Today In Patriots History June 23: Happy birthday to Matt Light, Larry Whigham

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Today in Patriots History
Matt Light​

Happy 48th birthday to Matt Light
Born June 23, 1978 in Greenville, Ohio
Patriots left tackle, 2001-2011; uniform #72
Pats 2nd round (48th overall) selection of the 2001 draft, from Purdue
Pats résumé: 11 seasons, 155 games; 3x Super Bowl champion, 3x Pro Bowler, 2007 First Team All-Pro;
Pats All-2000s Team, Pats 50th Anniversary Team, Pats All-Dynasty Team; Pats Hall of Fame, 2018


The man that Ron Borges infamously overconfidently stated that the Patriots 'settled for and would not help any time soon' was a starter his rookie season, as the Patriots went on to defeat the Rams in Superbowl 36. That was the first of three rings Matt Light would earn, as he would proceed to play in 155 games for the Pats, plus 20 playoff games. The Pats went 15-5 with Light protecting Tom Brady's blindside in the postseason, and he was named to three Pro Bowls - despite battling Crohn's disease.

Matt Light was named to the Patriots All-2000s Team, the Pats 50th Anniversary Team, and in 2018 he was inducted to the Patriots Hall of Fame.

Light works with underprivileged and at risk youth, something he has done since his playing days.

​

The Light Foundation | Inspiration for Generations

In 2001, former NFL player and 3x Superbowl Champion, Matt Light, and his wife Susie, established The Light Foundation to help young people develop the skills, values, and mindset they need to create a meaningful and productive future.

www.mattlight72.com

Notorious prankster Matt Light revisits his best stunts ahead of charity event

Matt Light kept teammates on their toes for years, but now he's using his pranking talents to raise money for The Light Foundation.

www.patriots.com

Matt Light: A Career Retrospective

We take a look back at the career of Patriots Offensive Lineman Matt Light (2001-2011). Light will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 29, 2018.

www.patriots.com

Matt Light voted by the fans into the Patriots Hall of Fame

The Patriots announced that offensive tackle Matt Light has been voted by fans as the 27th person to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

www.patriots.com

Matt Light Talks Fatherhood, Football & Winning Super Bowls

Matt Light talks with Art Eddy and Tommy Riles about the work he does with his foundation, his time in the NFL and what it is like to win a Super Bowl.

www.lifeofdad.com

Matt Light — Blue Sky Sports & Entertainment

Book former NFL player Matt Light through Blue Sky Sports & Entertainment. A major asset during the New England Patriots’ dynasty, Light has transitioned his career into becoming a youth leadership advocate through his foundation, the Light Foundation.

www.blueskyse.com

The No Fun League has disappeared the videos, but on Nov 23, 2008 Matt Light had enough and whaled on Channing Crowder.
The Patriots defeated the Dolphins that day by the score of 48-28 to avenge the early season 'Wildcat Game' upset loss.​

Teammate Explains Why Matt Light Lost It, Pulled Channing Crowder's Hair: Joey Porter

Unless you were a Patriots fan or a self-loathing Dolphins supporter, you probably missed the live showing of Channing Crowder and Matt Light offering their interpretation of the Pacman-bodyguard hotel bathroom cat fight. You’ve no doubt seen the replay, although it’s still not clear what...

www.nbcconnecticut.com

Unless you were a Patriots fan or a self-loathing Dolphins supporter, you probably missed the live showing of Channing Crowder and Matt Light offering their interpretation of the Pacman-bodyguard hotel bathroom cat fight. You've no doubt seen the replay, although it's still not clear what precipitated the whole thing.​

Thankfully, the Boston Herald's Karen Guregian has some answers, via Light's offensive line mate, Logan Mankins:​

"He was doing a good job, drilling [Chowder] right in the head," Mankins said of Light, "so kudos to Matt." ...​

As to why the fight happened: "Any time you have a team with the guy 55 (Joey Porter), he just won't shut up the entire game," Mankins said. "Then I think some of the other guys are starting to play the way he does."​

Mankins also figures that Light won't face a suspension, just a fine. While whaling away on a dude not wearing a helmet might seem like an offense worth of a little time away from the game, as Mankins rightly points out, a precedent has been set. A few weeks ago, John Henderson actually tried to remove Andrew Whitworth's eyeballs and all it cost him was $15,000.​

Fire Ron Borges, the Broadsheet Bully

Fire Ron Borges, the Broadsheet Bully By Kerry J. Byrne, publisher, ColdHardFootballFacts.com and Bruce Allen, publisher, BostonSportsMedia.com. Update: Ron Borges “Retires” From Globe They’r…

bostonsportsmedia.com

Matt Light: Blocking Out the Pain

When the New England Patriots drafted Matt Light out of Purdue in 2001, the offensive lineman couldn’t really even call himself a fan of the sport. | SUCCESS

www.success.com

Light reveals decade-long battle with Crohn's

Matt Light hopes his successful battle with Crohn's disease will inspire others.

www.espn.com

How This Former NFL Player is Tackling Crohn’s Disease

Matt Light likes a good challenge, and when it comes to his battle with a severe inflammatory bowel disease, he’s been successful.

www.futureofpersonalhealth.com

Matt Light Is Still Protecting the Blind Side

The retired Patriots tackle runs a summer camp for disadvantaged teens in rural Ohio. But that’s just where the real work begins

www.si.com

 

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Where is Matt Light, legendary Patriots jokester and avid hunter?

Remember Matt Light, the Patriots legend who was caught hunting behind Gillette Stadium? Here's what he's doing now.

www.masslive.com

Patriots legend: I was hunting behind Gillette until Bill Belichick found out

A Patriots Hall of Famer said he was hunting turkeys on the property at Gillette Stadium for quite some time — until Bill Belichick caught wind of it.

www.masslive.com

Gillette Stadium can serve a lot of purposes. There are obviously football and soccer games, but it has also hosted hockey, lacrosse, monster truck events, concerts and more. There are plenty of meeting spaces to host corporate events and things like high school proms. It’s a multi-purpose stadium.​

However, Patriots Hall of Famer Matt Light also turned it into something unique to him: A hunting ground.​

On Julian Edelman’s Games With Names podcast, Light said he was hunting turkeys on the property for quite some time during his playing days — until Bill Belichick caught wind of it one morning.​

“I would hunt right behind the stadium,” Light said. “I pulled up and I hunted that property forever because (Robert) Kraft was like ‘I don’t know anything about what you’re doing.’ I’m like, all right, cool. It’s like a green light, right? I went in one morning, I’ve got my bow and everything ready to rock. (A turkey) sits right next to my decoy. I shoot him. I breast him out, I take him in and I always put him in the fridge there in the meal room.​

