Today In Patriots History March 25: Happy Birthday to Steve Belichick

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Steve Belichick​

Happy 38th birthday to Steve Belichick
Born March 25, 1987 in Summit, New Jersey
Patriot coach, 20012-2023
Hired as a defensive coaching assistant on May 10, 2012
Pats résumé: twelve seasons on coaching staff; three-time super bowl champion


Coaching History

New England Patriots
2012-15: Defensive Assistant
2016-18: Safeties
2019: Defensive Backs
2020-21: Outside Linebackers
2022-23: Linebackers

University of Washington
2024: Defensive Coordinator

University of North Carolina
2025-present: Defensive Coordinator

Nov 1, 2019:

Steve Belichick shining as Patriots’ defensive play-caller

The Patriots’ safeties coach, and son of head coach Bill Belichick, has been calling defensive plays for weeks.

www.bostonherald.com

Inside a dark room in the dark days of his playing career, Jerod Mayo learned what every Patriots defender to sit with Steve Belichick has discovered since.​

He’s smart. He’s detailed. And just like his father: X’s and O’s are like ABCs.​

Back then, Mayo was an injured linebacker whose path to significance on Sundays ran through the film room, where he’d sit for hours with the eldest son of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Steve Belichick was a coaching assistant whose job was to log long hours in such rooms day after day. This season, they’re again working together; now under a soft spotlight.​

In the preseason, Mayo, the Pats’ first-year inside linebackers coach, called defensive plays. It brought significant attention to his ascent as the fastest-rising assistant ever under Bill Belichick. But around the time the games started to count, Mayo passed the play sheet to his old film room partner.​

Patriots secondary coach Steve Belichick has been calling defensive plays for weeks, multiple players confirmed to the Herald. . .​

As the most experienced assistant left on the defensive staff this offseason, Steve Belichick naturally engendered trust from Patriots players. He knew the system, he knew them. Even players at other positions felt a connection to him.​

Linebacker Elandon Roberts has worked with Steve Belichick since coming into the league in 2016, the first year Belichick served as the team’s safeties coach. So when former defensive play-caller Brian Flores left for Miami, at no point has he been worried about the transition.​

Feb 5, 2024:

Steve Belichick hired as DC at Washington

Steve Belichick has accepted the University of Washington defensive coordinator job.

www.espn.com

Steve Belichick Leaving Patriots, Reuniting With Former Coach in Washington | PatsFans.com

Another Belichick is parting ways with the New England Patriots, with Steve Belichick reportedly set to take a position in the college ranks.

www.patsfans.com

After 12 seasons in New England, Belichick has spent five of those calling plays and had quietly become highly regarded among the coaching staff alongside Jerod Mayo.​

Following the departure of their father, former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, both Steve and Brian Belichick were reportedly offered positions to stay on alongside Mayo after the club promoted Demarcus Covington to defensive coordinator.​

However, Steve instead appears set on trying to establish himself elsewhere as he continues his coaching career, which is probably for the best. Despite the club’s success on that side of the ball, having played under his dad, he hasn’t gotten enough credit for his work here and this opportunity gives him a chance to make a name for himself.​

Steve Belichick - Football Coach - University of Washington Athletics

Steve Belichick joins head coach Jedd Fisch's staff as defensive coordinator in 2024, having spent the last 12 seasons on the defensive coaching staff of the...

gohuskies.com

Steve Belichick joins head coach Jedd Fisch's staff as defensive coordinator in 2024, having spent the last 12 seasons on the defensive coaching staff of the New England Patriots.​

Belichick, who played four seasons of lacrosse at Rutgers before joining the football team as a long snapper, was the Patriots' defensive play caller for the last four years (2020-23), while also coaching linebackers (2022-23) and outside linebackers (2020-21). He'd previously worked with New England's defensive backs (2019) and safeties (2016-18) after having worked four years (2012-15) as a defensive assistant.​

During his time on the Patriots staff, Belichick was a part of five Super Bowls, with three victories, in 2015, 2017 and 2019.​

In 2023, Belichick helped lead a defense that ranked third in the NFL in opponent yards per play (4.7) and sixth in total defense, allowing 301.6 yards per game. The Pats also ranked No. 3 in rushing defense and 10th in passing defense.​

New England's defense was also stout in the previous years with Belichick calling the plays, ranking No. 5 in opponent yards per play in 2022, and No. 10 in that same category in 2021.​

In 2021 and 2022, Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon reached career highs for sacks in back-to-back seasons, notching 12.5 sacks in 2021 and 15.5 in 2022, while setting a club record with 102.5 sack yards in '22. Judon earned four straight Pro Bowl selections (2019-22). Belichick also coached Josh Uche to 1.5 sacks in 2022.​

In 2019, Belichick led a secondary that helped the Patriots lead the NFL in total defense and scoring defense, while cornerback Stephon Gilmore was named Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year.​

In 2018, he helped coach a defense that held the Rams to a record-low three points in the Super Bowl.​

Belichick's father, Bill, has established one of the most successful coaching careers in American football history, leading the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories in a 24-year run as New England's head coach. Steve's grandfather, also named Steve Belichick, played football at Case Western and for the Detroit Lions, and was a long-time assistant college football coach, most notably at Navy, where he spent a remarkable 34 seasons (1956-89).​

Dec 23, 2024:

Steve Belichick heads to North Carolina as defensive coordinator

In the 11 days since Bill Belichick officially became the head coach at North Carolina, not much information has surfaced about his coaching staff.

www.nbcsports.com

Steve Belichick - Football Coach - University of North Carolina Athletics

Steve Belichick enters year one as the Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator during the 2025 season. Belichick arrives in Chapel Hill after spending the 2024 camp...

goheels.com

Steve Belichick joined the Tar Heel coaching staff as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2025.​

