Today In Patriots History June 20: Happy Birthday to Dave Rowe

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Six Degrees of Dave Rowe​

Happy 80th birthday to Dave Rowe
Born June 20, 1945 in Neptune, New Jersey; hometown Deptford, NJ
Patriot defensive tackle, 1971-1973; uniform #76
Acquired in a trade with the Houston Oilers for OT Tom Funchess on September 7, 1971
Pats résumé: three seasons, 42 games (33 starts); six sacks


Dave Rowe was the Pats starting left defensive tackle for three seasons, appearing in all 42 of those games - but that doesn't come close to qualifying for tops of the most memorable moments of his lifetime. After playing with three losing teams (Saints, Pats, Chargers), the 6'7 Rowe was traded to the Raiders in 1975. He started for Oakland when they beat the Patriots in the Ben Dreith Game, and went on to win the Super Bowl.


Previously Rowe was also a member of the first Penn State team coached by Joe Paterno, and he was also one of the linemen who blocked on Tom Dempsey's historic 63-yard field goal for the Saints.

In '74 the Patriots switched to a 3-4 defense, and Mel Lunsford became a new starter on the line. That led to an August 23, 1974 trade where the Pats traded Rowe to the Chargers for a 1975 sixth round draft pick. A month later San Diego traded him to Oakland, where he played for three seasons; Rowe finished his 12-year NFL career in 1978 with the Baltimore Colts.


In a post-football career as a sports broadcaster that spanned thirty years, David Homeyer Rowe is most well known for a 1987 game when he was the color analyst.


In 1977 Gayle Sierens was hired by a Tampa NBC affiliate out of Florida State as a sports reporter, who developed a positive reputation for breaking big local sports news. Her popularity resulted in the station promoting her to co-anchor of their two evening weekday newscasts in 1985, and ratings increased. Two years later NBC hired her to become the first woman to ever perform the play-by-play commentary for an NFL regular season game - a late season contest between the Seahawks and Chiefs - with Dave Rowe providing the commentary. NBC thought the pair performed their duties very well and wanted them to continue, but the local Tampa station prevented her from doing so due to a contract dispute. Despite the fact that Sierens handled the duties far better than many male counterparts, it would be thirty years before another woman would announce an NFL game.


Rowe is a devout Christian and co-founded the Professional Athletes Outreach ministry with eleven other NFL players; he also spoke on two of Billy Graham's crusades, and attended a White House prayer breakfast.

Aug 11, 1973: Patriot defensive tackles Dennis Wirgowski and Dave Rowe sign autographs at a pre-season practice

1973 Patriots Media Guide

Former NFL player Dave Rowe brings laughs, faith to Gloucester County Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

Faith is part of the reason Dave Rowe — a Deptford High School and Penn State grad — was chosen to be the keynote speaker at the 21st annual event, sponsored by the YMCA of Gloucester County and the Gloucester County Mayors’ Association.

www.nj.com

Considered a “gentle giant” in high school who had to be prodded by Pickens to be tougher on the gridiron, Rowe toughened up sufficiently to enjoy a highly successful career in football.​

In fact, the 1967 PSU graduate is a footnote to Joe Paterno’s remarkable Penn State coaching career. Recruited out of Deptford, Rowe became the first Nittany Lion drafted into the NFL during Paterno’s first coaching season. Under Paterno, more than 300 players were drafted.​

Rowe made the Pro Bowl, was named All-Pro for the 1969 and 1970 NFL seasons, and played for the 1977 Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders.​

After retiring as a player, Rowe immediately entered the broadcasting arena, spending 10 years doing color for NBC Sports.​

For 19 seasons, he worked the Southwest and Southeastern conferences for Raycom Sports, Jefferson Pilot Sports, and Lincoln Financial Sports.​

Rowe broadcast more than 350 games including 10 NFL playoff games and the Liberty, Blockbuster, Gator, All-American, Freedom, and Fiesta bowls.​

His last football broadcast, a Georgia game for FOX Sports, received an Emmy.​

He retired from Randolph EMC (Asheboro, N.C.) as manager of member and public relations in 2009.​