“As I’m eating breakfast, Bill walks in. He’s like, ‘You can’t have a (expletive) weapon on stadium property.’ I go, ‘Bill, it says you can’t have a handgun. You can’t have a gun. I had a bow and arrow.’ This was awesome, he goes, ‘You want to argue with me about what the rules say?’ The guy is pretty good at knowing what the rules are. When he said that I started second-guessing myself, I’m like ‘Aw, damn maybe it did say weapon.’”​

Matt Light | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Matt Light Selected as 2018 Hall of Fame Inductee | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Matt Light Inducted Into Patriots Hall Of Fame
2:13 WBZ News Highlight Video



Patriots Hall of Fame Induction of Matt Light
1:15:04 Full Video

 

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Today in Patriots History
Larry Whigham
Special Teamer Extraordinaire​

Happy 54th birthday to Larry Whigham
Born June 23, 1972 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Patriots safety/special teamer, 1994-2000; uniform #25
Signed off the Seattle practice squad on September 14, 1994
Pats résumé: seven seasons, 106 games, 139 tackles, one TD; two-time All Pro; seven postseason games; Pats All-1990s Team


Long before Matt Slater and even before Larry Izzo, there was Larry Whigham.


He was a originally a fourth round pick by the Seahawks out of Northeast Louisiana (now known as Louisiana-Monroe), via Pearl River Community College. The Pats signed him as a free agent two weeks into the '94 season after releasing Jason Carthen (who would become more well known as a radio personality and public speaker). Whigham became a two-time All Pro for his special team play, and arguably the best gunner in the NFL for a few years once Steve Tasker neared the end of his career. Larry Whigham played in 106 games with the Patriots, with five starts and four interceptions as their nickel and dime back. Three of those picks came off Dan Marino, including a 60-yard touchdown in a much needed 27-24 victory on November 23, 1997.

Super return still on Whigham's mind

FOXBORO -- Larry Whigham of the Patriots liked everything about Super Bowl XXXI -- except the score. "It was horrible," he said yesterday. "I knew I was going to be double-teamed, but I still felt …

www.southcoasttoday.com

Patriots Return to Winning Form

The New England Patriots finally found a quarterback to win a big game for them--Dan Marino.

articles.latimes.com

PATRIOTS SABOTAGE DOLPHINS

Frostbite was nowhere near the greatest danger nipping at Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. New England’s bone-chilling defense froze Marino out of the end zone, leaving the Dolphins out in the cold of the Super Bowl…

www.orlandosentinel.com

MARINO’S MAGIC LOSING ITS POWER

He threw more passes in the second half than Big Ten quarterbacks used to throw during their entire collegiate careers. Dan Marino put the ball up 60 times Sunday at Foxboro Stadium. Completed 38 for 389 yards. If the game had lasted…

www.courant.com

Special teams have been -- well -- special

FOXBORO -- Bill Parcells has stressed special teams play since the opening of training camp, and it looks like that emphasis is paying off. Parcells has said every week that special teams play is t…

www.southcoasttoday.com

"Troy (Brown) and I are this team's utility men" he said. "Right now neither one of us have done enough to convince the coaches we should be on the field all the time so we're trying to make things happen when we get out there."​

Not surprisingly Brown and Whigham have traveled similar difficult roads to the NFL.​

Whigham, a fourth round draft pick by Seattle in 1994, signed with the Pats' after being dropped from the Seahawks' practice squad. Brown, an eighth-round selection of the Pats in '93 was waived in '94 before being re-signed two years later.​

"When you get a second chance to make it in the NFL after you've been released, you're going to really fight for a job" said Whigham. "Troy and I really were both very determined the second time around."​

Whigham, who hardly did anything to get noticed as a rookie, began emerging as the Pats' special teams leader in '95 when he racked up 13 tackles and recovered a fumbled punt return by then-teammate David Meggett.​

But it wasn't until the following season that the 6-foot-2 205-pound native of Hattiesburg Miss. became a disruptive force in kicking situations.​

Whigham made 20 tackles, blocked a punt (which Tedy Bruschi returned for a touchdown), forced a fumble (which Corwin Brown returned for a touchdown) and downed three punts inside opponents' 10-yard lines.​

The only downsides of the season were his failure to crack the starting lineup and the way it ended -- in a 35-21 Super Bowl loss to Green Bay.​

Whigham got to play more in five- and six-defensive back sets last season and he responded with a career-best 19 defensive tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble.​

The highlight came in late November when he twice picked off passes by Miami's Dan Marino, returning one of them 60 yards for a touchdown.​

"That was a revenge situation for me" he said. "Two seasons before when I was working on a starting job Marino exploited me in a big way in our game at Miami, and I've been a backup ever since. Besides, Marino was always my mother's favorite quarterback."​

Larry Whigham missed just four games in seven years with New England. Unfortunately he was released prior to the 2001 season because Bill Belichick did not want to give Tebucky Jones - a first round pick from the 1998 draft who was going to start for the first time - added pressure with Whigham behind him. In retrospect Belichick should have cut Jones, who was drafted by Pete Carroll - Whigham was certainly the better player. As a result Larry never had the chance to play for that 2001 championship team and receive a well deserved Super Bowl ring. Whigham went on to play for the Bears for two seasons and retired after the 2002 season. He is a very worthy member of the Patriots All-1990s Team. Larry now lives in Houston, where his wife Kenyatta owns a photography studio.

KJanise Photography

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Pro Bowler Larry Whigham grew up in Mississippi, not far from the home of Walter Payton, and draws motivation from the legendary Bear.

