PatsFans.com Menu
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans

June 25 in Pats History: Roster Bubble players


jmt57

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Aug 13, 2005
Messages
19,243
Reaction score
12,770
Today in Patriots History
On the Roster Bubble


Four Patriots were born on June 25, and they combined to start just one game while with the Pats. That is something to consider as we get overly excited about the next Markell Carter, choose our training camp underdog binkies, and get closer to July 27.


Happy 47th birthday to Vernon Crawford
Born June 25, 1974 in Texas City, Texas
Patriot LB, 1997-1999; uniform #99
Pats 5th round (159th overall) pick of the 1997 draft, from Florida State


crawford_vernon2.jpg


Vernon Crawford was primarily a special teamer, playing in 41 games with one start over three seasons with the Pats. He appeared in every game his first two seasons; in '98 he had 14 ST tackles and 13 more on defense. Crawford signed with the Packers in 2000, but spent that season on IR. He was also part of two short lived leagues: with the XFL in 2001 and later played in the AF2 (a lower level of arena football, hence the '2').


Crawford remained in the New England area after hanging up his cleats and has coached at Walpole (2002-03 DC) and Randolph high schools (2004-2008 as DC and HC), Curry College (2009-2011 coaching wide receivers) and with two women's teams, the Boston Militia (2008-2014, DC) and the Boston Renegades (2016-present, OC and assistant HC). Apparently they are doing fine, winning their first four 2021 games by the scores of 62-0, 56-6, 62-0 and 70-0. In his spare time Vernon has also served as the head football coach at Seekonk High School. since 2012.


5c54e855b9500.image.jpg






  • At the time he was drafted, we wasn’t even sure where the team was located but he’s lived in New England ever since, coaching football at both Walpole and Randolph High Schools as a defensive coordinator.
  • Vernon also played a year of Arena League football with the Manchester Wolves in New Hampshire but being a linebacker used to rushing the passer, wasn’t too enamored with the pace of the play. “You can get a clear shot at the QB, but by the time you get there the ball is long gone,” said Vernon.

Coaches and Personnel | Boston Renegades Women's Football

Since retiring as a player, Vern has amassed extensive experience coaching all phases of the game at the high school and college levels. He is currently head coach of the Seekonk (Mass.) High School football team. He was Defensive Coordinator for the Boston Militia (2008-2014) before joining the Renegades coaching staff in 2016.​



Crawford, a grid star from a young age, graduated from Texas City (Tx.) High in 1993, then trekked to the Community College of San Francisco, where he earned his Associate’s in 1995. After that stint, he was recruited by legendary head coach Bobby Bowden to play at Florida State University in Tallahassee, where he helped the Seminoles achieve a No. 3 national ranking as a junior and senior.​

He not only played in two Sugar Bowls, but also was selected ESPN Football Commentator Lee Corso’s College Football Special Teams Player of the Year his final season. Crawford earned a Bachelor’s in criminology in 1997, but – just a month before – was drafted in the fifth round by the Patriots.​

He was named to the NFL All-Rookie special teams players list that fall. He played three seasons (1997-99) for then-head coach Pete Carroll, recording a total of 32 special teams tackles, but closed his career in Green Bay after suffering a hamstring injury in the home opener against Miami.​

“I knew I was hurt, but you just do what you must to remain on the field,” Crawford said. “I tried to play through it, but couldn’t.”​


 
Today in Patriots History
On the Roster Bubble: Mike Ruth


Happy 57th birthday to Mike Ruth
Born June 25, 1964 in Norristown, PA
Patriot NT, 1986-1987; uniform #65
Pats 2nd round (42nd overall) pick of the 1986 draft, from Boston College


MikeRuth.jpg


Mike Ruth won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top interior lineman as a senior after the 1985 season, during the Doug Flutie era at BC. Unfortunately he was snake bitten with injuries once he joined the Patriots. Ruth injured his knee on the opening kickoff of the first game of the '86 season, and was limited to six games plus the playoff loss to Denver. He missed the first 17 days of 1987 training camp due to injury, then eleven days later in the first preseason game he injured his knee again, requiring surgery. Ruth was able to return for two games in November, but never played in another NFL regular season game - though he did play in NFL Europe for two years.

