Today In Patriots History June 27: Jonas Gray

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jonas Gray​

Happy 34th birthday to Jonas Gray
Born June 27, 1990 in Pontiac, Michigan
Patriot RB, 2014; uniform #35
Signed as a free agent to a future contract on January 6, 2014

The Michigan native led his high school team to the state championship game, and was rated as the number four prospect nationally at running back. Jonas Gray signed with Notre Dame but was buried on the depth chart, getting just 75 carries in his first three seasons with the Irish. He finally received regular playing time (along with another future Patriot RB, Cierre Wood) his senior year, and ran for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns. Then one week after rushing for 136 yards and two touchdowns versus Maryland, Gray blew out his knee - and any chance of being drafted - in a November 19, 2011 game against Boston College that resulted in a torn ACL, MCL and LCL.

The 5'10" 223 pound back spent 2012 on the physically unable to perform list and the 2013 off season with Miami, then was signed to Baltimore's practice squad after final roster cuts in 2013. Gray spent the entire 2014 off season with the Pats, and began the season on their practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster in mid-October when Stevan Ridley was placed on injured reserve.

After three games in which he rushed for 131 total yards and no touchdowns, Jonas Gray became the focus of the game plan at Indianapolis - and made national headlines. Ten months earlier the Patriots defeated the Colts 43-22 by exploiting Indy's run defense, with LeGarrette Blount pounding his way for 166 yards and four touchdowns. The Colts had not improved their run defense at all, in large part due to starting DT Arthur Jones missing several games with an ankle injury. The game plan was a simple rehash of that previous playoff game, with Jonas Gray replacing Blount as the big workhorse running back while utilizing six offensive linemen or two tight end sets.

The plan worked to perfection. Gray rushed for 201 yards and a franchise-record four touchdowns on 38 carries, as the Pats crushed the Colts, 42-20.

Note: The NFL/ won't let you watch the video here; click the link above to watch it on YouTube​

LeGarrette Blount had departed to Pittsburgh the previous offseason in free agency, but that was not working out well for either side. The following day would be the final straw, when Blount left the field early on Monday Night Football after receiving just one offensive snap and zero carries. The Steelers immediately released Blount, and the Patriots signed him a day after he cleared waivers. In hindsight the euphoria over Gray's record setting performance should have been tempered; his role as the big back was about to be handed back to Blount.

On Friday of that week the Patriots had a team meeting scheduled for 7:30 am. The charger to Gray's cellphone was not fully inserted into the wall socket, resulting in the phone's battery to die rather than recharge - and the alarm never went off. When he woke up he was already an hour late.

Gray was rightfully benched for the game two days later, causing many sports mediots' heads to explode. Blount scored a touchdown on his first carry in the second quarter to give the Pats a 14-6 lead following an 81 yard kickoff return by Danny Amendola. Then after a Logan Ryan interception with under seven minutes to play in the fourth quarter, Blount ran the ball on eight out of nine snaps, chewing up nearly five minutes off the clock, culminated with his second rushing touchdown of the day and a 34-9 victory.

A week later the Patriots lost to Green Bay as the Packers kept the Pats offense off the field (23:25 time of possession), with New England running the ball 18 times. Once again Blount got most of the load, with ten carries; Gray had zero rushes and one offensive snap.

His final appearance for the Pats was ironically against Indy: in a 45-7 playoff victory, Gray had four carries for four yards. In three of the other final four games of the season he was a healthy scratch, including the super bowl against Seattle.

Jonas Gray's final NFL touchdown came in a one-point victory over the Jets on December 21, 2014​

After being waived by the Patriots at the end of the 2015 training camp, Gray spent most of 2015 split between Miami's active roster and practice squad, appearing in six games with 31 carries. Jacksonville signed him of the Fins practice squad in mid December and he saw action in two games for the Jaguars, with 14 rushes. Jonas suffered a quadriceps injury during the 2016 training camp, and the Jags waived him with an injury settlement. In 2017 Gray returned to his alma mater to perform at Notre Dame's Pro Day, vying for one more crack at the NFL - but found no takers. Similarly he had a tryout/showcase in 2019 for the XFL, but again no team offered a contract.