He spent the 2024 season as the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington following a 12-year stretch on the defensive coaching staff of the New England Patriots that included five Super Bowl appearances and three titles.​

Belichick was the Patriots' defensive play-caller his last four years (2020-23) in New England, while also coaching linebackers (2022-23) and outside linebackers (2020-21). He'd previously worked with the team's defensive backs (2019) and safeties (2016-18) after having worked four years (2012-15) as a defensive assistant. In 2023, Belichick, the son of Bill Belichick, helped lead a defense that ranked third in the NFL in opponent yards per play (4.7) and sixth in total defense, allowing 301.6 yards per game.​

Belichick's grandfather, also named Steve, was an assistant football coach for the Tar Heels from 1953-55 before going on to become assistant football coach for more than three decades at the United States Naval Academy. Belichick was a four-year lacrosse letterman at Rutgers before lettering as a senior on the football team at long snapper. Belichick earned his degree in criminal justice.​

 

[maust]

Happy Bday Stevie! Hope you have a...



...kind of day

 

[DarrylS]

Geez he's 38, I'm getting old remember when he got busted for drinking at a Country & Western concert at Gillette when he was underage..

 

[RobertWeathers]

Geez he's 38, I'm getting old remember when he got busted for drinking at a Country & Western concert at Gillette when he was underage..

He got nailed for dope in the parking lot in 2006.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Luther Henson​

Happy 66th birthday to Luther Henson
Born March 25, 1959 in Sandusky, Ohio
Patriot nose tackle, 1982-1984; uniform #70 ('82-83), #60 ('84)
Claimed off waivers from Cincinatti on March 1, 1982
Pats résumé: three seasons, 21 games (2 starts)


A two time All-Big 10 defensive tackle at Ohio State, Luther Martin Henson originally signed in his home state as an undrafted rookie with Cincinnati. After Henson was cut by the Bengals, Ron Meyer, in his first year as New England’s head coach signed the big man to fortify the defensive line. Henson made an impact, upgrading the interior pass rush. The defense allowed six fewer points per game from the previous season and the Pats improved, from 2-14 to a playoff berth in ’82.

Luther Henson played in 21 games over three seasons for the Patriots, registering three sacks. He later returned to Ohio, joining a former college teammate in a successful auto dealership. Since 2012 Henson has been the Sales Director at Columbus Car Trader in Ohio[/URL].

Luther Henson - Buckeye Rosters

www.buckeyerosters.com

1980 Media Guide: Moved to offense the final four practices of spring drills … figures to start at right tackle on offense this year … Buckeye coaches believe he can become one of the top tackles in the Big Ten despite his lack of offensive experience … has good strength and agility … must guard against excess poundage.​

1979: Played 193.5 minutes as a defensive tackle … was a first team all-Big Ten selection … missed the last four games because of a stress fracture in his leg.​

High School: Played offense as well as defense in high school … compiled a 24-1 record as a heavyweight wrestler his senior year.​

Sept 20, 1982:

Meyered In Not So Kushy Situations

Someday, after Frank Kush has taken the Baltimore Colts to the playoffs a few times, he'll be sitting around with a few writers and someone will bring up his

vault.si.com

Right now the Patriots are further along the road to recovery than the Colts are. New England spent the last week of the preseason shuffling the deck and searching the waiver wires, as Baltimore did, but while Kush was looking for starters, the Patriots were filling in the lower part of their roster. Twelve of the 17 rookies they drafted this year made the squad. Seven drafted rookies remain from 1981. There are 12 No. 1 picks and nine No. 2s on their squad. There are some disappointments, such as Kenneth Sims, the No. 1 pick in the entire 1982 draft, who played left defensive end against Baltimore and got a lesson from the Colts' right tackle, six-year veteran Jeff Hart. And there are some extremely pleasant surprises, such as free agent Middle Guard Luther Henson, a sawed-off 275-pounder who was cut by Cincinnati last year and cut by the Patriots six days before Sunday's game. New England reclaimed him three days later. He came in during the third quarter, and the result was electric. All of a sudden the Patriots had an inside pass rush.​

1984 Patriots Media Guide
Pro:Luther played in the first four regular season games in 1983 with two starts (vs Jets 9-18, at Piitsburgh 9-25) before a knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. . . he suffered a right knee injury in the Patriots' 28-23 win over the Steelers and was placed on injured reserve on 9-28. . . in four games in '83 he was in on nine tackles and recorded one QB pressure. . . a good player against the run, Luther should return to be a contributing factor in the Patriots' defense in '84. . . he saw spot duty in various defensive alignments in '82, primarily on goal line and short yardage situations. . . he was in on seven tackles and recorded one QB pressure, one pass deflection and caused one fumble in eight games played during the '82 campaign. . .

College: Played both offensive and defensive tackle while at Ohio State. . . was selected to the first team All-Big 10 as a defensive tackle his junior year ('79). . . awarded the same honor his senior year as a second team selection.

Personal: Married (Melanie). . . father of two sons, Luther David (6) and Jason Martin (3). . . spent past offseason working at his car reconditioning shop that he opened in Columbus, OH. . . lists music and traveling among his favorite pastimes. . . is the only boy in a family of seven children.




