Today In Patriots History March 26: The Duke, Gino Cappelletti

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Gino Cappelletti​

In memory of Gino Cappelletti, who would have turned 91 today
Born March 26, 1934 in Keewatin, Minnesota
Died May 12, 2022 at the age of 88 in Wellesley
Patriot K/WR/CB 1960-1970; uniform #20
Pats radio color commentator, 1972-2011
Signed as a free agent early in the 1960 offseason
Pats résumé: 11 seasons, 153 games (99 starts); 1,130 points scored; five-time AFL All Star; Pats All-1960s Team; 2nd player inducted to Pats Hall of Fame


Mr. Patriot was born on this day in 1934 in Keewatin Minnesota. With all due respect to the GOAT, nobody embodies the entire history of the Patriot franchise more than this legend. His absence from the Pro Football Hall of Fame is an egregious oversight, and proof of old school ant-AFL bias. Of course having Ron Borges represent as the sole voice advocating for Patriots on the Hall of Fame committee never helped matters either. Considering that he is on the Seniors Committee, but Cappelletti's name never comes up for consideration is just another black eye on his plagiarized résumé.

A quarterback in college at Minnesota, Gino Raymond Michael Cappelletti was undrafted by the NFL in 1955. He played semi-pro football in Canada that year, but was drafted into the US Army in the middle of the following season. After his two year stint was completed he played in the CFL for a while, and had a failed tryout with the Detroit Lions. Gino did not play football at all in 1959. and was back in Minnesota working as a bartender in his brother's lounge when he asked the Patriots for a tryout. Gino was one of 350 players on hand for the Boston Patriots first training camp, July 4, 1960 at UMass Amherst.

Cappelletti made the team as a defensive back and placekicker, and on September 9, 1960 he kicked a field goal at Nickerson Field for what would be the first points scored in a regular season American Football League game.

In 1961, Cappelletti moved to split end on offense and led the AFL in scoring (147 points) and field goals (17). He didn't have blazing speed but he was a good route runner and sure-handed. In '61 he caught 45 passes for 768 yards and 8 TDs and was named to the AFL All-Star game. He scored 128 points in 1962 and again led the league with 113 in ’63 (and also again in field goals with 22). He was named an AFL All-Star for the second time.

When he retired after eleven seasons Gino had scored an AFL record 1,130 points. At that time the only NFL player with more career points were Hall of Famers Lou Groza and George Blanda.

Cappelletti was incredibly versatile. In that original 1960 season he was a starting cornerback. For the next three years he was the Pats starting split end, and then was the team’s starting flanker for the next four years. Of course he handled the kicking duties as well from 1960-1970. Cappelletti caught 292 passes for 4,589 yards and 42 touchdowns, picked off four passes and kicked 176 field goals in his storied career.

For those who played prior to the 16-game schedule Gino holds the second and third most points in a single season. Those 155 points in 1964 and 147 points in 1961 are the most in AFL history, and still to this day rank in the top 25 in NFL history. He also holds the AFL record of 28 points scored in a single game. Cappelletti holds the pro football record for points per game over six consecutive seasons (9.5), points per game over 11 seasons (7.5), and percentage of a team’s points over eight seasons (34%).

"Duke" was a five-time All-Star, and AFL MVP in 1964. His versatility is perhaps best exemplified by a milestone that will never be broken. In 1960 he ran for a two-point conversion, completed a pass for a two-point conversion, caught a pass, intercepted a pass, returned a punt and returned a kickoff. Nobody in pro football history has ever before or since accomplished that feat. In 1992 Cappelletti became the second player to be enshrined to the Patriots Hall of Fame, and his number 20 is now retired.


His contributions to football did not end with his retirement at age of 36 prior to the 1971 season. Mr. Patriot became the voice of the Pats, providing the commentary for Patriot radio broadcasts for 28 years. He also did Boston College games, and was the voice famously proclaiming ‘he caught it, he caught it, I don’t believe he caught it!‘ on Doug Flutie’s miracle Hail Mary touchdown pass against the Miami Hurricanes in 1984.

Considering all of this, can anybody honestly justify how people like Jerry Jones, Bill Polian or Sterling Sharpe are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame – but Gino Cappelletti is not? Or Jan Stenerud and Ray Guy as specialists, but not Gino, who did more than just kick?


I didn’t think so.

​

 

[turkeyneck]

@jmt57, your opening paragraph says it all. Borges delenda est!

 

[FortressX]

Today in Patriots History
Gino Cappelletti


























​

The uniform in the bottom row, left, is that a Pats uniform ?