Gayle Sierens, first woman to call NFL regular season game, speaks with News about breaking barriers

Timing is everything. In 1987, a Tampa sportscaster-turned news anchor became the first woman to call an NFL regular season game. Sitting alongside color analyst Dave Rowe, Gayle Sierens did play-by-play for Seahawks-Chiefs in Kansas City…

www.nydailynews.com

Gayle Sierens Was First And Only Woman to Call NFL Play-by-Play

Calling games continues to be predominantly a male world at the high school and college levels, especially in football, and as a result, few women get the opportunity to develop for the precious jobs…

www.theledger.com

Dave Rowe Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Dave Rowe Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Dave Rowe Transactions

Dave Rowe (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Six Degrees of Dave Rowe​

Happy 80th birthday to Dave Rowe

OJ Simpson to Dave Rowe... in one degree...


Jim Kiick to Dave Rowe... in one degree

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Aaron Dobson signs rookie contract
and other June 20 news​

June 20, 2013:

Dobson signs 4-year deal with Patriots - WV MetroNews

Aaron Dobson has reportedly signed a 4-year deal worth $3.4 million.

wvmetronews.com

Former Marshall wide receiver Aaron Dobson has signed his first NFL contract, agreeing to a four-year deal worth a reported $3.4 million.​

The Patriots have wasted little time locking up their 2013 draft picks. New England has already signed its seven draft picks, all of whom will be ready to start preseason camp.​

According to the Herald-Dispatch, Dobson’s contract includes $1.1 million in guaranteed money and a signing bonus of around $873,000. The Dunbar native and South Charleston High graduate was selected with the 59th overall pick in the draft.​

Dobson caught 165 passes for 2,389 yards in four years with the Thundering Herd and finished his career tied with former New England Patriot Troy Brown, for fourth on the career touchdown receptions list with 24 scoring grabs. His 57 catches for 679 yards and three touchdowns was good enough to be named all-Conference USA second-team and earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl.​

Aaron Dobson finished his career at Marshall with 24 touchdown catches.
He’s tied for fourth with Troy Brown on the career touchdown receptions list.​

The rookie could find himself as one of Tom Brady’s top targets very quickly. Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and Danny Woodhead — three of the Patriots top five receivers in 2012 — are no longer with the team.​

In addition, tight end Rob Gronkowski recently underwent another surgery on his back and left arm, and tight end Aaron Hernandez is at the center of a homicide investigation.​

New England Patriots sign Aaron Dobson

Finally, some good news regarding the New England Patriots, as the Pats have signed their final unsigned 2013 NFL Draft pick in wide receiver Aaron Dobson....

musketfire.com

Dobson has a big job to perform as a rookie, and the New England Patriots organization is expecting quite a bit from the second-round pick out of Marshall. The Pats elected to release Brandon Lloyd instead of picking up his $3 million option after a mediocre year, and that’s largely because Lloyd didn’t perform as a true No. 1 receiver. New England needs a true No. 1 guy on the outside to take pressure off of the middle of the field, and Dobson is expected to come on and be the “X” receiver for the Patriots.​

Those are high expectations for a rookie, and he had a rough start with plenty of adjustments in OTAs and minicamp. No wide receiver dropped more passes than Dobson in workouts, and he seemed slow to get on the same page as Tom Brady in the offense. That’s okay, though, because he’s just a rookie, and it will only be a concern for the Patriots if Dobson can’t get on the same page by the end of training camp.​

Brady usually gets on the same page with his receivers during the middle of training camp, but Danny Amendola is definitely an outlier. He has seemingly developed a sixth sense with Brady. The New England Patriots really need Dobson to pick up the ropes and have a successful rookie campaign, because the future of Aaron Hernandez is in doubt, and there is a chance that the Patriots end up placing Rob Gronkowski on the PUP.​

Unfortunately the first round draft pick was not ready for prime time. His career got off to a rough start, with three drops in his first game and a combined six drops in his first five games. While things did improve to only three drops over the final seven games, it seemed as though neither Brady nor Belichick ever trusted him after that start. Injuries certainly didn't help matters either.