Jan 10, 2009:

More than a deal

In a year when the auto industry stood near death's door, a Northeast Side used-car lot nearly doubled its sales. Miracle Motor Mart, 2380 Morse Rd., has done this despite a blink-and-you-miss-it lo…

www.dispatch.com

In a year when the auto industry stood near death's door, a Northeast Side used-car lot nearly doubled its sales.​

Miracle Motor Mart, 2380 Morse Rd., has done this despite a blink-and-you-miss-it location and offices that would be at home in a trailer park.​

His family is an essential part of the business. Two of his brothers work there, along with two of his daughters. His Buckeyes extended family is represented, too. Luther Henson, who played defensive lineman for OSU and the New England Patriots, is a soft-spoken salesman.​

On a recent Monday morning, the phones were ringing and three customers had found their way to the 1-acre lot. The buzz of activity was on a day that is typically one of the slowest of the week and in a month that is typically one of the slowest of the year.​

Miracle Motor's performance has been in dramatic contrast with its competition. The company sold 1,185 vehicles in 2008, up 83 percent from the year before, according to registration data compiled by Autoview Online. That was by far the best percentage increase for any car dealer in central Ohio with sales of at least 1,000 vehicles.​

Aug 7, 2010:

Used-car dealer adds location at former Spitzer Dodge site

Miracle Motor Mart has added a second location, buying the East Side property that has long been occupied by Spitzer Dodge.

www.dispatch.com

The goal is to double his company's sales volume. Last year, Miracle sold more than 1,200 cars in central Ohio, making it one of the top 10 used-car dealers in the central Ohio area.​

Luther M Henson - LinkedIn
Played for Woody Hayes and Earle Bruce, then went to play in the NFL for the New England Patriots for three years

Pro Football Archives - Luther Henson

Luther Henson Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Niko Koutouvides​

Happy 44th birthday to Niko Koutouvides
Born March 25, 1981 in New Britain, CT
Patriot special teamer/linebacker, 2010-2012; uniform #90
Signed as a veteran free agent on August 15, 2011
Pats résumé: two seasons, 22 games (1 start), plus five postseason games


At Purdue the linebacker was a first team All-Big Ten and teammate of Drew Brees and Matt Light. He was selected by Seattle in the fourth round of the 2004 draft. Koutouvides spent four seasons with the Seahawks, one in Denver and two in Tampa Bay, developing his niche as a standout special teams player.

The Patriots signed him in August of 2011 but was let go at the end of training camp. The Pats re-signed Niko in November the day after Albert Haynesworth was released, and he remained with the Pats for the rest of the season. In 2012 he was once again released at the end of camp and then re-signed, this time appearing in 14 games. In August of 2013 the Pats cut Koutouvides just prior to the start of the season. That marked the third straight time he had been released by the Patriots just before the season kicked off. He finished his Patriot career with one start in 22 regular season games, and also appeared in five playoff games. Overall he played in 125 NFL games over five years, plus 13 post-season games – including two Super Bowls.

In 2013 Koutouvides became a principal and co-founder of Skala Partners, a real estate investment, development and management company in southwestern Connecticut.

For more on this former Patriot and New England native, check out Mike Reiss’ Dec 10, 2011 column:

Football journey: Niko Koutouvides

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Linebacker Niko Koutouvides has shown he can still cover ground in a hurry – on and off the field.Having spent the first nine weeks of the 2011 season without a team, Koutouvides signed a one-year deal with the Patriots on Nov.

www.espn.com

Niko Koutouvides takes blue-collar approach to role with the Patriots

Niko Koutouvides never did make his way up the food chain.

www.wickedlocal.com

Koutouvides remained a Patriots fan after release

FOXBORO — His return was not so heralded as compatriot Deion Branch, but Niko Koutouvides is just as happy to be back. The linebacker didn’t go far after being cut August 31. A Connecticut native, Koutouvides not only continued working out, but kept track of his former team as New England...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Niko Koutouvides leaves bar, joins Patriots

The Patriots cut linebacker Niko Koutouvides last month, but they couldn’t sever the bond he felt with his former teammates. So, when the Patriots opened the season in Tennessee, Koutouvides was root…

www.telegram.com

Julian Edelman, Niko Koutouvides ejected from New England Patriots practice after scuffle

Julian Edelman and Niko Koutouvides were tossed from Thursday's practice when they scuffled after a punt return.

www.masslive.com

Koutouvides among first cuts by Patriots

Nine-year veteran Niko Koutouvides, a linebacker and special teams player, is among the first victims of roster reduction by the Patriots.

www.providencejournal.com

Patriots tap LB Koutouvides

FOXBORO - Playing in the games would have been Niko Koutouvides' first priority.

www.thesunchronicle.com

Greek-American Niko Koutouvides on His NFL Career and the Super Bowl -- The National Herald

2013: Former Pats player discusses local rivalry trash talk he had with Hernandez

HARTFORD — In June of 2013, Plainville native Niko Koutouvides of the New England Patriots caught up with FOX61’s Rich Coppola to talk about his up...

www.fox61.com

One of the few Greek professional NFL Players - ellines.com

Niko Koutouvides is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Koutouvides was born on 25 March 1981 in..

www.ellines.com

Three former Boilers experience different paths to the Super Bowl

On Sunday, two former Boilermakers have an opportunity to join the likes of Matt Light (current), Rosevelt Colvin, Gene Mruczkowski and Brandon Gorin as former Boilermakers who have won Super

www.purdueexponent.org

Niko Koutouvides: Super Bowl Patriotism

The Avon resident is in his eighth season of NFL play, his first with the New England Patriots.

patch.com

Purdue View: Niko Koutouvides - Purdue Boilermakers

Nov. 10, 2003 WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - In his 25th and final game in Ross-Ade stadium, Niko Koutouvides totaled 10 tackles, two of them for a loss. These are j...

purduesports.com

Niko Koutouvides | Skala Partners

Niko Koutouvides, Principal Niko Koutouvides serves as Principal and Co-founder of Skala Partners, an opportunistic real estate investment, development and management company. Prior to founding Skala partners in 2013, Mr. Koutouvides was a professional athlete in the National Football League for...