 

[turkeyneck]

The uniform in the bottom row, left, is that a Pats uniform ?

AFL All Star Game uni's American Football League All-Star game - Wikipedia

 

[signbabybrady]

Gil and Gino broadcast duo will probably always be my favorite.

 

[jlu52]

Gil and Gino broadcast duo will probably always be my favorite.

Gil is actually my favorite play call guy in sports. Always totally prepared, great communicator, golden pipes.
Gino was the kind of guy that everything came easy to, he had all around talent and charisma. I miss them a lot.

 

[signbabybrady]

Gil is actually my favorite play call guy in sports. Always totally prepared, great communicator, golden pipes.
Gino was the kind of guy that everything came easy to, he had all around talent and charisma. I miss them a lot.

 

[Pape]

The uniform in the bottom row, left, is that a Pats uniform ?

AFL All Star Game uni's American Football League All-Star game - Wikipedia

@turkeyneck is correct, it is the 1964 AFL All Star Uniform...

the photo came from this site...

1964 All Star Game Photo Gallery

talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com

@jmt57 hey jmt, thanks for using my poster! Thats pretty effing cool...

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
March 26 Trivia​

March 26, 1962:
The Boston Patriots trade the rights to Bill Hull and the ever-popular 'player to be named later to the Dallas Texans for Tony Romeo, a tight end from Florida State who was signed as an undrafted rookie in 1961.

Hull had been drafted in the fifth round (38th overall) by the Pats in the 1962 AFL draft, and in the third round (35th overall) by the Bears in the '62 NFL draft. He only lasted one season with the Texans.

Romeo played in 72 games with 52 starts over six seasons with the Patriots. He was a starter from '62-'64, then a backup after the Pats drafted Jim Whalen in '65. Romeo averaged 15.7 yards per catch, with 110 receptions for 1,724 yards and ten touchdowns as a Patriot.


Link to his birthday profile/bio here.


Interesting story below on his youth and getting sober:
Tony Romro -- NoleFan.org
By the time he was a ninth-grade student in Tampa, Fla., he had traveled pretty far on the road to alcoholism. He was a gang leader and a pretty mean street fighter.

Then he discovered football.

He was good at being mean, and football was his game. "I found out you could knock people down and they wouldn't put you in jail for it. I enjoyed that." He told Florida State Magazine in 1992.

He was going to Florida State University on a football scholarship and (the) Burt Reynolds was his teammate. Alcohol and personal problems were his post-game companions. His studies suffered and he lost his scholarship.

Some Florida businessmen helped him financially and he attended church with a couple of them.

Then he discovered God.

He stopped drinking and began working with church youth groups and counseling, an activity he continued. He was a 1959 All-American and went on to play one season for the Dallas Texans before six seasons with the Boston (now New England) Patriots. He counseled his fellow players and began team Bible studies.

March 26, 1996:
Patriots waive linebacker Vincent "the Undertaker" Brown and safety Myron Guyton

Brown played for eight seasons in New England, appearing in 124 games. He was a second team All pro in 1991, and is a member of the Patriots All-1990s Team.

Guyton was a starter at free safety with the Pats in 1994-95, with five interceptions. He was drafted by Bill Parcells in 1989, winning a super bowl with the Giants the following year - and was then recruited by Tuna to come to New England.

Link to Vincent Brown's birthday profile/bio.

Link to Myron Guyton's birthday profile/bio.

March 26, 2002:
Report: Cleeland agrees to deal -- Patriots.com
New England has reached a deal with another tight end, this time agreeing to a one-year contract with Cam Cleeland, according to the Providence Journal.

The Patriots could not confirm any deal late Monday, but the contract is reportedly worth $525,000 with incentives that could push the total closer to $1 million. If the deal is finalized, the 6-4, 272-pound Cleeland will bring more competition to a position New England has obviously made a priority this offseason.

After getting a combined 19 catches and four touchdowns from Rod Rutledge and Jermaine Wiggins last season, the Patriots have already signed former Seattle tight end Christian Fauria. Wiggins is still with the team, as are 2001 draft picks Jabari Holloway and Arther Love, neither of whom saw the field as rookies. Rutledge is an unrestricted free agent who isn't expected to return.

Cleelend is probably the most talented of the bunch when playing, which has not been often. After a strong rookie season in 1998 in which he played every game and caught 54 passes for 684 yards and six touchdowns, injuries have limited him to 20 games, 39 catches and five touchdowns in three years since. He missed all of the 2000 season and has had three serious injuries to his Achilles tendon, among other injuries.

