Ninkovich_Retires_from_NFL

Patriots LB Rob Ninkovich Announces His Retirement

Longtime Pats DE Ninkovich calls it a career

Rob Ninkovich, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday in a news conference at Gillette Stadium.

www.espn.com

11 things we learned from Rob Ninkovich’s retirement news conference

Ninkovich’s promise as the backup long snapper let Bill Belichick sleep at night.

www.boston.com

1. Ninkovich wanted to start playing football in fifth grade, but was told he was too big. He tried again in eighth grade, but was told again he should be smaller.​

“I was 10 years old when I told myself I was going to make it to the NFL, even though I was too chubby to play when I was 10. I’d have garbage bags on trying to make weight. They said, ‘Rob, you’re not going to play this year. You’re too heavy.’ So being 145 pounds in fifth grade doesn’t help. I tried in eighth grade and I was 185 pounds. They said, ‘You’re way too heavy. The weight limit’s 135, so you can’t play now, either.’ So I had to wait until high school. In high school, they put me at o-line, and I hated every second of it. I was like, ‘I’m not an offensive lineman.’ But then I switched to defense and that was my calling. The feeling of having a guy in front of me trying to stop me, get to a quarterback, or the running back, or somewhere they don’t want you to go and beating them. That was my fix. I was like, ‘This is what I love.’ From that day forward after my freshman year of high school, I just really worked as hard as I possibly could.’’​

2. Ninkovich thought the Patriots would draft him in 2006. They scouted him, but the Saints had pick 135 to the Patriots’ 136, and picked up Ninkovich at that spot. “When I was coming out for the draft, I thought I was coming to the Patriots,’’ Ninkovich said. “That’s what I thought. Pick 135. 136 was you guys, 136 was the Saints. I thought the phone ringing was New England, but it was New Orleans. That was the path that I had to go to to meet my beautiful wife and now I have two beautiful children and I’m grateful for that. That’s a part of my life that really was a true blessing for me to learn those life lessons.’’​

3. Belichick scouted Ninkovich coming out of college, uncertain if Ninkovich was a linebacker or a defensive end. It was no matter. “My relationship with Rob goes all the way back to Purdue when we scouted him coming out in the ’06 draft. He was a little bit of a, was he a linebacker, was he a defensive end? Well, turned out he was both. We missed him the first time around, but we finally got it right.’’​

4. During Ninkovich’s brief stint with the Dolphins, his now wife, Paige, was in nursing school and traveled to see Ninkovich when she could spare the time. “My wife, Paige, she’s been so supportive throughout my whole career. I was living in an extended stay in Miami,’’ he said. “It was tough. I lived out of my truck. I had a Rubbermaid bin where all my clothes were in. I was trying to make the best of those opportunities and they didn’t work out and she was in nursing school and she traveled back and forth. It all worked out. It all worked out, babe.’’​

5. Ninkovich shared the story of his conditioning test and first practice with the Patriots. “Fast forward into 2009 when I got here, a late flight, I got in super early, and I had to run the conditioning test. Let me tell you, I was all by myself. I was a week into camp, and I told myself, ‘If I don’t make this test, I’m gone.’ So I made the test and the first practice, I had to turn some heads. This is my only chance, to make the best of this chance. So I had to turn heads. I was going against [former Patriots offensive lineman] Matt Light, and I love Matt, we’re great friends, but Matt, I had to do it to you. First rep I beat him. Second rep I beat him. Third rep I beat him. [Offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia] was saying, ‘This kid just got here and he’s beating you.’ That was a great feeling. I think, Bill, you put me on a highlight for that day, like, ‘This kid just got here and he knows how to rush and by the time we’re done with him, he won’t know what he’s doing,’ so I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but it’s a great memory. That was the start.’’​

6. Ninkovich and Devin McCourty would not be above humor during team meetings. “I’m going to miss sitting next to DMac and laughing back there when Bill’s going over stuff. We’re cracking jokes at each other . . . secretly. You just got to be real quiet in that back corner.’’​

7. Ninkovich and Belichick are both Croatian and both cited as such when they spoke. “My mom can relax now. Every year, she’s like, ‘I don’t want you to get hurt.’ I’m like, ‘Ma, it’s OK, I’m durable, I’m good, I’m Croatian,’ ’’ Ninkovich joked.​

“He’s Croatian, so I knew he was tough,’’ Belichick said. “Was never any doubt about that. All Croatians are tough.’’​