Larry Whigham is trying to finish a sentence, but it's difficult. Teammates and Bears staff drop by his locker stall to borrow something or trade laughs. Whigham, a fiery, vocal and emotional leader of Bears special teams, gives as good as he gets, and the laughs are easy.

articles.chicagotribune.com

Front Row: Corwin Brown (S-30), Ty Law (CB-24), Bill Belichick, Scooter McGruder (CB-27), Jimmy Hitchcock (CB-31). Back row: Vernon Lewis (DB-43), Otis Smith (CB-45),
Lawyer Milloy (SS-36), Larry Whigham (DB-25), Willie Clay (FS-32), Terry Billups (CB-23), Ricky Reynolds (CB-21), Jerome Henderson (CB-26), Jimmy Hitchcock (CB-31).​

Pearl River CC

Pearl River CC

www.prccathletics.com

If there was a "Who's who in Late Bloomers in America," Larry Whigham of the New England Patriots of the National Football League would likely be featured.​

Whigham went from being a lowly manager for his high school football team in the late '80's to being an all-state performer at Pearl River Community College to being an exciting defender for the Patriots.​

Whigham was a standout defensive back for the Wildcats in 1991, intercepting five passes for a 6-4 Pearl River team. He went on to play in the MACJC JUCO All-Star game. This was after he missed the 1990 season at PRCC when he broke his collarbone in the first scrimmage of fall practice.​

"Larry was our defensive quarterback, "said Mike Humphries, PRCC interim head coach and assistant when Whigham was a Wildcat. "He was pretty intelligent on the field. He had good football sense. One main thing about him was his work ethic. He went out to the practice field everyday with the idea that he was going to get a little better."​

When Whigham was in the 10th grade at Hattiesburg High, his head coach, Willie Coats, felt sorry for him.​

"He was so small you didn't want him to get hurt, but I didn't want him to quit our program," Coats said. "He was a little bitty wormy kid."​

Coats kept him around as a manager for two years before he became a starter his senior year. He weighed 165 pounds and played end. The Tigers made it to the Class 5A state championship game that year before losing to West Point.​

"Even as a senior he was not that outstanding, but he could run," said Coats.​

Whigham wasn't ready to hang up his cleats. Coats got him a tryout at Pearl River. He made the team. Coats took over the PRCC program in 1991 and made Whigham a defensive back. That's when his football career took off.​

"By the time I got him at Pearl River he had picked up some size and strength," said Coats. "He was developing into a good football player. He was a late bloomer."​

Few colleges sought Whigham's services after he finished at PRCC. One of them was Northeast Louisiana in Monroe, La. There he was a reserve safety his junior year and a starting cornerback his senior year. He played well enough his senior year to catch the eyes of NFL scouts.​

"Larry's stock really rose in the Junior College All-Star game," said Humphreys. "His was an amazing story. Larry came to us as a little scrawny kid from Hattiesburg and bulked up to be a player." Whigham was a fourth round draft choice by the Seattle Seahawks in 1994, but was cut and claimed by the Patriots. He couldn't crack the starting lineup at New England but Coach Bill Parcells convinced him he could find a niche on special teams.​

He played so well on special teams in 1996 that he was voted by his peers as the AFC Special Teams Player of the Year. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl as the AFC's special teams player in 1997. He also played in the 1997 Super Bowl against the Green Bay Packers.​

Larry Whigham - Former NFL Player - Project Max - Fighting Racism, Antisemitism and Intolerance through Sports

Larry Whigham carved out a standout nine-year NFL career as a special teams ace. After playing college football at Pearl River Community College and the University of Louisiana at Monroe, he was drafted by the Seahawks in 1994 but made his mark with the New England Patriots and later the Chicago...

www.projectmax.club

Larry Whigham Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Larry Whigham Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Larry Whigham. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Larry Whigham - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

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March 13, 2001:

Thomas, Whigham terminated

Long-time special teams standout Larry Whigham and defensive tackle Henry Thomas had their contracts terminated by the Patriots late Tuesday.

www.patriots.com

Long-time special teams standout Larry Whigham and defensive tackle Henry Thomas had their contracts terminated by the Patriots late Tuesday. In addition, the team re-signed exclusive rights free agent Garrett Johnson and waived wide receiver Tony Hamler.​

A reserve safety for seven seasons in New England, Whigham had 120 career tackles, including 88 solo stops and five sacks. His main role was as a special teams gunner. Whigham had 97 special teams tackles. He was voted the AFC Special Teams Player of the Year in 1996 and then earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 1997.​

Originally a fourth-round draft pick for Seattle in 1994, the Northeast Louisiana product had four interceptions and deflected 10 passes for the Patriots. Three of his picks came against future Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino.​

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Whigham was also a clutch player for the Patriots. In the AFC Championship game against Jacksonville on Jan. 12, 1997 he tackled Jaguar punter Brian Barker at the 4-yard line. The play set up a New England touchdown in the 20-6 win. Whigham had two years remaining on his contract.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century June 23 News​

June 23, 1978:
Five-year veteran guard John Hannah is re-signed by New England

Smart move, Billy. Hog anchored the '78 offensive line that set an NFL record that stood for over four decades as the Patriots rushed for 3,165 yards that season.

June 23, 1979:
Patriots activate Steve Corbett off the retired list

The Pats had selected the guard from Boston College with the 30th overall pick in the 1974 draft. He spent all of his rookie season on IR, then appeared in 14 games the following year. Corbett again spent all of 1976 on IR and retired due to his injuries. The attempted comeback did not come to fruition. After suffering muscle spasms in training camp at Bryant College, Corbett retired for good on July 20, 1979. He passed away last year due to cancer at the age of 74.

Despite his brief NFL career, Steve Corbett is a member of four Hall of Fames: Dover (NH) Sports Hall of Fame, St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Dover NH) Hall of Fame, Bridgton Academy (North Bridgton ME) Hall of Fame, and Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame

Corbett held the line in Dover and beyond

DOVER — Even with interest in sports arguably at an all-time high, Steve Corbett longs for the day when the entire town came out to Dunaway Field to watch the St. Thomas Aquinas High School football …

www.fosters.com

Steve Corbett (2023) - Varsity Club Hall of Fame - Boston College Athletics

Boston College Athletics

bceagles.com

Stephen Corbett Obituary - Sudbury, MA

Celebrate the life of Stephen Corbett, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Duckett Funeral Home of J.S. Waterman & Sons.

www.dignitymemorial.com

June 23, 1979:
Patriots sign free agent Tom McLaughlin

McLaughlin was an undrafted quarterback from Iowa. Looks like he also spent parts of the offseason with the Lions ('78), Patriots ('79) and Oilers ('80). One site says he was a punter rather than a QB. That might make sense since his stats throwing the ball don't merit a tryout: 7 TD, 24 interceptions from 1975 to 1977 with the Hawkeyes.