Cleeland played in 12 games for the Pats, with 16 receptions for 112 yards and one TD. He signed with the Rams as a free agent the following offseason.




March 26, 2012:

Patriots release fullback Polite

The Patriots announced that veteran fullback Lousaka Polite has been released.Polite, 30, joined the Patriots on Dec. 27, 2011, and played in the season finale against Buffalo as well as all three postseason games, including Super Bowl XLVI.

www.espn.com

The Patriots announced that veteran fullback Lousaka Polite has been released. Polite, 30, joined the Patriots on Dec. 27, 2011, and played in the season finale against Buffalo as well as all three postseason games, including Super Bowl XLVI. He played sparingly, chipping in on special teams as well.

Over the last week, the Patriots have agreed to terms with fullbacks Spencer Larsen (Broncos) and Tony Fiammetta (Cowboys), making Polite a long shot to earn a roster spot.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Kyle Van Noy​

Happy 34th birthday to Kyle Van Noy
Born March 26, 1991 in Reno, Nevada
Patriot linebacker, 20016-2019, 2021; uniform #53
Traded to Pats along with a 7th round draft pick from Detroit Lions on October 25, 2016, for a 6th round pick
Pats résumé: five seasons, 63 games (53 starts); 21½ sack, 7 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 3 picks, 3 TD; two SB rings


Kyle Van Noy was a versatile high school athlete who lettered in four sports. His senior year he had ten tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles, 14 sacks and a pick six. Van Noy also caught 35 passes 731 yards and 18 touchdowns. After leading his team to a 14-0 record and state championship he was recruited by more than a dozen colleges, choosing BYU.

At Brigham Young he registered 226 total tackles, 62 tackles for loss, 26 sacks, 17 forced fumbles and seven interceptions. The Detroit Lions drafted him in the second round of the 2014 draft, 40th overall. Things got off to a bad start almost immediately.

Van Noy suffered the first injury of his football career in training camp. After undergoing surgery he missed the first eight games of the season. Upon return he was used sparingly. Van Noy was on the field for a mere 54 defensive snaps the final nine games[/URL] of the season (including a playoff game) and finished the season with six total tackles.

The writing was on the wall. At the following year’s combine Detroit GM Martin Mayhew had this to say when asked about Van Noy’s future:
“That’s totally up to him. He can have a huge role if he has a great offseason and plays great. If he doesn’t have a great offseason, and doesn’t play great, then his role won’t be as big.”

“I think a lot of times with young players, not him specifically, but they come from a place where they’ve been great players and super stars and then they come into a new team and now they have to work their way up and play special teams and do things they didn’t do in college. Sometimes that’s an adjustment. But really, it’s totally up to him as to how he performs and how he is feeling and all those things.”

A Detroit beat writer speculated that due to injuries to DeAndre Levy and other Lion linebackers, Van Noy was asked to do too much too soon. After seven games with varying roles Van Noy was traded to New England on October 25, 2016. The Patriots gave up virtually nothing for the linebacker. The Pats only had to move down slightly (24 spots) very late in the draft for his services. Detroit received just a sixth round pick (215th overall) in exchange for Van Noy and a seventh rounder (239th overall).

Van Noy began his tenure with the Pats as a healthy scratch while learning a new defense. Just over three months after being unceremoniously dumped, he was celebrating a Superbowl victory. By season end Van Noy was on the field for as much as 82% of the snaps, and recorded six tackles and half a sack in the playoffs.

​

From 2017-2019 Van Noy was a solid performer on the Pats defense, starting at all three linebacker positions. He departed as a free agent for Miami in 2020, and re-signed with the Patriots the following year. The Pats went to the playoffs every season he was in New England, winning a championship in his first year here over Atlanta, and again two years later versus the Rams. In the 2018 AFCCG overtime win against the Chiefs he played every down on defense, with two sacks and ten tackles. Two weeks later against the Rams he agained played every snap, with three QB hits and a tackle for a loss.

The Patriots had a regular season record of 49-18 in games that Van Noy played in, and 8-3 in playoff games with him. He was released in 2022 in a strictly finacial decision, in order to create some needed cap space.

Last year Kyle Van Noy was named to his first Pro Bowl, with the Ravens.

Kyle Van Noy - Football 2013

Kyle Van Noy - Football 2013

byucougars.com

Why didn't things work out for Patriots LB Kyle Van Noy in Detroit?