8. Belichick ranked Ninkovich among the most unselfish players he has coached. “I never coached a more unselfish player. I’ve coached a lot of them, but you go right up in there at the top echelon. It was always about the team. It was always about Rob to help someone else. ‘What do you need me to do, coach? You need me to play here? Play there? Something else? I can do this. I’ll snap. I’ll cover kicks. I’ll play linebacker. I’ll rush. I’ll cover. Whatever you need me to do.’ That was really very important to us.’’​

9. Ninkovich served as the Patriots’ backup snapper, much to the delight and relief of Belichick, who leaves no stone unturned. “As a head coach or as a special teams coach, Scott and Joe will tell you that things like that, just knowing that you have a good backup long snapper, really lets you sleep at night,’’ Belichick said. “Those are the kinds of things that if it comes up in a game, it’s critical. It might never come up, but if it does, that’s the kind of security Rob gave us on everything, at all the different positions, defensively and in the kicking game.’’​

10. Kraft lightheartedly conveyed admiration for Ninkovich’s beard. “One attribute stands out above all the others. I think he’s probably had the greatest beard in franchise history. In a region that truly likes and respects playoff beards, he possessed one of the best — sorry to all the others here — that has ever [been] seen. His beard put most of those hockey playoff beards to shame. He had a kind of Yukon Cornelius look going.’’​

11. Ninkovich became tearful when he addressed defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, expressing appreciation for the relationship they have built. “Matty P, my guy. So me and Matty P have a great relationship. All my teammates in here know that he gets the best out of me. From the first day we met, he knows what to say to piss me off, to get my angry, to play my best football, and thank you for that. I’m indebted to you for that for always being there for me. You’re not going to get rid of me. I just really appreciate the time that you have given me away from your family and I love you. Thank you.’’​

With Ninkovich Retired, Who Steps Up on the Edge?

But Ninkovich’s retirement leaves a void in experience, so who steps up in 2017 to fill the gap and provides the team with the pressure they’ll need?

www.patsfans.com

Catching up with old friends: Rob Ninkovich

The Patriots’ most recent season was a little different for Rob Ninkovich. “I was changing diapers, taking my girl to school every day, and watching as a fan,” Ninkovich told Boston.com. “It was good.” Ninkovich, who retired — or as he likes to say, “graduated” — from the NFL in July 2017...

www.boston.com

Patriots Sign Undersized Receiver K.J. Maye

A mystery man was spotted practicing with the Patriots on Sunday, wearing No. 16 and playing at wide receiver. After practice, his identity was revealed.

www.cbsnews.com

A mystery man was spotted practicing with the Patriots on Sunday, wearing No. 16 and playing at wide receiver. After practice, his identity was revealed.​

The receiver was K.J. Maye, a second-year receiver out of Minnesota. He signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent last year before spending time on the Titans' practice squad.​

The 5-foot-8, 191-pound Maye played receiver and running back in college, and he also returned kicks. He caught 107 passes for 1,190 yards and six touchdowns in his college career, which included a 73-catch, 773-yard, five-touchdown senior season. He also rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns on 51 carries.​

In the kick return game, he brought back 19 kickoffs, averaging just under 17 yards per return, and he returned four punts for 56 total yards.​

Maye occupied the roster spot left open by Rob Ninkovich's retirement.​

July 30, 2011:
Pats re-sign veteran DB Brandon McGowan & LB Tracy White; Release LB Anthony Leonard | Patriots.com

Brandon McGowan, 27, signed with the Patriots in 2009 as a veteran of four NFL seasons, all with the Chicago Bears (2005-2008). The 5-11, 210 pound defensive back was originally signed by the Chicago Bears as a rookie free agent in 2005. In his first season with the Patriots in 2009, McGowan saw action in a career-high 16 games with 11 starting assignments at free safety and set career-highs with 66 total tackles, 10 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He missed all of 2010 with a chest injury. McGowan has amassed 181 tackles, two interceptions, 10 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries over his six-year career.​

Tracy White, 30, is a nine-year veteran with the Seattle Seahawks (2003-04), Jacksonville Jaguars (2005), Green Bay Packers (2006-2008) and Philadelphia Eagles (2008-2009). The 6-3, 230 pound linebacker originally signed by Seattle as a rookie free agent out of Howard in 2003. White came to New England in 2010 via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles for future draft considerations.​

A standout special teams player throughout his career, White was a leading special teams performer for the Patriots in 2010, finishing second on the team by tying his career high with 18 special teams tackles for the Patriots in 2010.​

Anthony Leonard, 23, was originally signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of West Virginia on July 27.​

Logan Mankins Signs With Patriots; Could Long-Term Deal Be Coming?