After having worked for an energy company in Boston, Jonas Gray is now president and CEO of AthletesPlus+ Management, an athlete consulting firm. His final stat line with the Patriots was eight games played with three starts, 412 yards rushing at 4.6 yards per carry, and five touchdowns.

Knee sidelines Jonas Gray for season

Jonas Gray's breakout season came up short.

www.espn.com

Jonas Gray

fightingirish.com

The Perfect Patriot

On Sunday night, America tuned in to see Tom Brady and Andrew Luck battle for AFC supremacy. Instead an undrafted journeyman running back stole the show. Plus, the Chiefs roll on, and what's next for Adrian Peterson?

www.si.com

Former Notre Dame RB Jonas Gray suddenly in the spotlight

Late Sunday night, after the New England Patriots had delivered the Indianapolis Colts a 42-20 punch in the mouth, the star of the game stood in the Patriots' Lucas Oil Stadium locker room, humble and appreciative as a throng of reporters crowded around him, likely as curious about who he...

www.ndinsider.com

Jonas Gray sent home after being late for Patriots practice - The Boston Globe

FOXBOROUGH — Running back Jonas Gray was sent home from the Patriots facility Friday by coach Bill Belichick after showing up late.

www.bostonglobe.com

Patriots Inactives: Jonas Gray Will Play vs. Colts

Jonas Gray had a breakout performance against the Colts in the regular season, and if he can do it again in the AFC Championship Game, the Patriots could be headed to the Super Bowl.

www.boston.com

Tale of Two RBs: Jonas Gray Makes SI Cover While LeGarrette Blount Runs for Cover

Move over over Rob Gronkowski, Robert Kraft, Vince Wilfork, and Tom Brady, there's a new Sports Illustrated Patriots cover boy in town, and his name is Jonas Gray.

www.boston.com

Jonas Gray, Patriots' 1-hit wonder, started in American Flag Football League

Jonas Gray's career has taken another absurd step. Gray joined the American Flag Football League, a league that hopes to “capture the energy and fun of America’s fastest growing youth sport by showcasing the skills and personalities of world class athletes,” according to t

patriotswire.usatoday.com

Former New England Patriots RB Jonas Gray works out at Notre Dame Pro Day

Former New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray worked out at Notre Dame's pro day Thursday.

www.masslive.com

Patriots RB Jonas Gray's brush with fantasy vs. reality, five years ago

Five years ago, an unknown Patriots running back named Jonas Gray put up a monster performance against the Colts. A few days later, an uncharged phone changed the course of his career.

www.espn.com

What Bill Belichick Told Jonas Gray After Ex-Patriot Missed Team Meeting - NESN.com

Crossing Bill Belichick is an NFL player’s worst nightmare — just ask Jonas Gray. For better or (mostly) worse, the 29-year-old has a special place in New England Patriots lore. On Nov. 16, 2014, Gray rushed 37 times for 201 yards and four touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts, a performance...

nesn.com

Ex-Patriots RB Jonas Gray jailed for not paying child support

<link href="http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2015/graphics/macros/css/base.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"/>Three years ago, Jonas Gray had one of the best games by a running back in NFL...

www.tampabay.com

Remember Jonas Gray? If not for an uncharged phone, he might still be in the NFL

Gray believes a dead cell phone and missed alarm changed his fate.

www.yahoo.com

Athletes Plus+ MGMT

We are committed to helping business owners succeed. Get started for free and use our personalized services and platform to manage and scale your company.

theathletesplus.com

Jonas Gray | Football University

From Pontiac, Michigan, Gray went to high school at Detroit Country Day. He helped lead Detroit Country Day to an 11–3 record as a senior and an appearance in the state championship. He was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was...

footballuniversity.org

https://www.instagram.com/theyoungbulljgray/?hl=en

2015 (preseason vs GB)




(Indy game, 7 minute highlight video)




(4:32 highlights)​

 

[TheRainMaker]

The bizarre tale of Jonas Gray. Has one good game and is really never seen again...even on another NFL team.

 

[captain stone]

I really thought the dude was going to have a role here after that game; damn those injuries & cell-phone chargers...