A former second-round pick, Kyle Van Noy never really got going in Detroit, but he seems to be coming into his own after a trade to the Patriots.

www.espn.com

New England Patriots release linebacker Kyle Van Noy

The Patriots have released veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, ending his second tenure with the franchise.

www.espn.com

Kyle Van Noy #53 Patriots sacks Matt Ryan #2 loss of 9
57-second highlight play

Kyle Van Noy Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Kyle Van Noy Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jimmy Raye​

Happy 79th birthday to Jimmy Raye
Born March 26, 1946 in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Patriot offensive coordinator, 1990
Pats résumé: one single incredibly awful 1-15 season

James Arthur Raye II had a very brief NFL career, appearing in two games over two years with the Rams and Eagles. He then spent six years as a college assistant coach. In 1977 he began a 37-year career as an NFL coach. Over that time he changed teams fifteen times with titles ranging from position coach to offensive coordinator to senior offensive assistant.

1990 was the bottom of the abyss in the history of the Patriots. Raye was the OC of that team that went 1-15, ranking dead last in points scored, 26th out of 28 in total yardage, 25th in rushing yards and last in rushing touchdowns.

Incredibly that is not the most embarrassing mark on Jimmy Raye’s résumé. He has been a long time senior adviser to Roger Goodell’s right hand man and mouthpiece, NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent. How he lives with himself, I do not know.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bill Murphy​

Happy 79th birthday to Bill Murphy
Born March 26, 1946; from Glen Ridge, New Jersey
Patriot split end, 1968; uniform #31 (preseason?), #7 (regular season)
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 1968
Pats résumé: one season, six games (six starts); 18 receptions for 268 yards, 14.9 yards per catch


Murphy attended Cornell, where he set Ivy League single-season records with 50 receptions for 853 yards and nine touchdowns. He was Cornell’s MVP in 1967, and his 163 yards receiving against Harvard was a school record that stood for 25 years. The Patriots signed Murphy in 1968 as a rookie free agent but he was released in training camp. He then joined the the Lowell Giants of the old Atlantic Coast Football League. With things going south in his final season as head coach, Mike Holovak took a flyer and signed Murphy to the roster.

Although not blessed with blazing speed, Murphy had good moves and sure hands. Murphy played the final six games of the 1968 season for the Patriots, starting five times (or six, depending on website). He ended up with 18 receptions for 268 yards, averaging 14.9 yards per reception. In week ten he had four receptions for 72 yards at Kansas City, and followed that up the next week with four catches for 74 yards against Miami. Murphy returned the following summer but was released on August 12. He did play in the ACFL again in '69, this time with the Hartford Knights.


1969 Patriots Media Guide -- Pages 61-62
Surprising free agent find for the Pats in '68 ... playing for less than half the season he finished third among team's receivers ... many of his receptions were circus catches ... was originally released from squad in '68 pre-season ... hooked on with Atlantic Coast League's Lowell Giants ... led all receivers in the ACFL before being recalled by Pats ... requested college number 7 because it had been lucky and "felt lighter" ... has flat feet ... wears contact lenses ... once wore a back brace ... relies more on moves than speed ... in first year as collegiate receiver, broke six all-time Cornell records ... led Ivy League in scoring ... was second among East's major college ends in pass receptions ... tied for third nationally (major college) with Alabama's Dennis Homan with nine TD passes caught ... was a defensive back for Big Red in prior varsity years ... his father, Bill Murphy, Sr., caught famous "fifth down" touchdown pass for Cornell's disputed 7-3 win over Dartmouth in 1940 which later was reversed, the decision given to the Indians by 3-0 count ... from Glen Ridge, NJ.


With his pro football career over Murphy put his Ivy League education to good use. He worked on Wall Street, specializing in commodities futures and later opened his own brokerage firm. In 1998 he co-founded the Gold Anti-Trust Action Committee, where he is the chairman. That organization was organized to expose, oppose, and litigate against collusion to control the price and supply of gold and related financial instruments. Murphy still works as a financial adviser, specializing in investments in gold and silver.