Ian R. Rapoport rapoports that New England Patriots OG Logan Mankins should be ready to go after signing. Along with makin it official that Kevin Faulk is back, the Patriots announced Logan...

www.sbnation.com

Mankins missed a big chunk of last season while holding out, so it’s good news for Patriots fans that he won’t do it again this year. He should make about $10 million, and while Mankins has said that he didn’t want to receive the franchise tag, it isn’t that bad a deal for him. True, he assumes some long-term risk by going year to year, but $10 million is a great salary for a guard.​

Time will tell whether these developments will lead to a long-term extension for Mankins. Now that he’s in camp, last year’s holdout is a thing of the past, so it might be possible for Mankins and the Patriots to reach some sort of long-term deal. That would give the Patriots some cap relief while also getting Mankins more guaranteed money.​

Patriots re-sign veteran RB Kevin Faulk

The New England Patriots re-sign Kevin Faulk and the veteran RB is eager to earn his job back.

www.espn.com

The New England Patriots re-signed veteran running back Kevin Faulk as part of five transactions the team formally announced Saturday morning.​

Faulk, an unrestricted free agent, appeared in two games for New England last season before tearing the ACL in his right knee and sitting out the rest of the year. The 35-year-old Faulk has spent his entire 12-year career with the Patriots after being drafted by the team in the second round (46th overall) of the 1999 draft. He is currently the longest-tenured Patriot on the roster.​

"Before the lockout started, Bill [Belichick] called me and told me, 'Look, Kevin, I want you on my team in 2011,' and that was motivation enough for me to go out and rehab my butt off and get ready for the season," Faulk told the media Saturday at Gillette Stadium.​

Faulk talked about how difficult it was for him to sit on the sidelines last season. He was asked when he knew he wanted to play in 2011. "The day I got hurt. That was it," he answered.​

He was clearly eager to be back to work. "Just being able to walk in the building on Wednesday, being able to walk in the building this morning and see some of the guys and them telling me how much they miss me, how good it is to see me in the building... It made me feel good as a football player and as a person," Faulk said.​

Faulk acknowledged that he'll have some competition with the Patriots' drafting of running backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, but he said he's ready to try to earn his job back.​

"It didn't faze me or anything because that's what this team does; they build a championship team and whatever they have to do, that's what they're going to do," he said. "And I'm a competitor. That's why I play this game. I want to compete with the best in the NFL."​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
A kicker picks a fight with Andre Tippett, and other July 30 News​

July 30, 2009:

Patriots make moves with seven players

www.patriotledger.com

Training camp began with seven players on the move.​

Actually, it began with seven players stopping before they even got to move.​

The New England Patriots announced Thursday that they had placed five players, including veteran defensive end Ty Warren, on the active/physically unable to perform list.​

Two other players, including Shawn Springs, a veteran free-agent acquisition who could step in and start at cornerback, were placed on the active/non-football injury list.​

Warren, who has started 80 games for the Patriots dating to his rookie year in 2003, underwent surgeries on his groin and knee during the offseason.​

Shawn Crable, a candidate to start at the outside linebacker position opposite Adalius Thomas that opened when Mike Vrabel was traded to Kansas City as part of the Matt Cassel deal, was also placed on the active/PUP list.​

A third-round pick of the Pats last year, Crable missed all of last season with a shin injury that led to his placement on injured reserve last Nov. 5.​

A pair of offensive linemen, Mark LeVoir and Rich Ohrnberger, and defensive lineman Darryl Richard were also designated as active/PUP.​

Additionally, the Patriots placed Springs, whom the team signed following his offseason release from the Washington Redskins, and rookie wide receiver-returner Brandon Tate on the active/non-football injury list.​

July 30, 2007:

Patriots Place DB Chad Scott On IR

FOXBORO, Mass. -- The New England Patriots have placed defensive back Chad Scott on Injured Reserve with a knee injury.

