July 5 in Pats History: Happy 40th Birthday, Brandon Lloyd

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Brandon Lloyd​

Happy 38th birthday to Brandon Lloyd
Born July 5, 1981 in Kansas City, Missouri
Patriot WR, 2012; uniform #85
Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on March 17, 2014

I have always felt that the 2011 New England Patriots vastly overachieved. While losing the Super Bowl was indeed a disappointment, it was amazing that the team advanced as far as they did. The Pats moved the ball well to their tight ends and slot receiver (Wes Welker), but opposing defenses did not fear a deep pass. For example, their number one outside wide receiver was 32-year old Deion Branch (51 receptions for 702 yards and 5 TD), who had clearly lost a step; 2012 would be his final year in the NFL. The number two non-slot wide receiver was 33-year old Chad Johnson, who had not only slowed down, but looked completely lost, having never grasped the Patriot offense. It is never good when your number two wideout plays a full season and compiles just 15 receptions for 276 yards and one touchdown. At that point in time Julian Edelman was strictly a punt and kick returner, still making the transition from quarterback to receiver. Jules, Tiquan Underwood and Matt Slater combined for a grand total of eight receptions in 2011. The need for a deep threat on the outside was obvious.

The Pats signed Brandon Lloyd five days into free agency in 2012. In 2010 he had led the NFL with 1,448 yards receiving, while averaging 18.8 yards per catch. That was considered to be a big splash in free agency, though some wondered why Lloyd had played on so many teams (five) over nine seasons. Lloyd caught 74 passes for 911 yards, both numbers second on the team to only Wes Welker that season. However many fans felt Lloyd went down to the ground too quickly, without any contact after making a catch. The following off season Lloyd was released after the Pats signed free agent wide receivers Danny Amendola and Donald Jones, and the two sides were unable to reach an agreement to a contract restructure.

Interview with Brandon Lloyd, WR Denver Broncos | PFF News & Analysis | PFF

www.pff.com

Reiss: WR Lloyd makes big splash for Patriots

Brandon Lloyd was the exclamation point on the Pats' flurry of roster moves.

www.espn.com

Brandon Lloyd is an absolute steal for the Patriots

A look at how Lloyd's contract stacks up to the deals handed out to some other wide receivers this offseason.

www.masslive.com

Lloyd makes his presence felt with Patriots

Wide receiver impresses teammates with catches

www.timesunion.com

Brandon Lloyd has done some good things for the New England Patriots, but don't expect him to get anywhere on his own

Lloyd isn't getting anywhere on his own.

www.masslive.com

Brandon Lloyd's Touchdown Smile Photo Almost Didn't Happen

How photographer Keith Nordstrom got lucky and captured Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd mid-smile.

www.bostonmagazine.com

Sources: Pats trying to restructure Lloyd's deal

The New England Patriots have entered into talks to try to restructure wide receiver Brandon Lloyd's contract, sources told ESPN.

www.espn.com

Patriots release WR Brandon Lloyd

Patriots did not want to pay his $3 million option bonus.

www.boston.com

Release no bonus for Brandon Lloyd

The Patriots’ search for an outside receiver continues.Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd was released yesterday before the Patriots had to pay him a $3 million option bonus. The Pats wanted him to …

www.bostonherald.com

Releasing Brandon Lloyd for being weird would be, well ... weird

Lloyd may be different, but there's no need to call him weird.

www.masslive.com

Report: Brandon Lloyd Rejected Patriots, 'At Least' Five Other Teams

Why haven't the Patriots re-signed Brandon Lloyd? Apparently, they've tried.

boston.cbslocal.com

Brandon Lloyd appeared in 142 NFL games from 2003 to 2014, totaling 5,989 yards receiving and 36 touchdown receptions. He had a bit part (one line, one minute of screen time) in a 2013 zombie movie, and has been recording music since 2008. For the last decade Brandon Lloyd has been heavily involved in animated children's television, with over 100 credits to his name as a director, animator and storyboard supervisor.

