Today In Patriots History May 27: Happy Birthday to Tony Collins

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Tony Collins​

Happy 66th birthday to Tony Collins
Born May 27, 1959 in Sanford, Florida; hometown Penn Yan, New York
Patriot running back/kick returner, 1981-1987; uniform #33
Pats second round (47th overall) selection of the 1981 draft, from East Carolina
Pats résumé: seven seasons, 102 games (83 starts); 7,003 yards from scrimmage, 44 TD; 6 playoff games; Pats All-1980s Team

Tony Collins rushed for 4,647 yards with New England , which still ranks as third most in franchise history. By the end of the 1987 season his 32 rushing touchdowns was the third most (tied with Curtis Martin for sixth most now). He was also adept catching the ball out of the backfield, at one top holding the club record for receptions by a running backs with 261 (now 3rd), ranks fourth in receiving yards (2,356, behind only Kevin Faulk, James White and Larry Garron). At that time the 261 career receptions was the third most in team history overall regardless of position, and today still ranks as 14th most. Collins also had 12 receiving touchdowns, a franchise record for running backs that lasted for more than two decades. (White and Faulk are the only RBs with more.)


Collins also had 1,520 touches (third most), 7,003 yards from scrimmage (fifth) and 8,353 all-purpose yardage (sixth) with the Patriots, and his 44 touchdowns ranks seventh on the career leader board. Tony Collins was named to the 1983 and 1984 Pro Bowls, and is a member of the New England Patriots All-Decade Team for the 1980s.

Dec 13, 2012:

Former Pats player tells Foxboro kids about drug abuse

FOXBORO — Tony Collins rolled up more than 7,000 all-purpose yards as an elite running back for the New England Patriots during the 1980s.

www.thesunchronicle.com

In high school and college, he strove to spend more time in the weight room than anyone else, to be first on the field and last off it. Holder of multiple records at East Carolina University, he was drafted in the second round by the Patriots in 1981 and became an instant starter.​

But while success seemed to come easily to the young man from ECU, injuries began to take their toll. Collins began taking pain killers for his neck, but found they nauseated him. A friend recommended marijuana, which seemed to relieve his discomfort. But it wasn’t enough.​

“Then the marijuana turned into cocaine, and that took away everything I loved,” he said.​

The public learned of Collins’s drug abuse almost immediately after the team lost its first Super Bowl to the Chicago Bears in 1986, when the Boston Globe carried the news that six members of the AFC Champion Patriots team had tested positive for drugs.​

Collins was banned from the league for a year after testing positive a third time for marijuana and cocaine. He was later reinstated, but a move to the Dolphins didn’t work out because of Collins’s damaged knees.​

Collins said pride and his self-image as a football star probably interfered with him getting help in fighting drug use.​

“I thought, ‘hey, I’m Tony Collins. I can handle my problems. I’ve got this,’ ” he said. “Well, I didn’t have it. It had me.”​

The former star running back said he began to master his addiction and turn his life around seven years ago, when he met his current wife. He said she had a “different way of thinking about life” that made sense to him.​

Oct 29, 2015:

Collins speaks to Toll Gate students about making right choices

Former New England Patriots running back Tony Collins spoke to Toll Gate juniors and seniors on Tuesday morning about hard work, perseverance, sound choices and learning “to love to be

warwickonline.com

His work wasn’t done yet. He entered training camp third on the depth chart behind Vagas Ferguson and Horace Ivory, but he said, in his mind, he was always the No. 1 running back.​

In the second week of training camp, Ivory got injured. Collins continued to work harder, being the first out on the field and last off of it.​

“Felt bad for Horace, felt real good for Tony,” Collins said to laughs from the audience.​

Ferguson suffered an ankle injury himself two weeks later, earning Collins the top running back spot on the team. Collins would go on to play in all 16 games, tallying 873 rushing and 232 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.​

Collins had the best year of his career in 1983. He made the Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,049 yards and 10 touchdowns while picking up 257 yards through the air as well.​

Then, in 1984, Collins had to make a difficult choice. He had suffered cracked ribs early in the season, and either had to sit down like Ivory and Ferguson before him and have his job taken away, or go on painkillers. He chose the latter, opting to receive cortisone shots before and during games as well to numb the agony.​

“When the medicine wears off, wears down, I’m in so much pain that I can’t even go to sleep, that I cannot even breathe,” Collins said. “So I have to take all these painkillers just to go to sleep. And I’m taking painkillers all through practice and all through the year, and the painkillers were tearing up my stomach.”​

As he became addicted to painkillers, he also began smoking marijuana to relieve nausea. He ended up being randomly tested by the NFL, failing two drug tests and getting cut by New England after the second infraction in 1988.​

He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts the next day and promised himself that he would stay clean after receiving a second chance. If he failed another drug test, he would have been suspended an entire season, so he stayed away from marijuana. However, he chose to attend a party four weeks into training camp and, despite not actually smoking any marijuana, the secondhand smoke around him was enough to result in a third failed drug test.​

He played one more season in 1990 for the Miami Dolphins before retiring, he said, as a “failure.”​

Jan 29, 2013:

Super Bowl nightmare was only part of Tony Collins” life of drugs

NEW ORLEANS — Tony Collins could never forget how he got his job, which is a large part of the reason he lost it . . . and nearly his life along with it.When the former Patriots Pro Bowl running back arrived in New…

www.bostonherald.com

Feb 11, 2016:

Former Patriot’s star Tony Collins talks big dreams – and bad calls – with Everett students - Dorchester Reporter

Tony Collins sat in the principal’s office of the Edward Everett Elementary School on Pleasant Street last Thursday. His hands folded, a Pro Bowl ring prominent on his right pinky, the former Patriots running back listened quietly as the principal explained why she invited him to speak to her...

www.dotnews.com

Tony Collins (2011) - ECU Athletics Hall of Fame - East Carolina University Athletics

East Carolina University Athletics

ecupirates.com

Patriots.com Audio -- 48:31 Podcast

Pats from the Past, Episode 15: Tony Collins

Tony Collins Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Tony Collins Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Tony Collins Transactions

Tony Collins (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Pape]

He was a good back... never had the cache of a sam bam cunningham though...