 

[turkeyneck]

Sad that his career didn't amount to much but he's got that SI cover! The rest of us have to live with our Al Bundy HS hero stories. Jones Gray has got that poster - and the Dikembe thread - to keep his glow going.

 

[Pape]

Jonas Gray is one of the "What If..." players that rolled in like thunder and just fizzled out... Damn shame... Thought we had something special for a short time...

 

[jmt57]

While on the subject of Jonas Gray - on that magical, exhilirating evening in which the Patriots absolutely destroyed the Colts, late in the game Gronk had enough of twerpy Sergio Brown's mouth and "threw him out of the club".

​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Heath Irwin​

Happy 51st birthday to Heath Irwin
Born June 27, 1973 in Boulder, Colorado
Patriot G/C, 1996-1999; uniform #63
Pats 4th round (101st overall) pick of the 1996 draft, from Colorado

Over four seasons Heath Irwin appeared in 44 games with 17 starts for the Patriots, plus three playoff games following the '97 and '98 seasons. His brother Blake was also in training camp with the Pats in 1998. In '99 Irwin was tabbed by Pete Carroll to replace Dave Wohlabaugh at center, but instead took over for Max Lane as the starting left guard, while rookie Damien Woody started at center.

On March 1, 2000 the Dolphins signed Irwin as a veteran free agent to a four year contract. In two seasons there he played in 29 games with 7 starts; Irwin was left exposed to the 2002 expansion draft, and when not claimed he was released. After a year with the Rams his final NFL stop was with the Broncos in the 2003 off season.

Overall he played in 87 NFL games with 29 starts, and appeared in six playoff games. Irwin is now a high school football coach in Longmont, Colorado and works in his family commercial real estate brokerage in Boulder.

BROTHERS ENJOYING REUNION

There is a bond that develops in the sharing, the sacrifice and the survival of an NFL training camp that borders on brotherhood. Heath and Blake Irwin are at Patriots camp for each other, and for themselves. “We both said before we…

www.courant.com

Patriots mini-camp: Day 2

For the second straight day, four players sat out the double-session workouts. Linebacker Chris Slade (knee), defensive end Willie McGinest (groin) and fullback Tony Carter (knee) are all recovering from offseason surgeries and should be ready for trainin

www.patriots.com

Irwin gets start in opener

After battling incumbents Max Lane and Todd Rucci for a starting spot throughout the preseason, guard Heath Irwin has achieved his goal of being a starter for the New England Patriots.

www.patriots.com

Dolphins Sign Irwin, Galyon

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) _ The Miami Dolphins signed former New England Patriots guard Heath Irwin Friday and also added former New York Giants linebacker Scott Galyon. With Irwin's arrival, the Dolphins released 13-year veteran guard Kevin Gogan, who spent a year in Miami after playing for...

apnews.com

Brown Lineman Has Suspension Lifted

Orlando Brown won't have to sit out any more games for shoving a referee.

articles.latimes.com

Denver Broncos Sign Guard Heath Irwin

Heath Irwin signed with the Denver Broncos after starting at left guard with the St. Louis...

www.ourmidland.com

Mead High School - Mavericks Official Athletic Website

Welcome to the official athletic website for the Mead High School Mavericks. Stay up to date with Mead High School event schedules, team rosters, photos, updates and more.

mhs-mavericks.com

Irwin Companies | About

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Nick McDonald​

Happy 37th birthday to Nick McDonald
Born June 27, 1987 in Salinas, California
Patriot G, 2011-2012; uniform #67, #65
Signed as a free agent to the practice squad on September 5, 2011

Green Bay originally signed Nick McDonald as an undrafted rookie out of Grand Valley (Michigan) State in 2010, and he was on the roster for their Super Bowl victory over Pittsburgh. Nick did not survive final roster cuts with the Packers the following year, and the Pats signed him to their practice squad prior to week one in 2011.

In a season that saw so many injuries that it caused the team to start no less than five - five! - different players at center, McDonald was promoted to the active roster in December when Taylor Price was released, and nearly got a second super bowl ring. He was waived just after the 2013 training camp opened, and later played for the Browns.

