Today In Patriots History June 13: Happy Birthday to Mel Lunsford

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The guy that pushed
O.J. over the edge​

Happy 75th birthday to Mel Lunsford
Born June 13, 1950 in Cincinnati; hometown Lockland, Ohio
Patriot defensive end, 1973-1980; uniform #72
Acquired on July 26, 1973 in a trade with Washington, for a 1974 fifth round draft pick
Pats résumé: eight seasons, 92 games (74 starts); 21 sacks, five fumble recoveries; two playoff games


Despite playing college football at relatively obscure NAIA Central State (Ohio) University, Mel Lunsford was a third round pick by the Raiders in 1972. Oakland apparently had a quick change of heart, waiving Lunsford four weeks prior to the first preseason game. He was then with both Atlanta ('72 offseason) and Washington ('73 offseason), but was never on either team's 40-man roster.


1974 Patriots Media Guide:

Standout three year performer at Central State, Ohio where he played in 35 straight games . . . NAIA All-America choice in 1970 and '71 . . . three time District 22 All-Star . . . played in Blue-Gray and Black all star games . . . Oakland's third choice in 1972 draft . . . stops at Atlanta and Washington before arriving at Patriots in trade for draft choice during 1973 preseason . . . was on 47-man roster for entire season, played in four games.​

The Pats acquired Lunsford at the start of training camp in '73, at the time nothing more than an obscure entry on the transaction wire, along with several other unknown players being waived. Lunsford became a starter in 1974, then surprisingly retired for personal reasons after four games the following year. He returned in '76 and missed only one game over the next four seasons.

1980 Patriots Media Guide:

Since joining the Patriots in 1973, Mel was a largely unheralded but steady performer on the Patriots defensive line, but things changed for him in 1979 . . . the Patriots fifth best tackler (57), Mel also tied Tony McGee for most QB pressures (22) and was named winner of the Jim Lee Hunt Memorial Award, citing him as the team's most valuable lineman in a poll of the Patriots coaching staff . . . Mel also started all 16 games for the second straight year while sharing the left DE duties with McGee . . . had the most QB sacks in a season during his career, dropping opposing quarterbacks seven times on the year . . . one of the team's strongest players, he is also one of the most durable, having played in 59 of 60 games over the last four years . . . Defensive Coordinator Fritz Shurmur calls Mel "an exceptionally physical player who can dominate his side of the line".​

The Patriots traded Mel Lunsford to the Bengals in the 1981 offseason for a conditional draft pick. After two seasons away from football he finished his pro football career with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL in 1983.


Lunsford was named the Pats best defensive lineman in 1979, and ended up playing 94 games with 76 starts for the Patriots from 1973 to 1980.

Mel Lunsford is perhaps most well remembered for a 1976 game against the Bills. Three years earlier O.J. Simpson had set an NFL single season rushing record, eclipsing what most thought to be an impossible benchmark of 2,000 yards rushing in a single season. That feat was accomplished in large part to not one, but two 200-plus yard games by Simpson against the Pats. One of the main reasons Chuck Fairbanks switched the Patriot defense to the 3-4 was expressly to slow down Simpson in order to defeat division rival Buffalo.


The week nine schedule included Buffalo at New England on November 7, 1976. The Pats were coming off a loss to Miami, dropping their record to 5-3 and placing them two games behind the Colts and one ahead of the Dolphins.


During the first quarter Simpson ran a sweep, and was stopped for no gain. In the scrum after the tackle OJ gave us a preview of things to come in 1994, becoming completely unhinged, flipping out and losing all self control. The Juice stated afterwards that it was due to a late hit, but that would not explain the frantic and frenzied outrage. Perhaps Simpson was frustrated with Buffalo's rapid descent from a playoff team in '74, to a two-win season in '76. Maybe O.J. was upset seeing his dream of breaking Jim Brown's NFL all-time career rushing record slip away. Or maybe it was just his genuine volatile, violent personality, that had been hidden away from the public behind those smiling, friendly Hertz television advertisements.


The part-time runner, part-time actor completely lost control, wildly throwing punches and swinging his helmet at anybody and everybody. The end result was Simpson being ejected and the Pats winning by the score of 20-10. That would be the start of a six-game winning streak to finish the season at 11-3, before the season came crashing to an unjust finish in the Ben Dreith Game.

11/7/1976 Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots highlights, National Football League Week 9
Quick 1:46 Highlight Video






Mel Lunsford (72) sacks Raiders QB Ken Stabler (12) with Patriots LB Steve Zabel (54) and DT Ray Hamilton (71) providing support
during the AFC Divisional Playoff game on December 18, 1976, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland.
The defensive stop should have led to a playoff victory for the Patriots, but Ben Dreith was not going to let that happen.