 

[maust]

He was a good back... never had the cache of a sam bam cunningham though...

To be fair, they were very different types of runners. Collins was more likely to blast by a defender whereas Sam Bam just ran them over

 

[jmt57]

He was a good back... never had the cache of a sam bam cunningham though...

Most of the other options at RB in Collins' career (Vagus Feguson early, Reggie Dupard late) made Collins look like a Hall of Famer by comparison. The one time Collins had a good complimentary back (Craig James) the team made it to the super bowl.

I didn't realize until today that after Collins left the Patriots he signed with Indianapolis.
Never played for the Colts though as that was the year he was suspended.

He only played in one game for Miami in 1990 before they released him.

Which leads to revelation #2:
After that Tony Collins played in the Arena Football League - for three years!
He was a FB/WR/LB for the Orlando Predators (1991), Cincinnati Rockers (1992) and Miami Hooters (1993).

Tony Collins | ArenaFan.com

ArenaFan is the premier community site for fans of the Arena Football League. News, scores, standings, statistics, games and more. Anything you've ever wanted to know about the AFL.

www.arenafan.com

COLLINS GETS LAST LAUGH WITH RETURN TO FOOTBALL

Former NFL star Tony Collins had an instant and emphatic reaction when Orlando Predators coach Perry Moss called one day two months ago to ask if he had any interest in playing Arena League football: Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. “I…

www.orlandosentinel.com

Former Patriot running back Tony Collins, whose...

Former Patriot running back Tony Collins, whose NFL career was shortened by drug use, drove his car into a lake in Orlando, Fla., in what police said was a suicide attempt.

www.latimes.com

EX-PATRIOT RB DRIVES CAR INTO LAKE

Former New England Patriots running back Tony Collins, whose NFL career was shortened by drug use, drove his car into a lake in what police said was a suicide attempt. Collins, 32, was treated at a hospital and released about an hour later, police said. The car hopped a curb at 4:45 a.m...

www.deseret.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Make that a double Collins​

Happy 55th birthday to Todd Collins
Born May 27, 1970 in New Market, Tennessee
Patriot linebacker, 1992-1998; uniform #54 ('92-'94); #59 ('96-'98)
Pats 3rd round (64th overall) selection of the 1992 draft, from Carson-Newman
Pats résumé: six seasons, 76 games (53 starts); 354 tackles, 2 picks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries


It is easy to understand why Todd Collins is the only person from New Market to make it to the NFL. The town in northeastern Tennessee, about 24 miles from Knoxville, had a population of 1,216 - though it has grown to all of 1,416 now. Collins had earned a scholarship to Georgia, but received a medical redshirt after suffering a broken foot during practice. He transferred to Tennesseee - but separated his shoulder, resulting in another season lost due to injury. After one semester in Knoxville he transferred to Division II Carson-Newman (enrollment: 2,500) in Jefferson City, which borders on his hometown of New Market. While Collins was there the Eagles won the 1989 NAIA championship.


Todd Franklin Collins played in 76 games with 53 starts over six seasons in New England. He had 92 tackles in 1993 and 99 in 1997, before taking a leave of absence for the entire 1995 season at the age of 25. Collins played in two superbowls: for the Patriots in their loss to Green Bay, and after he signed as a free agent for St Louis in 1999, in their narrow win over Tennessee.


His departure from the Patriots was inadvertently Collins' greatest contribution to the franchise, as the number of free agent losses versus free agent signings resulted in the Pats receiving a compensatory draft pick: number 199 in the 2000 draft.


And just in case anybody was wondering, this Todd Collins is not related to RB Tony Collins, nor backup QB Todd Collins from Walpole.

Clinton resident has ties to both Super Bowl teams

CLINTON, Tenn. — Clinton resident Todd Collins will be watching Sunday's Super Bowl LIII with plenty of intensity, as will millions of football fans.

www.oakridger.com

“Parcells worked us hard in that first preseason,” Collins remembered. “He wanted players who were willing to make the sacrifices in working to get better and improve the team. He didn’t want prima donnas. I got my break when the guy playing ahead of me started mouthing off to Parcells one day at practice. Parcells called me to come in to replace him and that guy was gone soon.”​

The 1996 campaign found Parcells’ rebuilding program — with Collins playing a major role in the process — come to fruition when New England won the AFC East with a 10-6 mark before defeating Pittsburgh and Jacksonville to reach the Super Bowl at New Orleans against the Green Bay Packers.​

“The Packers were a very good team and they were fired up because they had not been to a Super Bowl in almost 30 years,” said Collins of the Patriots’ 35-21 loss.​