WATCH: Brandon Lloyd stars in zombie movie 'After Effect'

Now that Brandon Lloyd appears uninterested in resuming his NFL career, he can devote more time to the arts. Specifically, acting.

www.cbssports.com

Brandon Lloyd | Director, Animation Department, Art Department

Known for: Cyberchase, The Eggs, Doki

www.imdb.com

Animated Film ‘Lamya’s Poem’, With ‘Aladdin’ Star Mena Massoud, Launches Sales With WestEnd & ICM – Cannes

The animated feature's voice cast includes Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Millie Davis (Wonder) and Faran Tahir (Iron Man).

deadline.com

ENGAGE - Brandon Lloyd

www.letsengage.com

More inspiring than Brandon’s football talent are his accomplishments away from the gridiron. Gifted with an engaging smile and an intriguing disposition, Brandon began his entertainment career at the University of Illinois choosing attend the U of I because of its prestigious journalism programming. He went on to host segments for FOX Sports Net Midwest and now can often be found gracing the sets of ESPN, NFL Network, and many others. He is known to attend high profile red carpet events such as the ESPY Awards, The Kentucky Derby, The Breeders Cup, Sundance Film Festival and the like.​

Even more impressive are his philanthropic endeavors, which include Money X Live and Blessings in a Backpack. Money X Live is the premiere financial literacy program in the country that has support from national banks and top forty celebrities. In fact, Brandon hosted “Brandon Lloyd Financial Day” on November 28th, 2012 to teach children the importance of financial literacy. Blessings in a Backpack partners with America to ensure impoverished elementary school children are fed on the weekends throughout the school year. Brandon specifically provides backpacks to children in Blue Springs, Missouri.​

From the football field to the studio, this media savvy leader has accomplished it all and the story is nowhere close to nearing the end. In fact, it is just beginning of a new chapter and a new outlook on what is important.​

Video: Every Brandon Lloyd Touchdown
​

 

[italian pat patriot]

I was satisfied in his patriot tenure

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
David Thomas and Joe Sweet​

Happy 38th birthday to David Thomas
Born July 5, 1983 in Plainview, Texas
Patriot TE, 2006-2008; uniform #86
Pats 3rd round (86th overall) selection of the 2006 draft, from Texas

When Vince Young led Texas to a last minute national championship over USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl, David Thomas had ten receptions for the Longhorns. That clutch performance surely caught the eye of many NFL coaches and scouts, resulting in a favorable draft status.

Thomas never saw much playing time with the Pats though. He spent nearly all of 2007 on injured reserve with a foot injury, and the other two seasons he was stuck on the bench behind Ben Watson on the depth chart. On the day teams were required to get their rosters down to 53 players in 2009 Bill Belichick gave up, trading Thomas to New Orleans for a sixth round draft pick. He replaced 'Wendy' at the tight end position by trading with the Giants for Michael Matthews (who lasted six weeks with zero stats).

David Thomas had 21 receptions for 261 yards and one touchdown in 32 games with the Pats, and also appeared in all three 2006 postseason games. He played in 80 NFL games from 2006 to 2012, with 102 receptions for 938 yards, and eight touchdowns, and had one reception as part of the New Orleans Saints team that defeated the Colts in Super Bowl 44.