Nick McDonald played in 16 games with three starts for the Patriots, and also appeared in two playoff games. At one time he and his brother Chris were in training camp for the Pats together; both had a less publicized surreal-yet-genuine, real life Michael Oher-type Blindside movie youth.

Cleveland Browns' Nick McDonald and his 3 siblings were left to fend for themselves when their mom died and dad left

Browns center Nick McDonald had to overcome the death of his mother when he was 14 and his father leaving him and his three siblings alone to fend for themselves because he was so devastated. "It led me to where I am,'' he said.

www.cleveland.com

When McDonald was 14, his mom, Irene, died of colon cancer that spread to her liver. An admitted mama's boy, McDonald was crushed by her death.​

"We were extremely close,'' he said.​

His father, William, was so devastated that he left McDonald and his three siblings alone in their Sterling Heights, Mich., home and bolted for Louisiana.​

"He had a really hard time with it,'' said McDonald, an Army brat whose parents were both in the military - his mom as a nurse and his dad in intelligence. "She was the love of his life.''​

The McDonald children, three boys and a girl, were left alone in the house to fend for themselves. At the time, they were 18, 17, 14 and 11. McDonald was second-youngest, followed by his little brother Chris. William was the oldest, then Kathy. The kids had moved from one Army base to the next as kids, and had learned to take care of themselves and rely on each other.​

"We were there by ourselves, but no one really ever said anything,'' said McDonald. "No one ever reported it, no one ever tried to just swoop in and take care of us. We basically had to figure it out for ourselves.''​

William and Kathy worked to try to provide food for the kids, and McDonald did odd jobs when he could, when he wasn't playing football or basketball for Henry Ford High school in Sterling Heights.​

"We figured it out,'' said McDonald. "We had our ways of trying to survive. We stuck with each other. We had some issues here and there, but we were all right.''​

Occasionally, neighbors would bring food by, but mostly, they were on their own.​

"We seemed to always find a way to eat or do something,'' he said. "It was never a huge struggle for us.''​

The McDonald children, prone to the occasional party at the unsupervised home, somehow managed to keep things going for a couple of years. Finally, it all unraveled.​

"We actually didn't make a house payment,'' said McDonald. "That's why we had to leave, because we ended up getting evicted from the house. The water was shut off, the electricity, the heat, eventually all of that. That's when we all had to split up.''​

Tragedy helped shape Nick McDonald

Nick McDonald's path to the NFL was shaped by the loss of his mother.

www.espn.com

Nick McDonald brings versatility to Patriots - The Boston Globe

Offensive lineman Nick McDonald can play all five positions on the line, a trait that sets him apart from many, and which earned him plaudits from Bill Belichick on Monday.

www.bostonglobe.com

McDonald at home on center stage | boston.com

Rookie Nick McDonald thrust into center role - The Boston Globe

McDonald was promoted off the practice squad just 24 hours before Sunday’s game with the Colts and started at center, the first regular-season minutes of his young career.

www.bostonglobe.com

Ex-Grand Valley State OL Nick McDonald among New England Patriots inactives for Super Bowl XLVI

The 24-year-old was a member of Green Bay's Super Bowl-winning team in 2010.

www.mlive.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jake Crouthamel​

In memory of Jake Crouthamel, who would have turned 86 today
Born June 27, 1938 in Perkasie, PA
Died November 7, 2022 at the age of 84 in Hanover, NH
Patriot HB, 1960; uniform #34

John Jacob Crouthamel appeared in two games during the franchise's inaugural season, gaining 16 yards on four carries in an October loss at Denver. In 1965 he returned to his alma mater and became an assistant coach at Dartmouth. He was promoted to head coach in 1971 and immediately won three straight Ivy League championships. In 1978 Crouthamel moved on to Syracuse to become their athletic director, a position he held for some 27 years. Jake Crouthamel played a key role in the formation of the Big East conference, and as AD his Syracuse teams won ten national championships.