Collins said one of the strongest memories of that game was afterwards when Parcells made it obvious to his team that he was going to retire.​

“Parcells was not one to get emotional, but he had tears in his eyes and his voice was cracking,” Collins said. “We knew he was leaving.”​

One of Parcells’ chief aides that season was current Patriots Coach Bill Belichick, who had been fired the previous season as coach of the Cleveland Browns.​

“You won’t see Bill Belichick’s name listed with that ’96 team as an assistant coach, but he was working behind the scenes with everything going on,” Collins said. “He also established a strong relationship with (Patriots owner) Robert Kraft and that was a key to Kraft hiring Belichick a few years later as coach.​

Before there was Nate McBride, there was Todd Collins

Before there was Nate McBride, there was Todd Collins

247sports.com

He was a freak of an athlete, but he also was a very early adopter of plyometrics, etc.​

Think Nate might be faster, but keep in mind this was the 80's & Todd was basically training himself w/VHS tapes.​

1998 Patriots Media Guide -- page 115
Outtakes
★ Todd was named Tennessee's "Mr. Football" as a prep AII-American in 1987, the same title won by his brother, Brent, in 1985.
★ That year, he was rated the top prep prospect in the country and earned National Defensive Player of the Year honors trom USA Today.
★ Todd and his wile, Jill , were married last May in the British Virgin Islands

Career Transactions
Todd Collins was drafted by the Patriots after his junior year with their first of two selections in the third round of the 1992 NFL draft (64th player selected) . . . Signed by the Patriots (7/23/92) . . . Placed on injured reserve with a neck injury (1 0/1 6/92-1 1/1 3/92) . . . Placed on injured reserve with a kneeinjury (11/15/94 - for the remainder of the season) . . . Became a restricted free agent (2/1 5/95) and re-signed with the Patriots (4/20/95) . . . Did not report to training camp and was placed on a reserved-did not reportlist . . . Missed the entire 1995 season, but filed for reinstatement following the year . . . Returned for the 1996 season . . . Became an unrestricted free
agent after the 1996 season and re-signed with the Patriots ( 4/4/97)

Career Highlights (GP/GS: 64/43; 5/5)
• Started 17 games for the Patriots in 1 997, including both playoff games. His previous single season high was 12 starts in 1993.
• Recorded a career-high 99 tackles (64 solos) , includ ing 1½ sacks.
• Intercepted a Dan Marino pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown in the Patriots' wild-card game victory over the Dolphins (12/28/97).
• Began his career lined up inside in the Patriots' 3-4 defensive alignment along with former Patriot Vincent Brown. Moved to outside linebacker upon his return in 1996.
• He emerged as a starter in 1993 and finished the season with 92 tackles, including a sack and an interception.
• Started the first seven games of the 1994 season prior to suffering a season-ending knee injury. Rehabilitated the injury in New England during the offseason, but elected to sit out 1995 season. Returned to the Patriots in 1996.

College:
As a senior, he recorded 119 tackles (66 solos), six sacks and 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage . . . Returned two interceptions for touchdowns and was credited with 16 quarterback pressures . . . Chosen Small College Underclassman of the Year in 1990 despite missing two games with a knee injury . . . Finished season with 65 tackles (19 solos), a fumble recovery and a pass deflection . . . Played in only five games after suffering a foot injury in the second game of the season as a sophomore . . . ln 1989, he notched 12 tackles (five solos), two sacks and a pass deflection ... Enrolled at Georgia in 1988 but received a medical redshirt after breaking foot in fall drills . . . Transferred to Tennesssee but suffered a separated shoulder . . . Left the Volunteers that fall and enrolled at Carson-Newman.

Personal:
Todd Franklin Collins was born on May 27, 1970 in New Market, Tenn. . . . He was one of the most decorated athletes in the history of Jefferson County High in New Market, Tenn. . . . Earned USA Today, SuperPrep and Parade Magazine first-team All-American acclaim as a senior . . . Majored in psychology at Carson-Newman . . . Todd and his wife, Jill, were married in May of 1998.

Todd Collins Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Todd Collins Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Todd Collins Transactions

Todd Collins (linebacker) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Memorial Day Tragedy: RIP Marquise Hill​

On the evening of May 27, 2007, Marquise Hill and his friend, Ashley Blazio, fell off a jet ski in Lake Pontchartrain, north of New Orleans. Neither of them wore personal flotation or tracking devices. Hill ended up saving her life, keeping her calm until she could grab onto a buoy. Blazio was rescued and sent to Tulane Medical Center. Coast Guard units searched the area. Hill's body was found by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries the following day, around 2:20 PM CDT on May 28.


The 24-year old defensive end was a second round pick by the Patriots of the 2004 draft, from Louisiana State University.