As a rookie Dobson caught 37 passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns, but the catch rate/pass completion percentage of only 51.4% was concerning. Things got much worse, as Dobson played in as many games his rookie season (12) as he would for the short remainder of his NFL career. Dobson had only three receptions the following season, and he never played again after 2015. Over three seasons he had 53 receptions for 698 yards and four TDs in 24 games, catching only 54% of the balls thrown his way.

Aaron Dobson Aware Drops Are 'Not Acceptable,' Not Making Excuses for So-So Patriots Debut - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — Aaron Dobson‘s first NFL game started off with a bang, but it ended with a splat. That splat was likely the sound of the wet turf where Dobson dropped four passes on the night. At one point, a Dobson drop drew a visibly angry reaction from Tom Brady. Dobson caught three passes...

nesn.com

A look back at the 9 passes Aaron Dobson dropped this season

You've probably already heard this story, maybe even during a New England Patriots broadcast earlier this season.

www.masslive.com

June 20, 2018:


As it turned out, Brady did indeed play for four more years - until he was 45, as predicted above.





June 20, 2024:

Patriots Finally Reach Agreement with Stevenson on Extension | PatsFans.com

Rhamondre Stevenson recently said he and the New England Patriots were close on a new deal, and Thursday saw the two sides finally come to an agreement.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Finally Reach Agreement with Stevenson on Extension | PatsFans.com

Rhamondre Stevenson recently said he and the New England Patriots were close on a new deal, and Thursday saw the two sides finally come to an agreement.

www.patsfans.com

PATRIOTS NEWS Thread 'NEW ARTICLE: Patriots Finally Reach Agreement with Stevenson on Extension'

Jun 20, 2024

Patriots Finally Reach Agreement with Stevenson on Extension
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Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The post Patriots Finally Reach Agreement with Stevenson on Extension appeared first on PatsFans.com.

Continue reading...

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PATRIOTS NEWS Thread 'Rhamondre Paid'

Jun 20, 2024

Like the player but don't love paying running backs.

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Oct 4, 2024:

Rhamondre Stevenson benched: Patriots RB won't start vs. Dolphins in Week 5, but he'll still play

Stevenson has fumbled in every game this season

www.cbssports.com

Dec 23, 2024:

Patriots considering benching Rhamondre Stevenson amid running back's fumbling issues

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has a fumbling issue. Again.

www.cbsnews.com

Dec 28, 2024:

Patriots coach changes tune on Rhamondre Stevenson benching

Shaky ball security ultimately didn’t cost Rhamondre Stevenson his starting job on Saturday.

www.masslive.com

Mayo causes unnecessary confusion with Stevenson-Gibson mix-up

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo didn't have much to say about a head-scratching decision involving his running backs Saturday vs. the Chargers.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Patriots' Jerod Mayo refuses to explain decision to start Rhamondre Stevenson after saying he would be benched

Mayo told reporters he was going to start Antonio Gibson, then didn't

www.cbssports.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century June 20 News​

June 20, 1972:
Ed Weisacosky retires

The Jets-hating linebacker later known as 'Sheriff Ed' would be talked out of retirement a month later, and for the second straight year would once again not miss a single game with the Pats.

Today In Patriots History Thread 'May 4: Ed Weisacosky, the Jete-Hating Ozark Sheriff'

May 4, 2025

Today in Patriots History
Ed Weisacosky​

In memory of Ed Weisacosky, who would have turned 81 today
Born May 4, 1944 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania
Died November 24, 2019 at the age of 75 in Mt Vernon, Missouri
Patriot left linebacker 1971-1972; uniform #66
Claimed off waivers from New Orleans on September 8, 1971
Pats résumé: two seasons, all 28 games (23 starts)


Ed Weisacosky was an All-American at the University of Miami, and then a sixth round (42nd overall) pick by the Dolphins in 1966...