Jake Crouthamel - General - National Football Foundation

Jake Crouthamel (1999) - Jake Crouthamel, director of athletics at Syracuse University since 1978, is the third recipient of the National Football Foundation's

footballfoundation.org

Remembering the Life of Jake Crouthamel

Jake Crouthamel was one of the most influential figures in the history of Syracuse Athletics. WAER’s Johnny Gadamowitz recounts the life of the former Syracuse Athletics Director through those that knew him best.

www.waer.org

Ex-Dartmouth football star, Syracuse AD Jake Crouthamel dies

- Jake Crouthamel, a star halfback and two-way player at Dartmouth in the late 1950s and an accomplished football coach before finding his ultimate niche as athletic director at Syracuse University has died at 84.

www.espn.com

Dartmouth Football Legend Jake Crouthamel '60 Passes Away - Dartmouth College Athletics

The All-American won an Ivy League title as a player, four as an assistant coach and three more as the head coach of the Big Green.

dartmouthsports.com

Crouthamel was Dartmouth's leading rusher for three seasons and the Ivy League rushing leader in 1958 when he set a Dartmouth single-season rushing record with 722 yards in 123 carries, a 5.89-yard average, earning second-team NEA All-America honors. He was named to the All-Ivy League first team in each of his final two seasons, and his career rushing total of 1,763 yards (387 carries, 4.56 average, 12 touchdowns) was a Dartmouth record that stood for more than a decade and still ranks sixth all-time.​

Crouthamel, a history major, graduated from Dartmouth in 1960 and was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first American Football League draft but signed with the Dallas Cowboys, an NFL expansion team. The last player cut in pre-season by the Cowboys, he then played with the AFL's Boston Patriots during their inaugural season.​

After three years in the U.S. Navy and a year as football coach at Mercersburg (Pa.) Academy, Crouthamel returned to Dartmouth as a member of Bob Blackman's coaching staff in 1965. In six years as an assistant coach, he helped the Big Green earn four Ivy League championships, including two undefeated seasons (1965, 1970) when Dartmouth also won the Lambert Trophy as the outstanding team in the East.​

When Blackman left Dartmouth after 16 years to become football coach at Illinois, Crouthamel was named his successor. From 1971-77, Crouthamel's teams compiled a record of 41-20-2 (.667) and won or shared three Ivy League championships (1971-72-73). After leading the Big Green to an unprecedented fifth straight Ivy title in 1973, he was recognized as the New England and NCAA District I Coach of the Year.​

Crouthamel left coaching after the 1977 season to become the athletics director at Syracuse University. He was instrumental in the creation of the Big East Conference in 1979 and led the Orange to great successes: a national title in men's basketball, nine national titles in men's lacrosse, 14 football bowl appearances and 22 overall Big East Conference championships in his 27 years at the helm.​

In 1999, Crouthamel won the National Football Foundation's John L. Toner Award for dedication to college athletics, particularly football. In 2007, he received the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) James Lynah Distinguished Achievement Award and in 2008 he was inducted into the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors (NACDA) Hall of Fame. The following year, he was Dartmouth's honoree at the Ivy League Football Association's biannual dinner in New York City for his achievements at Dartmouth and in his subsequent career.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other June 27 Birthdays​

Happy 36th birthday to LaQuan Williams
Born June 27, 1988 in Baltimore
Patriot WR, 2013; uniform #??
Signed as a veteran free agent on Nov 5, 2013

Source: Pats sign WR Williams

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots have signed wide receiver LaQuan Williams to the active roster and running back Cierre Wood to the practice squad, according to a league source.

www.espn.com

The Patriots have signed wide receiver LaQuan Williams to the active roster and running back Cierre Wood to the practice squad.​

Both players previously worked out for the team, as Wood was in Foxborough on Monday and Williams worked out on Oct. 15.​

Williams, originally an undrafted free agent out of Maryland in 2011, was previously a member of the Ravens organization. Though not a big part of the Ravens' offense last season, he did bring special-teams value to their Super Bowl team.​

Wood was undrafted out of Notre Dame this year but made the Texans' roster as a depth level running back. He was recently released after violating team rules during a trip for a road game in Kansas City. He played in three games for the Texans, rushing three times for a total of nine yards.​

While the Patriots had an open spot on the practice squad, they will have to create an open active roster spot for Williams.​

The Patriots released Williams ten days later.