Death of Patriots' Hill is ruled accidental drowning

The death of New England Patriots defensive end Marquise Hill, who fell off a personal watercraft Sunday in Lake Pontchartrain, was ruled an accidental drowning Tuesday.

www.espn.com

Hill spent much of his free time and his NFL paycheck helping loved ones rebuild in the hurricane-damaged city where he grew up.​

Aiding others came naturally to him, and distraught relatives on Monday said Hill died a hero after the former LSU star helped save the life of a former high school classmate who could not swim.​

While the woman survived by grabbing a piling and holding onto it until she was rescued, the 24-year-old Hill, who friends described as a good swimmer, drifted away and disappeared until searchers pulled his body from the water on Monday afternoon, about 17 hours after the accident.​

"He was a hero until the end," his cousin, Elaine Hill Blackshire of Alabama, told the Boston Herald for Tuesday's editions. "He made sure he got her to safety. I'm just so sad that he lost his life, but he wouldn't have had it any other way. If he had saved himself, and knowing she couldn't swim, he couldn't have lived with himself.​

"He thought of others first. He was just that kind of person."​

"I lost a brother, man," said Patriots defensive lineman Jarvis Green, a fellow Louisiana native and former LSU player. "He was a funny guy. ... He'd just sit there and talk to you, say some funny things off his head that'd make you laugh. He was good to be around."​

Hill's agent, Albert Elias, said he spoke with Hill's friend and said she either couldn't swim or was having difficulty doing so.​

"Marquise knew this, and being a strong swimmer, he was instructing her as he drifted away in a different direction to stay calm and don't fight the water. He found a buoy or piling behind her and told her to let the current take her to that. She listened to him and it pretty much saved her life," Elias said.​

The woman was sent to Tulane Medical Center, where she told authorities that Hill had tried to keep her calm as the two were drifting away from each other.​

"It's so important to have a life jacket and a signaling device," Atkeson said. "One keeps you afloat and the other helps us find you."​

Elias said the player spent much of his time since Hurricane Katrina helping rebuild the homes of family members including his mother and the mother of his son.​

The Patriots wore number 91 on their helmet in memory of Hill for the full 2007 season.

 

[jlu52]

Most of the other options at RB in Collins' career (Vagus Feguson early, Reggie Dupard late) made Collins look like a Hall of Famer by comparison. The one time Collins had a good complimentary back (Craig James) the team made it to the super bowl.

I didn't realize until today that after Collins left the Patriots he signed with Indianapolis.
Never played for the Colts though as that was the year he was suspended.

He only played in one game for Miami in 1990 before they released him.

Which leads to revelation #2:
After that Tony Collins played in the Arena Football League - for three years!
He was a FB/WR/LB for the Orlando Predators (1991), Cincinnati Rockers (1992) and Miami Hooters (1993).

Tony Collins | ArenaFan.com

ArenaFan is the premier community site for fans of the Arena Football League. News, scores, standings, statistics, games and more. Anything you've ever wanted to know about the AFL.

www.arenafan.com

COLLINS GETS LAST LAUGH WITH RETURN TO FOOTBALL

Former NFL star Tony Collins had an instant and emphatic reaction when Orlando Predators coach Perry Moss called one day two months ago to ask if he had any interest in playing Arena League football: Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. “I…

www.orlandosentinel.com

Former Patriot running back Tony Collins, whose...

Former Patriot running back Tony Collins, whose NFL career was shortened by drug use, drove his car into a lake in Orlando, Fla., in what police said was a suicide attempt.

www.latimes.com

EX-PATRIOT RB DRIVES CAR INTO LAKE

Former New England Patriots running back Tony Collins, whose NFL career was shortened by drug use, drove his car into a lake in what police said was a suicide attempt. Collins, 32, was treated at a hospital and released about an hour later, police said. The car hopped a curb at 4:45 a.m...

www.deseret.com

Speaking of Craig James, imagine if the busted knee never happened, or at least was delayed a few years. He had some moves.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bo Robinson​

In memory of Bo Robinson, who would have turned 69 today
Born May 27, 1956 in Lamesa, Texas
Died Jan 26, 2022 in Forth Worth at the age of 65
Patriot fullback/tight end, 1984-1985; uniform #41
Claimed off waivers from Atlanta on August 28, 1984
Pats résumé: two seasons (one on IR), 16 games (one start); four receptions for 32 yards, one TD


Melvin Dell 'Bo' Robinson still holds the career rushing yardage record at West Texas A&M, with 3,542 yards on the ground for the Buffaloes. With the Patriots he primarily a special teamer, appearing in all 16 games with one start in '84. Bo's 3rd quarter touchdown reception gave the Pats a lead they would not relinquish in a week five 28-21 victory at the Jets. Robinson was placed on injured reserve on Sept 2, 1985, and again on August 19, 1986. He was released with an injury settlement on Sept 20, 1986.


Bo was originally a third round draft pick by Detroit in 1979; the 1984 campaign with the Patriots was the last of his six seasons in the NFL. He appeared in 80 NFL games with 22 starts from 1979 to 1984, gaining 750 yards from scrimmage and scoring five touchdowns, playing primarily with the Lions and Falcons.


1986 Patriots Media Guide -- page 89
BO ROBINSON 41
RB 6-2 225
WEST TEXAS ST. 7th year
DOB: 5-27-56 at LaMesa, TX
HOW ACQUIRED: WV-AtI., 1984 (3-67th, 1979)