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June 20, 1985:
Patriots release QB Mike Kerrigan

Mike Kerrigan spent four years losing at Northwestern University,... - UPI Archives

Mike Kerrigan spent four years losing at Northwestern University, and another three years warming the New England Patriots' bench. Now, he's found a home in...

www.upi.com

Mike Kerrigan spent four years losing at Northwestern University, and another three years warming the New England Patriots' bench. Now, he's found a home in the Canadian Football League as quarterback of the Grey Cup champion Hamilton Tiger-Cats.​

June 20, 1997:
Patriots re-sign restricted free agent Max Lane

Max Lane on football and life - The Martha's Vineyard Times

Growing up 60 miles northeast of Kansas City in Norborne, Mo. (population 900), which self-styled itself as the Soybean Capital of the World, Max Lane could not have been farther away from a seagoing Island culture like ours. On the other hand, he also probably never saw himself attending the...

www.mvtimes.com

Growing up 60 miles northeast of Kansas City in Norborne, Mo. (population 900), which self-styled itself as the Soybean Capital of the World, Max Lane could not have been farther away from a seagoing Island culture like ours.​

On the other hand, he also probably never saw himself attending the U.S. Naval Academy and playing seven years (1994-2000) as an offensive guard for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL).​

But three or four years ago he walked into the community net here, and he’s enmeshed now. That’s why he was in front of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) varsity football team Monday night after practice, dispensing football technique and coaching up life skills and values with which football has provided him.​

Lane was on-Island for a charity golf outing, Vineyard Coach Donald Herman heard about it, one thing led to another, and here he was, coaching up skills and spirits of a young football team. These high school gridders haven’t heard of NFL Hall of Fame defensive kamikazes Reggie White and Warren Sapp. Lane’s job was to keep them from dismembering Pats QB Drew Bledsoe.​

Players like White and Sapp were of great concern to Lane (6 foot 5, 305 pounds), “but I always wanted to face big guys, my size. I didn’t like the 230-pound guys. Too fast. So if you’re smaller and quicker, use your speed,” he told a team that is generally the smallest on the field, then demonstrated a sidestep blocking technique that served him well in his career.​

June 20, 1997:
Patriots re-sign TE John Burke

Burke was a fourth round draft pick in 1994 from Virginia Tech. He occasionally lined up in double TE formations with Ben Coates and caught 25 passes for the Pats from '94-'96. The Pats waived Burke two months later.

Coates happy for competition -- but not worried

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Ben Coates knows John Burke and Lovett Purnell are doing their best to take his job, but the New England Patriots' All-Pro tight end isn't ready to surrender it yet. "Right now I…

www.southcoasttoday.com

Catching Up With Former Tight End John Burke Virginia Tech

Experience Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer's legacy: tough defense, ball-control offense, and dynamic special teams define his winning teams.

gridironheroics.com

John Burke’s Cinderella story wasn’t over, however. With the Independence Bowl win, just one chapter ended. Burke was a fourth-round selection (121st overall) of the New England Patriots in the 1994 NFL Draft. Fellow New Jersey native Bill Parcells was the head coach of New England at the time, and his teams brandished the similar tough-nosed, aggressive defense with ball-control offense kind of identity that was known at Virginia Tech.​

Parcells previously coached tight end Mark Bavaro and the New York Giants, whose home is really in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and they were winning Super Bowls when Burke was in high school. It was the perfect fit for the soon-to-be Virginia Tech graduate, and he was thrilled to play for the Hall of Fame coach. He recalls that “It was almost a dream to get drafted and talk to Parcells on the phone.”​

Burke went back to work and enjoyed three successful years playing as the second tight end with perennial Pro-Bowler Ben Coates. He played in all 16 games in each of his first two seasons. For the former Hokie tight end, it was both an honor and a thrill to throw some key blocks to spring Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin. His Patriots career was capped with an appearance in Super Bowl XXXI, where they unfortunately lost to Bret Favre and Green Bay. After the season, Parcells left the team, though, and Burke’s future was in question.​

Enter Pete Carroll, who was hired to replace Parcells. With the coaching change came an offensive philosophy change that included more of a hybrid tight end than a traditional one, and Burke’s spot on the roster was in jeopardy. He made it to the end of camp, but he was released in the last wave of roster cuts.​

Fortunately for Burke, his former coach had gone back home, this time to head the New York Jets, and Parcells inked Burke to a one-year contract in 1997. The situation was less than ideal, though, as Burke became the third tight end behind Kyle Brady and Fred Baxter, both of whom were Burke’s age or younger. He only appeared in seven games, and he even found himself as a healthy scratch on some game days. Eventually, he became a salary-cap casualty, and it was time to find another new home.​

June 20, 1969:
The New England Aquarium opens.