Patriots release WR LaQuan Williams

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots announced the release of wide receiver LaQuan Williams, the former Baltimore Raven who had been signed on Nov.

www.espn.com

The New England Patriots announced the release of wide receiver LaQuan Williams, the former Baltimore Raven who had been signed on Nov. 5 and was expected to provide help on special teams.​

Williams didn't play in a game for the team, and it was reported after he signed, by the Baltimore Sun, that he is being sued after an alleged incident outside of a Washington, D.C., strip club.​

With an open roster spot, it could pave the way for the Patriots to activate running back Shane Vereen off the injured reserve/designated to return list. Vereen, who starred in a season-opening win over the Bills, broke his wrist in that game and has been sidelined since. He's practiced in each of the past three weeks and this week marks the first time he's eligible to be activated.​

Happy 27th birthday to Albert Huggins
Born June 27, 1997 in Orangeburg, SC
Patriot DT, 2019; uniform #67
Claimed off waivers from Philadelphia on Dec 2, 2019

Patriots.com | Patriots claim DL Albert Huggins from Philadelphia; Release K Kai Forbath

Huggins, 22 originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Houston Texans out of Clemson on May 10, 2019. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder was released by the Texans on Aug. 31, and signed to the Texans practice squad on Sept. 2. Huggins was then signed by Philadelphia to the 53-man roster from Houston's practice squad on Oct. 21. He appeared in four games for the Eagles as a reserve and made three tackles. Huggins was released by Philadelphia on Nov. 30.​

Bill Belichick Shares Scouting Report On Albert Huggins, Patriots' New D-Tackle - NESN.com

Lawrence Guy and Danny Shelton have been the Patriots’ top defensive linemen this season, with Adam Butler, Deatrich Wise and Byron Cowart playing in rotational roles. Cowart missed Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans with a head injury.[/indnet]​

Huggins took the roster spot previously occupied by kicker Kai Forbath, who was waived Monday after one game with the team. New England will need to release another player or place one on injured reserve to make room on the 53-man roster for Forbath’s as-of-yet-unidentified replacement.​

The Patriots will host the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday at Gillette Stadium.​

The Patriots released Huggins five days after he was signed, to make room on the roster for K Nick Folk - a day before the game versus KC. In 2023 Huggins played in 13 games with five starts for Atlanta. Since 2019 he has played in 27 NFL games with four teams, compiling 41 tackles.

Happy 31st birthday to James Vaughters
Born June 27, 1993 in Chicago
Patriot OLB, 2016 offseason; uniform #??
Signed to a future/reserve contract on January 21, 2016

Patriots sign LB James Vaughters to future deal for 2016

The Patriots signed a future deal with linebacker James Vaughters, who went to Stanford and spent time on the Packers' practice squad.

www.espn.com

Given the impact that running back Dion Lewis made with the New England Patriots early this season after signing a reserve/future deal at this time in 2014, any time the club signs a player to a reserve/future deal shouldn't be overlooked.​

With this in mind, the club officially signed linebacker James Vaughters to a reserve/future deal for 2016.​

Vaughters, who played in college at Stanford, had signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2015. He was released by the team the week before the regular-season opener, then spent most of September on their practice squad before being placed on the practice squad injured list.​

At Stanford, he played in 54 games with 18 starts and tallied 119 tackles (70 solo) during his career.​

Vaughters did not quite have the same trajectory as Dion Lewis; the Patriots released him on May 2. Vuaghters appeared in 27 games for the Bears and Falcons from 2019-2021, and has played for Calgary in the CFL off and on since 2016.

James Vaughters - Football 2014

James Vaughters - Football 2014

gostanford.com

James Vaughters - CFL.ca

ACQUIRED: Signed by Roughriders in February 2026. YEARS WITH ROUGHRIDERS: 1 YEARS IN CFL: 6 2026: Signed by Roughriders, Feb. 10. CFL: Vaughters played in 17 games for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2025, recording 36 defensive tackles (including four for a loss), eight special teams tackles...

www.stampeders.com

Happy 36th birthday to Nate Byham
Born June 27, 1988 in Franklin, PA
Patriot TE, 2014 offseason; uniform #??
Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on July 20, 2014

Patriots agree with TE Nate Byham

The New England Patriots and free-agent tight end Nate Byham have agreed to terms on a contract, the team confirmed Sunday. Byham will fill the 90th and final spot on the roster.