To get an idea of how good of a player he was at Boston College, consider the following. Ruth was named to the College Football Hall of Fame four years ago, in a class with Peyton Manning, Marshall Faulk, Adrian Peterson, Brian Urlacher, and coach Steve Spurrier, among others. Ruth is also the only BC Eagle other than Flutie to have his number retired. In his post-football career he earned his masters in education from Harvard, worked in insurance, has served as president of his own consulting firm since 2003, and is now a teacher and coach at Everett High School.




 
Today in Patriots History
On the Roster Bubble: Bradley Fletcher


Happy 35th birthday to Bradley Fletcher
Born June 25, 1986 in Cleveland
Patriot CB, 2015; uniform #24
Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on March 18, 2015


hi-res-08b2e11cc01af8d141a4c7fb1c822fb8_crop_north.jpg


Bradley Fletcher was a third round 1999 draft pick by the Rams out of Iowa; he spent four seasons in St. Louis and two in Philadelphia. Soon after being burnt by Dez Bryant and Jordy Nelson (why would you have an average at best CB ever covering either of those two without help?) he lost his starting job in Philly, and was released after the season ended.

After meeting with free agent corners Terence Newman, Tarell Brown and Robert McClain, the Pats signed Fletcher to a one-year, $1.2 million contract that included a $300,000 signing bonus. Fletcher played in two of the first three games, registering ten tackles and one forced fumble. Following a bye week Fletcher was waived the day prior to a week 5 game at Dallas to make room for special teamer Brandon King. Including his two games with the Pats, Fletcher played in 73 NFL games with 54 starts, plus one playoff game.


082015patriots017.jpg








The Patriots released cornerback Bradley Fletcher today.​

Fletcher suffered a hamstring injury this week in practice. It's not serious, but a source said he wouldn't have been able to play tomorrow against the Cowboys if needed. However, Fletcher was a healthy scratch in Week 3 against the Jaguars after falling behind cornerback Justin Coleman on the depth chart.​

Quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Tyrod Taylor were 8 of 10 for 129 yards and one touchdown when targeting Fletcher, who was also flagged once for pass interference.​

Fletcher signed a one-year contract this offseason that included a $300,000 signing bonus. The deal could have been worth up to $2.5 million if Fletcher reached all of his playing-time incentives.​

It's unclear right now whether Fletcher's release was more about the injury or his performance. The Patriots' decision whether or not to re-sign him in a week or two will determine that.​

The Patriots promoted special teamer Brandon King from the practice squad to take Fletcher's spot on the 53-man roster.​
 
Today in Patriots History
On the Roster Bubble: Marcus Stroud


Happy 43rd birthday to Marcus Stroud
Born June 25, 1978 in Thomasville, Georgia
Patriot DT, 2011 off season; uniform #98

Signed as a veteran free agent on March 1, 2011


GettyImages-113572294.jpg


After ten seasons with Jacksonville and Buffalo, the Pats signed Stroud to a two-year contract on March 1, 2011. The three-time Pro Bowler was projected to play a similar sub role that Gerard Warren had the previous season, but that did not work out for the 33 year old veteran: the Pats released him just two days after training camp opened. The 13th overall pick of the 2001 draft played in 146 NFL games, recording 29.5 sacks, 424 combined tackles and 8 forced fumbles.





Other pro football players born on this date with New England area connections:

- Bryan Cox Jr., 27 (1994); the son of Bryan Cox is a defensive end who has played for the Panthers, Browns and Bills.

- Harrie Dadmun (1894-1980); Harrie went to Arlington High School, Tufts and Harvard (where he was captain), and was an NFL lineman in the early twenties.
90457849_1481226771.jpg

- Art Harms (1902-1986); the University of Vermont alum was an NFL lineman in the mid-twenties.

- head coach at Cornell, HC for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and now OC at Liberty University.

- Lou Palazzi (1921-2007); born in Groton, played center in the forties for the Giants, and then saw many historic games up close over a 30+ year as an NFL umpire.




Some other pro football notables born on this date:
- Curtis McClinton, 82 (6/25/39); RB was a three time AFL all star with the Chiefs, and played in two super bowls.

- Tank Younger (1928-2001); 4-time Pro Bowl RB for the Rams in the fifties.

- Matt Schaub, 40 (6/25/81); led the NFL with 4,770 passing yards in 2009.
 