Dec 20, 2006:

Behind the Scenes with TE David Thomas

The Patriots selected David Thomas in the third round (86th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. The six-foot-three-inch, 248- pounder finished his college career as the most decorated receiving tight end in University of Texas history.

www.patriots.com

Jan 16, 2010:

Revisiting the David Thomas trade

With the Saints hosting the Cardinals in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs, the thought came to mind to recap tight end David Thomas's season.Patriots fans recall that Thomas, a 2006 third-round New England draft choice, was traded to the Saints in September.

www.espn.com

Aug 16, 2015:

Where are they now: Tight end David Thomas

The 2006 Rose Bowl game typically conjures up images of Vince Young tearing apart the USC defense and sneaking across the goal line with 20 seconds left on 4th-and-5. But few fans remember the team-leading 10 receptions that tight end David Thomas hauled in to help Texas earn its first national...

thedailytexan.com

Happy 73rd birthday to Joe Sweet
Born July 5, 1948 in Lakeland, Florida
Patriot WR, 1974; uniform #81
Signed as a free agent on November 21, 1974

The 435th pick of the 1971 draft played in four games with the Patriots, with no stats. From 1971 to 1976 Joe Sweet signed contracts with the Rams, Broncos, Rams again, Washington, New England, San Diego and San Francisco. Much of that time was on taxi squads and offseason training camps; he played in 34 NFL games with ten receptions for 173 yards and one touchdown. Joe was more successful in his post-playing days career, working for 13 years representing NFL and NBA players in contract negotiations. More recently he was employed as a mortgage and real estate finance professional, and now donates much of his time to charitable fund raising.

Our Team | fragilehearts

sweetaliah67.wixsite.com

After graduating from Tennessee State University in 1971, Joe was drafted by the LA Rams and went on to play with the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers until he retired from the NFL in his sixth year due to injury. While still playing in the NFL, Joe obtained his real estate license and partnered with teammates and businessmen to establish a successful investment group for professional players and coaches. After retiring, Joe became a certified NFL and NBA Contract Advisor. Joe often made his clients the highest paid athletes in their respective leagues.​

​

In addition to his success in sports and business, Joe has appeared in television commercials and feature films. He is a member of the NFLPA, NFL Alumni Association, SAG/AFTRA and the Faithful Central Bible Church Elder Board. Joe enjoys golf, traveling and spending time with his wife and daughter. He spends much of his free time mentoring young people. Joe is currently a Mortgage Banker with Emery Financial, a division of WJB. He has worked in the real estate, mortgage and finance industry for over 40 years.​

Other pro football players with New England area connections born July 5:

- Gerry Cowhig (1921-1995); the Dorchester native went to Mechanical Arts High School (better known later as Boston Technical High School, and now called the O'Bryant School of Math and Science). The Notre Dame alum was an NFL LB/FB from 1947 to 1951; he was married to Hollywood actress Jean Willes.[/URL]

Gerard Finbar “Jerry” Cowhig (1921-1995) - Find a...

Professional Football Player. He played linebacker, fullback and defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams (1947 to 1949), Chicago Cardinals (1950), Philadelphia Eagles (1951), and the San Francisco 49ers over the course of his 5 year career. He played in 53...

www.findagrave.com

Jean Willes

www.westernclippings.com

- Dwight Anderson, 40 (7/5/81); went to Bloomfield (CT) High School at the same time Dwight Freeney was there. The cornerback spent a couple years with the Rams, and eight seasons in the CFL - where he was a two-time all star and won two Grey Cups.

ADMIRALS INSIDER - THE CURIOUS CASE OF DWIGHT ANDERSON - Toronto Argonauts

Daniele Franceschi – Argos Admirals Insider TORONTO – Dwight Anderson is one of the Canadian Football League’s most polarizing figures. His physical appearance and boisterous personality can certainly be misleading. In actuality, Anderson is a very kind-hearted, genuine individual. Although...

www.argonauts.ca

https://cflpa.com/players/dwight-anderson/

And some notable pro football players born on this date:

- James Lofton, 65 (7/5/56); Hall of Fame WR has over 14,000 career receiving yards.

James Lofton | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

- George Kunz, 74 (7/5/47); eight-time Pro Bowl tackle for the Falcons and Colts.

