Today In Patriots History June 17: John Mazur

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Pats 4th Head Coach​

In memory of John Mazur, born on this date 95 years ago
Born Hune 17, 1930 in Plymouth, Pennsylvania
Died November 1, 2013 in Mt Laurel, New Jersey at the age of 83
Boston Patriots Offensive Coordinator, 1969-1970; Interim Head Coach, 1970
New England Patriots Head Coach, 1971-1972

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

Plymouth High School-football and basketball Notre Dame quarterback 1949-1951 Led Irish to National Championship in 1949 Assistant coach at Tulane 1955-1959, Marquette and Boston College 1962 joined Buffalo Bills as assistant coach As offensive coordinator helped Bills win 3 Division and 2 AFL...

www.luzernecountysportshalloffame.com

John Mazur was a star player at Plymouth High School and Notre Dame, where he was a member of the 1949 national championship team. He quarterbacked the Irish from 1948 through 1951. Mazur served as assistant coach at Tulane from 1955 to 1959, and he also coached at Marquette and Boston University. In 1962, Lou Saban (the original coach of the Boston Patriots) hired him as assistant coach of the Buffalo Bills. Mazur became the offensive coordinator of the Bills and helped Buffalo to three division titles and two AFL championships. In 1969, he became offensive coordinator of the Boston Patriots, and he was named head coach in 1970, succeeding Clive Rush. Mazur also coached for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets.​

At the time I did not like John Mazur at all. I equated him to losing - and lots of it. After all, the Patriots had a 9-21 record during his tenure. To be sure he made mistakes, but in retrospect he was also placed in a futile position. The Patriots had gone through several really bad drafts (see yesterday's 'Cat Ballou' entry, for example) while all the quality players from the good mid-sixties teams had retired or had slowed down to the point of being ineffective.


Mazur had an inexperienced 32-year old in his first (and last) job as general manager, and of course he also had Billy Sullivan and his kids running the show. Having to pick up the pieces from the destruction of the short-lived Clive Rush regime would have been difficult for anyone, but this was also in the era of no free agency and no salary cap, meaning any turnaround was going to take many years.

As head coach the ex-Marine thought being a hard-ass drill sargeant was the best approach, but at times he went too far with that - think for example, the whole Duane Thomas fiasco. But in 1971 Mazur's Patriots did give us Pats fans a few slim glimmers of hope. Specifically there was the week one 20-6 upset win at home over Oakland, in Jim Plunkett's debut for one. The Raiders were 14½-point favorites - on the road - and were coming off a year where they made it to the AFCCG, whereas the Pats were coming off a two-win season. The Pats also had a pair of nice late season wins. In week 12 the Patriots forced five turnovers to stun Miami - who would advance to the super bowl that season - in a 34-13 victory. And two weeks later the Patriots went on the road to defeat Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts, who were the defending NFL champions, on a thrilling Plunkett-to-Randy Vataha bomb for a 21-17 victory.

In November and December the Patriots went 4-3 to finish 6-8, their best season in five years, and there was hope. Unfortunately the team regressed the following season. Don Shula never let his foot off the gas and got revenge for the Pats having the audacity to defeat his Dolphins the previous year, and handed the Patriots their worst defeat in franchise history, 52-0. One day later Mazur resigned "for the good of the team".

GM Upton Bell got fired for wanting to fire John Mazur after his 1-6 record as the Pats interim head coach in 1970​

A year later Mazur joined Philadelphia's new head coach **** Vermeil as their defensive back coach. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1976, and should have stayed there; a couple years later the Eagles made it to the playoffs for the first time in 19 years, and then to the super bowl the following season. In 1977 Walt Michaels, who had been the Eagles previous DC, got a job as the head coach with the Jets, and offered Mazur the DC job with Gang Green. Mazur worked there for two years before retiring due to the debilitating effects of Parkinson's. Mazur would battle that disease throughout the rest of his life until he passed away in 2013 at the age of 83.

1971 Patriots Media Guide



1972 Patriots Media Guide

John Mazur -- CFLapedia

John Mazur Obituary (2013) - Wilkes Barre, PA - Citizens Voice

View John E. Mazur's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

John Mazur (1930-2013) - Find a Grave Memorial

Professional Football Coach. Born John Edward Mazur, he attended Plymouth High School in Pennsylvania and played collegiate football at the University of Notre Dame. While with the Fighting Irish under Hall of Fame coach Frank Leahy, Mazur experienced a national championship in 1949, as he split...

www.findagrave.com

John Mazur

John Mazur Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Stats, Coaching Records, Team Ranks, Coordinators, and more for John Mazur on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

John Mazur - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

For anyone that may wish to read about the history of the Patriots, I stumbled across a very detailed post on Sons of Sam Horn while searching for articles about John Mazur. It gives a very comprehensive history of the 20th century Patriots from the persective of a fan who was at the time, at the age of 15 "according to longtime Patriots beat writer Ron Hobson of The Quincy Patriot Ledger, the youngest season-ticket-holder in all of the professional sports".

When The Patriots Were The Punch Line - Alternative Title: Be Grateful, You Have No Frigging Idea How Bad They Once Were

I attended nearly every Boston/New England Patriots game from 1964 until ventured off to college in the autumn of 1973. For nine seasons, I saw the Pats play in four different venues in four different communities within the confines of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Some might say I was a...

sonsofsamhorn.net

Our own Bob George also had his perspective from this column written twenty years ago:

Remembering The Patriots From Whence They Came

Not even Bob Kraft was spared from the dark days of the Patriots.

www.patsfans.com

 

[jimnance]

Today in Patriots History
The Pats 4th Head Coach​

In memory of John Mazur, born on this date 95 years ago
Born Hune 17, 1930 in Plymouth, Pennsylvania
Died November 1, 2013 in Mt Laurel, New Jersey at the age of 83
Boston Patriots Offensive Coordinator, 1969-1970; Interim Head Coach, 1970
New England Patriots Head Coach, 1971-1972

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

Plymouth High School-football and basketball Notre Dame quarterback 1949-1951 Led Irish to National Championship in 1949 Assistant coach at Tulane 1955-1959, Marquette and Boston College 1962 joined Buffalo Bills as assistant coach As offensive coordinator helped Bills win 3 Division and 2 AFL...

www.luzernecountysportshalloffame.com

John Mazur was a star player at Plymouth High School and Notre Dame, where he was a member of the 1949 national championship team. He quarterbacked the Irish from 1948 through 1951. Mazur served as assistant coach at Tulane from 1955 to 1959, and he also coached at Marquette and Boston University. In 1962, Lou Saban (the original coach of the Boston Patriots) hired him as assistant coach of the Buffalo Bills. Mazur became the offensive coordinator of the Bills and helped Buffalo to three division titles and two AFL championships. In 1969, he became offensive coordinator of the Boston Patriots, and he was named head coach in 1970, succeeding Clive Rush. Mazur also coached for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets.​

At the time I did not like John Mazur at all. I equated him to losing - and lots of it. After all, the Patriots had a 9-21 record during his tenure. To be sure he made mistakes, but in retrospect he was also placed in a futile position. The Patriots had gone through several really bad drafts (see yesterday's 'Cat Ballou' entry, for example) while all the quality players from the good mid-sixties teams had retired or had slowed down to the point of being ineffective.