Today in Patriots History
On the Roster Bubble: Mike Ruth


Happy 57th birthday to Mike Ruth
Born June 25, 1964 in Norristown, PA
Patriot NT, 1986-1987; uniform #65
Pats 2nd round (42nd overall) pick of the 1986 draft, from Boston College


MikeRuth.jpg


Mike Ruth won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top interior lineman as a senior after the 1985 season, during the Doug Flutie era at BC. Unfortunately he was snake bitten with injuries once he joined the Patriots. Ruth injured his knee on the opening kickoff of the first game of the '86 season, and was limited to six games plus the playoff loss to Denver. He missed the first 17 days of 1987 training camp due to injury, then eleven days later in the first preseason game he injured his knee again, requiring surgery. Ruth was able to return for two games in November, but never played in another NFL regular season game - though he did play in NFL Europe for two years.

To get an idea of how good of a player he was at Boston College, consider the following. Ruth was named to the College Football Hall of Fame four years ago, in a class with Peyton Manning, Marshall Faulk, Adrian Peterson, Brian Urlacher, and coach Steve Spurrier, among others. Ruth is also the only BC Eagle other than Flutie to have his number retired. In his post-football career he earned his masters in education from Harvard, worked in insurance, has served as president of his own consulting firm since 2003, and is now a teacher and coach at Everett High School.





I remember watching the NFL draft on ESPN that year...The Pats were the defending AFC champs and picked next to last in the first round; and while they were deliberating, Pats fans in the audience started chanting "Ruth, Ruth, Ruth..."

Then the pick was announced, and Patrick Sullivan/**** Steinberg/Joe Mendes/Bucko Kilroy had chosen...RB Reggie Two Yard Dupard...

The defending champion Chicago Bears, with the very next pick, chose the consensus higher-rated RB Neal Anderson.

During the rest of the evening between picks, ESPN began showing live look-ins from Fenway park on the NESN feed...Something about Roger Clemens vs the Seattle Mariners...
 
Today in Patriots History
On the Roster Bubble: Bradley Fletcher


Happy 35th birthday to Bradley Fletcher
Born June 25, 1986 in Cleveland
Patriot CB, 2015; uniform #24
Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on March 18, 2015


hi-res-08b2e11cc01af8d141a4c7fb1c822fb8_crop_north.jpg


Bradley Fletcher was a third round 1999 draft pick by the Rams out of Iowa; he spent four seasons in St. Louis and two in Philadelphia. Soon after being burnt by Dez Bryant and Jordy Nelson (why would you have an average at best CB ever covering either of those two without help?) he lost his starting job in Philly, and was released after the season ended.

After meeting with free agent corners Terence Newman, Tarell Brown and Robert McClain, the Pats signed Fletcher to a one-year, $1.2 million contract that included a $300,000 signing bonus. Fletcher played in two of the first three games, registering ten tackles and one forced fumble. Following a bye week Fletcher was waived the day prior to a week 5 game at Dallas to make room for special teamer Brandon King. Including his two games with the Pats, Fletcher played in 73 NFL games with 54 starts, plus one playoff game.


082015patriots017.jpg








The Patriots released cornerback Bradley Fletcher today.​

Fletcher suffered a hamstring injury this week in practice. It's not serious, but a source said he wouldn't have been able to play tomorrow against the Cowboys if needed. However, Fletcher was a healthy scratch in Week 3 against the Jaguars after falling behind cornerback Justin Coleman on the depth chart.​

Quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Tyrod Taylor were 8 of 10 for 129 yards and one touchdown when targeting Fletcher, who was also flagged once for pass interference.​

Fletcher signed a one-year contract this offseason that included a $300,000 signing bonus. The deal could have been worth up to $2.5 million if Fletcher reached all of his playing-time incentives.​

It's unclear right now whether Fletcher's release was more about the injury or his performance. The Patriots' decision whether or not to re-sign him in a week or two will determine that.​

The Patriots promoted special teamer Brandon King from the practice squad to take Fletcher's spot on the 53-man roster.​

Dude sucked...As does his replacement.
 


TRANSCRIPT: Eliot Wolf’s Pre-Draft Press Conference 4/18/24
Thursday Patriots Notebook 4/18: News and Notes
Wednesday Patriots Notebook 4/17: News and Notes
Tuesday Patriots Notebook 4/16: News and Notes
Monday Patriots Notebook 4/15: News and Notes
Patriots News 4-14, Mock Draft 3.0, Gilmore, Law Rally For Bill 
Potential Patriot: Boston Globe’s Price Talks to Georgia WR McConkey
Friday Patriots Notebook 4/12: News and Notes
Not a First Round Pick? Hoge Doubles Down on Maye
Thursday Patriots Notebook 4/11: News and Notes
Back
Top