skalapartners.com

2012 Patriots Media Guide -- Page 123

Niko Koutouvides Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

January 30, 2015:
Fomer Patriot, Seahawk, CT native Niko Koutouvides talks Super Bowl
6:17 Interview
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Willie Porter​

In memory of Willie Porter, who would have turned 79 today
Born March 25, 1946 in Victoria, Texas
Died March 3, 2019 at the age of 72 in Victoria
Patriot CB/KR/PR, 1968; uniform #27
Signed as a free agent sometime during the 1968 offseason
Pats résumé: one season, 13 games (0 starts); 22.6 yard average on 36 kickoff returns; 6.1 yard average on 22 punt returns


Willie Church Porter Jr. was a speedy flanker and kick return man at Texas Southern, playing in the same offense with four other future AFL or NFL players. Porter also excelled at track in college as a sprinter and hurdler. College teammate Leroy Mitchell, who was an All Pro corner for the Pats in 1968, recruited Porter to come play for the Patriots as an undrafted rookie.

Porter’s pro football career got off to a great start In the first game of the 1968 season at Buffalo he ran the second half kickoff all the way back to the Bills’ 45 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage R.C. Gamble (who was filling in for an injured Jim Nance) went the distance for a touchdown. That gave the Patriots their first lead of the game, 10-7. More importantly, after a lackluster first half those two plays gave the Pats a much needed spark and momentum. The defense responded with big turnovers and shut Buffalo out in the second half and the Patriots won, 16-7.


Mike Holovak converted Porter from offense to corner, just as he had done with Mitchell. Porter was utilized primarily on special teams, leading the Pats in punt returns and kick returns, totaling 949 all purpose yards. That turned out to be Porter’s only season in the league, though he also played for the Quincy Giants of the ACFL for one season. Porter then returned to his native southern Texas, and spent much of the rest of his life working at an Alcoa plant.

WILLIE PORTER - The Victoria Advocate

WILLIE C. PORTER JR. (CHURCH) VICTORIA – Willie C. Porter Jr., (Church) 72 of Victoria, Texas passed away Sunday March 3,2019. He was born March 25,1946 to the late Willie […]

www.victoriaadvocate.com

Willie C. Porter Jr., (Church) 72 of Victoria, Texas passed away Sunday March 3, 2019. He was born March 25,1946 to the late Willie C. Porter Sr., and Ruby Pearl Avery Porter. He retired from Alcoa as a General Mechanic.


Pro Football Archives -- Willie Porter

Willie Porter Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Glenn Gronkowski​

Happy 32nd birthday to Glenn Gronkowski
Born March 25, 1993 in Buffalo
Patriot fullback, 2016 practice squad; uniform #47
Signed as a rookie free agent to the practice squad on October 1, 2016
Pats résumé: one season on the practice squad, plus another full offseason


Gronk’s younger brother was a second team All-Big 12 at Kansas State, and first team Academic All-Big 12 in 2015. The Bills signed him as an undrafted rookie and he made the 53-man roster. Buffalo cut him the day after a week one loss to Baltimore, replacing him with Jerome Felton in a move to insure the veteran’s contract was not guaranteed.

A week later the Patriots worked out Gronkowski and several other players, and eventually signed him to the Practice Squad on October 1. Glenn won the Pats 2016 Ventrone Award, signed to the Practice Squad four times and released three times over the course of the season. The Patriots signed him to a futures contract on February 14; he was waived at the end of camp on September 2, 2017. No other team signed him after that, meaning his NFL career consisted of one game.

Glenn Gronkowski - Football - Kansas State University Athletics

Glenn Gronkowski (48) FB - Click Here for Career Stats CAREER HONORS • 2015 Second Team All-Big 12 (Associated Press) • 2014 First Team All-Big 12 • 2014-15 ...

www.kstatesports.com

The primary fullback all three seasons of his career, earning three-straight All-Big 12 honors... Played in 39 career games with 20 starts... Averaged 24.6 yards on 15 career receptions, the highest average in school history among players with 15 or more catches... Of his 15 career catches, nine went for at least 15 yards... Helped K-State earn a 23-16 record and three bowl berths in his three-year career.

Glenn Gronkowski Archives

The latest rumors, draft buzz & free agency news! Keep up with all of the breaking news & analysis at NFLTradeRumors.co.

nfltraderumors.co

Jan 28, 2017:

Glenn Gronkowski having a blast in his first season with Patriots

FOXBORO — With a last name like his, it’d be hard to fly under the radar here in New England, but in his first NFL season, Glenn Gronkowski has done just that with the Patriots. The 23-year-o…

www.providencejournal.com

He was first signed to the scout team on Oct. 1 and released on Oct. 12. That was a sign of things to come. This season, Gronkowski was involved with seven different transactions with the Patriots. After being released twice in November, the fullback was brought back on Dec. 2.


Jan 31, 2017:

Glenn Gronkowski thrilled to be part of the Patriots - The Boston Globe

Gronkowski, released by the team three times in 2016, said it’s been an amazing season.

www.bostonglobe.com

Feb 14, 2017:

Patriots sign Glenn Gronkowski, again

The Patriots are double Gronking.

www.nbcsports.com

Aug 14, 2017:

Bill Belichick explained how Glenn Gronkowski has grown since joining the Patriots

While he doesn’t grab as many headlines – or touchdowns – as his older brother, Glenn Gronkowski has nonetheless earned praise from Bill Belichick since first joining the Patriots in October of 2016. Aside from being the younger sibling of one of the team’s dynamic players, the 24-year-old has...

www.boston.com

Aug 15, 2017:

Patrots: Fullback Glenn Gronkowski strives to make his own impact

At 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, Rob Gronkowski casts a large shadow. Now, imagine being his younger brother, in the NFL and on the Patriots. For Glenn Gronkowski, there’s no escaping that shadow. Take a …

www.telegram.com

Glenn Gronkowski Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Checkout the latest stats for Glenn Gronkowski. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Willie Porter​

In memory of Willie Porter, who would have turned 79 today
Born March 25, 1946 in Victoria, Texas
Died March 3, 2019 at the age of 72 in Victoria
Patriot CB/KR/PR, 1968; uniform #27
Signed as a free agent sometime during the 1968 offseason
Pats résumé: one season, 13 games (0 starts); 22.6 yard average on 36 kickoff returns; 6.1 yard average on 22 punt returns


Willie Church Porter Jr. was a speedy flanker and kick return man at Texas Southern, playing in the same offense with four other future AFL or NFL players. Porter also excelled at track in college as a sprinter and hurdler. College teammate Leroy Mitchell, who was an All Pro corner for the Pats in 1968, recruited Porter to come play for the Patriots as an undrafted rookie.