Tom McLaughlin College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits | College Football at Sports-Reference.com

Check out Tom McLaughlin's College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits and More College Stats at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

1979 New England Patriots season - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

June 23, 1994:
Paul Pawlak is added to the staff as a Regional Scout

The native of Seymour, Connecticut began his football career working as an assistant coach at Springfield College in 1963. He also worked at Washington & Jefferson, Citadel, Cornell and UMass, and was head coach at Tufts from 1974-77 and Northeastern from 1981-90. Pawlak would continue to work in the Patriots personnel department as a scout through the 2000 season.

https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/news/story?id=2105483

Seymour High School Announces Class of 2024 Sports Hall of Famers - Valley Independent Sentinel

SEYMOUR – Seven former standout athletes, along with a diehard supporter of Seymour sports, have been selected for induction into Seymour High School’s Sports Hall of Fame for 2024. The inductees scoring a place this year are: John Hummel (Class of 1950) Paul Pawlak, Jr. (Class of 1958) Russ...

valley.newhavenindependent.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
June 23 News from the Aughts​

June 23, 2003:
Patriots Sign RB Mike Cloud

Cloud had an excellent career at BC, but didn't do much in the NFL, after being drafted in the 2nd round. He received little playing time in four years with Kansas City before signing with the Pats. At the time I was excited with the signing, thinking he would blossom in a second opportunity, but he didn't get the ball much (4½ carries per game). Cloud scored five touchdowns in 11 games with the Patriots, rushing for 177 yards, again in a backup role.

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Patriots Sign RB Mike Cloud -- The Edwardsville Intelligencer

Free agent running back Mike Cloud signed with the New England Patriots on Monday. If he makes the roster, he would have to sit out the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's steroid policy.​

The career leading rusher at Boston College, Cloud was drafted in the second round by Kansas City in 1999. He played 56 games for the Chiefs, starting six.​

Cloud has 121 career carries for 381 yards and four touchdowns. He has caught 11 passes for 89 yards.​

Cloud officially signs

Late June is normally a quiet time around Foxborough but the Patriots still made some news on Monday by officially signing running back Mike Cloud to a one-year deal.

www.patriots.com

The former Boston College standout and Kansas City backup was on hand for a tryout during the team's recent mini-camp earlier this month and now will return for training camp July 23.​

"Mike couldn't be happier," said Cloud's agent, Jonathan Feinsod. "He's looking forward to the season and continuing his career for years to come."​

Cloud, who grew up in nearby Portsmouth, R.I., still faces a major obstacle in his quest to earn a roster spot with New England because of his impending four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He refused to discuss the situation during mini-camp but Feinsod explained that his client took a contaminated supplement and had his appeal denied despite evidence to support his case.​

Evidently, the problem arose when he ingested a protein powder that contained Nandrolene, which is a banned substance. Cloud's camp had the powder tested and learned that it was tainted with the steroid. Even though the league agreed with his findings, its was forced to uphold the suspension because of liability issues.​

The suspension won't kick in until he survives final cuts. At that time, the Patriots will place him on the reserve/suspended list and he will miss the first four games of the 2003 season. He'll be able to take part fully in training camp and in preseason games but once the regular season begins he'll be forced to the sidelines for a month.​

With Cloud's addition, the Patriots backfield figures to be a bit deeper. He'll join incumbent Antowain Smith, Kevin Faulk, J.R. Redmond, Antwoine Womack and rookie free agent Derek Watson. Faulk is slated for third-down and situational use while Redmond tries to resurrect his flailing career. Womack is trying to prove he's healthy after missing his rookie year with a torn ACL and could also see time at fullback. Watson is a long shot to make the team.​

Cloud, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Chiefs, started six of his 56 career games with 121 career carries for 381 yards and four touchdowns. The former second-round pick received little interest as an unrestricted free agent after backing up Pro Bowler Priest Holmes the past two years in Kansas City.​

"It's been frustrating, but given my situation I can understand why," Cloud said during mini-camp. "I am here trying to learn the plays and get myself ready. I am just learning the system as quickly as possible so when I am put in a situation I can respond and I am not out there guessing what I have to do so I can let my talent come through."​

Head Coach Bill Belichick is away from his office and was not available for comment on the Cloud signing but he did say during mini-camp that the suspension would not be a key factor in the team's decision. "I don't think that is going to hold up the process because we are aware of it and we know what it is," he said. "If we don't want to deal with it, then we wouldn't be at this point right now."​

Obviously Belichick was true to his word and Cloud is now a Patriot.​

June 23, 2004:

Patriots sign their 3rd pick, DT Hill

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots signed second-round draft pick Marquise Hill yesterday. Hill, a 6-foot-6, 297-pound defensive tackle out of Louisiana State, was the team's third selection, the 6…

www.capecodtimes.com

The New England Patriots signed second-round draft pick Marquise Hill yesterday.​

Hill, a 6-foot-6, 297-pound defensive tackle out of Louisiana State, was the team's third selection, the 63rd pick overall.​

Hill, 22, started every game at defensive end as a junior in 2003 when LSU won the national championship, and 12 of 13 games as a sophomore in 2002.​

He had 108 career tackles, 58 solo, including 10 sacks. Hill recorded five sacks in Louisiana State's final seven games last season, including one for a 13-yard loss against Georgia in the Southeastern Conference title game and another for an 8-yard loss in the BCS national championship game against Oklahoma.​

Mike Cloud (2013) - Varsity Club Hall of Fame - Boston College Athletics

Boston College Athletics

bceagles.com

• A fast and hard-running ball-carrier, he became BC’s all-time leading rusher (3,597 yards) during his stellar varsity career. He averaged 5.9 yards-per-carry as the team’s work-horse running back and scored 25 touchdowns – an on-field production that placed him among BC’s career football elite.
• As a senior, Cloud accounted for 1,726 yards – another Eagle record – and 14 touchdowns. He received consensus All-America and All-BIG East Conference recognition for his stellar senior performance and won the Gold Helmet Award as New England’s top collegiate player.
• Recipient of the Nathaniel J. Hasenfus “Eagle of the Year” Award as the outstanding male student-athlete in his graduating class.
• After graduation, played eight years of professional football with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots and New York Giants.

June 23, 2005:

Pats Sign RB Chad Morton, G Bryan Anderson and Two 2005 Draft Picks

The New England Patriots signed free agent running back Chad Morton and free agent guard Bryan Anderson today. Additionally, the team announced the signings of two 2005 draft picks, linebacker Ryan Claridge (selected in the fifth round) and quarterback Ma

www.patriots.com

Bryan Anderson, 25, has played in four games in his professional career and joins the Patriots from the Chicago Bears, where he spent the bulk of the 2003 and 2004 seasons on the practice squad. The 6-foot-4-inch, 330-pound offensive lineman was originally selected by the Bears in the seventh round (261st overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent the first 15 games of the 2003 season on the Bears' practice squad and was signed to the active roster for the 2003 season finale but was listed among the day-of-game inactives. Last season, the University of Pittsburgh product spent the season's first 12 games on Chicago's practice squad before he was signed to the active roster and played a reserve role in the final four games of 2004.​

Anderson would be waived at the start of camp on July 29 with an undisclosed injury, and never signed with another NFL team after that.