PRO:
Spent the entire 1985 season on Injured Reserve, with a left groin strain and a lower abdominal tear......went on IR on 9-20...practiced with team the last part of season......assisted coaches along the sidelines during the season by keeping Statistical data concerning opponents......in 1984, he was claimed on waivers from the Falcons on 8-28......he caught four passes for 32 yards (8.0 average), with long of 17 yards.....he had one TD catch, four-yard TD at NY Jets (9-30)......was used as an H-Back as well as blocking back out of the backfield......played TE for the first time in his pro career in place of Lin Dawson vs. Cincinnati (10-14) after Dawson was felled with a sprained knee......started at H-back on 10-21 vs. Miami and also Started at that position at Denver (11-4)......in 1983, he was the starting H-back for coach Dan Henning, earning his first start since rookie year (‘79) in Detriot......he fractured his right arm last week of training camp in ‘83 and missed first four games of the season......he started in week six vs. New Orleans (10-9-83) and bruised sternum at New Orleans (11-6-83) that cost him starts Week 11 and Week 14 (vs. LA Rams and Washington)......caught 12 passes for 100 yards (8.3 avg.; had 3 catches vs. New England on 10-30-83, his best year as a receiver since catching 14 passes for 118 yards (8.4 avg.) in 1979 in Detrat......was a fine blocking back for William Andrews in ‘83 as Andrews ran for career high 1,567 yards......in 1982, he was a backup to Andrews, and carried the ball 19 times for 108 yards (5.7 avg.) and had long run of 16 yards; caught seven passes for 55 yards over that season, including having two TDs......saw action on special teams in 1982 and 1983......was drafted in 3rd round by the Lions in ‘79, and, started 12 of 14 games his rookie year......was pushed out of starting lineup in ’80 by number one draft choice Billy Sims......he was waived a year later.

COLLEGE:
He rewrote the record book at West Texas State, breaking all Mercury Morris’ and Duane Thomas’ rushing records, gaining 3,542 yards during his four-year career with a single-game high of 204 yards against Tulsa in ‘77.

PERSONAL:
Marned (Nelda) and lives in Duluth, GA, during off-season with Nelda and four children —Twila (11), Monick (10), Bruce (9) and Courtney (5)...spent summer working Out to stay in shape and he also refereed high school basketball games...hobbies: golf and horseback riding.

GAMES PLAYED/STARTED:
1979-14/12 (Detroit), 1980-14/0 (Detroit), 1981-15/0 (Atlanta), 1982-9/0 (Atlanta), 1983-12/9 (Atlanta), 1984-16/2 (Patriots), 1985 — On Injured Reserve List (Groin, lower abdominal tear). Placed On Injured Reserve 9-2-85. Total: 80/23

Melvin "Bo" Robinson Obituary - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Melvin "Bo" Robinson Ft. Worth formerly of Lamesa - 65, departed this life on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. celebration of Life Service will be held...

www.lubbockonline.com

Bo Robinson Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Bo Robinson Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Bo Robinson Transactions

Bo Robinson - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Bo Robinson​

In memory of Bo Robinson, who would have turned 69 today
Born May 27, 1956 in Lamesa, Texas
Died Jan 26, 2022 in Forth Worth at the age of 65
Patriot fullback/tight end, 1984-1985; uniform #41
Claimed off waivers from Atlanta on August 28, 1984
Pats résumé: two seasons (one on IR), 16 games (one start); four receptions for 32 yards, one TD


Melvin Dell 'Bo' Robinson still holds the career rushing yardage record at West Texas A&M, with 3,542 yards on the ground for the Buffaloes. With the Patriots he primarily a special teamer, appearing in all 16 games with one start in '84. Bo's 3rd quarter touchdown reception gave the Pats a lead they would not relinquish in a week five 28-21 victory at the Jets. Robinson was placed on injured reserve on Sept 2, 1985, and again on August 19, 1986. He was released with an injury settlement on Sept 20, 1986.


Bo was originally a third round draft pick by Detroit in 1979; the 1984 campaign with the Patriots was the last of his six seasons in the NFL. He appeared in 80 NFL games with 22 starts from 1979 to 1984, gaining 750 yards from scrimmage and scoring five touchdowns, playing primarily with the Lions and Falcons.


1986 Patriots Media Guide -- page 89
BO ROBINSON 41
RB 6-2 225
WEST TEXAS ST. 7th year
DOB: 5-27-56 at LaMesa, TX
HOW ACQUIRED: WV-AtI., 1984 (3-67th, 1979)

PRO:
Spent the entire 1985 season on Injured Reserve, with a left groin strain and a lower abdominal tear......went on IR on 9-20...practiced with team the last part of season......assisted coaches along the sidelines during the season by keeping Statistical data concerning opponents......in 1984, he was claimed on waivers from the Falcons on 8-28......he caught four passes for 32 yards (8.0 average), with long of 17 yards.....he had one TD catch, four-yard TD at NY Jets (9-30)......was used as an H-Back as well as blocking back out of the backfield......played TE for the first time in his pro career in place of Lin Dawson vs. Cincinnati (10-14) after Dawson was felled with a sprained knee......started at H-back on 10-21 vs. Miami and also Started at that position at Denver (11-4)......in 1983, he was the starting H-back for coach Dan Henning, earning his first start since rookie year (‘79) in Detriot......he fractured his right arm last week of training camp in ‘83 and missed first four games of the season......he started in week six vs. New Orleans (10-9-83) and bruised sternum at New Orleans (11-6-83) that cost him starts Week 11 and Week 14 (vs. LA Rams and Washington)......caught 12 passes for 100 yards (8.3 avg.; had 3 catches vs. New England on 10-30-83, his best year as a receiver since catching 14 passes for 118 yards (8.4 avg.) in 1979 in Detrat......was a fine blocking back for William Andrews in ‘83 as Andrews ran for career high 1,567 yards......in 1982, he was a backup to Andrews, and carried the ball 19 times for 108 yards (5.7 avg.) and had long run of 16 yards; caught seven passes for 55 yards over that season, including having two TDs......saw action on special teams in 1982 and 1983......was drafted in 3rd round by the Lions in ‘79, and, started 12 of 14 games his rookie year......was pushed out of starting lineup in ’80 by number one draft choice Billy Sims......he was waived a year later.