​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Elbert Crawford​

In memory of Elbert Crawford, who would have turned 59 today
Born June 20, 1966 in Chicago; hometown Little Rock, Arkansas
Died May 2, 2013 in Little Rock at the age of 46
Patriot guard, 1990-1991; uniform #65
Signed as a free agent on September 12, 1990
Pats résumé: two seasons, 30 games (16 starts)


Originally selected by the Rams in the 8th round of the 1990 draft out of Arkansas, the interior offensive lineman was signed a few days after being waived by Los Angeles, just before the season kicked off. Crawford played in 14 games for that pitiful 1990 team, primarily on special teams.


Under new head coach **** MacPherson in 1991, Crawford started all 16 games at left guard. In the off season he signed with the Broncos as a Plan B free agent, but three weeks later he had a heart attack while working out at Denver's facilities. That ended his playing career, and Crawford went on to become a player agent. A second heart attack at the age of 46 in 2013 turned out to be fatal.

1991 Patriots Media Guide

Elbert Crawford - 1996 40 Under 40 | Arkansas Business News | ArkansasBusiness.com

www.arkansasbusiness.com

SPORTS PEOPLE: FOOTBALL; Heart Attack Will Sideline a Bronco (Published 1992)

www.nytimes.com

Pro Football

Elbert Crawford, former New England Patriot offensive lineman, was in serious but improving condition at Presbyterian Hospital in Aurora, Colo., after suffering a heart attack.

www.latimes.com

Former Razorback Crawford Dead at 46

Arkansas Democrat Gazette

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is the largest source for award-winning news and opinion that matters to you. Featuring up to the minute breaking news and the most in-depth Razorback, business, and political coverage in Arkansas.

www.arkansasonline.com

Elbert Crawford Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Elbert Crawford Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Elbert Crawford Transactions

Elbert Crawford - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Baltimore Brainiac​

Happy 84th birthday to Al Snyder
Born June 20, 1941 in Baltimore; hometown Towson, Maryland
Patriot wide receiver, 1963-1964; uniform #38
Pats 23rd round (183rd overall) pick of the 1963 draft, from Holy Cross
Pats résumé: two games; one reception for 12 yards


In college Snyder was a three year starter, playing flanker, defensive back and kick returner. While there he set a school record for career receptions, and also played baseball with the Crusaders. After tearing ligament in his knee in the final preseason game, Snyder spent his first year on the Pats taxi squad. Sports medicine being what it was sixty years ago, that was a death sentence for a professional athlete's career. He did appear in two games in 1964, with one reception for twelve yards. Snyder later spent two seasons with the Colts, where he earned his law degree during his offseasons from the University of Maryland.

1964 Boston Patriots Media Guide

Albert R. Snyder (1984) - Hall of Fame - Holy Cross Athletics

Albert R. Snyder, Class: 1963 Induction: 1984 Sport(s): Football, Baseball - Al Snyder came to Worcester as a star halfback out of Loyola Prep in Baltimore. He

goholycross.com

Al Snyder came to Worcester as a star halfback out of Loyola Prep in Baltimore.​

He broke into the starting lineup at Holy Cross as a sophomore and started every game thereafter, as a flanker back on offense, a star defensive back and a kick return specialist.​

Snyder earned Catholic All-America honors as a senior, after finishing his career with a then-school record 90 receptions for 1,474 yards and 12 touchdowns.​

A two-time recipient of the Davitt Award as the team’s top offensive back, he also earned the O’Melia Award as the outstanding player in Holy Cross’ 38-26 win over Boston College in 1961.​

Snyder also excelled in baseball, helping the Crusaders to a 21-5 record and a trip to the NCAA College World Series in 1962.​

Following his collegiate career, Snyder played professionally with the Boston Patriots and the Baltimore Colts.​