Today in Patriots History
June 23 Threads
from the Aughts​

June 23, 2006:

PFW: Comprehensive minicamp TE Analysis

This article covered all the TE's in minicamp, and went into a lot of speculation about what this year's group will do. Watson supposedly caught 100 or so passes, and PFW thinks he might be a #2 target, after Branch. Thomas supposedly had the most all around impressive rookie showing in camp...

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Thread 'PFW: Comprehensive minicamp TE Analysis'

Jun 23, 2006

This article covered all the TE's in minicamp, and went into a lot of speculation about what this year's group will do. Watson supposedly caught 100 or so passes, and PFW thinks he might be a #2 target, after Branch. Thomas supposedly had the most all around impressive rookie showing in camp, with great hands. Mills spent the majority of camp at TE, not FB.

We've been talking about several of these issues, Watson as a 'WR' option, of which I have been skeptical; Mills as a TE versus Patrick Pass's replacement at FB, of which I felt he was going to play lots in the passing game if...

• 5 Rings for Brady!!
• Replies: 94
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

June 23, 2007:

You fools want to write off Chad Jackson

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/06/23/jacksons_rehabilitation_moving_without_a_snag/ Chad Jackson will be a factor this season. He has all of the tools to be as good as any in the NFL. For those of you think he was a waste of a draft pick need to realize that most...

www.patsfans.com

P

Thread 'You fools want to write off Chad Jackson'

Jun 23, 2007

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/06/23/jacksons_rehabilitation_moving_without_a_snag/

Chad Jackson will be a factor this season. He has all of the tools to be as good as any in the NFL. For those of you think he was a waste of a draft pick need to realize that most NFL receivers need an average of 2 years to catch on. Chad is better than Reche, Jabar and Wes; He could very well be the number 3 on the depth chart, or even 2 next to Randy.

Write it down 62 catches 745 and 8 touchdowns.

• patsfan579
• Replies: 90
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

June 23, 2008:

OT: Imus vs. TAFKAPacman

Honestly, it feels strange that there is an NFL controversy (sort of, anyway) going on and the Patriots are in no way a part of it. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/06/23/imus.controversy.ap/index.html?cnn=yes Sorry if there is already a thread, mods. I am just trying to...

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B

Thread 'OT: Imus vs. TAFKAPacman'

Jun 23, 2008

Honestly, it feels strange that there is an NFL controversy (sort of, anyway) going on and the Patriots are in no way a part of it. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/06/23/imus.controversy.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

Sorry if there is already a thread, mods. I am just trying to point out that for the first time in a year, the Pats have been knocked off the front page (LdT's "classless comment", loss to the Colts, Moss deal, Spygate, RunItUpGate, perfect regualr season, offensive records, Spygate II, 18-1, Spygate II aftermath, IRGate).

• blackglass3
• Replies: 152
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

June 23, 2009:

Question about the end of Super Bowl 36

I was watching the replay last night on NFLN. There were 7 seconds left when Vinatieri kicked the ball and after he makes it, the place explodes, Pats run onto the field, etc. My question is: when, exactly, does play end on a field goal attempt? I've always assumed it's supposed to end when refs...

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Thread 'Question about the end of Super Bowl 36'

Jun 23, 2009

I was watching the replay last night on NFLN. There were 7 seconds left when Vinatieri kicked the ball and after he makes it, the place explodes, Pats run onto the field, etc. My question is: when, exactly, does play end on a field goal attempt? I've always assumed it's supposed to end when refs confirm good or bad and blow the whistle. I believe this has been questioned before, but I wonder if there might've been a second or two left on the clock after that kick was made. If so, the Patriots would've been required to kick off giving the Rams a final chance to handle the ball. Did the...

• Tunescribe
• Replies: 51
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
June 23 News from the 2010s​

June 23, 2010:
Linebacker Gary Guyton is re-signed to a two-year extension

Pats, Guyton reach two-year extension

Gary Guyton is signed through 2011.

www.boston.com

Inside linebacker Gary Guyton, one of a long line of undrafted free agents who have claimed a spot on the Patriots’ roster, has received a two-year contract extension from the club that includes a $650,000 signing bonus.​

Guyton was an exclusive-rights free agent, which means all New England had to do was offer him a one-year tender which would have paid him $470,000 for the coming season.​

“We thought the way Gary had performed, stepping in to call the signals when Jerod Mayo was out and playing 84.5 percent of the defensive snaps, he (had earned) something more than the minimum, and they agreed,” Kopelman said, adding that at the time New England told them they had other things to take care of first. “They’ve always been true to their word with us, which is great.”​

Under the terms of the extension, Guyton will earn $505,000 in 2010 and $1 million in 2011, and also receive a $650,000 signing bonus.​

Guyton registered 85 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season, starting all 16 games in his second full season with the Patriots. He signed in 2008 as an undrafted free agent from Georgia Tech.​

​

June 23, 2010:

Edelman at the Head of His Draft Class

Being a 7th round pick generally means there's not exactly high expectations, although once in a while a player surprises you. Julian Edelman is certainly a player who qualifies.

www.patsfans.com

Being a 7th round pick generally means there's not exactly high expectations, although once in a while a player surprises you.

Prior to coming into the league not a lot was expected of wide receiver Julian Edelman. Now a little over a year later he's heading into the 2010 season with the hope that he can be one of the more productive players on their roster.

It's amazing how things change.

Edelman's story is pretty interesting. Scouts apparently thought so little of him that the former Kent State quarterback wasn't even invited to the 2009 NFL Combine. However, on his pro day he actually recorded a 20-yard short shuttle time of 3.92 seconds. Had he attended the combine that would have been the fastest time of any player there.

After scouting him thoroughly it was the Patriots who finally took a shot at him. In a report from earlier this year, Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com mentioned how the phone call from head coach Bill Belichick to Edelman went down on Draft Day.

"We don't know what you're going to play," Belichick told Edelman at the time. "But we know you can play football."

Now here he is just a year later, and he's managed to make himself a valuable and dangerous weapon in New England's offense. Considering the progress he made from a late round pick to catching passes on Sundays from Tom Brady, even Belichick was impressed enough to recognize the amazing strides he made during that span.