November 7, 1976: Buffalo Bill #32, O.J. Simpson, fights with New England Patriot, Mel Lunsford, early in the first quarter.
Simpson was ejected for fighting, and the Patriots defeated the Bills, 20-10, in Foxborough.​

Melvin Lunsford (2011) - Hall of Fame - Central State University Athletics

Melvin Lunsford, Class: Induction: 2011 Sport(s): Football - Recruited from Cincinnati's Lockland High School by legendary coach James "Big Jim" Walker,

maraudersports.com

Recruited from Cincinnati's Lockland High School by legendary coach James "Big Jim" Walker, Melvin Lunsford was a three-time letterman at Defensive End for the Central State University Marauders. An Honorable Mention All America selection in his freshman year, Lunsford went on to earn All America honors in both 1971 and 1972.​

​

Noted for his intense style of play, Lunsford earned instant respect as an outstanding Defensive End. As one of Coach Walker's favorite players, he led the Marauder defense in Sacks for his three seasons and set a single season Sack record which held for many years. He also led or was tied for the lead in Tackles for Loss during his seasons as a Marauder.​

​

Lunsford was drafted in the third round by the Oakland Raiders of the NFL's American Football Conference in 1972 as the 72nd overall selection. He was subsequenlty traded to the New England Patroits where he played from 1973 to 1980 as the team transitioned into a National Football League contender. Since the end of his professional career, Lunsford has returned to his hometown of Cincinnati and currently works with youth through Hamilton County Juvenile Court.​

Arthur Moore (leaping) and Mel Lunsford (right) pressure Joe Namath on October 13, 1974 at Shea Stadium.
The Patriots won 24-0, improving their record to 5-0. The Jete dropped to 1-4.​

O.J. Simpson Was Ejected in Foxboro After Fight With Patriots Player

New England Patriots fans may recall the late O.J. Simpson being ejected from a game in Foxboro on Sunday, November 7, 1976.

wbsm.com

‘Roughing the Passer’: The Patriots-Raiders Game You Should Know About

Now that Tom Brady has shown us his throwback resume, let’s flash back to the Patriots-Raiders AFC divisional playoff game that took place on Dec. 18, 1976.

www.boston.com

Melvin Lunsford (2011) - Hall of Fame - Central State University Athletics

Melvin Lunsford, Class: Induction: 2011 Sport(s): Football - Recruited from Cincinnati's Lockland High School by legendary coach James "Big Jim" Walker,

maraudersports.com

Mel Lunsford Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Mel Lunsford Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Mel Lunsford Transactions

Mel Lunsford - USFL (United States Football League)

The online home and historical archive for the United States Football League (USFL) featuring stories, pictures, stats and video.

www.usflsite.com

Mel Lunsford - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Overcame asthma and ADHD
to play in the NFL​

Happy 39th birthday to Myron Pryor
Born June 13, 1986 in Louisville, Kentucky
Patriot defensive lineman, 2009-2012; uniform #91
Pats 6th round (207th overall) selection of the 2009 draft, from Kentucky
Pats résumé: three seasons, 24 games (2 starts); 34 tackles, one sack; one season on IR, one season on PUP

​

Myron Pryor played in 13 games his rookie season, and in nine games with two starts the following year. A shoulder injury limited him to two games in 2011, and resulted in his spending 2012 on the reserve/physically unable to play list. He was released in April of 2013 and never did play in the NFL again after that, finishing his career with 34 tackles and one sack in 24 games played.

Patriots release DL Myron Pryor

www.patriots.com

Football journey: Myron Pryor

On Saturdays throughout the season, the plan will be to highlight one Patriots player's football journey. This week, it is rookie defensive lineman Myron Pryor.

www.espn.com

Getting to Know...Myron Pryor

The defensive lineman's favorites include Cookie Crisp cereal and jambalaya.

www.boston.com

A young child struggling with asthma and ADHD likely wouldn’t be targeted as a future professional football player, but not all children are Myron Pryor.​

The Patriots’ defensive lineman dealt with both of those issues growing up in Louisville, but has overcome them (he ditched his asthma inhaler only a year ago) and earned a spot in the line’s rotation as a tackle. As a rookie last year, the 6-foot-1, 310 pounder played in 13 games; this year, he has played in both games, earning his first career start against the Bengals when New England began the game in a 4-2-5 alignment.​

Favorite meal: Hmm…that’s a hard one (laughs). I’d have to say jambalaya. Usually I make it, but normally I like it from where it comes from, New Orleans.​

Favorite TV show: Man, I watch a lot of TV shows…Sons of Anarchy. It’s pretty good.​

If my house was on fire, I’d grab …My car keys. I have a Dodge Charger SRT8; that’s my baby. Everything else in the house, I can replace that. I can buy another flat screen, another couch, the only thing I can’t replace is some football stuff.​

First job: My first job was working at a jewelry store. I worked at a friend’s jewelry store when I was in high school; I needed a small paying job for the summer. Cutting the grass, keeping up with the outside.​

My hero: I’d have to say my grandma (Bell Johnson). We’ve been through a lot. She stuck with me. We did a lot of battles together, and she stuck with me and the best came out. I’d say my grandma’s my hero.​

Favorite breakfast cereal: Cookie Crisp.​

Favorite athlete in another sport: I have to go with my boy Rajon (Rondo of the Celtics). Gotta represent for my hometown guys.​

Patriots Release Defensive Tackle Myron Pryor, Leaving Just Two Players on Roster From 2009 Draft - NESN.com

It’s official. The Patriots’ 2009 draft was a bust. The Patriots released defensive tackle Myron Pryor on Thursday, according to Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com, leaving just two remaining members of that 2009 draft class on the Patriots’ roster. Pryor was a sixth-round pick out of Kentucky who made...

nesn.com

"It’s official. The Patriots’ 2009 draft was a bust."​

(Note to Luke Hughes: Julian Edelman, Sebastian Vollmer and Patrick Chung all say 'hello'...)

​

May 21, 2009:
Meet the Rookies: Myron Pryor -- Patriots.com
Pats fans may know more about Pryor than they realize.