Mazur had an inexperienced 32-year old in his first (and last) job as general manager, and of course he also had Billy Sullivan and his kids running the show. Having to pick up the pieces from the destruction of the short-lived Clive Rush regime would have been difficult for anyone, but this was also in the era of no free agency and no salary cap, meaning any turnaround was going to take many years.

As head coach the ex-Marine thought being a hard-ass drill sargeant was the best approach, but at times he went too far with that - think for example, the whole Duane Thomas fiasco. But in 1971 Mazur's Patriots did give us Pats fans a few slim glimmers of hope. Specifically there was the week one 20-6 upset win at home over Oakland, in Jim Plunkett's debut for one. The Raiders were 14½-point favorites - on the road - and were coming off a year where they made it to the AFCCG, whereas the Pats were coming off a two-win season. The Pats also had a pair of nice late season wins. In week 12 the Patriots forced five turnovers to stun Miami - who would advance to the super bowl that season - in a 34-13 victory. And two weeks later the Patriots went on the road to defeat Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts, who were the defending NFL champions, on a thrilling Plunkett-to-Randy Vataha bomb for a 21-17 victory.

In November and December the Patriots went 4-3 to finish 6-8, their best season in five years, and there was hope. Unfortunately the team regressed the following season. Don Shula never let his foot off the gas and got revenge for the Pats having the audacity to defeat his Dolphins the previous year, and handed the Patriots their worst defeat in franchise history, 52-0. One day later Mazur resigned "for the good of the team".

GM Upton Bell got fired for wanting to fire John Mazur after his 1-6 record as the Pats interim head coach in 1970​

A year later Mazur joined Philadelphia's new head coach **** Vermeil as their defensive back coach. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1976, and should have stayed there; the Eagles won the super bowl a few years later. In 1977 Walt Michaels, who had been the Eagles previous DC, got a job as the head coach with the Jets, and offered Mazur the DC job with Gang Green. Mazur worked there for two years before retiring due to the debilitating effects of Parkinson's. Mazur would battle that disease throughout the rest of his life until he passed away in 2013 at the age of 83.

1971 Patriots Media Guide



1972 Patriots Media Guide

John Mazur -- CFLapedia

John Mazur Obituary (2013) - Wilkes Barre, PA - Citizens Voice

View John E. Mazur's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

John Mazur (1930-2013) - Find a Grave Memorial

Professional Football Coach. Born John Edward Mazur, he attended Plymouth High School in Pennsylvania and played collegiate football at the University of Notre Dame. While with the Fighting Irish under Hall of Fame coach Frank Leahy, Mazur experienced a national championship in 1949, as he split...

www.findagrave.com

John Mazur

John Mazur Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Stats, Coaching Records, Team Ranks, Coordinators, and more for John Mazur on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

John Mazur - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I'm very appreciative for what you do
@jmt57. Really enjoy these.
Don't mean to nitpick but Eagles didn't win a SB until Feb. 2018.

 

[jmt57]

Not Patriots related (unless you count the fight with Mel Lunsford, or his breaking the single-season rushing yardage record thanks to two games against the 1973 Pats defense), but today is also the 31st anniversary of the ridiculous OJ Simpson low-speed chase that captivated the entire nation.

 

[jmt57]

I'm very appreciative for what you do
@jmt57. Really enjoy these.
Don't mean to nitpick but Eagles didn't win a SB until Feb. 2018.

Ooh, that's right, good catch. Vermeil got them close but not over the finish line.


Thanks for the kind words.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Taking a Flyer on Fat Albert Failed​

Today is Albert Haynesworth's 44th birthday
Born June 17, 1981 in Hartsville, South Carolina
Patriot defensive tackle, 2011; uniform #92
Acquired in a trade with Washington on July 28, 2011, for a 2013 fifth round pick
Pats résumé: one season, six games; three tackles, three QB hits


The 15th overall pick of the 2002 draft is most well known for his dirty play. At training camp in Tennessee he once kicked a teammate in the chest. Then in a game against the Cowboys, Haynesworth took off center Andre Gurode's helmet, and after missing on his first swing he stomped on his face, resulting in 30 stitches. Roger Goodell suspended Haynesworth a mere five games for that infraction. (Consider if you will that in comparison, the Komissar has suspended Tom Brady, Julian Edelman and Ben Watson four games each for alleged infractions that are not remotely as close in terms of egregiousness.) The Titans had finally seen enough and released Haynesworth, even though it meant eating $5.5 million in cap space - a very large percentage at that time. That didn't stop other NFL teams from drooling over the two-time All Pro and 2008 Defensive Player of the Year when he hit free agency though.

6'6, 350 lb Albert George Haynesworth III signed a seven year, $100 million contract with Washington - even though Tampa Bay offered $120 million in no-state income tax Florida. Haynesworth didn't like playing in a 3-4 in DC, clashed with coaches, and was eventually suspended. After two seasons Washington traded Haynesworth to the Patriots for a fifth round pick two years down the road.