247sports.com

Chad Scott's knee injury forced the Patriots to place him on the injured reserve list, ending his season. Scott was hurt during practice when he leapt for a pass and landed awkwardly. He fell to the ground clutching his left leg (knee), and had to be carted off the field by the team trainers.​

The replacement for Scott appears to be defensive back Randall Gay, with Tory James ready to come off the bench. Scott had been filling in for cornerback Asante Samuel who is embroiled in a contract dispute.​

Scott played in 17 regular season games for the Patriots, with nine starts, since joining the team in April 2005. He was signed through the 2007 season. His transition to the IR list may signal the end of his career in Foxboro as the Patriots drafted Brandon Meriweather in the first round and Mike Richardson in the sixth to build youth at the position.​

Scott to IR

The Patriots place CB Chad Scott on injured reserve, ending his season.

www.boston.com

The Patriots have placed cornerback Chad Scott on injured reserve today, ending his season. Scott was carted off the field in Friday’s evening practice, and was holding his left knee.​

Scott had been lining up with the first-team defense. Four-year veteran Randall Gay has taken that spot in recent practices.​

Free-agent signee Tory James, a 12-year veteran, and rookie Brandon Meriweather have been getting work at corner with the second unit. Rookie Mike Richardson (sixth-round pick) and second-year man Gemara Williams have also taken reps.​

The Patriots were already a bit thin without Asante Samuel, and this further hits at the team’s depth.​

July 30, 2005:

Patriots defense gains stability with signings

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots opened training camp without five key members of a defensive unit that won three Super Bowls in the past four seasons. But the Patriots have gained so…

www.fosters.com

The New England Patriots opened training camp without five key members of a defensive unit that won three Super Bowls in the past four seasons.​

But the Patriots have gained some stability by agreeing to contract extensions with linebacker Mike Vrabel and defensive end Jarvis Green. Both players confirmed Saturday that they have new five-year deals in place.​

Vrabel, 29, already was signed through the 2007 season. The new deal apparently replaces the remaining three years on his contract. Green, 26, would have become an unrestricted free agent after the season.​

"I was able to come into this situation a couple of years ago from Pittsburgh and I was able to evolve into a player and have them want to keep me," said Vrabel, who left the Steelers as a free agent in 2001. "I know I'll end up a Patriot."​

"For me," said Green, a fourth-round draft pick in 2002, "it means I'm doing something right."​

The signings come during a tumultuous time for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, whose defense has been wracked by health and money issues.​

Both starting inside linebackers — Tedy Bruschi and Ted Johnson — will miss the season. Bruschi is recovering from a stroke he suffered in February. Johnson abruptly retired on the eve of training camp, citing the lingering effects of concussions.​

Meanwhile, three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour's contract holdout entered its second day Saturday. Coach Bill Belichick said there was no update.​

"You don't need to ask the (Seymour) questions every day," Belichick said. "If there is something (new) I will tell you right off the bat ... I have no news to report at this time."​

The Patriots are also without cornerback Ty Law and linebacker Roman Phifer, who were released in February. Phifer might re-sign later this summer.​

As a goal-line tight end, Vrabel has caught touchdown passes in each of the past two Super Bowls. He is the first defensive player to score on offense in the Super Bowl since William "Refrigerator" Perry of the Chicago Bears did it against the Patriots in Super Bowl XX.​

Despite recording 2.5 sacks in the AFC championship game against Indianapolis two years ago, Green's profile has been lower than Vrabel's. That could change if Seymour remains absent. Green has taken Seymour's place with the first-string defense.​

"Richard has his situation," Green said. "Whatever happens there, I just have to adjust to it."​

At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, Green is 3 inches shorter and 20 pounds lighter than Seymour.​

"We're different types of players," Green said. "I know I just can't sit on the big guys (on the offensive line). I have to move around. That's my strength — staying active."​

Green had five tackles and a sack in last year's AFC final in Pittsburgh. He said he wants to build on his strong playoff performances.​

"That's my next goal — try to go out and do that over 16 games and get better," he said.​

July 30, 2004:

Cobbs, Scott expected to sign soon

The Patriots reached their roster limit of 80 players (not including NFL Europe exemptions) today by releasing tight end Matt Cercone. The 28-year-old Cercone was signed as a free agent last week as the team faced opening camp without Watson and veteran Christian Fauria, who was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform List and has yet to practice. Belichick hinted that Cercone was one player who ran but did not pass the team's conditioning test prior to the first training camp practice on Thursday.​

One veteran player who has yet to report to camp is guard Wilbert Brown. Belichick said Friday that Brown, who played in two regular season and two postseason games for the Patriots in 2003 after he was claimed off waivers from Washington, has an excused absence from camp for personal reasons.​

PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions

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New England signed safety Guss Scott of Florida and running back Cedric Cobbs of Arkansas, their third and fifth round draft picks. The Patriots also released tight end Matt Cercone.​

Tight end Ben Watson, the Patriots' second first-round pick, is the only rookie who remains unsigned.​