Though they may not even know it, many Patriots fans may have already gotten a taste of what sixth-round pick (207th overall) defensive tackle Myron Pryor can do on the football field. You see arguably the most impressive and telling play of his football career was also one of the more memorable NCAA highlights from last fall.​

The play in question came late in the fourth quarter last August 31 when Pryor's Kentucky Wildcat's visited his hometown Louisville Cardinals. Already having a solid game by interior defensive line standards with three tackles, a tackle for a loss and forced fumble, the 6-1, 310 pounder put forth an effort that landed him on a nearly continuous loop of SportsCenter highlights when he picked up a fumble and rumbled 72 yards for a touchdown to put the stamp on the 27-2 victory.​

"'Damn, I'm tired. I'm out of air,'" Kentucky defensive line coach Rick Petri recalled with a laugh of how the quite big man Pryor reacted to the big play. "He was sucking after that run. But he ran a long way. He was excited. He's from that area. It was a very game for him. He played extremely well. I think that made it even more special that he was making those kind of plays late in the game.​

"Being a senior, being form Louisville and playing against a lot of people that he knew. He played well. He was excited. He was really fired up about the play. He isn't always an outwardly emotional person, but he was grinning that day."​

Pryor grinned once again recently when he was asked about that play upon arriving at what's now his professional home in New England.​

"I mean it was a great play. I know that I'm athletic. I'm not boosting it up or anything like that," Pryor responded when asked what that play said about him. "But I feel like I am really athletic and that I am explosive. That's what helps me get an advantage over some guys that don't have that."​

Now Pryor will have to take the explosive ability and athleticism and make it work as a nose tackle in New England's 3-4, two-gap defensive front. It's a similar transition as the one Vince Wilfork successfully made coming out of Miami. But Pryor won't have to wait until he watches Wilfork on the practice field this summer to begin learning from the guy in front of him a couple pegs on the depth chart.​

"Growing up I always watched the best guys in the NFL," Pryor said. "So I knew him before I even came up here. I just recognized and watched the best guys to see what they do."​

Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick is often hesistant to compare players, especially rookies and veterans, but he admitted there are some similarities in the backgrounds of his Pro Bowl nose and his latest understudy.​

"[Pryor] played in a pro-style of defense there with Coach [Rich] Brooks at Kentucky. So I think there are some elements of the things they've done to what we do and what we would do defensively," Belichick said of the transition. "But at the same time, I think there are some differences in the techniques. There might be similar defense, similar to Wilfork's defense in Miami. I'm sure there are some similarities.​

2012 Patriots Media Guide

Myron Pryor Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Myron Pryor Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Myron Pryor Transactions

Myron Pryor - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
A Samoan Guard​

In memory of Sale Isaia, born on this date 53 years ago
Born June 13, 1972 in Honolulu
Died November 23, 2022 in Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 50
Patriot guard, 2000; uniform #72
Signed as a free agent on August 30, 2000
Pats résumé: one season, 16 games (14 starts)


Sale Isaia went undrafted out of UCLA in 1995 and spent time the Browns, Ravens, Colts, Raiders, as well as in NFL Europe from '95 to 2000. He was on IR with Cleveland as a rookie, then had played in nine games for the Ravens in 1996, spent '97 on IR with a knee injury, and '98 on IR with an Achilles tendon injury. Isaia then spent the 1999 offseason with Indy, and was allocated to Frankfurt of NFL Europe in 2000. After being waived by Oakland in late August he was signed by the Pats in Bill Belichick's first year as head coach in Foxboro, after Todd Rucci was placed on injured reserve. Sale was signed so late there is no mention of him whatsoever in the 2000 Patriots Media Guide.

Isaia appeared in all 16 games for the Patriots in 2000 with 14 starts, but was released three weeks after the 2001 draft. Bill Belichcick was expecting 2000 draft pick Adrian Klemm to take over (didn't happen), Joe Andruzzi to step up (did happen), and signed veteran Mike Compton (smart move), all of which maded Isaia redundant and expendable.


The Pats re-signed Isaia at the start of training camp, as Klemm continued to spend more time in the training room than on the field. In early September Isaia was placed on IR for the fourth time as a pro, and then released with an injury settlement. He was unable to generate interest from any other team, thus ending his NFL career at that point with service time of 25 games played - and one season short of receiving an NFL pension (which he surely could have used after all those injuries).


Sale Isaiah passed away from a heart attack at the age of 50 in 2022.


Nov 10, 2000:
Hawaii will always be home to Isaia

"It's been a long year," said the 6-foot-5, 320-pound starting right guard for the struggling Patriots (2-7). . . .​

The Hawaii-born Isaia, who is of Samoan ancestry, said he idolized Mosi Tatupu.​

"I still haven't had a chance to meet him,"said Isaia, referring to the ex-Patriot who coaches at a high school near Foxboro.​

"I miss spam musubi like crazy," added Isaia, "and I've missed Rainbow Drive-In since my wife first took me there."​

But as the temperatures begin to dip below 40, his focus is on the crisis at Foxboro Stadium. Patriots' quarterbacks have been sacked 34 times. Drew Bledsoe has been dropped 30 times. At this rate, Bledsoe will top last season's career-high 55-sack total. . . .​

He is a member of a line that has been in a state of flux all year. The only lineman who's been at his position since the start of training camp is center Damien Woody.​

Head coach Bill Belichick's plan to protect Bledsoe's blind side suffered when the University of Hawaii's Adrian Klemm, the team's top draft pick, was injured last summer and was unable to start at left tackle in his rookie year.​

Klemm has just been activated and will play a little. But he will not start this season.​