May 26, 2010:
Albert Haynesworth's Lawsuit Is Another Headache for Washington Redskins

Silvia Mena, a stripper from New York, is claiming in a $10 million lawsuit that Haynesworth made her pregnant four months ago and then left her with no financial assistance.​

Haynesworth is still facing a multimillion-dollar lawsuit from Corey Edmonson, a man who was left partially paralyzed as a result of Big Al's reckless driving on I-65 in Tennessee. Haynesworth was driving his Ferrari at speeds in excess of 100 mph when he struck Edmonson's vehicle and sent it smashing into a concrete barrier.​

Haynesworth never offered to help pay for Edmonson's medical bills, and he didn't admit responsibility to the incident. The Edmonson tragedy happened shortly after Haynesworth had already been placed on probation for driving at excessive speeds on the same stretch of interstate.​

In addition to Haynesworth's off-the-field troubles, nobody can forget the Andre Gurode face-cleating. Haynesworth seriously crossed the line with that dirty maneuver.​

June 22, 2010:
Albert Haynesworth sued by Tennessee bank -- Washington Post

Clayton Bank & Trust has sued Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth in Knox County, Tennessee, alleging that Haynesworth has failed to make payments on a loan in the amount of more than $2.38 million.​

According to the suit filed in the Knox County Chancery Court on June 18, Haynesworth entered a commercial loan agreement for the original principal amount of $2,381,688.58 on June 27, 2009.​

On February 27, 2009 the two parties entered into an Extension Agreement with an effective date of February 27, 2010, according to the suit.​

Haynesworth has failed to make payments in accordance with the agreement, according to the suit, and Clayton Bank & Trust is seeking just more than $2.4 million​

July 29, 2010:
Albert Haynesworth fails to complete second part of conditioning test -- Washington Post

Report: Albert Haynesworth Just A Mound Of Ice Cream And Hot Dogs

www.theonion.com

Dec 7, 2010:
Five Worst Moments of the Haynesworth Era -- Washington Post

April 27, 2011:

Albert Haynesworth offered plea deal

Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth allegedly slid his credit card into the bra of a waitress and then touched her breast, according to court papers filed Wednesday offering Haynesworth a plea deal in the sexual abuse case.

www.espn.com

Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth allegedly slid his credit card into the bra of a waitress and then touched her breast, according to court papers filed Wednesday offering Haynesworth a plea deal in the sexual abuse case.​

Haynesworth had a tumultuous 2010 season with the Redskins that ended when he was suspended without pay for the final four games of the season for "conduct detrimental to the club." He has constantly feuded with coach Mike Shanahan, skipped offseason workouts and failed to pass a conditioning test at the start of training camp. He did not start a game last season, despite being in the second year of a seven-year, $100 million contract.​

Haynesworth is also currently facing charges in Virginia for allegedly punching a man during a road-rage assault. That trial is scheduled for May. At one point last summer, he was also involved in lawsuits from a bank, an exotic dancer, a man injured in an automobile accident and complaints from his ex-wife that he wasn't paying for her health insurance or their children's bills.​

The acquisition was a low risk, high upside move for New England - even after considering all the baggage. Haynesworth's 2011 salary was not exorbitant (it worked out to just $100,000 per game); Washington had already taken the brunt of the deal with the upfront money of a healthy signing bonus and guaranteed salary that had already been paid.

In a week 8 game against the Giants the officials missed a hold on Haynesworth. After protesting to no avail he seemed to completely lose all focus and intensity, and was beaten badly on each of the next three plays - the last of which resulted in a 10-yard touchdown run. Haynesworth was replaced on the next series and did not get back on the field again, and was seen having very animated words on the sideline with coach Pepper Johnson. Two days later Haynesworth was released.

Pats cut Albert Haynesworth

The Patriots have cut defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

www.espn.com

In his six games with the Patriots, Haynesworth was on the field for less than a quarter (133 of 561) of the team's defensive snaps, missing two games with a back injury; his stat line consisted of two tackles and one assist. Unable to beat Kyle Love for a starting position alongside Vince Wilfork, and with Gerard Warren and Ron Brace available for depth, Haynesworth was already expendable. The confrontation with Peppers after the poor play in the previous games made the decision an easy one.


While the popular perception is that trading for Haynesworth was a bad decision, in my humble opinion it was not. There was an imperceptible consequence on the salary cap - the pay was based on a per-game salary, with zero bonus and zero money guaranteed. The draft capital lost - two years down the road - was next to nothing. For context, the player drafted in that spot played a total of five NFL games. Yes, the trade did not work out - but to me the potential upside was well worth the risk, with the quick exit minimizing any potential negative effects.


Tampa Bay claimed Haynesworth off waivers after he was shown the door in Foxborough. He appeared in seven games with six starts for the Bucs in the remainder of the 2011 season. Tampa released Haynesworth as soon as the season was over, ending his pro football career.

'My kidneys are failing me;' former Patriots DT Albert Haynesworth in need of a donor

The former star NFL defensive lineman has been hospitalized with kidney failure.

www.masslive.com

Former Tennessee Titans DL Albert Haynesworth charged with domestic assault

Former Tennessee Titans All-Pro defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth was arrested Monday after he was accused of threatening and yelling at his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend.

www.espn.com

Meet the man whom ex-Titans star Albert Haynesworth calls an 'angel' for giving him a kidney

Zach Penny had known for years that he wanted to be a kidney donor. And in April, his kidney saved the life of former Titans star Albert Haynesworth.

www.usatoday.com

I signed record $100m NFL contract - but just three years later I was unemployed

ALBERT Haynesworth signed a $100million, seven-year NFL contract in 2009 – but was out of the league just three years later. The former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle, 42, has since claime…

www.the-sun.com

The Life And Career Of Albert Haynesworth (Story)

Albert Haynesworth was a Pro Bowl defensive tackle who spent 7 of his 10-year NFL career with the Tennessee Titans. This is his story.

www.profootballhistory.com

LOL, YouTube, are you serious? This is now deemed 'age-restricted'? . . . smh








​

Albert Haynesworth Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Albert Haynesworth Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Albert Haynesworth Transactions

Albert Haynesworth Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Albert Haynesworth contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $57,356,288

Albert Haynesworth - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Justin Bethel​

Happy 35th birthday to Justin Bethel
Born June 17, 1990 in Sumter, South Carolina; hometown Columbia, SC
Patriot special teamer/cornerback, 2019-2021; uniform #29
Signed as a veteran free agent on October 22, 2019
Pats résumé: three seasons, all 42 games; two playoff games


Prior to arriving in New England, Justin Bethel - a sixth round draft pick from FCS Presbyterian (South Carolina) - was a two-time first team All Pro and three-time Pro Bowl special teamer for Arizona. Bill Belichick, a lover of special team specialists, wasted no time whatsoever signing Bethel after he was released by Baltimore.