Porter’s pro football career got off to a great start In the first game of the 1968 season at Buffalo he ran the second half kickoff all the way back to the Bills’ 45 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage R.C. Gamble (who was filling in for an injured Jim Nance) went the distance for a touchdown. That gave the Patriots their first lead of the game, 10-7. More importantly, after a lackluster first half those two plays gave the Pats a much needed spark and momentum. The defense responded with big turnovers and shut Buffalo out in the second half and the Patriots won, 16-7.


Mike Holovak converted Porter from offense to corner, just as he had done with Mitchell. Porter was utilized primarily on special teams, leading the Pats in punt returns and kick returns, totaling 949 all purpose yards. That turned out to be Porter’s only season in the league, though he also played for the Quincy Giants of the ACFL for one season. Porter then returned to his native southern Texas, and spent much of the rest of his life working at an Alcoa plant.

WILLIE PORTER - The Victoria Advocate

WILLIE C. PORTER JR. (CHURCH) VICTORIA – Willie C. Porter Jr., (Church) 72 of Victoria, Texas passed away Sunday March 3,2019. He was born March 25,1946 to the late Willie […]

www.victoriaadvocate.com

Willie C. Porter Jr., (Church) 72 of Victoria, Texas passed away Sunday March 3, 2019. He was born March 25,1946 to the late Willie C. Porter Sr., and Ruby Pearl Avery Porter. He retired from Alcoa as a General Mechanic.


Pro Football Archives -- Willie Porter

Willie Porter Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

willie porter in action... starts at 4:16... pretty good kick return

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Calvin Anderson​

Happy 29th birthday to Calvin Anderson
Born March 25, 1996 in Philadelphia; raised in Austin, Texas
Patriot offensive tackle, 2023; uniform #76
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 2, 2019; re-signed on March 14, 2023
Pats résumé: one season, five games (two starts)


March 16, 2023:
Patriots Sign OT Calvin Anderson; Release QB Brian Hoyer -- Patriots.com
The New England Patriots announced today that they have signed T Calvin Anderson as an unrestricted free agent from the Denver Broncos. Terms of the contract were not announced. In addition, the Patriots announced that they have released QB Brian Hoyer.

Anderson, 26, is a veteran of four NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos (2019-22). The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with New England on May 2, 2019 out of Texas but was released on May 13 and claimed off waivers by the New York Jets. After beginning his rookie season on the Jets practice squad, Anderson was signed by Denver to the 53-man roster on Oct. 1, 2019. Overall, he has played in 41 regular season games with 12 starts, one at right tackle and 11 at left tackle. Last season, Anderson played in 14 games with seven starts at left tackle for Denver.


May 19, 2023:

Thread 'O/T: Calvin Anderson has a special talent'

May 19, 2023

New Patriots’ offensive lineman can solve a Rubik’s Cube behind his back

• Patsfan1958
• Replies: 22
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Patriots Sign Broncos Free Agent OT Calvin Anderson | PatsFans.com

The Patriots quietly made a move on Tuesday to add some depth at tackle, adding Broncos free agent Calvin Anderson to their roster.

www.patsfans.com

He’s a player who is projected as a swing tackle and can play multiple positions, which is certainly something the Patriots need heading into this year. The Patriots will be returning starter Trent Brown, but they’re otherwise thin at that position.

Isaiah Wynn is a free agent and has made it known for whatever team is interested that he has some significant contract demands, so where he ends up should be interesting to watch.

Thread 'NEW ARTICLE: Patriots Sign Broncos Free Agent OT Calvin Anderson'

Mar 14, 2023

Patriots Sign Broncos Free Agent OT Calvin Anderson
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The Patriots quietly made a move on Tuesday to add some depth at tackle, adding Broncos free agent Calvin Anderson to their roster.

The post Patriots Sign Broncos Free Agent OT Calvin Anderson appeared first on PatsFans.com.

Continue reading...

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• PatsFans.com Article
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• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

This is a great move. Anderson has improved every year. He’s smart with a stellar character. Very smart. Apparently, there are videos of him solving Rubik’s cube puzzles behind his back. His arms are a little short at 33 1/8”. But I think we can expect him to compete well. Mike Munchak worked with this very coachable kid. We benefit from Calvin’s upward trajectory. This was a gold star offseason move to bring in a guy who can start at either tackle position. Cajuste and Steuber are there as backups to Anderson—if they even make the field in uniform.

OT Calvin Anderson Reacts To Signing Back With Patriots | PatsFans.com

Patriots make first free agent move of the offseason, signing offensive tackle Calvin Anderson and he reacts over social media.

www.patsfans.com

Adding Anderson provides the Patriots added depth on the offensive line with Isaiah Wynn entering free agency and perhaps on his way out.

Patriots sign first external free agent, an ex-Broncos OT (report)

Bill Belichick began to address his offensive tackle depth on Tuesday.

www.masslive.com

Tackle is undoubtedly New England’s biggest need at the moment, so it makes sense that Belichick is addressing it early in free agency. As it stands, Trent Brown and Conor McDermott are the top two tackles on New England’s depth chart.