www.espn.com

More of a blocking tight end, the 6-foot-4, 264-pound Byham played the last two seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under coach Greg Schiano, who is a close friend of Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Byham totaled six receptions for 56 yards and one touchdown in 15 games with the Buccaneers.​

Byham adds depth at tight end for the Patriots, where top player Rob Gronkowski is recovering from a torn ACL. Five-year veteran Michael Hoomanawanui is next on the depth chart, followed by D.J. Williams (fourth year) and undrafted rookies Justin Jones and Asa Watson.​

Like Gronkowski, Byham is recovering from a torn ACL after being placed on season-ending injured reserve last Oct. 1. He had worked out for the Patriots on May 21.​

Byham, who played collegiately at Pittsburgh, entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft choice of the San Francisco 49ers in 2010.​

Following up on TE Byham's contract

The Patriots announced the signing of tight end Nate Byham on Sunday, and here are the contract terms:Length: 1 yearBase salary: $645,000Split salary: $373,000 (in the event of injury)Salary-cap hit: $645,000QUICK-HIT THOUGHTS: This is a modest deal, with no bonus money, that reflects a player...

www.espn.com

This is a modest deal, with no bonus money, that reflects a player competing for a backup spot behind Rob Gronkowski and Michael Hoomanawanui. With the Patriots not re-signing veteran Matthew Mulligan, who filled a blocking-based role last season, the 6-foot-4, 264-pound Byham is a candidate to possibly step into that void. Byham is coming off a torn ACL last season, and the injury split gives the team some protection along those lines. Meanwhile, Byham has a chance to play in a Tom Brady-led offense, increase his value, and potentially hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent again next year.​

The Patriots released Byham five days later, so the ACL must have never recovered. This came just two days into practices - before the team even put on pads - and Byham never signed with another NFL team after that. He played in 29 games for the 49ers and Bucs from 2010-2013; since 2023 Byham is the tight ends coach at Stanford.

Nate Byham - Football - Pitt Panthers #H2P

Nate Byham (80) TE - 2009 Scouting Report: One of the country[apos]s finest tight ends...coming off an All-Big East junior season, Byham is poised for nation...

pittsburghpanthers.com

Nate Byham

Nate Byham

gostanford.com

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

- Glenn Derby, 60; uncle of Pats TE AJ Derby
8th round pick in the 1988 draft was an OL for the Saints 1988-90.

- Will Levis, 25; born at Newton-Wellesley Hospital; grew up in Madison CT; went to Xavier High School in Middletown CT
Titans QB was the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 draft.

- John Kacherski, 57; Milford (CT) Academy
LB with Denver in 1992.




Some semi-notable pro football players born on this date:
- Doug Buffone (1944-2015); linebacker played in 188 games for the Bears from 1966 to 1979.

Friends remember ex-Bear Doug Buffone: ‘Hell of a football player, hell of a guy’

Doug Buffone, a former Bears linebacker who made a seamless transition from a prominent football career to a successful second life as a popular Chicago sports radio personality and businessman, was found dead in his Chicago home Monday,…

www.chicagotribune.com

- Bobby Wagner, 34 (6/27/90); 6x All Pro linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks and future Hall of Famer.

https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article154745859.html

- Julius Thomas, 36 (6/27/88); two-time Pro Bowl TE for Denver, now pursuing a PhD in psychology..

Breaking down Branden Albert, Julius Thomas swap

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a new starting left tackle in Branden Albert, while the Miami Dophins reunite Julius Thomas with Adam Gase.

www.si.com

Journey Into Self | By Julius Thomas

I’m ready to admit that I’m okay with giving up the identity of “Julius the football player.” I’m O.K. with not being recognized as an NFL athlete — because I’m

www.theplayerstribune.com

- Peyton Barber, 30 (6/27/94); the RB makes the list due to his family. He has four cousins (Dominique Barber, Marion Barber III, Thomas Barber, Jeremy Langford) and an uncle (Marion Barber Jr) who all played in the NFL.




Pro football players born on this date whose name I like, and other trivialities:

- Juran Bolden, 50 (6/27/74); the well traveld (7 NFL teams) defensive back is the one and only person from Mississippi Delta Community College to play in the NFL.