Ravens Release Bethel, Possibly Lose McPhee to Season-Ending Injury

The Baltimore Ravens released special team ace Justin Bethel to recoup a potential fourth-round compensatory pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Linebacker Pernell McPhee has a triceps injury that could end his season.

www.si.com

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh stated "Justin Bethel unfortunately had to be released because of a a funky rule the NFL has with these compensatory picks. A judgement has to be made for the future as well. ... I told [Bethel] I think he's the best special teams players in the NFL. He's playing that way. That's going to be a blow and we'll have to find a way to overcome that."​

Bethel led the team with six tackles on special teams. However, the Titans forced Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta to make a move when Tennessee cut former Ravens defensive end Brent Urban over the weekend. That roster decision nullified the fourth-round compensatory pick the Ravens acquired for losing wide receiver John Brown during free agency.​

By cutting Bethel prior to Week 10, the compensatory pick formula allows the Ravens to recoup the compensatory pick they lost when Urban was cut.​

Patriots acquire WR Mohamed Sanu from Falcons

The Patriots have acquired wide receiver Mohamed Sanu from the Falcons for a second-round draft pick. In an additional move Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with special teams ace Justin Bethel.

www.espn.com

The Patriots also signed veteran Justin Bethel, a three-time Pro Bowler as a special teamer. Bethel was released on Monday by the Baltimore Ravens despite having led the team in special-teams snaps, with the decision made because the club was at risk of losing a 2020 fourth-round compensatory draft pick if he remained on the roster.​

Bethel had signed a two-year, $4 million deal with the Ravens in the offseason. He replaces Jordan Richards in New England, as Richards was released Wednesday in a corresponding move.​

Just a few days later Bethel was playing against Harbaugh and the Ravens. In that game former Patriot CB and 2nd round draft bust Cyrus Jones - now a Raven - muffed a punt, and Bethel recovered at the Baltimore 20. Three plays later Tom Brady threw a TD to another new Patriot, WR Mohamed Sanu. Bethel was in on four consecutive special team plays that day: a tackle, a downed punt, the fumble recovery and another tackle.

Justin Bethel did not miss a single game while with the Patriots, a streak of 42 regular season games plus a pair of playoff games. He was on the field for 84% of special team snaps in 2019, 84% in 2020 and 79% in 2021. He had a stellar game against Dallas on October 17, 2021. Justin had two solo special team tackles, a forced fumble on punt coverage, and deflected a Zak Precott pass that resulted in an interception by Kyle Dugger.

​

The nice contract surely seemed like a positive at the time, but eventually it turned out to be the reverse. The size of the deal probably had something to do with Bethel's somewhat surprise release at the end of training camp a year later. He then played for Miami for two years. During his time with the Pats Justin had 28 special team tackles (23 solo) and two ST fumble recoveries, plus a blocked kick. In limited time (47 snaps) on defense he added four solo tackles, a pass defensed and a forced fumble. He became a free agent following the 2023 season, and remained unsigned through all of 2024. On January 8, 2025, after 12 seasons and 200 games, Justin Bethel announced his retirement from pro football.

Report: First surprise Patriots cut is core special teamer Justin Bethel

The veteran has been a standout since arriving in 2019.

www.masslive.com

Bill Belichick’s first surprise on cutdown day has arrived.​

The Patriots have released core special teamer Justin Bethel. Since arriving in 2019, Bethel had been a standout on special teams; he and Matthew Slater formed a ridiculously good tandem of gunners. That could be a sign that undrafted free agent Brenden Schooler is making the 53-man roster.​

By releasing Bethel, the Patriots save $1.15 million in cap space and put a dead hit of $883,333 on their books. As a vested veteran, he isn’t subjected to waivers and could re-sign with the team at a later date. New England has done that with Nick Folk and Brian Hoyer to save roster spots in recent years.​

At the time when Matthew Slater retired, Justin Bethel has the most career special team tackles of any active NFL player.


On a side note, Justin Bethel was planning on going to culinary school at Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island after graduating from high school, before his high school football coach got a job as coach at Presbyterian. Instead he remained in state, following his coach to play for the Blue Hose.
Cooking with Justin Bethel - video -- Patriots.com

​

Justin Bethel to be Inducted into Big South Hall of Fame – Class of 2024 - Presbyterian College

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – 2012 Presbyterian College graduate and 11-year National Football League veteran Justin Bethel has been named to the Big South Conference Hall of

gobluehose.com

Justin Bethel’s Road to the NFL -- Expanded Sports

Newly retired from the NFL, Justin Bethel looks back on how he beat all the odds

Blythewood graduate Justin Bethel was at his alma mater this weekend hosting a youth camp and 7-on-7 tournament.

www.wltx.com

Justin Bethel Becomes First PC Athlete to Be Inducted in Big South Hall of Fame - Presbyterian College

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. – On Thursday night, 2012 Presbyterian College graduate and 12-year National Football League veteran Justin Bethel made Blue Hose history by

gobluehose.com

NFL – Justbethel.com

justbethel.com

Justin Bethel Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Justin Bethel Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Justin Bethel Transactions

Justin Bethel Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Justin Bethel contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $22,098,783

Justin Bethel - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Doug Skene​

Happy 55th birthday to Doug Skene
Born June 17, 1970 in Fairview, Texas
Patriot right guard, 1993-1994; uniform #74
Signed off of New Orleans' practice squad on November 2, 1993
Pats résumé: two seasons, six games (six starts)


Doug Skene was an eighth round draft pick from Michigan by Philadelphia in 1993, and he spent most of his rookie season on the practice squads of the Eagles and Saints. The Patriots signed him in November but he was inactive for each of the Pats last eight games that season.

Skene outperformed Eugene Chung during the 1994 training camp and won the battle for the starting right guard position. He played well in the first six games, but then one play changed his career trajectory. In an October game against the Raiders he was making a block when 310 pound Chester McGlockton fell on the back of his knee, resulting in season-ending surgery. Skene came back in 1995 hoping to compete with Todd Rucci, who had finished the season at right guard. However the knee was still not 100%, and he elected to retire after being cut at the end of training camp.

October 10, 1994:

GUARD SKENE INJURES KNEE

Right guard Doug Skene left the game Sunday in the second quarter with torn ligaments in his left knee, the Patriots’ first major injury of the season. There was no immediate word on Skene’s condition. The injury may cause some…

www.courant.com

Right guard Doug Skene left the game Sunday in the second quarter with torn ligaments in his left knee, the Patriots’ first major injury of the season.​

There was no immediate word on Skene’s condition. The injury may cause some shuffling of the line, which has done a fine job of protecting quarterback Drew Bledsoe.​

Skene had beaten out Eugene Chung, a first-round draft pick in 1992. Chung has been inactive for four games this season.​

Todd Rucci, a second-round pick in 1993, replaced Skene Sunday and played the rest of the game.​

After his weight ballooned in his post-football career, Skene took up bicycle riding and dropped a whopping 50 pounds in six months. He began his post-football professional life as a route manager at Coca Cola, then worked for 13 years as sales manager in the Michigan-Ohio-Indiana territory for General Cigar Company. Since 2013 Doug has worked as a project sales manager for Allegion, a company that provides 'security around the door and adjacent areas, producing everything from mechanical locks to advanced biometric scanning devices'. In his off hours he also co-authors a podcast on Michigan Wolverine football.