COLLEGE:
He rewrote the record book at West Texas State, breaking all Mercury Morris’ and Duane Thomas’ rushing records, gaining 3,542 yards during his four-year career with a single-game high of 204 yards against Tulsa in ‘77.

PERSONAL:
Marned (Nelda) and lives in Duluth, GA, during off-season with Nelda and four children —Twila (11), Monick (10), Bruce (9) and Courtney (5)...spent summer working Out to stay in shape and he also refereed high school basketball games...hobbies: golf and horseback riding.

GAMES PLAYED/STARTED:
1979-14/12 (Detroit), 1980-14/0 (Detroit), 1981-15/0 (Atlanta), 1982-9/0 (Atlanta), 1983-12/9 (Atlanta), 1984-16/2 (Patriots), 1985 — On Injured Reserve List (Groin, lower abdominal tear). Placed On Injured Reserve 9-2-85. Total: 80/23

Melvin "Bo" Robinson Obituary - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Melvin "Bo" Robinson Ft. Worth formerly of Lamesa - 65, departed this life on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. celebration of Life Service will be held...

www.lubbockonline.com

Bo Robinson Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Bo Robinson Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Bo Robinson Transactions

Bo Robinson - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
One that got away​

Happy 69th birthday to Nick Lowery
Born May 27, 1956 in Munich; hometown Washington DC
Patriot kicker, 1978; uniform #7
Signed as a rookie free agent on September 19, 1978
Pats résumé: 27 days, two games


Undrafted out of Dartmouth in 1978, Dominic Gerald 'Nick' Lowery was initially signed by the Jets, and released in mid-August. He then signed with the Patriots, was cut at the end of camp, and re-signed the day after a week 3 loss to the Colts where John Smith suffered a thigh injury. Lowery filled in for two games while Smith was rehabbing. The Pats went 2-0 in those games with Lowery going 7-7 on extra points, while missing on his one and only field goal attempt, from 46 yards. He was cut five times by four teams in his first two seasons, before finding a home in Kansas City where he replaced Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud.

Lowery then proceeded to make a mockery of those previous assessments by the Jets, Patriots, Bengals and Washington. Over the course of an 18-year NFL career Lowery kicked 383 field goals, which at that time was an NFL record. He also scored a total of 1,711 points (which ranked second in NFL history at that point in time), was named to three Pro Bowls, and had the best field goal percentage in league history when he retired.

June 14, 1993 - Peter King:

Nick Lowery

It is late afternoon, and Nick Lowery is hustling. It is the last week of his off-season job as a special adviser to the director of the Office of National

vault.si.com

A kicker enriched; Lowery profits from a Stockbroker's Investment -- Washington Post, July 20, 1985

Nick Lowery '78 to be Inducted Into Chiefs Hall of Fame - Dartmouth College Athletics

Former Dartmouth place kicker Nick Lowery '78 will be honored as the newest member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame during the Chiefs Alumni Weekend.

dartmouthsports.com

Persistence Pays for Chiefs' Lowery : Pro football: Kicker caught on in 12th tryout.

A man with less perseverance than kicker Nick Lowery would have found another line of work a long time ago.

www.latimes.com

Where are they now: Nick Lowery - National Football Post

Ken Crippen interviews the Chiefs' great.

www.nationalfootballpost.com

Missouri Sports Hall of Fame -- Nick Lowery

Chiefs Hall of Honor -- Nick Lowery

Audio Podcast:

Howtofailsuccessfully.com

Nick Lowery ’78

“The Kick” on life after professional football.

dartmouthalumnimagazine.com

Nick Lowery Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Nick Lowery Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Nick Lowery Transactions

Nick Lowery - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Cup of coffee​

Happy 64th birthday to Frank Bianchini
Born May 27, 1961 in East Islip, Long Island, New York
Patriot running back, 1987; uniform #30
Signed as a free agent on September 28, 1987
Pats résumé: one game as a replacement player


5'8, 190 lb Hofstra running back Frank Bianchini played in the final strike-replacement game in 1987, with no stats. The following year he joined the New England Steamrollers of the Arena Football League as a defensive back, his first of five seasons playing arena ball.

In 2007 Frank was inducted into the American Football Association "Minor League/Semi-Pro Hall of Fame' - although they did mange to misspell his name for this honor.

Hall of Fame

The American Football Association is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax exempt corporation in its 38th year of operation and is dedicated to the advancement of adult (minor league/semi-pro) football from coast-to-coast.

www.americanfootballassn.com

Frank Bianchini | ArenaFan.com

ArenaFan is the premier community site for fans of the Arena Football League. News, scores, standings, statistics, games and more. Anything you've ever wanted to know about the AFL.

www.arenafan.com

Frank Bianchini Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Frank Bianchini Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Frank Bianchini Transactions

Frank Bianchini - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
General Sherman​

Happy 26th birthday to William Sherman
Born May 27, 1999 in Raleigh; hometown Allen, Texas
Patriot offensive tackle, 2021-2022; uniform #68 (#58 in 2021 training camp)
Pats sixth round (197th overall) selection of the 2021 NFL draft, from Colorado
Pats résumé: two seasons, one game (six snaps on special teams)


Will Sherman was waived at the end of his rookie training camp, on August 31, 2021. He was immediately signed to the practice squad, where he remained until being elevated to the roster on October 9, 2021. Sherman got on the field for six special team snaps the following day in a 25-22 win at Houston, and was then reverted back to the practice squad a day later. He stayed with the Patriots for the full 2022 offseason before being waived as part of final roster cuts on August 30, 2022. Denver signed Sherman to their practice squad once he cleared waivers; he spent all of 2022, 2023 and 2024 on the Broncos practice squad, and is still part of their 90-man roster.