- Bacarri Rambo, 34 (6/27/900; mix rum and a soldier suffering from PTSD and you get this name.

- Craphonso Thorpe, 41 (6/27/83); seriously, what kind of a parent names their child 'Crap'?

- Lester Archambeau, 57 (6/27/67); on the other end of the spectrum, the parents of Lester Milward Archambeau III did not expect him to grow up to be a defensive lineman.

- Mule Dowell (1913 -1992); I guess he didn't care for his birth name, Gwyn.

- Marcus Quinn, 65 (6/27/59); ranks way doen the list of 34 NFL players from from St Augustine (LA) High School. Others include Tyrann Mathieu, Stanley Morgan Jr, Leonard Fournette, Trai Turner, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Leroy Hoard, Derrick Rodgers and Lonnie Marts.

- Barry Darrow, 74 (6/27/50); the one and only NFL player from Western Montana - the college, not the region.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Adam and other June 27 transactions​

June 27, 1996:
New England signs undrafted rookie free agent Adam Vinatieri, from South Dakota State University, to compete with veteran placekicker Matt Bahr.




June 27, 1973:
Pats sign free agent John Tanner

The Cocoa, Florida native had an atypical path to the NFL. He joined the army and fought in Viet Nam after being expelled from his high school due to an altercation with a teacher. After returning he spent two years in a junior college, then transferred to Tennessee Tech, where he played basketball. It was not until his senior year that he played organized football for the first time in his life as a senior - becoming a two-way starter at defensive end and tight end, and was named the team's MVP. Tanner played defensive end for two seasons with the Pats, where he became the franchise's original Mike Vrabel: the first primarily defensive player to score a touchdown on offense in Patriots history, and the only player in team history to do so until Vrabel perfected that versatility in 2002.

John Tanner Obituary (2009) - MERRITT ISLAND, FL - FloridaToday

View John V. Tanner Sr.'s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

John was a Fifth generation Florida native. He was born in Orlando and was part of the family of the first settlers of Orlando. His great-grandfather was the first mayor of Orlando, W.J. Black.​

His family participated in the last cattle drive in Florida. John was a retired US Army Vietnam veteran. He retired from USBI and he formerly played for the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots. He was a member of the Christian Athletes in Action, former member of the Moose Lodge, VFW and West Cocoa Gorillas Cacti.​

June 27, 1973:
Patriots sign Bill Phillips

Phillips was a third round draft pick (58th overall) by Denver in 1972. The linebacker from Arkansas State never played a down of pro football, retiring after two seasons when he was diagnosed with diabetes.

Not to be confused with Phil Williams.

William Richard (Bill) Phillips (1949–2020) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Boone County native William Richard (Bill) Phillips was an Arkansas businessman and an All-American football player at Arkansas State University (ASU). ...

encyclopediaofarkansas.net

Shortly after graduating from ASU with a degree in business, he was drafted in the third round of the National Football League draft as the fifty-eighth player selected by the Denver Broncos. After playing for two seasons, Phillips was diagnosed with diabetes and chose to end his professional football career.​

Soon after returning to Arkansas, Phillips took a position as a sales representative for Blue Cross and Blue Shield. He worked his way up the corporate ladder to vice president of marketing. He completed his time at the company as vice president of the Government Relations Division, the company’s lobbying branch. After many years of service, he left Blue Cross to form Phillips Management and Consulting Service with his son, Bradley.​

Phillips served on the ASU Board of Trustees, was board member and president of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, was co-chair of the U.S. Olympic Committee of Arkansas and of the Major Sports Association, and served on the Governor’s Council of Sports and Physical Fitness.​

After his football playing career, Phillips received many athletic honors. He was selected to the inaugural class of the Harrison High School Hall of Fame. ASU selected him as a member of the All-Time Team, Hall of Honor, Ring of Honor, and All Centennial Team. In 2013, he was selected to the Southland Conference First Decade Team. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame on two occasions, once as a member of the 1970 ASU championship team and once as an individual.​

June 27, 1970:
The Boston Patriots re-sign Len St Jean

Patriots.com | Working nothing new to St Jean