Ex-NFL player loves to ride

There's a running joke between Doug Skene and his friends at the CycleFit Multisport store in Fenton. He tends to break things quicker than your average rider. That comes with the territory when you're a 6-foot-5, 300-pound former NFL lineman...

www.mlive.com

Doug Skene Offers Tremendous Analysis | mgoblog

I consider former OL Doug Skene to be the leading analyst when it comes to Michigan football. The guy provides cogent, thoughtful insight to the game better than any other commentator. He also has strong opinions on the program which shouldn’t be overlooked. A few snippets from his most recent...

mgoblog.com

LinkedIn -- Doug Skene

Doug Skene Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Doug Skene Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Doug Skene Transactions

Doug Skene - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Caught in the middle of
Brad Childress' feud with Bill Belichick​

Happy 41st birthday to David Herron
Born June 17, 1984 in Warren, Ohio
Patriot linebacker, 2007; uniform #51
Claimed off waivers from Minnesota on September 3, 2007
Pats résumé: one game (inactive)


Every year one or two undrafted rookies overcome tall odds and make the week one 53-man. In 2007 there were two players to achieve this feat. One was quarterback Matt Gutierrez, who had signed with the Patriots right after the draft. The other was David Herron, a linebacker from Michigan State. Herron had spent the summer with Minnesota, and was allegedly a pawn in a battle/bspn-drama between Bill Belichick and Viking coach Brad Childress.


Sept 6, 2007:

Waiver war: Childress, Belichick have tense conversation

Brad Childress opened up on a radio interview last weekend. And Childress revealed an apparently tense conversation he had with Bill Belichick about a couple of players each team wanted to pass through waivers and put on the practice squad.

www.espn.com

Vikings coach Brad Childress is the typical tight-lipped NFL coach, but he opened up on a radio interview last weekend. And Childress revealed an apparently tense conversation he had with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick about a couple players each team wanted to pass through waivers and put on the practice squad.​

Childress said Belichick called to ask him not to claim tight end Garrett Mills, offering to avoid picking up a player the Vikings cut as a reward. Childress declined.​

"He didn't really care for that," Childress said Sunday morning on WCCO-AM. "He was trying to leverage, but you always find out who is honest and straightforward."​

So the Vikings claimed Mills, the Patriots claimed linebacker David Herron, and Childress later realized he said too much.​

"That's a case of me being a little too colorful," he said at his Wednesday news conference. "You guys wonder why I stand up here and go, 'Yep, no, and maybe so.' Bill's and my conversation should stay between Bill and myself."​

While Herron did survive cutdown day - he took a roster spot made available with the release of WR Reche Caldwell - he never did play a single down for the Pats. Herron was waived on September 11, eight days after being claimed off waivers, to make room for Chad Brown. Herron re-signed with Minnesota to their practice squad a day later and the following year did start three games with the Vikings. He later played with the Chiefs and Chargers, appearing in 28 games over four seasons. A few years later his brother Dan also made it to the NFL as a running back with the Colts.


As for Brad Childress? Perhaps he should have taken his own advice, and learned when to keep his mouth shut.


First he and Minnesota fans took a premature victory lap when the Patriots traded Randy Moss to the Vikings in 2010 for a third round pick, gloating that the Pats had just handed their team the super bowl, and that he had totally swindled Bill Belichick with that trade. Instead the Vikes fell from 12-4 to 6-10, including a humbling 28-18 loss at Gillette that dropped their record to 2-5. Childress waived Moss after a mere four weeks in Minnesota, and Childress was fired three weeks after the loss to the Patriots.


Then three years after spygate occured, Childress felt compelled to talk to reporters and claim the Patriots were stealing his signals. I suppose that was his way of making himself feel blameless in his own feeble mind for actions that caused him to be fired.

Brad Childress and 'Mr. Noodle', Michael Jeter​

Belichick 1, Childress 0

Patriots coach takes new Vikings coach to school

www.postbulletin.com

Brad Childress Calls Out The New England Patriots

Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress said that the New England Patriots stole signs when the two teams last played in 2006, which has caused a stir locally.

www.cbsnews.com

The First Mismatch of the NFL Season - Boston Magazine

There’s been an entertaining little spat between the H.C. of your New England Patriots and Minnesota Viking coach Brad Childress, a man who is notable […]

www.bostonmagazine.com

Chilly v. Belichick

<div><a href=" "><!-- image removed --></a></div> <strong>Brad Childress</strong> <a href=" &qu...

thevikingage.com

Belichick doesn't respond to Childress comments

Patriots coach Bill Belichick avoided the issue when asked to respond today to comments made by Vikings coach Brad Childress yesterday that the Patriots were among the league’s best sign-stealers in the days when hand signals were used in the NFL. “Right now, we’re just trying to focus on the...

www.boston.com

Opinion on Belichick & Childress

One of the first thoughts that came to mind when reading Vikings coach Brad Childress' remarks about the Patriots being "the all-time great signal stealers" was how it would be received by Bill Belichick.

www.espn.com

Brad Childress On Patriots: 'Great Signal Stealers'

Brad Childress and Bill Belichick had never exactly been friends, and the Vikings coach didn't waste much time in sparking up some more animosity on Monday, calling the Patriots "some of the...

boston.sbnation.com

Bill Belichick Unfazed by Brad Childress' Sign-Stealing Comments, 'Not Worried About 2006' - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — Bill Belichick shared a funny exchange with a reporter Wednesday afternoon regarding Minnesota head coach Brad Childress‘ chilly comments directed toward the Patriots. Childress called the Patriots some of the all-time great sign stealers in reference to the Spygate incident...

nesn.com

Brad Childress backs off accusations

Vikings coach Brad Childress opened a can of worms when he revisited Cameragate episode by accusing the Patriots of sign-stealing in 2006. It drew no public response from the Patriots, but no doubt, it probably didn’t make them feel great p…

www.bostonherald.com

Coach laments Randy Moss trade

Brad Childress calls the acquisition of receiver Randy Moss "a poor decision."