"I think we're beginning to jell," Isaia said of his patchwork line. "We just have to keep our heads straight and stay focused."​

How bad was the 2000 offensive line (and team as a whole)?
0.5 yards per offensive play is not good!
Here is a reminder, from December 11, 2000:

Angry Bill Belichick rips Patriots after loss - The Boston Globe

The coach lambasted his players in the locker room following a 24-17 loss in Chicago. Belichick said his 4-10 team seemed to be getting even worse.

www.bostonglobe.com

They allowed Shane Matthews, a backup quarterback with a 46 rating and one who had completed 49 percent of his passes, to complete 15 straight to set a team record. The Bears had scored just one offensive touchdown in 18 quarters entering the game.​

Five times Bears receiver Eddie Kennison caught slant passes over the middle.​

(Bledsoe) blamed himself for missing some throws that might have pulled the game out. He came close to blaming young offensive linemen Adrian Klemm and Greg Robinson-Randall, who had trouble competing. Left guard Klemm was called for three penalties and often was beaten by his man, and right tackle Robinson-Randall also struggled.​

The third quarter was a disaster. The Patriots ran six offensive plays for 3 yards. It could have been worse, as J.R. Redmond fumbled following a 9-yard run deep in New England territory, but Sale Isaia recovered.​

August 1, 2001:

Patriots Sign Veteran G Sale Isaia; Release NT Chuck Osborne

Isaia, 29, returns to the Patriots after starting 14 of 16 games last season, establishing career-highs in both categories. The 6-foot-5-inch, 320-pound tackle first signed with the Patriots on Aug. 30, 2000 after being released from the Oakland Raiders. He was inserted into the Patriots starting lineup by the second week of the regular season and missed just one start (10/8/00) the remainder of the season.​

December 11, 2022:

Sale Isaia Jr., Oceanside High Alum Who Played in NFL, at UCLA, Has Died

Sale Isaia Jr., an Oceanside High School graduate who went on to play in the NFL before becoming an educator, died last month. He was 50 years old.

timesofsandiego.com

Upon his retirement from the NFL, he moved to Topeka, where he worked for Lawrence Gardner High School as a paraprofessional. He worked with troubled youth and, noted the obituary, “never gave up on them even when they gave up on themselves.”​

Sale Isaia Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Sale Isaia Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Sale Isaia Transactions

Sale Isaia - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Perhaps the first name was to honor
being conceived while his parents listened to
"Shining Star" and "Boogie Wonderland"​

Happy 48th birthday to Earthwind Moreland
Born June 13, 1977 in Atlanta
Patriot cornerback, 2004; uniform #29
Signed as a free agent on August 5, 2004; signed to the practice squad on September 22, 2004
Pats résumé: one season, nine games (two starts); one super bowl ring

​

Undrafted out of Georgia Southern, the guy whose mother named him after the popular R&B band bounced around with the Bucs, Jets, Saints, Jaguars, Browns and Vikings for four years while appearing in just three games (plus a season in Europe). The Pats promoted Earth Wind & Fire from the practice squad mid-season, after injuries to Ty Law and Tyrone Poole left them with Troy Brown starting in the secondary. Moreland ended up playing in nine games with two starts for the Pats, with 17 tackles and a fumble recovery. While he did earn a ring for Super Bowl 39, by season end he was a non-factor behind Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Troy Brown on the depth chart at cornerback, and was inactive in the playoffs.

After a couple years of arena football he became an elementary school phys ed teacher and high school football coach in Georgia, and now has a new gig as the head football coach in a high school about 30 miles south of Atlanta.

​

Where are They Now Wednesday – Earthwind Moreland - Georgia Southern University Athletics

Wednesday of each week during the football season Georgia Southern Athletics will catch up with a former coach, administrator, student-athlete, trainer, chee...

gseagles.com

Former NFL DB Earthwind Moreland sanctioned for failing to report sex incident involving his football players

A former NFL defensive back turned high school football coach has been sanctioned for failing to report an on campus group sex act involving his players. As reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, among other sources, former New England Patriots fourth…

usatodayhss.com

From Earthwind Moreland to Johnson Bademosi, Patriots have a long history of DBs coming out of nowhere

In New England, Johnson Bademosi is in a long line of no-name cornerbacks (and some wide receivers) coming in to make sudden contributions to the defense.

www.masslive.com

Great Sports Name Hall of Fame Nominee - Earthwind Moreland

I thought that my first 21 names presented for election into the Great Sports Name Hall of Fame were good ones, even very good ones (besi...

greatsportsnamehalloffame.blogspot.com

After a four year college career, Earthwind spent time on the roster/practice squad of the Buccaneers, Saints, Jets, Browns, Jaguars, and Vikings, with no actual playing time. He finally received playing time with the 2004 Patriots, where he had 17 tackles and a fumble recovery, but was cut after the season. This was a shame considering that he had worked his way up to playing in Dime package for the Patriots, but considering that Troy Brown was the Nickel corner at the time, this was less than impressive.​

Georgia native Earthwind Moreland shares Super Bowl memories

Earthwind Moreland played corner back for NFL programs until he retired in 2008.

www.13wmaz.com

Earthwind Moreland knows a thing or two or four about winning big. He brought home hardware after a win in the 2005 Super Bowl Championship as a new New England Patriot. But just four years before that, he helped the Georgia Southern Eagles win a national title, too, and it was that experience and his former Eagles head coach Paul Johnson he credits with preparing him to step on to one of the world's biggest stages.​

His former NFL coach Bill Belichick led that 2004-05 team to victory, and Moreland wants the trophy to go home with New England again this Sunday night. He played corner back for other NFL programs until he retired in 2008. He says his heart forever belongs to the Patriots because of the once in a lifetime opportunity.​

Earthwind Moreland Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Earthwind Moreland Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Earthwind Moreland Transactions

Earthwind Moreland - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Should have been patient
and kept Ted rather than Nick or Rich​

Happy 38th birthday to Ted Larsen
Born June 13, 1987 in Palm Harbor, Florida
Patriot guard, 2010 offseason; uniform #62
Pats 6th round (205th overall) pick of the 2010 draft, from North Carolina State
Pats résumé: sixth round draft pick; one offseason, training camp and preseason


Bill Belichick has said that it is better to get rid of a player a year to early than a year too late.