Catching Up With … Former Colts tackle George Kunz

George Kunz should have slowed by now. At 66, the former All-Pro tackle should be golfing or fishing or appearing at autograph shows, a battle-scarred old Colt telling tales about his time in the N…

www.baltimoresun.com

- Billy Howton, 91 (7/5/30); Packer WR twice led the NFL in receiving yards.

Why has the Hall ... and virtually everyone else ... forgotten Billy Howton?

Billy Howton had a career that deserves to be recognized. Please remind Canton.

www.si.com

- Richie Incognito, 38 (7/5/83); most well known for Miami's bully-gate brouhaha.

» Man Up

grantland.com

- Eggs Manske (1912-2002); the end was the last player to not wear a helmet; he was also an assistant coach at BU, and on the winning side of the Chicago Bears' 73-0 victory over Washington in the 1940 NFL championship game.

From Nekoosa to the NFL, 'Eggs' made his mark: column

Edgar 'Eggs' Manske of Nekoosa and wife Jane Fauntz Manske both graced Wheaties boxes.

www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com

Photo of the Day: Last NFL Player to Refuse a Helmet

Weeks before the 1940 NFL Championship game, star receiver Edgar Manske, who never used a helmet, snares a pass.

www.sportscollectorsdaily.com

Edgar Manske (1989) - Hall of Fame - National Football Foundation

footballfoundation.org

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Brandon Lloyd had some great acrobatic rec's. Some of the best body control, focus and awareness along the sidelines. Averaged 15 per rec 5 times.

@jmt57 killing it with these threads

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

Lloyd was such a polarizing player to fans. He had a monster season in 2010 but never really came close to replicating it. Strange that a huge market didn’t develop for him the next year when Denver traded him for a measly fifth round pick. Coming off a 1,400 yard pro bowl season, you have to think there were major issues behind the scenes, no?

Everyone thought he was going to be a huge deep threat in NE because of his YPC...he was the guy who would stretch the field like Ochcocinco failed to do in 2011. Instead he had a career low YPC and fans were so frustrated by limited route running. He would lineup on the outside and catch a sideline out for 7-8 yards all the time and rarely got any YAC. Just a strange fit in the offense.

I figured the guy was trouble because of all the trades and short stints and didn’t realize he’s an off the field star. It makes him even more of a mystery.

 

[Patjew]

Dave Thomas with possibly the worst penalty of any Patriot ever. Cost them a SB IMO.

Apologies if I’m thinking of the wrong Dave Thomas.

 

[oldrover]

Dave Thomas with possibly the worst penalty of any Patriot ever. Cost them a SB IMO.

Apologies if I’m thinking of the wrong Dave Thomas.

Is this what you're thinking of?

Vinatieri, Colts defeat Patriots

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Adam Vinatieri showed New England he's still the NFL's best clutch kicker.

www.seacoastonline.com

Maybe not an SB, but definitely a playoff berth.

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
​

- Eggs Manske (1912-2002); the end was the last player to not wear a helmet; he was also an assistant coach at BU, and on the winning side of the Chicago Bears' 73-0 victory over Washington in the 1940 NFL championship game.

From Nekoosa to the NFL, 'Eggs' made his mark: column

Edgar 'Eggs' Manske of Nekoosa and wife Jane Fauntz Manske both graced Wheaties boxes.

www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com

Photo of the Day: Last NFL Player to Refuse a Helmet

Weeks before the 1940 NFL Championship game, star receiver Edgar Manske, who never used a helmet, snares a pass.

www.sportscollectorsdaily.com

Edgar Manske (1989) - Hall of Fame - National Football Foundation

footballfoundation.org

What a name... one of the all time great NFL nicknames lol "Eggs"...

This made me curious... I did not know this but the Dude was involved in one of, if not the worst trades in NFL history ... Eggs gets traded in 1938 to the Pittsburgh Pirates (aka the Steelers) for the stealers 1939 first round selection ... which turns out to be the #2 overall pick... doesnt sound that bad i guess... Eggs was a pretty good player...

lol not that good ... lmao... just wait ... it gets better...