www.espn.com

Wojciechowski: Chilly Minnesota December

If any of the Vikings deserves to be benched, it's coach Brad Childress. He's the one who unnecessarily inserted a question mark into a team that used to have most of the answers, Gene Wojciechowski writes.

www.espn.com

Deadspin | Former Viking Would Very Much Like To Hit Brad Childress In The Head

Deadspin | Former Viking Would Very Much Like To Hit Brad Childress In The Head

deadspin.com

Rand: Ugly player exits from the Vikings become a trend

www.startribune.com

Player Bio: David Herron -- MSU Spartans

David Herron Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- David Herron Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- David Herron Transactions

David Herron - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other June 17 Birthdays​

Happy 86th birthday to Wilson Lathan
Born June 17, 1939 in Charleston, West Virginia
Patriot guard, 1961 offseason
Pats résumé: one training camp

In 1961 the roster size for American Football League was just 35 players, so if you were not a starter your chances of making the club were slim. The '61 Pats returned Charley Leo at left guard, and he would go on to become an AFL All-Star that season. Veteran Tony Sardisco took over at right guard, and both guards named Jack Davis were replaced. Rookie Houston Antwine became the backup, before being moved to defense in 1962. Willie Perkins stuck around on the taxi squad, and Wilson Lathan was released in August.

Lathan would play some minor league football for the Akron Pros and Canton Bulldogs in the old United Football League from 1961 to 1963, but that was the extent of his professional football career.

Wilson Samuel Lathan, Jr. (1990) - Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame - Marshall University Athletics

Marshall University Athletics

herdzone.com

During the 1959 and 1960 seasons, lineman Wilson Zenobia Lathan Jr. rarely left the field for Coach Charlie Snyder’s Marshall football teams. The 6-foot, 205-pound lineman was originally recruited to Marshall by Coach Herb Royer out of Charleston’s Stonewall Jackson High School, played on both offense and defense. He was known as one of the strongest and quickest linemen in the Mid-American Conference. Lathan was named a first team all-league honoree by the Associated Press as a junior, a year in which he recovered a fumble for a touchdown against Kent State. He then received second team All-MAC accolades in voting by the league coaches after his senior season, a year in which Lathan became the first African-American to be named a captain for the Marshall football team. Lathan was inducted into the Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990.

1961 Boston Patriots Roster & Players | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Check out the 1961 Boston Patriots Roster, Players , Starters and more on Pro-Football-Reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Wilson Lathan Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Wilson Lathan Transactions

One very important draft pick trade involving a player born on June 17:

- Kyle Boller, 44 (June 17, 1981)
Brian Billick was so desperate for a QB - after the Ravens won the super bowl in 2000 in spite of, rather than because of Trent Dilfer in 2000, then regressed first with veteran Elvis Grbac in 2001 and then Tony Banks in 2002, that he was enamored with whatever new shint object he saw. In this case that was Kyle Boller, who had thrown for 2,815 yards and 28 touchdowns at Cal.

Billick lusted for Boller, so the Ravens traded away their 2004 first round pick in order to move up from #41 to #19 in the 2003 draft, in order to select Boller.

The Pats used the 2003 pick in a trade with Houston that allowed them to draft Eugene Wilson, and then selected Vince Wilfork with the Ravens' first rounder in 2004. Boller went 20-27 as a starting QB - and it directly led to Billick's being replaced as head coach in Baltimore, in part because of the contrast in productivity between Boller and Wilfork.

Retro Ravens: Kyle Boller is Drafted in 2003 - Baltimore Gridiron Report

When I decided to start to write this semi-weekly segment I thought about the opportunity to not only bring up some of the more classic players or moments in Ravens history but also explore and present some that are a bit more obscure. Today is not that day. It seems only fitting with the NFL...

www.baltimoregridironreport.com

Other pro football players born on this date with New England connections:
- Alec Anderson (6/17/94-11/14/53);
Somerville native who went to Boston College and Holy Cross.
Anderson was a guard who played briefly for the 1921 Washington (football) Senators.

- Jon Jenkins (6/17/26 - 6/30/99); Dartmouth alum was a tackle with the Colts and New York Yanks in 1949 (AAFC) and 1950 (NFL, after the two leagues merged).

The 1948 Team: Changing Times - Dartmouth College Athletics

Dartmouth's 1948 football season was a beginning and an end. The restoration of traditional college campus life after the turmoil of World War II was virtually complete.

www.dartmouthsports.com

- Ed Smith (6/17/13-1/29/98);
The man with a very generic name was a FB/QB/DB for the 1936 Boston Redskins.




Some other pro football players born on June 17:
- Elroy 'Crazy Legs' Hirsch (6/17/23-1/28/04)
Hall of Fame end/halfback had an absolutely unheard of at that time season in 1951, catching 66 passes for 1,495 yards, averaging 22.7 yards per receptions and scoring 17 receiving touchdowns - in just 12 games.

Elroy (Crazylegs) Hirsch | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

- Bobby Bell, 85 (6/17/40)
Nine-time Pro Bowl, Hall of Fame linebacker for the Chiefs played in 168 games, with 26 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries and nine touchdowns - including one on a kick return!

Bobby Bell | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

- Dermontti Dawson, 60 (6/17/65)
Hall of Fame center was a six-time All Pro anchor for the Steelers in the nineties.

Dermontti Dawson | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

- Jason Hanson, 55 (6/17/70)
Kicker played in 333 games for the Lions and scored 2,150 points, which ranks as fourth most in NFL history.

Ex-Lion Jason Hanson gives the boot to idea of Hall of Fame election

Longtime Detroit placekicker’s eligibility for Canton approaching: ‘Honestly, I don’t think about that stuff’

www.freep.com

- Wayne Hawkins (6/17/38-7/28/22)
The Raider guard was named to five consecutive All Star teams but sadly suffered from dementia and CTE for several years prior to his passing.

A Hall of Fame Comparison - WAYNE HAWKINS

There is a feeling among AFL fans that the American Football League players are consistently overlooked for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In truth there are many players, the bulk of whose careers were spent in the AFL, that deserve serious consideration, if not outright...

talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com

Wayne Hawkins, key member of Oakland Raiders in the 1960s, dies at 84

Hawkins, a Rancho Mirage resident, is one of a handful of players to play in all 10 years of the American Football League

www.desertsun.com

- Ray Seals (6/17/65-4/04/25)
With the exception of Otis Sistrunk, Seals is probably the best post-merger position player that never went to college. Seals was a defensive end from 1989-97 for the Bucs, Steelers and Panthers.