In this case he would have been better served listening to his own advice.

Ted Larsen was projected by some to be a 2011 replacement for Dan Koppen at center. Although he had a somewhat inconsistent training camp and preseason, it was still a bit of a surprise that the compensatory draft pick was waived at the end of camp as part of final roster cutdowns prior to week one. Any chance of signing him to the practice squad quickly disappeared when the Bucs brought him home by claiming him on waivers.


While I admit to some provincial bias (I was rooting for Larsen from day one; he grew up in the same town I was living in at that time, and he had gone to the same high school as my daughters did), at the time I felt it was a big mistake to give up on Larsen so quickly. Nick Kaczur was 31 and dealing with chronic back issues; he was adequate but not great. Dan Koppen was also 31 and his contract was expiring the following year. To me it made sense to have Larsen spend a full year learning from Dante Scarnecchia, and replace one of those two by the following season.


In retrospect it would indeed have been much better to have kept Larsen over Kaczur, and at a lower price. Matt Light was returning from injury, reclaiming the left tackle position. Sebastian Vollmer had manned LT as a rookie the previous year, and was set to take over Kaczur's former position at right tackle. With both tackle positions covered the plan was to move Nick inside to right guard. While Larsen was an interior lineman and Kaczur a tackle, because Nick was being moved inside, a Larsen-or-Kaczur decision was actually relevant.


However, the Kaczur-to guard concept never got off the ground. Nick had severe back issues for all of training camp and after four games on the inactive list he went on IR, then was released the following spring. In other words, after the decision was made to release Larsen, Kaczur never played in a single game for the Patriots (or the NFL for that matter). Another superior option would have been to keep Larsen over Rich Ohrnberger (who played all of five games in his three seasons with the Patriots), yet was being given another opportunity. Belichick could have even kept sixth round draft pick Larsen over Ryan Wendell, who at that time was still a very raw, undrafted lineman that had only played in two games.


Larsen on the other hand played in 137 games with 88 starts over eleven seasons, seven as a starter, and received a super bowl ring in his second stint with Tampa Bay in 2020. Not too shabby for a guy who never played any football until high school. When he is not rescuing teenagers in the Gulf of Mexico, Larsen enjoys quiet backcountry fishing in the Everglades or the Keys.


Program Spotlight: Ted Larsen | NC State University Official Athletic Site

Meet the Rookies: OL Ted Larsen

www.patriots.com

PATRIOTS PROFILE: Draft choice Ted Larsen

The career of the offensive lineman the Patriots drafted out of North Carolina State on Saturday.

www.enterprisenews.com

Bucs Claim Larsen, Lumpkin

www.buccaneers.com

What a hero! Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman Ted Larsen rescues three teens from choppy Gulf waters

Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman Ted Larsen may have aced his audition for a new job in case of an possible NFL lockout – with the Coast Guard. The 23-year-old athlete saved three teens from chop…

www.nydailynews.com

Former Patriot Ted Larsen Saves Three Teenagers in Gulf of Mexico - NESN.com

Ted Larsen, a Patriots sixth-round draft pick in 2010, saved three teenagers Wednesday in the Gulf of Mexico. Larsen and his girlfriend were fishing on his 24-foot boat when he heard the Coast Guard issue a distress signal, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Larsen was close by and boated to...

nesn.com

LinkedIn -- Ted Larsen

Ted Larsen Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Ted Larsen Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Ted Larsen Transactions

Ted Larsen - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other Friday the 13th Birthdays​

Happy 38th birthday to E.J. Biggers
Born June 13, 1987 in Miami
Patriot cornerback, 2016 offseason; uniform #39
Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on March 30, 2016
Pats résumé: one offseason and training camp

Edjuan Cinclair Biggers had played in 92 games with 34 starts when the Pats signed the veteran free agent in March of 2016. The Western Michigan alum was competing for a backup role behind Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan, but he was always a bit of a longshot to make the team - eventually losing out in his roster battle to Jonathan Jones and Justin Coleman, and being cut August 23. Foxborough was the last stop of NFL career, which began in 2009 as a 7th round draft pick by Tampa Bay.

March 30, 2016:

Patriots sign DB E.J. Biggers

www.patriots.com

May 19, 2016:

Who is E.J. Biggers and what might he bring to the Patriots?