Al Snyder (1962) - Hall of Fame - National Football Foundation

footballfoundation.org

Al Snyder was a halfback at the College of the Holy Cross from 1960-62. Snyder broke into the starting lineup his sophomore year, starting every game thereafter. In 1961, the 6-foot-1 and 190 pound star ranked fourth in the nation in pass receptions and tenth in punt returns. He also played defensive back. His senior year, Snyder earned Catholic All-America honors and AP All-East honors. He graduated in 1963 with the most career receptions in school history (90). He had 1,474 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. A talented athlete, Snyder also started on the Holy Cross baseball team. He was inducted into the Holy Cross Hall of Fame in 1984.​

The president of his senior class, Snyder studied modern languages, German literature and philosophy. Boasting a 3.52 GPA, he was a member of the Dean’s list and the Honor Society.​

Snyder was drafted by the Boston Patriots in 1963, playing two seasons in New England and two seasons with the Baltimore Colts before retiring in 1967. At the same time that he was playing professionally, Snyder was earning his law degree from the University of Maryland. Immediately following his professional career, Snyder joined the United States Peace Corps as a volunteer attorney in Micronesia, a collection of islands in the Pacific Ocean.​

Upon returning to America, Snyder began a long law career in Baltimore, focusing primarily on immigration law. In 2009, he moved with his family to Fort Collins, Colo., where he still resides today. In December 2014, Snyder was named by the Coloradoan as one of “10 to Watch in 2015.”​

Al Snyder Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Al Snyder Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Al Snyder Transactions

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The New Center​

Happy 30th birthday to Garrett Bradbury
Born June 20, 1995 in Charlotte, North Carolina
Patriot center, 2025-present; uniform #65
Signed as a veteran free agent on Match 18, 2025
Pats résumé: wait and see


March 18, 2025:

Sources: Pats fill need at center with Bradbury

Free agent center Garrett Bradbury has reached an agreement on a two-year deal worth up to $12 million, including $3.8 million guaranteed, with the New England Patriots, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

www.espn.com

The New England Patriots took what they hope is an important step toward solidifying their offensive line in front of quarterback Drake Maye by agreeing to a two-year contract with free agent center Garrett Bradbury, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.​

​

Bradbury was released by the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, and the Patriots pounced quickly with a deal worth up to $12 million that includes $3.8 million guaranteed, the sources told Schefter.​

​

Bradbury will be a top candidate to fill the void created when the Patriots released veteran center David Andrews last Thursday. The Patriots still have uncertainty on the left side of their offensive line, but with Bradbury at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard and free agent signee Morgan Moses at right tackle, they appear to have three key players in place in front of Maye, arguably their top asset.​

Bradbury, 29, was selected 18th overall in 2019 and started all 88 games he appeared in for the Vikings -- including all 17 last season.​

​

The Vikings signed him to a three-year extension after the 2022 season, but the deal had no guaranteed money for 2025. The Vikings designated his release as a post-June 1 transaction, saving the team $5.25 million against the salary cap.​

​

Bradbury is one of the NFL's smaller centers at a listed weight of 300 pounds, and at times he has been overpowered by opposing defensive linemen.​

K

Player Signing Thread 'Center Garrett Bradbury released by Vikings [update: signed by Pats]'

Mar 18, 2025

just released by Vikings. would be a solid addition to Pats

• KY Pats Fan
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Player Signing Thread 'Patriots sign Center Garrett Bradbury'

Mar 18, 2025

Welp, it’s something.

• Joey007
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Garrett Bradbury Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Garrett Bradbury Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Garrett Bradbury Transactions

Garrett Bradbury Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Garrett Bradbury contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $25,738,752

Garrett Bradbury - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Matt Damon's doppelganger​

Happy 40th birthday to Matt Flynn
Born June 20, 1985 in Tyler, Texas
Patriot quarterback, 2015 off season; uniform #8
Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on June 11, 2015
Pats résumé: one offseason


The Patriots had Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo and Garrett Gilbert on their roster at quarterback during 2015 OTAs. Gilbert had finished the previous season on the practice squad, and Jimmy G had a full year of learning the ropes. With the possibility of a suspension to Tom Brady not being overturned, Gilbert was released in favor of a veteran QB.