William Sherman trivia: he was teammates with Kyler Murray and Greg Little in high school, where he also threw the shot put and discus.

William Sherman - Football - University of Colorado Athletics

William Sherman (78) Offensive Line - AT COLORADO: He has played in 24 career games with 21 starts … The 21 starts is the most on offense and tied for the se...

cubuffs.com

Patriots sign late-round draft picks OT William Sherman, WR Tre Nixon

Sherman and Nixon were the final two picks of the Patriots’ 2021 draft class.

www.bostonherald.com

3 things to know about Patriots draft pick William Sherman

It isn’t a Patriots draft class until an offensive lineman is added to it. Entering the 2021 NFL Draft, the Patriots had selected an offensive lineman in seven consecutive drafts. They extended that streak late in Day 3, drafting Colorado tackle William Sherman with their second sixth-round...

www.boston.com

Colorado’s Will Sherman drafted by New England Patriots in sixth round

Colorado offensive lineman Will Sherman was selected by the New England Patriots 197th overall in the sixth round of the NFL draft Saturday. This makes six straight years that Colorado has had an offensive lineman drafted. Sherman started 27 games in his career for the Buffaloes, all at tackle...

gazette.com

William Sherman Takeaways: What Position Will Patriots Rookie Play?

William Sherman played offensive tackle at Colorado. But will he stick there after being picked by the Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft?

nesn.com

Broncos to sign offensive lineman Will Sherman to practice squad

The Denver Broncos plan to sign offensive lineman Will Sherman to the practice squad on Wednesday.

www.milehighreport.com

William Sherman Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- William Sherman Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- William Sherman Transactions

Will Sherman (offensive lineman) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

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

Dan Colchico (May 27, 1935 - April 27, 2014)
Boston Patriots 1960 draft pick, from San Jose
Colchico was also a 7th round pick by San Francisco in 1959, and never played for the Patriots.
He was the 49ers starting defensive end from 1960 to 1964.


Jackie Slater, 71 (May 27, 1954)
Relative
Better known by some younger fans simply as Matt Slater's dad, the elder Slater was named to seven Pro Bowls at tackle for the Rams, playing in 259 games before being inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2001. He was named the NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year four times, and was the first player in the history of the NFL to play twenty years for one team.


Sean McHugh, 43 (May 27, 1982)
Born in Springfield MA
Sean McHugh was a FB/TE who played in 40 games with Green Bay, Detroit and Pittsburgh from 2004-08. A 7th round pick by Tennessee in 2004 out of Penn State, he played in all 3 playoff games en route to winning a ring with the Steelers following the '08 season.


Tom Budrewicz, 87 (May 27, 1938)
Born and raised in Greenfield; Greenfield High School; Brown University
The western Mass native was a guard who got into a couple of games for the 1961 New York Titans.


Larry Ellis (May 27, 1922 - Aug 24, 1988)
Born and raised in York, Maine; York High School; Cheshire (CT) Academy
Ellis was an All-American LB at Syracuse who played in four games for the Lions in 1948 before blowing out his knee, ending his NFL career.


Dimp Halloran (May 27, 1896 - Nov 17, 1970)
Born and raised in Framingham; Framingham High School; Boston College
One of the earliest football stars at BC, Dimp was a tailback for the Hartford Blues in 1926, the only year that Connecticut had an NFL team (thankfully).

When the NFL Played in Connecticut: The Hartford Blues - Connecticut History | a CTHumanities Project

In 1926, the Hartford Blues became the first and only NFL team to call Connecticut home. After a disappointing season, the NFL voted them out of the league.

connecticuthistory.org

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


- Tom Dean (5/27/1923)
LT for the 1946-47 Boston Yanks

- Dale Waters (5/27/1909)
RT for the 1932-33 Boston Braves.

- Lloyd Young (5/27/1903)
G/E for the 1925-27 Providence Steam Roller.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Starting center traded away
for local gridiron hero​

May 27, 1964:
This trade is a bit convoluted, so bear with me.

The 1964 American Football League draft took place on November 30, 1963. The early date was not unusual then; the upstart AFL wanted to get a jump on the old school NFL in order to sign players for their new league.

Billy Sullivan surely felt the Boston College graduate would be a big ticket draw. Babe Parilli had just been named to the 1963 AFL All-Star Team but he would turn 34 before the next training camp opened. At BC Concannon was a double threat as a passer and runner. Sullivan viewed him as a worthy successor to Parilli and future face of the franchise. Even Cardinal Cushing urged Concannon to stay home and sign with the Patriots.

Denver had the first pick of the draft, and the Patriots held the fourth. The Pats swapped places with the Broncos for 'future considerations', a term that was not uncommon with trades back then. Billy Sullivan coveted a good catholic Irish Dorchester lad and local phenom quarterback from Matignon High School and Boston College, Jack Concannon. With that trade Sullivan got the guy he was sure would pack the stands, drafting Concannon with the first overall pick.