We take a look at E.J. Biggers, a new addition to the defensive backfield and on special teams, and how he might help the Patriots.

www.espn.com

August 23, 2016:

Patriots release Donald Brown with injury settlement, cut E.J. Biggers

The Patriots have released running back Donald Brown with an injury settlement.Brown hasn't practiced for three weeks due to the undisclosed ailment that sabotaged his fast start to camp. Brown was working with the starters through the…

www.bostonherald.com

E.J. Biggers Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get E.J. Biggers Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- E.J. Biggers Transactions

E. J. Biggers - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Happy 34th birthday to Luke Bowanko
Born June 13, 1991 in Clifton, Virginia
Patriot center/guard, 2018 offseason; uniform #72
Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on April 4, 2018

3 things to know about new Patriots lineman Luke Bowanko

The Patriots signed former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Luke Bowanko to a one-year deal on Wednesday. Bowanko will reportedly make $835,000 next season as he jostles for position on the center and guard depth chart. The 6-foot-6, 300 pound native of Clifton, Virginia joins the Patriots...

www.boston.com

Several other pro football players born on this date with New England connections:

Dave O'Brien, 84 (June 13, 1941)
Born in Cambridge, raised in Watertown; Watertown High School; Boston College
Boston Patriots 18th round (142nd overall) selection of the 1963 AFL Draft

Dave O'Brien did not start playing football until his senior year at Watertown High School. He was a walk on at Boston College and was drafted by the Pats in 1963, but instead he signed with Minnesota. O'Brien was on the field for Jim Marshall's infamous wrong-way touchdown/safety. The lineman played in 60 games over five seasons before a broken fibula ended his NFL career at the age of 26. In a bit of trivia, he was part of the only Massachusetts high school football game that had five players that would go on to play in the NFL.

Watertown's David O'Brien honored for his famed football career

You can probably count on one hand the amount of people who have accomplished what 1959 Watertown High School graduate David O'Brien has. But according to teammate and fellow Watertown High Hall of…

www.wickedlocal.com

In their only win of the 1958 season the Red Raiders shocked previously unbeaten Matignon, 8-6. In that particular game the Raiders had two future professional players in O’Brien and Bob Cappadonna, while Matignon had three future pros on their roster. To this date it is considered to be the only time a Massachusetts high school game ever had as many as five future professional football players.​

The article does not name the others from Matignon who progressed to the NFL, but it must have been Jack Concannon, Art Graham and Don McKinnon. They were the first and last from Matignon to play pro football. Concannon was drafted by the Patriots, but wanted nothing to do with the AFL and signed with the Bears. Graham was a good player, and member of the Patriots All-Decade Team of the 1960s. I don't remember McKinnon at all, but apparently he played for the Pats in '63 and '64.

Watertown's David O'Brien honored for his famed football career

You can probably count on one hand the amount of people who have accomplished what 1959 Watertown High School graduate David O'Brien has. But according to teammate and fellow Watertown High Hall of…

www.wickedlocal.com

David O’Brien - Watertown Cable Access Corp.

Watertown Hall of Fame: David O'Brien (11:30 video):
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Everett Dawkins, 35 (June 13, 1990)
Draft Pick Trade

Dawkins was never a member of the Patriots organization, but he was part of two Pats draft day trades. He was drafted in the seventh round, #229 overall, by the Vikings in 2013. Essentially the Patriots traded Dawkins and Jeff Demps for LeGarrette Blount.

April 25, 2013: Traded by Vikings as 2013 7th round pick (229th overall) with 2013 2nd round pick (52nd overall, Jamie Collins), 2013 3rd round pick (83rd overall, Logan Ryan) and 2013 4th round pick (102nd overall, Josh Boyce) to Patriots for 2013 1st round pick (29th overall, Cordarrelle Patterson)

April 27, 2013: Traded by Patriots as 2013 7th round pick (229th overall) with Jeff Demps to Buccaneers for LeGarrette Blount


Sam Adams, 52 (June 13, 1973)
Family relative

Seattle defensive lineman is the son of Patriot guard Sam Adams, a member of the Pats 1970s all-decade team who played 119 games for the Patriots.

Sam Adams - Owner & CEO - Staff Directory - Spokane Shock

Sam Adams is a former All-Pro Defensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL) for fourteen seasons. In 1994 Sam was selected as the 8th pick

thespokaneshock.com

Former Spokane Shock owner, Seahawks player Sam Adams punished by WIAA for recruiting violations

SEATTLE – The Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association laid out major penalties and fines against Roosevelt High School, head coach and former Seattle Seahawks player Sam Adams and the Seattle Public Schools athletic office this week, as a result of the WIAA’s investigation into...

www.spokesman.com

Fritz Barzilauskas (June 13, 1920 - Nov 30, 1990)
Born and raised in Waterbury, CT; Crosby High School, Waterbury; Holy Cross; Yale; Boston Yanks

The guard was the third overall pick in the 1947 draft by the Boston Yanks. He spent two seasons in Boston and two in New York, playing in 36 games.

Fritz Barzilauskas -- Fenway Park Diaries

Francis “Fritz” Barzilauskas (1920-1990) - Find a...

Francis Barzilauskas, former Yale football star: - December 2, 1990 A service will be held Tuesday for Francis Fritz Barzilauskas, 70, of Van Rose Drive, a former Yale and professional football player, who died Friday, Nov. 30, 1990, in the Hospital of St. Raphael after a long illness. He was...

www.findagrave.com

Veto Kissel (June 13, 1927 - March 19, 1997)
Born and raised in Nashua, NH; Nashua High School; Holy Cross
The fullback and linebacker played in 20 games in 1949-50.


Tom Cichowski (June 13, 1944 - Sept 17, 2015)
Born in New Britain; Southington (CT) High School
Was a 2nd round pick by the Packers in 1966, and played in 13 games for Denver at tackle in 1967-68.