From the book From Darkness to Dynasty: The First 40 Years of the New England Patriots:

More typical of the type of players the roster was filled with by 1968 were rookie wideouts Bill Murphy and Aaron Marsh. The book on Murphy was that he had great hands, but was not only too slow to get open, he also had terrible eyesight and couldn't see a ball thrown his way. Marsh's problems were the opposite. He was fast, a terrific route-runner with great vision, but he couldn't catch the ball to save his life.​

On one occasion, the Pats were set to play a road game in the Houston Astrodome. On the day before the game, the team held a workout in the stadium. The players finished practice, showered, dressed, and went back to the hotel. What no one noticed was that their rookie receivers were nowhere to be found, and no one knew what had become of them. That is, until the hotel switchboard got a frantic, panicky call from someone asking to speak to anyone with the Patriots. It was Murphy and Marsh on the line, calling from inside the stadium. They'd wandered off, somehow managed to get lost, and couldn't find their way out.​

The joke among the writers was that an Astrodome security guard saw them and tossed them their keys, but Marsh dropped them and Murphy couldn't find them.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Fernando Bryant​

Happy 48th birthday to Fernando Bryant
Born March 26, 1977 in Albany, Georgia; from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Patriot cornerback, 2008 offseason; uniform #25
Signed as a vetern free agent on March 20, 2008
Pats résumé: one offseason


Fernando Bryant was a nine-year veteran when signed by the Pats, but did not survive final roster cuts.

Thin at corner, Patriots agree to deal with Bryant

The Patriots, down two cornerbacks because of free agency hits, reached agreement with another veteran, Fernando Bryant, to give them a competitive stable of coverage players.

www.espn.com

Cornerback a question at Patriots camp

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — After losing two key veterans at cornerback, the New England Patriots face big questions about who will step up to replace them among the crowded field of veterans and rookies in …

www.seacoastonline.com

Patriots’ Bryant: breaking up is hard to do

www.dispatch.com

Patriots pass defense in doubt as Fernando Bryant among last cuts

The Patriots opened training camp with cornerback their biggest question mark, and they’re ending it the same way. The Pats pared their roster to 53 players yesterday, and the biggest name on the l…

www.bostonherald.com

Fernando Bryant - Football Coach - Limestone University Athletics

Limestone College announced the addition of Fernando Bryant, a three-time All-SEC defensive back at The University of Alabama and a 2009 Super Bowl Champion while

golimestonesaints.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Eric Kettani​

Happy 38th birthday to Eric Kettani
Born March 26, 1987 in Kirtland, Ohio
Patriot fullback, 2009-2011 practice squad, 2012 & 2015 offseason; uniform #44, #34, #36
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent from Navy on may 4, 2009
Pats résumé: practice squads and offseasons

The 5’9" 240 pound fullback was one of three players from Navy that the Patriots signed as undrafted free agents in May of 2009. All had to fulfill their military commitments first, and Kettani was activated from the Pats’ Reserve/Military list in May of 2011. He was released as part of the final camp cuts that September, then signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.

In October he was denied leave from the Navy and had to return to active duty, but the Patriots re-signed him the following spring. Kettani was then cut again at the end of camp in 2012. The Pats added him to the practice squad on September 1, but released him four days later to make room for OL Jeremiah Warren. Kettani later spent time on practice squads with Washington, Kansas City and Jacksonville.

The Patriots re-signed Kettani in August of 2015, but was let go later that month as part of roster cutdowns. Kettani rejoined the Naval Academy in 2015, working in the Public Affairs Office. He also paints, selling his artwork online.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
John Cagle​

In memory of John Cagle, who would have turned 78 today
Born March 26, 1947 in Anderson, South Carolina
Died January 18, 2023 at the age of 75 in Aiken, South Carolina
Patriot defensive end, 1969; uniform #62
Patriots 14th round (344th overall) selection of the 1969 NFL-AFL draft, from Clemson
Pats résumé: one season; six games (one start)


John Cagle was a first team All-ACC defensive tackle at Clemson in 1968. The Patriots took a flyer on 6’3? 260 lb lineman, drafting him 344th overall in the 14th round of the 1969 draft. Clive Rush originally planned on converting Cagle to guard or linebacker and he impressed enough to end up on the taxi squad. Half way through the season he was promoted to the active roster and appeared in six games at defensive end. Cable returned for the 1970 training camp, but those six games were the extent of his NFL career.

Johnny Cagle Obituary (1947 - 2023) - Aiken, SC - The Aiken Standard

View Johnny Cagle's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

obits.postandcourier.com

Johnny Link Cagle (b. Anderson, SC on March 26, 1947 and d. Aiken, SC on Wednesday, January 18, 2023).

John's life was the definition of a life well-lived. His family is thankful for the many things he shared - strong faith; his love of Clemson University; his love of music and dancing - especially beach music; his ability to tell amazing stories, his dedication to help others through banking; and his unwavering pride, care and love for his family.

A graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School, Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management with a minor in accounting, a Master's Degree in the School of Commercial Banking from LSU and a Master's Degree in Advanced Management from Georgia State University. John followed in his father and uncle's footsteps earning a scholarship to play football for Clemson University. Upon graduation, John was drafted and played football for the Boston (New England) Patriots professional football team. Following his years with the Patriots, John served 6 years in the Army Reserve.

John began his career in banking with South Carolina National Bank in 1971 and moved to Aiken in 1981 where he served as the city and county executive for the bank. In 1988, he joined Palmetto Federal Saving Bank to establish a commercial loan and business development department. After 30 years in banking, he retired as the Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking for Regions Bank in Aiken, SC. Over his many years in the banking industry, he enjoyed helping both individuals and businesses in communities across the state.

After moving with South Carolina National Bank in 1981, John fell in love with the town of Aiken and all its charm, deciding to make it his forever home. Over the years, John shared his commitment, passion and leadership skills, serving on many boards and supporting the community in a variety of ways. He shared his faith as a member, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and served on various committees at First Baptist Church of Aiken.

In addition to his commitment to banking, he was also a real estate broker and developer, an insurance agent, a business owner, a member of Houndslake Country Club, involved in Community and Civic affairs with a personal desire to help individuals and businesses in the community, and most recently a funeral assistant for Shellhouse and Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Homes. As a couple, John and Sharon have enjoyed monthly supper clubs, going to movies, attending Clemson football games, and traveling over the past 30 years.

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Bill Murphy​

Happy 79th birthday to Bill Murphy

1969 Patriots Media Guide -- Pages 61-62
Surprising free agent find for the Pats in '68 ... playing for less than half the season he finished third among team's receivers ... many of his receptions were circus catches ... was originally released from squad in '68 pre-season ... hooked on with Atlantic Coast League's Lowell Giants ... led all receivers in the ACFL before being recalled by Pats ... requested college number 7 because it had been lucky and "felt lighter" ... has flat feet ... wears contact lenses ... once wore a back brace ... relies more on moves than speed ... in first year as collegiate receiver, broke six all-time Cornell records ... led Ivy League in scoring ... was second among East's major college ends in pass receptions ... tied for third nationally (major college) with Alabama's Dennis Homan with nine TD passes caught ... was a defensive back for Big Red in prior varsity years ... his father, Bill Murphy, Sr., caught famous "fifth down" touchdown pass for Cornell's disputed 7-3 win over Dartmouth in 1940 which later was reversed, the decision given to the Indians by 3-0 count ... from Glen Ridge, NJ.

This is kinda an odd assertion on my part, and it leans heavily into your post & the media guide (highlighted in red) & I only have a single point of reference to make it... Bill Murphy did wear #7, as requested... he might have worn #31 as well, but in at least one game, he sported 7...


spooled up to 2:19 in the video


That's Bill Murphy wearing 7 in an official regular season AFL game vs the Chiefs...

I haven't really run this down yet to confirm it, and I only have a few clips from 1968 with the above video being the only real reference i have found... I am sure there are more out there, i just haven't dug them up...

 

[jmt57]

This is kinda an odd assertion on my part, and it leans heavily into your post & the media guide (highlighted in red) & I only have a single point of reference to make it... Bill Murphy did wear #7, as requested... he might have worn #31 as well, but in at least one game, he sported 7...


spooled up to 2:19 in the video


That's Bill Murphy wearing 7 in an official regular season AFL game vs the Chiefs...

I haven't really run this down yet to confirm it, and I only have a few clips from 1968 with the above video being the only real reference i have found... I am sure there are more out there, i just haven't dug them up...

Nice catch.

The 1968 media guide (page 52) has him listed as #31 on the full team roster, but his bio under "1968 Patriots' New Faces" does not list a number. So I am going to assume that Murphy wore #31 in 1968, and #7 in 1969.

On Pro Football Archives their list of the 1968 Boston Patriots has Murphy as #7 as well.
Interestingly they have him as being a "SE-RB", though he haad zero rushes.

Pro Football Reference (my original starting point) only lists #31, which does not appear to be accurate.
They also list six starts, whereas somewhere else I saw five.

 

[Pape]

Nice catch.

The 1968 media guide (page 52) has him listed as #31 on the full team roster, but his bio under "1968 Patriots' New Faces" does not list a number. So I am going to assume that Murphy wore #31 in 1968, and #7 in 1969.

that chiefs game in the video is from 1968... Murphy didn't make the team in 1969

 

[Pape]

@jmt57 I would list him as both 31 and 7 ... won't hurt to do so