Report: Patriots to sign Broncos OT Calvin Anderson to two-year contract

The Patriots have finally signed an external free agent, and it’s Broncos offensive tackle Calvin Anderson.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

The Rice University product joins Trent Brown, Andrew Stueber and Conor McDermott as the offensive tackles under contract for the Patriots. Anderson earned a 65/100 grade from Pro Football Focus for 2022. He was penalized only once in 41 career games for the Broncos. Offensive tackle is one of the Patriots' most glaring roster weaknesses, and despite Anderson coming aboard, plenty of work remains before this position has adequate talent and depth.


June 23, 2023:

Thread 'Left Tackle will be huge ongoing problem for Pats this season'

Jun 23, 2023

riley-reiff-struggles-paints-grim-picture-patriots-offensive-line

I still think Pats should have prioritized this critical position more than they did in Free agency and draft.
Riley Reiff is no Jonathan Ogden. Trent Brown is notoriously inconsistent in performance and injuries.
Calvin Anderson is completely unproven and Sow is not really a tackle. OT is a foundational piece in the pass heavy current NFL. To build a solid team you have to have pillars on the line that will hold up.

There has been consistent chatter about DHOP and how much he will help Mac, but I think LT was always...

• Grogan14
• Replies: 171
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Nov 3, 2023:

Patriots place OL Calvin Anderson on injured reserve

The Patriots placed offensive lineman Calvin Anderson (illness) on injured reserve on Friday. He will miss at least four games.

www.boston.com

The Patriots’ offensive line carousel continues to spin into Week 9 of the 2023-24 season. New England placed tackle Calvin Anderson (illness) on injured reserve on Friday. He will miss at least four games before he can return to play.

Anderson was listed as the only left tackle behind Trent Brown on the Patriots’ depth chart before the roster transaction. Anderson missed all of training camp and the preseason this summer with an illness that landed him on the non-football injury list in late July.

The 27-year-old started for New England in weeks 1 and 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins. He played 100 percent of their offensive snaps in both matchups.

Anderson went on to play in weeks 3, 4, and 6, but was a healthy scratch against the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills in weeks 5 and 7. He was ruled ‘out’ by the Patriots ahead of their Week 8 contest versus the Dolphins and now sees himself on IR for the foreseeable future.


April 18, 2024:

PATRIOTS NEWS Thread 'OT Calvin Anderson revises contract'

Apr 18, 2024

Patriots OT Calvin Anderson Agrees To Rework Contract

According to Field Yates, the Patriots and OT Calvin Anderson agreed to a renegotiated contract that will slightly reduce his $3.35 million salary for 2024 to create $990,000 in cap space. Anderson, 28, signed with

nfltraderumors.co

• Love The Drake
• Replies: 62
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

May 17, 2024:

The harrowing tale of Patriots player Calvin Anderson’s near-fatal bout with malaria

The morning of July 22, 2023 marked the start of a harrowing journey for Calvin Anderson.

www.boston.com

Training camp was set to start in three days. Anderson, who had signed with New England as a free agent in the spring, was supposed to help shore up the offensive tackle position. In 72 hours, he was expected to be on the practice field, going through drills in Foxborough.

Instead, Anderson was laid out in the emergency room at Newton-Wellesley Hospital with a 105-degree fever and 50-50 odds on whether he was going to live or die.

The morning of July 22, 2023 marked the start of a harrowing journey for Anderson, one that began in the days after a trip to Africa and included a hospital stay, a brief return to the field, another scare a few months later that forced him to the sideline, and mental health concerns that stemmed from guilt as he watched the Patriots struggle to a 4-13 finish.

Now, fully cleared for a return and looking stronger than ever, the 6-foot-5-inch, 305-pound Anderson is attempting to do something no player in the history of the NFL has ever done — return from a near-fatal bout with malaria to play a full season at a high level.

T

Thread 'The harrowing tale of Patriots player Calvin Anderson’s near-fatal bout with malaria'

May 7, 2024

• Turkamu
• Replies: 52
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

June 4, 2024:

Tuesday’s Patriots Notebook 6/4: News and Notes | PatsFans.com

The Patriots are set for another open media session on Tuesday, with New England head coach Jerod Mayo set to meet with reporters later this morning.

www.patsfans.com

Coupled in with potentially a “Comeback Player of the Year” situation with Calvin Anderson, who Christopher Price of the Boston Globe reported Anderson’s harrowing bout with malaria last summer that submarined his 2023 season, and it’s possible that the Patriots may have some solutions that allow them to weather an offseason where they couldn’t attract one of the higher-priced players available at the position.


Sept 26, 2024:

Veteran tackle released by Patriots signs with 3-0 team

A month ago, Calvin Anderson was released by the Patriots. Now, he’s signing with one of the NFL’s hottest teams.

www.masslive.com

A month ago, Calvin Anderson was released by the New England Patriots. Now, he’s signing with one of the NFL’s hottest teams. Earlier this week, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed the veteran offensive tackle, bringing him in after an injury to rookie tackle Troy Fautanu.

It’s a fascinating move given the current state of the Patriots offensive line, which started rookie third-round pick Caedan Wallace at left tackle last week. New England has had issues with its O-line early this season. But given the state of the veteran tackle market, they’re not the only ones looking for help.

Anderson was expected to be in the running for one of the top tackle spots in New England in 2024. However, he was a surprising absence from the team’s 53-man roster at the end of camp. He was initially put on injured reserve before being released with an injury settlement days later.