Flynn had parlayed two very good games in relief of an injured Aaron Rodgers into a big free agency payday. The first came on Dec 19 2010 at Foxborough when Flynn threw three touchdown passes in a 37-24 loss to the Patriots. A year later he topped that by throwing for 480 yards and six - SIX! touchdowns in a 45-41 victory over Detroit.


At the time it appeared that Flynn was all set be Seattle's new starting quarterback - but then rookie Russell Wilson beat him for the starting job in 2012.


Still, with the experience of having played in 53 NFL games, Flynn provided far more security rather than potentially going into the first four games of the season with two untested quarterbacks when he was signed June 12. The problem was that Flynn was on the NFI list and couldn't practice, and in camp three arms are a necessity. He was released August 10, 2015.

Matt Flynn Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Matt Flynn Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Matt Flynn Transactions

Matt Flynn Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Matt Flynn contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $17,758,587

Matt Flynn (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other June 20 Trivia​

Other pro football players born on June 20 with a New England connection:

Derek Stingley, Jr, 24 (June 20, 2001)
Family relative
Darryl Stingley's son was the third overall selection in the 2022 draft. Last year he was a first team All Pro at cornerback with the Houston Texans, with five interceptions and 18 passes defensed.



Jamil Demby, 29 (June 20, 1996)
University of Maine
The OT was a sixth round pick by the Rams in 2018; he was on IR when LA beat the Bengals in SB 56.

Former UMaine lineman Jamil Demby enjoying the Super Bowl spotlight

The rookie is a reserve for the Los Angeles Rams, who will play the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII Sunday.

www.pressherald.com

Tony Plansky (June 20, 1900 - Feb 10, 1979)
Born and raised in Boston; South Boston High School; Boston Braves
Southie native played FB in the NFL from 1928-32 with the Giants and Boston Braves, and led the NFL in scoring in 1929. A three-time national decathlon champion (1925, 1926, 1928) and Eastern League batting champion (.376) in 1930, Plansky went on to coach the Williams College track and cross-country teams for close to half a century, from 1931 to 1978.

Anthony Joseph “Tony” Plansky (1900-1979) - Find a...

Anthony Joseph Plansky-He was an American football running back in the National Football League for the New York Giants and Boston Braves. He attended Georgetown University. He participated in Cross Country at Williams College for 43 years. The track at Williams is now named after him. Much more...

www.findagrave.com

https://vault.si.com/vault/1979/02/26/for-the-record-a-roundup-of-the-week-feb-12-18

Died: Tony Plansky, 78, three-time national decathlon champion (1925, 1926, 1928), NFL scoring leader in 1929 and Eastern League batting champion (.376) in 1930; of cancer; in North Adams, Mass. Plansky coached the Williams College track and cross-country teams from 1931 to 1978 and was elected to the Helms Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1967.​

Joe Sulaitis (June 20, 1921 - Feb 8, 1980)
Defunct Boston football franchise
B/G/LB/DE played in 107 games over 11 NFL seasons, including one with the 1946 Boston Yanks.


Vic Baltzell (June 20, 1912 - April 25, 1986)
Defunct Boston football franchise





Some other pro football players sharing this birthday:
- Len Dawson (June 20, 1935 - Aug 24, 2022)
It is amazing to consider that within just a few years the Pittsburgh Steelers, while mired in futility, gave up on not one, but two future hall of fame quarterbacks: Dawson and Johnny Unitas.

Len Dawson | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

- Darren Sproles, 42 (June 20, 1983)
The RB had 62 career touchdowns with the Chargers, Saints and Eagles.

Darren Sproles (2021) - Hall of Fame - National Football Foundation

footballfoundation.org

- Dave Elmendorf, 76 (June 20, 1949)
Ram safety never missed a start over nine seasons, a span of 130 consecutive games from 1971 to 1979.

Dave Elmendorf

A native of Houston, Texas, Dave Elmendorf was a star football running back and baseball player. He was a 1971 graduate of Texas A&M and was a 1970 All-American selection in football as a safety, kick returner and occasional tailback, and was a two-time All-American center fielder on the...

www.tshof.org

- Fred McAfee, 57 (June 20, 1968)
Saints Pro Bowl special team standout played in 194 NFL games from 1991 to 2006.