Ray Seals, who became an NFL starter without going to college, dies at 59

Ray Seals, who became notable for making it to the NFL without ever going to college, has died at the age of 59.

www.nbcsports.com

GSSHOF | Ray Seals

Henninger High School alum and former NFL defensive end, Ray Seals, was selected as an inductee to the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame - Class of 2016.

www.greatersyracusesportshalloffame.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century June 17 News​

June 17, 1975:
Jess Richardson passes away from kidney disease at the age of 44

Jess Richardson played with the Eagles from 1953 to 1961 before joining for the Pats for three years. He played in 42 games (36 starts) for the Boston Patriots, plus two playoff games, with 6½ sacks. Over the course of his career Richardson played in 139 regular season games (with 110 starts), plus three postseason games.

After retiring as a player Richardson remained with the Boston Patriots as their defensive line coach, from 1965 to 1969.



Richardson may be most well known for being the last lineman to play pro football without a faceguard.

Last Players To Not Wear Facemask

LOOKING BACK By John Turney In 1990s Don Daly's and Bob O'Donnell volume The Pro Football Chronicle reported that Jess Richardson w...

nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com

Jess Richardson "Last of an Era" | Helmut Hut

High school star, collegiate standout, a pro football draft choice with a career that spanned twelve seasons, and a respected coaching resume that had more longevity than most, gave Jesse Richardson a luster appreciated by all who knew him and perhaps envied by some. However if ever a man had to deal with setback and sorrow, Richardson proved he was a resilient individual who could in fact overcome the worst that life and athletics could throw at him.​

A two-way line standout at Philadelphia’s Roxborough High School, he enjoyed a high school career that brought honors and recognition of his talent that has left him on a number of “All Time…” all star lists for both Pennsylvania and Philadelphia area high school football players. As the leader for the Roxborough 49ers, he earned All Public School honors and a scholarship to the University of Alabama where he lettered for three seasons and was a key component as a defensive guard in the Tide’s 61-6 win over Syracuse in the January 1st, 1953 Orange Bowl. The decisive victory was termed “the most lopsided win in bowl history” to that point in time and Richardson enjoyed national exposure as it was the inaugural television broadcast of a major college bowl game. “Big Jess” became an eighth round draft pick of his hometown Philadelphia Eagles and his 6’2”, 235 pound frame quietly but very effectively controlled the interior of the Eagles line for many seasons. Richardson suffered a devastating injury that tore knee ligaments early in 1957, the type of injury that was most often not resolved with the available surgical techniques.​

Against all odds, he battled back, strengthened his knee and lower body, and was again in the starting lineup for the ’58 season. In order to be as fast and quick as possible, Richardson played with minimal protection. He would not wear pads under his uniform and insisted on the smallest sized shoulder pads that would fit his muscular torso. As part of his “sleek and swift” approach to the game and his appearance, he refused to wear a facemask, even after the National Football League rules were changed to include it as a mandatory part of the game uniform. Richardson would go through most of his entire career without a mask and retire as the last NFL lineman with that distinction. As noted football researcher and author John Maxymuk pointed out in the very first sentences about Richardson in his book, Eagles By The Numbers, “Even though he was the last lineman in the league to play without wearing a facemask, Jess Richardson never lost a tooth. His nose wasn’t so lucky. He broke that so many times that he would reset it himself by going in the shower, smearing his nose with Vaseline, and rubbing up and down along the sides of his nose till he felt everything was back in place.” In addition to his desire to move as fast as possible, Richardson believed that a facemask would interfere with his peripheral vision because of his “deep-set, narrow eyes.” Whatever his true motivation, Big Jess was “grandfathered” by the league and was never required to don a mask.​

Interestingly, for a player who went about the business of raising Hell in the middle of the defensive line of a rugged if unspectacular 1950’s Eagles defense, Richardson, even without facial protection, was known to engage in some “extracurricular” activity that included an errant elbow or punch. Filling out to 260 pounds, he was the Eagles Defensive Most Valuable Player in 1955, and came back from his horrid 1957 injury with a Second Team All Pro nomination and Pro Bowl appearance in ’59. Helping the more heralded Chuck Bednarik, Maxie Baughn, Bob Pellegrini, and Tom Brookshier on Philly’s run to the 1960 NFL Championship, Jess suffered through the death of his seven week old infant just days prior to the game with the Packers. He still played and helped to secure the crown for the Eagles. During the latter part of 1961, new Coach Nick Skorich removed Richardson as a starter and then cut him in ‘62’s training camp. Jess immediately hooked onto the Boston Patriots squad, fought through a bout of hepatitis, and became a contributor along the defensive front. Despite advancing age, Jess’ willingness to mix it up in the middle of the action didn’t change. Because he was guilty of physical contact with an official during a “discussion” over a call, he was tossed from the game and hit with what was then a record $500.00 fine. So popular was this rather under publicized defensive lineman, that the Boston fans passed the hat around the stadium and presented Jess with the fine money after the game. His injuries finally caught up with him. He saw limited action in the Patriots’ loss to the Chargers in the 1963 AFL Championship game, and finally called it quits at the conclusion of the ’64 season. He continued to serve the franchise as their defensive line coach until leaving for a similar position with the ’71 Eagles under head coach and former Philadelphia teammate Ed Khayat.​

1969 Patriots Media Guide

Jess Richardson (1930-1975) - Find a Grave...