Anderson now heads to a Steelers team that is 3-0 so far this season behind a resurgent Justin Fields at quarterback. Pittsburgh has been doing some shuffling along the offensive line due to injury. Fautanu had been the starter at right tackle out of the gate, but is now expected to miss the rest of the regular season with a dislocated knee cap. Broderick Jones is set to start in Fautanu’s absence, with Anderson expected to serve as a backup.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Trysten Hill​

Happy 27th birthday to Trysten Hill
Born March 25, 1998 in Lee, Florida
Patriot defensive tackle, 2023-2024; uniform #97
Signed to the practice squad on October 24, 2023
Pats résumé: two seasons, three games


Trysten Hill entered the league in 2019 as an undrafted rookie from the University of Central Florida. He spent most of 2023 on the practice squad, and was released on October 10, 2024. In between he was elevated to the active roster three times, appearing in one game in 2023 and two in 2024. All told he was on the field for 16 snaps on defense with the Pats, plus one on special teams.

Trysten Hill Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Checkout the latest stats for Trysten Hill. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More March 25 Trivia​

March 25, 1994:
Pats re-sign free agent center Mike Arthur

The Patriots had claimed Arthur off waivers from Cincinnati on September 1, 1993. That proved to be a valuable acquisition after starting center Bill Lewis sustained a knee injury in week two, and was unable to play for the next six weeks. Arthur ending up playing in 13 games in '93, with 11 starts. He became the full time center in '94, playing in 12 games with 11 starts.

In 1995 Bill Parcells drafted Dave Wohlabaugh in the fourth round to be the Pats new center. Satisfied with his progress, Tuna traded Arthur to Green Bay on August 11 for TE Jeff Wilner and WR Bill Schroeder - neither of whom made the Pats roster. Schroeder suffered a broken foot and was released; he went back and re-signed with the Packers, and played in the NFL until 2004, with 304 receptions and 28 touchdowns. Arthur played two years for Green Bay, his final NFL season coming in 1996.

Mike Arthur (2003) - Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame - Texas A&M Athletics - 12thMan.com

Texas A&M Athletics - 12thMan.com

12thman.com

From 1988 to 1990, Mike Arthur was the centerpiece of the Texas A&M football team. A three-year starter for the Aggies at center, Arthur was the leader of one of the best rushing attacks in Aggie history.

In 1990, Arthur earned All-American and consensus All-Conference honors at center, and was also a Semi-Finalist for the Outland Trophy that year, contributing to an Aggie offense that ranked 6th nationally with an average of 471.1 yards per game and 4th nationally in rushing offense with 319.1 yards per game – a SWC record. The ’90 season came to a close with a 65-14 dismantling of BYU in the Holiday Bowl, still the biggest blowout in postseason history.

Arthur’s achievements in college led to a solid professional career as an offensive lineman. Drafted in the 5th round by the Cincinnati Bengals, Arthur spent six seasons in the NFL with the Bengals, New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers.


1994 Patriots Media Guide -- Page 39

Mike Arthur Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

March 25, 1998:
Patriots refuse to match Jets offer for restricted free agent running back Curtis Martin

Patriots: Kraft won't match Jets' offer

Foxboro — The first hint came last summer when Curtis Martin was asked how he felt about being the most grossly underpaid player in the professional football. "I'm not really happy about it, " 'the…

www.southcoasttoday.com

The first hint came last summer when Curtis Martin was asked how he felt about being the most grossly underpaid player in the professional football.

"I'm not really happy about it, " 'the New England Patriots', all-pro tailback said in a matter-of-fact tone, "but I'm hoping my agent will be able to do something to rectify the situation between now and Labor Day."

"But what will you do if Gus Sunseri can't convince owner Bob Kraft hat he should negotiate?" Martin was asked.

"I'll have to try to not let it bother me," replied Martin in a voice that sounded a bit more steely. "I've got a contract that I intend to honor."

As everybody knows, Kraft did not tear up the $247,000 deal Martin had agreed to accept in his third pro season when he joined the Pats as a rookie in 1995.

In retrospect, that may have been the beginning of the end of their warm and fuzzy relationship.

The end of the beginning came last month when Martin replaced Sunseri with Eugene Parker, who let his fingers do the dialing to Bill Parcells of the New York Jets.

The final act of the football soap opera came yesterday in Orlando, Fla., where Kraft announced the Pats would not attempt to match a six-year, $36-million offer the Jets made to Martin last week.

Instead, Kraft said the Pats had decided to accept the Jets' first- and third-round picks as compensation for the restricted free agent.

"We had an emotional attachment to Curtis," Patriots' owner Robert Kraft said of Martin, who has gained more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three years in the league. "But we're going to take the draft picks and let him move on."

There is no doubt the sudden and surprisingly acrimonious departure of Martin, who declined an offer to discuss his feelings about leaving the Pats with coach Pete Carroll the other day, leaves a gaping hole in New England's backfield.

Kraft and Carroll may be able to fill Martin's spot on the roster with a proven free-agent veteran like Chris Warren, Terry Kirby or Gary Brown, but the Pats' running attack simply won't be as good as it was.


The Patriots used the first round draft pick on Robert Edwards, who ran for 1,115 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie - but then blew out his knee in a scry freak injury at the Pro Bowl, and never played for the Pats again.

The third round pick was used on fullback Chris Floyd, who gained 76 yards from scrimmage in three seasons with the Patriots.




March 25, 2008:
The Patriots re-signed OL Wesley Britt and OLB Pierre Woods
Both players were exclusive rights free agents.

Patriots re-sign T Wesley Britt and LB Pierre Woods -- Patriots.com
Britt, 26, has played in 14 career games with two starts, all with the Patriots from 2006-2007. Last season, Britt played in four games while being listed among the day-of-game inactives on 12 occasions. He made one start in 2007, opening as a second tight end in New England's regular season finale.