Edelman finished 3rd on the team in receiving in '09, with 37 catches for 359 yards (Photo Credit: Icon/SMI)​

"For Julian Edelman to come in and pick things up as quickly as he did last year and to be at the point as a receiver that he is right now — considering the fact that he, A) never played the position, and, B) converting to a new position as a rookie in an offense that has a number of moving parts and to be where he is now — is just phenomenal," said Belichick. "He's come so far as a football player at a new position in literally a calendar year … but he did it in six months … I don't think any one of us would have predicted that."

As we know, the draft and scouting process isn't always an exact science, and Edelman is another great example. Of the 12 receivers taken in that round last year, only Edelman and Tampa Bay Buccaneer receiver Sammie Stroughter (who coincidently was drafted with the next selection) were ones who had significant playing time and were productive last season. Stroughter played in 13 games and finished with 31 receptions for 334 yards and one touchdown, while Edelman played in 11 games (in fairness he missed time after breaking his forearm) with 37 receptions for 359 yards and a touchdown of his own.

Wednesday Patriots Headlines - June 23

www.patsfans.com

Patriots.com reports on the late Mosi Tatupu, who was remembered during a recent comedy event held in his honor. The event sold out and raised over $100,000.

Jeff Howe of NESN.com looks at the Patriots defense and says that rotations will be the key to their success this season.

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com notes an interesting fact as to why the Patriots have one of the older running back groups in the NFL, and points out that they haven't drafted one since 2007.

The Providence Journal has an article featuring former Patriots Football Weekly writer (and an overall terrific guy) Bryan Morry, who is now the executive director at the Hall at Patriot Place. Morry talks quite a bit about the amazing facility in the article, which if you've never been there is part museum, part technological showplace.

"I don't think a lot of people realize that it's an interactive experience," Morry said. "It's a place where you can come in and see exhibits on Gino Cappelletti and Bill Parcells and Drew Bledsoe. We have all that. You're going to see some cool stuff like Tom Brady's MVP trophy, the Super Bowl trophy, the rings (the Pats gave to their players)."

Pats checking out RB Unga

Patriots will be at Unga workout - Extra Points - Boston.com More or less doing our due diligence, but is this guy any good? And would he be realistic for us?

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Pats checking out RB Unga'

Jun 23, 2010

Patriots will be at Unga workout - Extra Points - Boston.com

More or less doing our due diligence, but is this guy any good? And would he be realistic for us?

• alphilip77
• Replies: 77
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

June 23, 2011:

The 2011 media NFL prediction thread.

I was waiting for my wife to get a prescription this morning and looked at the Sporting News NFL Season Preview magazine. They had the Patriots beating the Jets and Ravens in the Playoffs and going to the Super Bowl. But they predict the Packers win the Super Bowl.:( Another I glanced at had...

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P

Thread 'The 2011 media NFL prediction thread.'

Jun 23, 2011

I was waiting for my wife to get a prescription this morning and looked at the Sporting News NFL Season Preview magazine.

They had the Patriots beating the Jets and Ravens in the Playoffs and going to the Super Bowl. But they predict the Packers win the Super Bowl.

Another I glanced at had the Ravens beating the Eagles in the Super Bowl.

So now it starts even without the Fa's being signed. Let's post and discuss the media predictions on this thread as they start coming out, on line, magazines, sports shows, or just hearing it on a sports radio station (WEEI will be consumed with the...

• PATSNUTme
• Replies: 11
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

June 23, 2012:

Wikipedia Top Players of 2012: Brady #2?

How could they scoop the NFL? lol. NFL Top 100 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Wikipedia Top Players of 2012: Brady #2?'

Jun 23, 2012

How could they scoop the NFL? lol.

NFL Top 100 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

• pherein
• Replies: 2
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

June 23, 2013:

Torrey Smith takes shots at Pats fans

Yes, one of the most overrated players in the NFL decided to kick the Pats fans while they are down via Twitter: I understand that every Fan base has bad fans what I'm saying is NE fans have more than others and think they are better than everyone else...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Torrey Smith takes shots at Pats fans'

Jun 23, 2013

Yes, one of the most overrated players in the NFL decided to kick the Pats fans while they are down via Twitter:

I understand that every Fan base has bad fans what I'm saying is NE fans have more than others and think they are better than everyone else

https://twitter.com/TorreySmithWR/status/348625144706650112

Although he respects Kraft and Belichick:

As much as I dislike MOST of the fan base I can honestly say that I respect the coaches and ownership

https://twitter.com/TorreySmithWR/status/348627511363661824

Ok I'm done starting stuff before...

• Rob0729
• Replies: 91
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

June 23, 2014:

​

Patriots sign first-rounder Dominique Easley

And we're down to five.

www.nbcsports.com

Only injury concerns kept Easley from being drafted higher, as he was exceptionally productive at Florida when well, and his ability to create pressure from inside will be a good fit for a versatile Patriots front.​

Patriots Sign First-Round Pick Dominique Easley

The New England Patriots announced Monday that they have signed first-round pick Dominique Easley.

www.cbsnews.com

The New England Patriots announced Monday that they have signed first-round pick Dominique Easley.​

Easley, 22, was drafted by the Patriots with the 29th pick in the 2014 draft, after Easley played four years at Florida. While a Gator, Easley recorded 81 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 32 games.​

Easley participated in one of the team's minicamp sessions last week despite not yet agreeing to a contract, but he'll be signed on officially when training camp opens on July 23.​

The defensive tackle is working himself back into football shape after suffering a torn ACL last year.​

The Patriots also announced that they have signed rookie free agent offensive lineman Chris Martin. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound tackle originally signed with the Texans but was released on May 27.​

News From The South

Southern Living reports on celebrities, entertainment, music, travel, food, and other news from the South.

www.southernliving.com

A former professional football player is the newest member of the Seminole County Fire Department.​

Offensive tackle Chris Martin played for University of Central Florida and was a member of five NFL teams before the death of his two-year-old son Gunner led him to pursue a career as a firefighter.​

“On April 6, 2016, my wife and I found our son unfortunately at the bottom of a pool,” Martin, 33, told Click Orlando. “We had a pool in the backyard. We weren’t really aware of the different preventative measures we could take to prevent it. That’s when I realized that’s what I want to do when I’m done [with football].”​

Morning Huddle 6/23: Patriots' 2003 Defense the Best Ever?, RB White One to Watch, More Football Notes

Looking at the numbers, the Patriots 2003 defense was impressive, and one that fans can only hope to see again here in New England.

www.patsfans.com

REISS: RB JAMES WHITE ONE TO WATCH:

Interesting note from Reiss' Sunday notes column regarding rookie running back James White, who Reiss believes may be flying under the radar:

With so much attention focused on Patriots top picks Dominique Easley and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (second round), I think running back James White (fourth round, Wisconsin, 130th overall) has slipped under the radar a bit. Everything I've heard is that the 5-foot-9, 204-pound White has made a strong first impression, both from a skills and approach standpoint, and even though it's early I don't think it's a stretch to say he will contribute in 2014. Bill Belichick has compared his style of play to fourth-year Patriots running back Shane Vereen.