July 30, 2003:
Patriots sign three-time Pro Bowl fullback Larry Centers | Patriots.com

The New England Patriots signed veteran free agent fullback Larry Centers today. The team subsequently announced the release of rookie linebacker Jason Hunt.​

Centers, 35, is the NFL's all-time leader in receptions (808) and receiving yards (6,691) by a running back. In 13 NFL seasons with Arizona (1990-98), Washington (1999-2000) and Buffalo (2001-02), the three-time Pro Bowler has played in 189 games (104 starts) and has recorded 808 catches for 6,691 yards (8.3 avg.) and 27 touchdowns. He has also run the ball 594 times for 2,106 yards (3.5 avg.) and 14 touchdowns. Centers set an NFL single-season record for receptions by a running back with 101 catches for the Arizona Cardinals in 1995. The Tatum, Texas native was originally drafted by the Cardinals in the fifth round (115th overall) of the 1990 NFL draft. He played for the Cardinals for nine seasons (1990-98) and is Arizona's all-time leader in receptions (535).​

Centers has led his team in receptions eight times in his career, most recently when he grabbed 80 passes for Buffalo in 2001. Centers has earned three Pro Bowl selections (1995, 1996 and 2001).​

Hunt, 23, was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2003.​

July 30, 1999:
New England signs six players:
- 1st round (17th overall) draft pick Damien Woody, C from Boston College
- 1st round (28th overall) draft pick Andy Katzenmoyer, LB from Ohio State
- ERFA WR Anthony Ladd
- ERFA LB Shawn Stuckey
- Free agent Nate Brooks, DL from Miami
- Free agent Marcus Williams (couldn't find any info on this guy)



July 30, 1992:
Pats sign first round draft pick Eugene Chung, G from Virginia Tech



July 30, 1990:
DE Garin Veris undergoes athroscopic surgery on his right knee. Veris was able to play in week two, but had to be shut down for the season after a week nine loss at Philadelphia.



July 30, 1988:
Rich Camarillo and Tony Franklin are fined by the Patriots for provoking a fight.

Two New England Patriot players were assessed...

Two New England Patriot players were assessed "substantial" fines for their involvement in an altercation with teammate Andre Tippett at a Smithfield, R.I., restaurant Thursday night, the Associated Press reported.

www.latimes.com

Two New England Patriot players were assessed “substantial” fines for their involvement in an altercation with teammate Andre Tippett at a Smithfield, R.I., restaurant Thursday night, the Associated Press reported.​

Punter Rich Camarillo, who suffered a broken nose, and place-kicker Tony Franklin were fined by Coach Raymond Berry for provoking the incident with Tippett, a four-time All-Pro linebacker.​

The exact amount of the fines was not announced. Tippett was not fined, sources said.​

Were the special teamers hammered, or just insane? Franklin is 5'8, Camarillo 5'11. Tippett was a 6'3, 240 pound linebacker who was proficient in martial arts, in addition to his prowess tackling people much bulkier than the kicker and punter.



July 30, 1985:
Pats re-sign kicker Tony Franklin to a two-year contract.

Franklin entered the NFL in 1979 as a third round pick by the Eagles out of Texas A&M. After five years in Philadelphia he joined the Pats in 1983. Franklin was a Pro Bowler in '86 when he lead the league with 32 field goals made and 140 points scored. Franklin spent four years with the Patriots, kicking 93 field goals and scoring 442 points (both sixth most in franchise history). After four season in Foxborough he finished his NFL career in 1988 with Miami.



July 30, 1980:
New England re-signs CB Raymond Clayborn for what would be the fourth of his 13 seasons with the Patriots.



July 30, 1979:
Pats release Ralph Polillio, a running back from Harvard who had scored eight touchdowns for the Crimson in 1978.

Polillio: Comet Among Stars | Sports | The Harvard Crimson

"When I look up at the scoreboard on Saturday and see us ahead 20-19 in the fourth quarter, I know

www.thecrimson.com

July 30, 1975:
Patriots trade Jon Morris to Detroit for a 1976 sixth round pick (#170, DE Greg Boyd)

Morris manned the center position from 1964 to 1974 and was named to the AFL East All Star team seven consecutive times with the Boston Patriots, but had been sidelined for most of the previous two seasons with injuries. His departure opened up the door for Bill Lenkaitis to take over at center from 1973 to 1981.

Boyd played in 25 games for the Pats in 1977-78, and was also on IR for all of 1976. He fared better with Denver, with nine sacks for the Broncos in 1980.