Thomas Cichowski Obituary September 17, 2015 - Buffalo Hill Funeral Home & Crematory

View Thomas Cichowski's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

www.buffalohillfh.com

Mike Dwyer, 62 (June 13, 1963)
Born in Boston; Barnstable High School; University of Rhode Island; UMass

The defensive tackle played in three games as a replacement player for Dallas in 1987, and is now back home as an assistant football coach in Barnstable.

Former Barnstable star tops players to be honored

HYANNIS — Mike Dwyer, a former high school football star at Barnstable who went on to become an All-American at the University of Massachusetts, will be among the honorees Sunday at the All-American …

www.capecodtimes.com

George Smith (June 13, 1914 - March 5, 1986)
Old defunct Boston pro football franchise

Center/linebacker won two NFL championships and was named to one Pro Bowl over seven seasons; played for the 1945 Boston Yanks.


Frank Martin (June 13, 1919 - Nov 15, 1981)
Old defunct Boston pro football franchise

Halfback spent four years in the league, including three games for the 1945 Boston Yanks.


Jack Riley (June 13, 1909 - March 22, 1993)
Old defunct Boston pro football franchise

Starting tackle for the 1933 Boston Redskins.




Two other football players born on this date to wrap this birthday postup:

Hall of Fame running back Red Grange was born June 13, 1903

Harold (Red) Grange | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

Harold "Red" Grange (2017) - Hall of Fame - University of Illinois Athletics

Harold "Red" Grange, Class: Induction: 2017 Sport(s): Football - FOOTBALL • 1923-25 As its first legitimate star, Red Grange is credited with establishing the

fightingillini.com

ESPN.com: Galloping Ghost scared opponents

​

Happy Feller makes the list for his name.
Mr. Feller did not make his coaches in Philadelphia and New Orleans very happy though.
From 1971 to 1973 the kicker missed almost three times as many field goals as he made, connecting on just 16 out of 43 attempts.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century June 13 Tidbits​

June 13, 1960:
Pats sign lineman Abe Cohen

An original Boston Patriot, Abe Cohen played in every game for the Boston Patriots in the inaugural season of the American Football League.

Abe Cohen | Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame — John Louis Popple Chapter

In two sports, football and wrestling, Abe Cohen has made a mark in Wyoming Valley and in national and international circles. As recently as in 1990, the Plymouth High School graduate was named to the Football Hall of Fame at the University of Tennessee/Chattanooga. In...

www.luzernecountysportshalloffame.com

1960: #62 Abe Cohen pulling, in front of #46 HB Larry Garron​

June 13, 1970:
Patriots re-sign safety Billy Johnson

Today in Patriots History: Billy Johnson | PatsFans.com

Billy Johnson is a player unfamiliar to most fans of the Patriots. That obscurity is unfortunately better than his side of the story. Johnson is one of many former players who are unfamiliar with their daily surroundings. Alzheimer's robbed him of his memory.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots re-sign WR Bill Rademacher

Former Patriots WR Bill Rademacher dies at 75

After five scoreless years with the Jets, Bill Rademacher scored all of his career points in two years with the Patriots

www.newscentermaine.com

Johnson played in 32 games with seven starts for the Patriots, with two interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

Rademacher played in 27 games with five starts, with 21 receptions and three touchdowns.

June 13, 1979:
Pats sign ninth round draft pick John Spagnola, a TE from Yale

Where Are They Now? TE John Spagnola

Rookie tight end John Spagnola, a recent graduate of Yale, didn't actually need his Ivy League education to realize what he should do after New England released him during its Training Camp in 1979.​

"I had a tryout with the Eagles," Spagnola said. "They worked me out, made an offer and then they sort of backed up a little bit and reconsidered. And then Miami was on the phone with me.​

"(Philadelphia's director of player personnel) Carl Peterson said, 'We're going to sign you. Miami's going to work you out. You decide what you want to do. But if you go down there, we pull the offer.' So I said, 'Okay, I'm on my way, Carl.'"​

Spagnola played in the NFL for eleven seasons after the Patriots gave up on him.




June 13, 1988:
Patriots sign sixth round draft pick Steve Johnson to a two-year contract

The tight end from Virginia Tech only played one year in the NFL, and it was for the Pats in a backup role - but he then did very well for himself as a commercial developer in the southeast.

Pinnacle developer Steve Johnson reflects on football, racing careers

Steve Johnson reached the pinnacle of his football career years before becoming developer of The Pinnacle in Bristol.

www.timesnews.net

Four on Friday: Steve Johnson of Johnson Commercial Development - Hartman Simons

Steve Johnson of Johnson Commercial Development is involved in the development of a unique and massive mixed-use property that will eventually occupy space in two states — Tennessee and Virginia — and cover 500 acres. In today’s Four on Friday, we chat with Steve about that project, known as The…

www.hartmansimons.com

June 13, 1997:
Patriots release DL Pio Sagapolutele

The native of American Samoa had played in all but one game in 1996, starting ten regular season games as well as all three playoff games. He had three sacks and 28 tackles, plus five more tackles in the postseason.


Pats sign DT Henry Thomas

Thomas was a 32-year old veteran who had been named to two Pro Bowls during his twelve season NFL career when he signed with the Pats. The team was able to squeeze every last bit of mileage out of him as he never missed a single game over four seasons with the Patriots, compiling 237 tackles, 21 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions during his time in New England.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
21st Century June 13 Trivia​

June 13, 2008:
New England signs their fifth round draft pick, Matthew Slater

Meet the Rookies: DB-WR Matthew Slater -- Patriots.com
Despite never having found a permanent home on offense or defense, fifth-round pick Matthew Slater could still be a special player for the Pats – as in special teamer.