Professional Football Player. For eleven seasons (1953 to 1956, 1958 to 1964), he played at the defensive tackle position in the National and American Football Leagues with the Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Patriots. Born Jesse William Richardson, he attended Philadelphia's Roxborough High...

www.findagrave.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
21st Century June 17 News​

June 17, 2004:
Bruschi signs extension -- Patriots.com

The 31-year-old linebacker could have become a free agent following the 2004 campaign, but the new deal that reportedly has a total value of $8.1 million and includes a $3.5 million signing bonus, was enough to keep the eight-year veteran from testing the open market.​

A former 1996 third-round draft pick out of Arizona, Bruschi had his best season as a professional a year ago earning second-team All-Pro recognition from the Associated Press. The defensive co-captain started all 16 games at inside linebacker for the Patriots in 2004, as well as the team's three postseason contests. He finished the regular season ranked second on the team with 137 tackles, adding two sacks, three interceptions, 16 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.​

A former college defensive lineman, Bruschi has started 72-of-120 games played in his eight seasons in Foxboro. A versatile player, the 6-1, 247-pounder has been a key contributor on the outside and inside defensively as well as on special teams with the Patriots. His career totals include 640 tackles, 21.5 sacks, eight interceptions, 43 passes defensed, 14 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 48 special teams tackles.​

Patriots extend Bruschi's contract

FOXBORO -- The New England Patriots have signed linebacker Tedy Bruschi to a contract extension through 2007. Bruschi, who acts as his own agent, was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2004…

www.southcoasttoday.com

Bruschi, who acts as his own agent, was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2004 season. The new deal includes a total base salary of $4.6 million over the next four years, according to the web site of the NFL Players Association.​

According to the NFLPA, Bruschi's new deal carries a salary for 2004 of $700,000. His base pay increases to $850,000 in 2005, $1.35 million in 2006 and $1.7 million in 2007.​

Bruschi, 31, was the team's third-round draft choice in 1996. He was second on the team with 137 tackles last season, with two sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.​

He also scored two touchdowns, and one of them earned him a permanent place in Patriots' lore. After intercepting Miami's Jay Fiedler for the clinching touchdown in a 12-0 victory over the Dolphins on Dec. 7, Bruschi dropped to his knees as teammates swarmed around him.​

The crowd responded by throwing fistfuls of snow in the air, giving the appearance of frosty fireworks.​

June 17, 2013:

Patriots sign RB George Winn

By Shalise Manza Young, Globe Staff The Patriots have signed rookie running back George Winn. Winn, who is 5 feet 10 inches, 218 pounds, was not drafted out of Cincinnati but was signed by the Texans. Houston released him a couple of weeks later. As a starter in college in 2012, Winn had 243...

www.boston.com

The Patriots have signed rookie running back George Winn.​

Winn, who is 5 feet 10 inches, 218 pounds, was not drafted out of Cincinnati but was signed by the Texans. Houston released him a couple of weeks later. As a starter in college in 2012, Winn had 243 carries for 1,334 yards and 13 touchdowns.​

Winn was recruited to Cincinnati by Massachusetts native and current Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, and is a cousin of former NFL receiver Derrick Mason.​

June 17, 2014:

New England Patriots Sign Rookie Defensive Tackle Seali'i Epenesa - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots fans hoping that their team would sign a veteran free-agent tight end were disappointed on Tuesday. The Patriots filled their open spot on the 90-man roster by signing rookie free-agent defensive tackle Seali’i Epenesa. Epenesa went undrafted out of UCLA...

nesn.com

New England Patriots fans hoping that their team would sign a veteran free-agent tight end were disappointed on Tuesday. The Patriots filled their open spot on the 90-man roster by signing rookie free-agent defensive tackle Seali’i Epenesa.​

Epenesa went undrafted out of UCLA. The 6-foot-1, 310-pounder ran a 5.25-second 40-yard dash at UCLA’s pro day in March. He clocked a 7.68-second three-cone and 4.68-second short shuttle with a 29.5-inch vertical leap and 8-foot-3 broad jump.​

Epenesa recorded 16 tackles and one sack last season in 12 games with seven starts. He started 10 games in 2012 as a junior.​

Epenesa will compete for a roster spot with fellow undrafted rookie defensive tackle L.T. Tuipulotu.​

The former UCLA Bruin lasted four days before he was cut.




June 17, 2021:

Patriots Sign R.J. Prince; Release Aguayo, Farnsworth

The New England Patriots add depth on their offensive line, while parting with a pair of specialists.

www.si.com

The Patriots add depth on their offensive line, while parting with a pair of specialists​

The New England Patriots have made a few roster moves in the wake of wrapping up their three-day 2021 mandatory minicamp.​

The team has announced the signing of offensive lineman R.J. Prince, while also releasing kicker Roberto Aguayo and long snapper Wes Farnsworth. The addition of Prince, along with the release of Farnsworth and Aguayo leaves New England’s current roster count at 89.​

Prince entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018, having played his collegiate career at North Carolina. He made 23 starts at guard over the course of his junior and senior years with the Tar Heels. At the pro level, he has played for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. Prince ended the 2020 season as a member of Baltimore’s practice squad. The 26-year-old participated in Patriots minicamp this week on a tryout basis.​

Aguayo began his NFL career as a 2016 second-round draft choice by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, out of Florida State. He made appearances for the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers before signing with the Patriots practice squad in December of 2020. The 27-year-old had been competing for a spot on New England’s depth chart, along with veteran Nick Folk and rookie Quinn Nordin.​

Farnsworth, 24, joined the Patriots during organized team activities in May. The 24-year-old played his collegiate football at the University of Nevada. He appeared in 25 games, and was given the Captain’s Award by the team at the end of his senior year. Farnsworth entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019, signing with the Miami Dolphins. Following his release from the Dolphins, Farnsworth signed a future contract with the Denver Broncos for the 2020 season. However, he was released from the team in August.​

June 17, 2024:

Patriots release young offensive lineman

The Patriots have opened up a roster spot after releasing a young offensive lineman

www.masslive.com

The Patriots are done with their spring workouts but aren’t finished making roster moves.​

On Monday, the team released guard Ryan Johnson, who’s an undrafted rookie free agent out of Youngstown State. This transaction puts the Patriots at 89 players and that means they’ve opened up one roster spot.​

Johnson, 23, was part of the Patriots initial undrafted free-agent class. The 6-foot-2, 306-pounder played both guard and tackle in college. He began his collegiate career at Duquesne (2019-20) before transferring to Youngstown State. Johnson came to the Patriots and practiced at guard at OTAs and minicamp, which ended last week.​

The Patriots have an interesting roster battle going on at the guard position. In minicamp, the team moved Michael Onwenu from right tackle to right guard. The team has also been using Sidy Sow at left guard. Last season, Sow started at right guard.​

The Patriots also rotated Michael Jordan (right guard), Nick Leverett (left guard), and Antonio Mafi (left guard) in at different guard spots. The team also drafted guard Layden Robinson with their first pick in the fourth round. Robinson was rotating in at right guard during the spring.​

A lot of the maneuvering is due to the team being without Cole Strange, the team’s starting left guard. Strange reportedly suffered a torn patellar tendon and could miss a portion of this upcoming season.​

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Brad Childress​

 

[jimnance]

Thanks for the kind words.

Well -deserved