Bears draft Sid Luckman with the stillers 1939 #2 pick... LOL... im dyin here lol... Luckman goes on to win 4 championships with the Bears, multiple old time versions of pro bowls and all pro teams, all sorts of records and glory etc culminating in a HoF career...

LMFAO the stealers go on to to post 3 winning seasons, with a single playoff appearance, in the next 12 years Luckman played in the league ahahahahahahahaha...

and it GETS EVEN BETTER!

pittsburgh didnt sign Eggs to a new deal, he skips town after the 1938 season, goes back to Chicago and plays two more years with them lol... pittsburgh gives up one of the best, if not the best qb of the day for a guy who played 6 games for them ... lmao... with as jmt57 mentions in the post, his last game being the 73-0 drubbing of the washington redskins ... lol...

Love it, Great Name AND he screwed over the stillers

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

What a name... one of the all time great NFL nicknames lol "Eggs"...

This made me curious... I did not know this but the Dude was involved in one of, if not the worst trades in NFL history ... Eggs gets traded in 1938 to the Pittsburgh Pirates (aka the Steelers) for the stealers 1939 first round selection ... which turns out to be the #2 overall pick... doesnt sound that bad i guess... Eggs was a pretty good player...

lol not that good ... lmao... just wait ... it gets better...

Bears draft Sid Luckman with the stillers 1939 #2 pick... LOL... im dyin here lol... Luckman goes on to win 4 championships with the Bears, multiple old time versions of pro bowls and all pro teams, all sorts of records and glory etc culminating in a HoF career...

LMFAO the stealers go on to to post 3 winning seasons, with a single playoff appearance, in the next 12 years Luckman played in the league ahahahahahahahaha...

and it GETS EVEN BETTER!

pittsburgh didnt sign Eggs to a new deal, he skips town after the 1938 season, goes back to Chicago and plays two more years with them lol... pittsburgh gives up one of the best, if not the best qb of the day for a guy who played 6 games for them ... lmao... with as jmt57 mentions in the post, his last game being the 73-0 drubbing of the washington redskins ... lol...

Love it, Great Name AND he screwed over the stillers

Great story!

I have Luckman as a top 10 all-time QB in my era adjusted rankings. An all-time great for sure…maybe even better than Baugh.

Steelers fans sure thump their chests a lot for an organization that was a laughingstock for their first 50 years

 

[jmt57]

LOL, looks like I have a fan club:

July 5 in Pats History: Happy 40th Birthday, Brandon Lloyd - Opera News

Today in Patriots History Brandon Lloyd Happy 38th birthday to Brandon Lloyd Born July 5, 1981 in Kansas City, Missouri Patriot WR, 2012; uniform #85 Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent

www.dailyadvent.com

 

[Kontradiction]

Is this what you're thinking of?

Vinatieri, Colts defeat Patriots

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Adam Vinatieri showed New England he's still the NFL's best clutch kicker.

www.seacoastonline.com

Maybe not an SB, but definitely a playoff berth.

I’m pretty sure that’s the one he was thinking of. I punched a hole in my wall after that play.

 

[Patjew]

Is this what you're thinking of?

Vinatieri, Colts defeat Patriots

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Adam Vinatieri showed New England he's still the NFL's best clutch kicker.

www.seacoastonline.com

Maybe not an SB, but definitely a playoff berth.

Ah, you're right.

 

[captain stone]

"...However many fans felt Lloyd went down to the ground too quickly, without any contact after making a catch..."

There was one play in particular I remember from their loss in Seattle...I thought he maybe could've scored a TD if he had just stayed on his feet and kept running...Same game when the legend of the Error Repeater was born; Mayo couldn't make a simple ****ing tackle vs Wilson on 3rd down in the 1st quarter to force a 48-yard FG attempt (23:32); and Brady/Skippy ****ing soiled themselves at the end of the first half...