Without much fanfare, Matthew Slater made news earlier this month. He became the first of the Patriots' 2008 draft choices to sign with the team.​

That means no contract squabbles will preclude him from reporting on time to training camp, which begins late next month. Which is good for Slater, because he'll need all the time he can get in camp to impress the coaches.​

Not only does he fight the battle of being a late-round draft pick, he's also trying to find his niche in the NFL. During rookie minicamp, passing camp, and minicamp with the Patriots, Slater has worn a white (offensive) jersey and occasionally worked with the wide receivers. But just as often, he'd don a blue pinney and join the defensive backs. He also returned kicks for the special teams units.​

College wasn't much different for Slater, the son of NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman Jackie Slater. In his four years at UCLA, the younger Slater did just about everything but play trombone in the Bruins marching band. Wide receiver. Cornerback. Safety. Gunner. Kick returner. If the Patriots are looking for a player with versatility, they found one in Slater.​

The Bruins had high hopes for Slater as a receiver in 2003, but a turf toe injury caused him to redshirt and miss his entire freshman year. In 2005, Slater sustained a stress reaction in his left leg, forcing him to miss the early part of the season.​

Then during his junior year, with the Bruins needing depth at defensive back, Slater moved to cornerback. And while he played in all 13 games as a junior, Slater was limited by a shoulder injury. Things got so frustrating that Slater briefly considered giving up football to run track.​

I had forgotten that Slater was originally considered to be a defensive back and kick returner.

June 13, 2013:
Drug dealer Alexander Bradley files a civil rights case in federal court against Aaron Hernandez.

This came after the two were unable to agree on a settlement stemming an incident where police found Bradley bleeding in a parking lot from a bullet wound that caused him to lose his right eye.




June 13, 2016:

Michael Williams Placed On Patriots' Injured Reserve After Clearing Waivers - NESN.com

Michael Williams will spend the 2016 season on the New England Patriots’ injured reserve list. The tight end was waived/injured Friday and cleared waivers Monday, so he reverted to the Patriots’ reserve/injured list. Williams tore his ACL on Wednesday during Patriots minicamp. The move leaves...

nesn.com

Michael Williams will spend the 2016 season on the New England Patriots’ injured reserve list.​

The tight end was waived/injured Friday and cleared waivers Monday, so he reverted to the Patriots’ reserve/injured list. Williams tore his ACL on Wednesday during Patriots minicamp.​

The move leaves the Patriots with Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, Clay Harbor, A.J. Derby, Bryce Williams and Steven Scheu at tight end. The Patriots acquired Bennett via trade this offseason and signed Harbor as a free agent. Derby was selected in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, while Williams and Scheu were signed as rookie free agents after going undrafted this spring.​

Harbor is the favorite to earn the No. 3 tight end role on the Patriots after Williams’ injury.​

June 13, 2019:
Pats trade for TE Michael Roberts

Roberts was viewed as a low risk (traded for a 7th round draft pick), high ceiling possibility. The 6'5, 265-pound target had been a fourth round draft pick mostly used as a run blocker in two seasons for Detroit. He had caught 45 passes for 533 yards and 16 touchdowns – the most by any tight end in the nation – as a senior at Toledo, and measured in with 11.5-inch hands and with a three-cone drill of 7.05 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine. But Roberts never reached the sum of those parts while in Detroit, logging four receptions for 46 yards as a rookie and nine receptions for 100 yards and three touchdowns in 2018.

A day later the trade was voided due to a failed physical. With the deal falling through the Patriots were back to Ben Watson (suspended for the first four games), Matt LaCosse, Stephen Anderson, Ryan Izzo and undrafted free agent Andrew Beck at tight end.

4 things to know about tight end Michael Roberts

Update : According to a statement released from the Lions on Friday,”Michael Roberts reverted back to the team’s roster, per trade conditions. Subsequently, the Lions announced that they have waived Roberts.” The Boston Globe’s Jim McBride reported that Roberts failed his physical with the...

www.boston.com

June 13, 2022:
DT Daniel Ekuale is suspended for the first two games of the season for using a banned substance

The three year pro from Washington State was the 2021 Pats Ventrone, elevated from and reverted to the practice squad eight times that season.

Daniel Ekuale suspended two games

The NFL has suspended Patriots defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale the first two games of the 2022 regular season, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

www.nbcsports.com

Ekuale entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State in 2018, signing with the Browns. He spent much of his rookie season on Cleveland’s practice squad before making the 53-player roster in 2019.​

Ekuale played for the Jaguars in 2020. When Jacksonville cut him out of the preseason last summer, Ekuale signed with the Patriots’ practice squad.​

He has 22 tackles, three sacks and three quarterback hits in 23 games with five starts.​

June 13, 2024:

Patriots sign second-rounder Ja'Lynn Polk

The Patriots took care of a final bit of contractual business before moving into summer vacation mode.

www.nbcsports.com

Ja'Lynn Polk signs rookie deal with New England Patriots

Former Washington Huskies wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk inked his rookie contract with the New England Patriots on Thursday afternoon, becoming the final member of the team's eight-man draft class to do so. Executive vice president of pl

uwhuskieswire.usatoday.com

June 13, 2025:

 

[signbabybrady]

Speaking of Mel:

When 100 years old, you reach… Look as good, you will not.