The running back position will be interesting to watch this year as it is, with Stevan Ridley looking to bounce back from a frustrating 2013 performance, while Vereen is looking to hopefully have a healthy 2014 campaign. Both players are free agents at the end of this season, so if White can establish a role for himself, it may help him when the team starts making decisions moving forward.

Patriots 53 Man Roster Projection 2.0, Post Mini-Camp Edition

Another position to watch in camp is defensive tackle as Wilfork, Kelly and Easley all work themselves back from serious injury.

www.patsfans.com

Wide Receiver- Aaron Dobson, Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola, Josh Boyce, Kenbrell Thompkins, Jeremy Gallon, Jeremy Johnson, Reese Wiggins, Wilson Van Hooser
Dobson had off-season foot surgery so the outside "X" position was open for plenty of reps. Much like 2013 Thompkins stepped up and made the most of his opportunities. Boyce was having an outstanding spring until tweaking a knee and missed the final two days of mini-camp. Edelman and Amendola looked sharp in workouts. Health is of primary concern here as Amendola, Boyce, Dobson and Thompkins all had injuries that impacted the 2013 season. All will have to stay healthy in 2014 if they want to be difference makers as all struggled at times last season. LaFell is a big target that admittedly had trouble with the Patriots playbook early in the spring. With some extra time to nail it down, he'll bear watching early in camp to see if he's reaching a comfort level with quarterback Tom Brady.
Opening Day Roster- Dobson, Edelman, LaFell, Amendola, Boyce, Thompkins (6)

Easley Does It,... Patriots Ink 1st Rd Pick And Sign Martin To Round Out Roster

Easley appeared to have the explosion and burst that he is noted for in the small window of opportunity that the media was able to witness.

www.patsfans.com

Easley missed most of OTA's and Mini-camp this spring while recovering from his second ACL tear, suffered last season while a member of Florida. He did make an appearance in the final day of mini-camp last Thursday as a limited participant wearing a full protective sleeve over his right leg. Easley appeared to have the explosion and burst that he is noted for in the small window of opportunity that the media was able to witness.

Miguel of PatsCap.com has the following information listed under Easley's contract. The contract that was signed was a four year deal worth $7,281,045 dollars. The years of 2014, 2015, and 2016 are fully guaranteed and Easley will receive a yearly bonus payment of $907,918 over the full four-years of the deal.

In other related news the Patriots signed offensive lineman Chris Martin and UDFA out of Central Florida today as well. That brings the roster total to 90, the maximum allowed by league rules.

Easley signed

All the draft picks under contract now.

www.patsfans.com

K

Thread 'Easley signed'

Jun 23, 2014

All the draft picks under contract now.

• KY Pats Fan
• Replies: 142
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
June 23 News from the 2010s​

June 23, 2015:

PATRIOTS NEWS - Official Brady Appeal Thread: D-Day Tuesday June 23rd

For readability puposes, here is the official thread for today. The previous one was getting too long. Have at it!

www.patsfans.com

PATRIOTS NEWS Thread 'Official Brady Appeal Thread: D-Day Tuesday June 23rd'

Jun 23, 2015

For readability puposes, here is the official thread for today. The previous one was getting too long.

Have at it!

• shmessy
• Replies: 1,057
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Florio Rips NFL Response to Mortensen Report

Tough for me to disagree: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/23/exploring-nfls-inconsistent-reactions-to-erroneous-espn-reports/ The disparity between today’s rapid-fire disagreement with Schefter’s procedural nuance and January’s silence in response to Mortensen’s critical factual...

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G

Thread 'Florio Rips NFL Response to Mortensen Report'

Jun 23, 2015

Tough for me to disagree:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...nsistent-reactions-to-erroneous-espn-reports/

The disparity between today’s rapid-fire disagreement with Schefter’s procedural nuance and January’s silence in response to Mortensen’s critical factual assertion is stunning. And it lends credence to the belief that the NFL deliberately leaked false information in order to pin the Patriots against ropes that simply weren’t there.

If Aiello or anyone else from the NFL had responded swiftly to Mortensen’s erroneous report with the true...

• Gator Mike
• Replies: 155
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

June 23, 2016:
Patriots WR Julian Edelman no longer appears to be wearing a walking boot - MassLive

The electric tandem of Dion Lewis and Julian Edelman joined the staff at Massachusetts General Hospital Wednesday for their annual picnic, visiting the hospital's pediatric ward and participating in a life-size version of the game "Operation."​

Both New England Patriots, of course, had undergone recent operations of their own. Lewis is returning from ACL surgery, and Edelman has had two foot surgeries since November.​

Lewis, the dynamic running back who burst onto the scene a year ago, participated in the final OTA open to the media. For someone less than seven months removed from an ACL repair, he looked good.​

Meanwhile, Edelman missed minicamp and every OTA open to the media. He was in a bulky walking boot for Tom Brady's annual Best Buddies flag football game on June 3. He did not play in the game.​

According to one photo from Patriots.com, though, it appears Edelman did not wear the boot to the MGH event Wednesday.​

This would be a sign of progress for Edelman, who, according to a May 12 report from ESPN's Mike Reiss and Adam Schefter, was "on track" to return for training camp.​

The Jones fracture suffered by Edelman can be a tricky injury. Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, who also underwent a second surgery following his Jones fracture, needed five months to gain clearance for running and cutting. As CSNNE's Tom Curran pointed out, Edelman wouldn't be back until November if he followed the same timeline.​

Dion Lewis had to have a second arthroscopic cleanup procedure done in August, and began the season on PUP. The running back did not see his first action in 2016 until week 11, on November 20 at San Francisco. Edelman on the other hand was a go from week one, playing in every game of the 2016 season.