Woods, 26, was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Michigan on May 8, 2006. The 6-foot-5-inch, 250-pound linebacker led the Patriots with 21 special teams tackles in 2007 and has totaled 32 career special teams stops in 24 career regular season games. He has also made seven special teams tackles in six career playoff games. Last season, Woods played in every game and totaled multiple special teams stops in five contests.

March 25, 2012:

Chad Ochocinco restructures contract

Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has said all the right things. He has been adamant he wants to remain a Patriot and that he enjoyed this season. He said winning was important, even while contributing just 15 catches and earning nearly…

www.bostonherald.com

Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has said all the right things. He has been adamant he wants to remain a Patriot and that he enjoyed this season. He said winning was important, even while contributing just 15 catches and earning nearly $6 million.

Now, Ochocinco has put his money where his mouth is, while also giving himself a chance to make the team out of training camp.

The mercurial receiver has agreed to restructure his contract, according to a source, taking his $3 million base salary and turning it into just $1 million. In doing so, Ochocinco makes earning a spot on the roster not about money, but merely about talent. If he’s good enough among the 10 pass-catchers, he’ll stay, regardless of his salary.


It wasn't enough. He didn't even make it to training camp; the Pats released him on June 7.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
March 25 news from this decade​

March 25, 2021:
Pats re-sign ERFA FB Jakob Johnson

Patriots re-sign fullback Jakob Johnson to one-year deal (report)

The German import was an exclusive rights free agent.

www.masslive.com

Jakob Johnson was poised for a training camp competition last summer, but when Dan Vitale opted out of the season, the fullback gig was all his. Johnson wound up playing 37% of the offensive snaps, as well as 43% of the plays on special teams.

With Vitale back on the field, there could be a positional battle this summer if the veteran doesn’t wind up a salary cap casualty. Dalton Keene may also factor in, as he has experience in the backfield and will be fighting for a roster spot with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith added to the tight end depth chart.

Patriots re-sign Jakob Johnson

The Patriots re-signed James White this week and they've now secured a deal with another member of their backfield.

www.nbcsports.com

The Patriots re-signed James White this week and they’ve now secured a deal with another member of their backfield.

Johnson played every game last season and started 11 times. He caught 8 passes for 35 yards and a touchdown while also playing 170 special teams snaps. With Johnson and White back in the fold, Rex Burkhead is the only member of the 2020 backfield no longer with the club.

Patriots re-sign fullback Jakob Johnson

Patriots re-sign fullback Jakob Johnson

www.providencejournal.com

The Patriots will have plenty of competition at the fullback position this offseason. On Thursday, the team signed exclusive rights free agent Jakob Johnson to a one-year deal, according to ESPN. Johnson started 11-of-16 games last season for the Pats. He scored his first NFL touchdown and was mainly used in the run game.

Johnson, 26, came to the Patriots as a part of the NFL’s International Pathway Program. The fact that he’s carved out a role on the team makes him a success story. Under that program, the NFL places players from other countries on NFL rosters. The league incentivizes the teams to keep those players by allowing them to not count against the team’s practice squad limit.

Johnson is from Germany and was considered a long shot to stick with the Pats. He improved leaps and bounds, however, during his first offseason with the team in 2019. He ended up being signed off the practice squad that season and appeared in four games before landing on injured reserve. Last season, Johnson was the Patriots' full-time fullback, replacing James Develin.

Johnson will have some competition this offseason. Dan Vitale has opted back in after missing last season. Vitale is a veteran of four NFL seasons as a fullback — two with Cleveland and two with Green Bay. There’s also Dalton Keene. Last season, Keene played tight end but he did play fullback at Virginia Tech and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Patriots try him at that position as well.

Patriots Re-Sign Fullback Jakob Johnson To One-Year Contract

The New England Patriots re-signed fullback Jakob Johnson to a one-year contract, his agent told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday.

nesn.com

Johnson, who was born and raised in Germany, forged an unlikely path to the Patriots' roster after joining the team through the NFL's International Pathway Program in 2019. The 26-year-old appeared in every game last season as James Develin's successor, mainly serving as a lead blocker while also catching eight passes for 35 yards and one touchdown.

With Danny Vitale expected to return from his COVID-19 opt-out, Johnson will face competition for his roster spot this summer. Second-year tight end Dalton Keene also could factor into the fullback battle after playing as an H-back at Virginia Tech.

Snaps could be scarce for Keene and fellow 2020 third-round draft pick Devin Asiasi after the Patriots spent big on tight ends in free agency, signing both Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry.


Sept 23, 2019:

Patriots fullback Jakob Johnson longest of longshots

FOXBORO — A native of Germany majoring in kinesiology at the University of Tennessee, Jakob Johnson was planning to become a physician. He has put those dreams on hold because of the reality of his situation: Against all odds, he’s an NFL p…

www.bostonherald.com

March 25, 2025:

Patriots Take a Chance on Diggs as WR Lands in New England | PatsFans.com

Mike Vrabel was probably hoping to make a splash in his first season here in New England, and the Patriots pulled off a deal on Tuesday night that certainly created one.

www.patsfans.com

G

Player Signing Thread 'Patriots Sign WR Stefon Diggs'

Mar 25, 2025

• Gator Mike
• Replies: 984
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
March 25 news from this decade​

March 25, 2025:

Patriots Take a Chance on Diggs as WR Lands in New England | PatsFans.com

Mike Vrabel was probably hoping to make a splash in his first season here in New England, and the Patriots pulled off a deal on Tuesday night that certainly created one.

www.patsfans.com

G

Player Signing Thread 'Patriots Sign WR Stefon Diggs'

Mar 25, 2025

• Gator Mike
• Replies: 984
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Damn man, you are quick ... and thorough

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Luther Henson​