Fred McAfee - Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame

Fred McAfee

msfame.com

- LaVar Arrington, 47 (June 20, 1978)
Three straight Pro Bowls led to a big payday for the second overall pick of the 2000 draft, but he played in just six more games after signing that contract.

LaVar Arrington (2011) - Hall of Fame - Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League

LaVar Arrington, Class: Induction: 2011 Sport(s): Athlete - Alma Mater: North Hills, 1997 | Sports: Football, Basketball, Track & Field He was one of those

wpial.org

- Milton 'Mitt' Romney (June 20, 1899 - Nov 10, 1975)
Quarterback and wingback with the Racine Legion and Chicago Bears from 1923 to 1928. He is the cousin of former Michigan governor and 1968 presidential candidate George Romney, and father of former Massachusetts governor, 2012 Republican Presidential nominee, and Utah senator Mitt Romney.

Milton Romney - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Elmendorf and Arrington were also part of two of the largest trades in NFL history.

George Allen was a successful coach who never got along with his team's owners. In 1966 Allen left Chicago to become the head coach of the LA Rams, who had only had one winning season in the past decade, and finished 4-10 the season before. In his first season Allen went 8-6, then 11-1-2 in 1967, winning Coach of the Year. Allen was beloved by his players, but he never seemed to be able to get along with management. When the Rams lost their last two games to finish 2nd in their division - at 10-3-1, the third best record in the NFL - it gave owner Dan Reeves the excuse he needed to fire him.

38 of the 40 players on the Rams roster announced that they'd either retire or demand a trade if Allen was not immediately brought back. Reeves blinked, and extended Allen for two more years. But when that contract expired he was not brought back, and signed with Washington. He immediately worked on bringing some of his favorite Ram players to Washington.

On January 28, 1971 George Allen traded seven draft picks: a first (10th overall), a third (Dave Elmendorf) and five (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th) 1972 draft picks to Los Angeles. In exchange the Skins received starting RLB Maxie Baughn, LLB Jack Pardee, MLB Myron Pottios, RG John Wilbur and DT Diron Talbert, plus backup RB Jeff Jordan and a fifth round draft pick.

Washington made the playoffs for the first time since 1945. The club had a winning record in each of Allen's seven seasons as head coach, and made the playoffs in each of his first four seasons. In year two they went to the Super Bowl.



That roster-building strategy worked fine in the days prior to free agency and the salary cap. Mike Ditka apparently never read the memo that things had changed.

Ditka had been head coach of the Bears, famously winning Super Bowl 20, all prior to NFL free agency and a salary cap. On April 17, 1999 he decided that he would follow George Allen's philosophy of building a team without draft picks. The problem was that Allen received five starters in his trade - and Ditka place all his chips on one single player.

On April 17, 1999 the Saints traded their first round draft pick (12th overall), third (71st), fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh round draft picks to move up seven spots to number five overall. If that wasn't bad enough they also included their 2000 first and third round picks as part of the deal for Heisman Trophy running back Ricky Williams, who had rushed for 52 touchdowns as a junior and senior. Washington traded some of those picks away for the rights to draft Hall of Fame CB Champ Bailey.

What Ditka failed to consider was that Williams was no longer running behind the University of Texas offensive line, against SWC opponents. The Saints went 15-33 in three seasons with Ditka as head coach. Washington used that 2000 first round pick - second overall - on one of today's birthday players, LaVar Arrington. Arrington was a two-time All Pro, three-time Pro Bowler before knee injuries, a ruptured Achiles and a motorcycle accident prematurely ended his football career.

 

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Today in Patriots History
Other June 20 Trivia​

Other pro football players born on June 20 with a New England connection:

Derek Stingley, Jr, 24 (June 20, 2001)
Family relative
Darryl Stingley's son was the third overall selection in the 2021 draft. Last year he was a first team All Pro at cornerback with the Houston Texans, with five interceptions and 18 passes defensed.

It was the 2022 Draft... and we should have gone after him...