June 23, 2019:
Former Boston Patriot linebacker Jack Rudolph passes away in Valdosta, Georgia

John Lawrence Rudolph (Jack) Obituary June 23, 2019 - McLane Funeral & Cremation Services

View John Lawrence Rudolph (Jack)'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

www.mclanefuneralservices.com

John Lawrence Rudolph (Jack) passed away on June 23rd 2019 at the age of 82.​

Born in St. Louis Missouri in 1937, Jack moved at an early age to Atlanta, Georgia where he spent his childhood and college days. Growing up in the shadow of Georgia Tech’s Historic Grant Field, Jack was privileged to spend his middle school years selling programs and peanuts in the stands on games days. He attended Grady High School and was a standout student-athlete in football basketball, and track earning a football scholarship to The Georgia Institute of Technology. While at Georgia Tech, he was a three time letter winner from 1957-1959. After graduating, he went on to play in the American Football League and was a member of the original Boston Patriot football team from 1960-65 and also an original member of the Miami Dolphins in 1966.​

In 1965, Jack married Marsha Lou Harris and they settled in Valdosta, Georgia. Jack spent 31 years as a coach and teacher at Valdosta High School. As a defensive coordinator for 25 of those years, his defenses recorded 111 shut-outs and held opponents to an average of 8.3 points per game. He was a part of Valdosta Wildcat teams that won 11 state and 5 national championships. He attributed this success to an excellent staff, exceptional players, and game changing fans. Jack was arguably the greatest High School Defensive Coordinator of all time in the state of Georgia. He was honored to be inducted into the Valdosta/Lowndes County Sports Hall of Fame. He was known for his intimidating presence and football IQ. Although his players feared him, they knew that he loved them and had their best interest in mind and they played for him with passion. More important than the wins was the influence he had on hundreds of young people throughout his life.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
June 23 News from the 2020s​

June 23, 2022:
The genesis of Zappe-Mania

Patriots sign fourth round draft pick Bailey Zappe to a four-year, $4.3m contract with a $647k signing bonus
Second round draft pick Tyquan Thornton also signs his rookie contract, a 4-year deal worth $7,053,860, with $4,040,710 fully guaranteed which included a $2,310,080 signing bonus.

Patriots Sign Prolific College QB

The New England Patriots have been on a rookie-signing spree. They just signed QB Bailey Zappe to his rookie contract.

heavy.com

After a record-setting career at Western Kentucky that saw Zappe throw for 5,967 yards, 62 TDs and just 11 interceptions in 2021. The yards and TD marks set FBS single-season records. Despite his prolific passing performance in 2021, Zappe wasn’t considered by most to be among the best quarterbacks in the NFL Draft.​

Thus, he slipped to the fourth round where the Patriots snapped him up to play third string for the team in 2022.​

Mac Jones is fully entrenched as the team’s starter barring an injury after a promising rookie season. Jones threw for 3,801 yards, 22 TDs and 13 interceptions in his first year in the NFL.​

Done Deal: Patriots Sign QB Bailey Zappe

Quarterback Bailey Zappe becomes the final 2022 NFL draft selection to sign his rookie deal with the New England Patriots.

www.si.com

And then there were … none.​

The New England Patriots announced on Thursday that they have signed quarterback Bailey Zappe to his rookie deal. Zappe had been the last of New England’s 2022 NFL Draft class to agree to terms with the club. First-round choice Cole Strange signed his deal on Wednesday, while second-round pick Tyquan Thornton made it official with the team on Thursday.​

The Patriots raised more than a few eyebrows when they selected the Western Kentucky quarterback with the 137th pick in the fourth round of the draft. At the time, Zappe’s selection gave the Pats four quarterbacks on their roster for the upcoming season. In fact, many began to wonder whether the Patriots had squandered valuable draft capital by overindulging in a position of strength.​

However, New England decided to thin out the mix at the position, sending reserve quarterback Jarrett Stidham and a seventh-round draft pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a sixth-round selection. The move seemingly paved the way for Zappe to earn a spot on the team’s positional depth chart for 2022. He is expected to compete with veteran backup Brian Hoyer as the Pats second option, behind starter Mac Jones.​

Zappe had an overwhelmingly successful statistical season at Western Kentucky in 2021. He set FBS single-season records with 62 passing touchdowns and 5,967 passing yards. The 23-year-old is also a strong logistical fit within New England’s style. Much like Jones, Zappe has a quick release and is an accurate short-to-intermediate passer when throwing in rhythm. He moves well within the pocket and demonstrates a good eye for recognizing pressure. In order to be an effective pro, he must improve upon his accuracy when throwing on the move.​

June 23, 2023:

ESPN’s Rob Ninkovich Is Latest Cut At Network As Paring Continues

ESPN's Rob Ninkovich Is Latest Cut At Network As Paring Continues

deadline.com

NFL Analyst Rob Ninkovich Out At ESPN

NFL analyst Rob Ninkovich's contract won't be renewed at ESPN as the Worldwide Leader in Sports slashes on-air talent payrolls.

frontofficesports.com

Rob Ninkovich is leaving ESPN, sources tell Front Office Sports.​

The NFL analyst’s contract won’t be renewed after it expires this summer, said sources. ESPN declined to comment.​

The two-time Super Bowl winner with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots joined ESPN in 2019. Since then, the 11-year NFL veteran and former Pats co-captain has been featured on studio shows such as “NFL Live,” “Get Up” and “SportsCenter.”​

The 39-year-old Ninkovich is the latest big talent name to part ways with ESPN as the Worldwide Leader in Sports slashes talent payrolls.​

Front Office Sports broke the news that popular “SportsCenter” anchor Neil Everett’s contract wasn’t renewed after 23 years. NHL analyst Chris Chelios met the same fate.​

Previously, ESPN completed its fifth wave of layoffs in the past decade, losing off-camera executives such as beloved 43-year communications guru Mike Soltys, ESPN+ boss Russell Wolff, and John Dahl, an Emmy Award-winning producer on the Michael Jordan documentary, “The Last Dance.”​

With Pat McAfee shifting his eponymous YouTube show to ESPN this fall, Max Kellerman’s weekday afternoon show “This Just In” is likely to get the axe.​

Under this new weekday TV lineup, “Get Up” would continue to air between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. ET, Stephen A. Smith’s “First Take” would follow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and McAfee’s show would start at 12 p.m. ET.​

As ESPN completes its cost-cutting “talent exercise,” the network is taking dual approaches. Some contracts for on-air TV/radio talents like Ninkovich, the former Pats linebacker, simply won’t be renewed. Others will have their guaranteed contracts bought out. They will still be paid in full — but ESPN will be able to write their salaries off the books.​

June 23, 2025:
Yasir Durant signs for a second stint with the Pats, after having played in eight games with one start for New England in 2021. His season ended early, as he was placed on season-ending injured reserve on July 31. In March the Patriots elected to not place an RFA tender on the offensive tackle Yasir Durant, and he currently remains a free agent.