The Philadelphia Eagles also drafted Concannon, in the second round of the NFL draft. That occured only after their team officials discovered at the last minute that the Pats had not yet signed Concannon. Sullivan operated the Patriots on a shoestring budget. As badly as he wanted Concannon he did not have deep enough pockets to compete in a bidding war with an NFL team. Concannon signed for a $25,000 bonus, new Thunderbird and a $50,000 salary with the Eagles – big money at that time – and as a result the Patriots had nothing to show for from two of their first three rounds of the draft. Sullivan never considered that Concannon would opt for the NFL over the Patriots, but that is exactly what Jack did.

Seven months later it was time to pay the bill. Walt Cudkik had manned the center position for every game in the first five years of the Boston Patriots existence. He was sent to Denver as compensation for the Patriots trading up, but never played for the Broncos. Denver immediately traded him to Buffalo for LB Marvin Matusazk, and a S Billy Atkins.

While he received a bigger payday, the decision did not help Concannon's pro football career. The Eagles had Norm Snead entrenched as their starter and King Hill as the backup QB. Concannon barely ever saw the playing field as the third stringer.

In 1967 Philadelphia traded Concannon and a fourth round draft pick to the Chicago for TE Mike Ditka. The Bears had a great running back (Gale Sayers), but no QB, so it made sense to them at the time. Jack was so-so on a mediocre team and eventually lost his job as a starter when the Bears bottomed out with a 1-13 record in 1969. Ditka was a five-time Pro Bowler for the Bears, but was not the same player he was early in his career. Instead of a win-win the trade was more of a meh-meh.

Jack Concannon did play in the NFL for ten years though. His best season was in 1970, regaining his starting job and throwing for 16 touchdowns and 2,130 yards. Cudzik spent one season with Buffalo before retiring at the age of 33.

Cudzik of Patriots Traded To Broncos, Then to Bills (Published 1964)

www.nytimes.com

For more on Jack Concannon, check out these articles:

Football Letterman Jack Concannon Dies - Boston College Athletics

Nov. 29, 2005 John J. "Jack" Concannon, Jr., a Boston College football standout in the early 1960s and retired National Football League quarterback, died sud...

bceagles.com

Jack Concannon 1943-2005

Jack Concannon, whom the Bears obtained in a 1967 trade for Mike Ditka, is remembered by former teammates as the fun-loving but frustrated quarterback who embodied the struggles of the last team George Halas coached and the four years of…

www.chicagotribune.com

Walter Cudzik Obituary (2005) - Mobile, AL - AL.com (Mobile)

View Walter Jacob "Walt" Cudzik's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

obits.al.com

Today in Patriots History: Jack Concannon

Jack Concannon highlights today in Patriots history. The Boston native was the Pats first selection in the 1964 AFL draft.

www.patsfans.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More Ancient May 27 News​

May 27, 1970:
The Patriots sign two free agents who did not make a regular season NFL roster: George Little and Pete Schmidt.

Assistant Head Coach Pete Schmidt Succumbs to Cancer - Indiana University Athletics

September 29, 2000 Pete Schmidt, a former Division III National Coach of the Year, Dies in Bloomington Hospital Bloomington, Ind. -- Indiana assistant head c...

iuhoosiers.com

May 27, 1972:
Patriots sign G Steve Beyrle, an 8th round draft pick from Kansas State, and undrafted rookie free agent LB Henry Adolfi from Amherst.
Beyrle did not make the Pats roster in either '72 or '73, and he then played briefly in the CFL for the BC Lions. The 1972 Pats media guide said this of Adolfi: "Three year veteran at Amherst College . . . also filled in as center . . . good speed and mobility with excellent quickness . . . had six interceptions and five blocked punts to his credit.




May 27, 1979:
New England signs rookie free agent Rich Rodenberger and veteran free agent WR Larry Dorsey

Richard Rodenberger Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

The Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home is committed to your family's total care. Please stop by, or call us at the funeral home to have any questions answered regarding planning a funeral service in advance, funeral ceremonies in general, or to see a friendly face.

www.mannslonakerfuneralhome.com

Richard Lee “Rody” Rodenberger, 70, of East Greenville, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Born in Bucks County, he was the son of the late Richard W. and Nancy (Schantz) Rodenberger.​

Rody was a 1971 graduate of Upper Perkiomen High School and then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from East Stroudsburg University in 1977. He also excelled in football at East Stroudsburg, setting a record for most interceptions from a safety. His athleticism, earned him a short stint with the New England Patriots in the 1970’s.​

He worked construction at many different locations operating an excavator. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt, fish and cut firewood.​

Larry Dorsey had 27 receptions in three seasons for the Chargers and Chiefs before coming to New England. He was the head coach at Mississippi Valley state from 1990-1998, at Prarie View A&M from 2000-2002, and at Greenville-Weston Mississippi High School from 2008-2010.




May 27, 1980:
Patriots sign former North Carolina State kicker Jay Sherrill, RB Mark Loftus, who played semi-pro football in upstate New York, and Mike Hanna, a player I couldn't find anything about thanks to a punter by the same name.

Semipro football: Former Red and Black players Britton, Loftus to enter AFA Hall of Fame

May 11—A crucial component of the 1980 Empire Football League champion Watertown Red and Black team and a consistent member of the R&B's defense during the 1970s have been selected as part of the American Football Association's Minor League Football Hall of Fame induction class for 2022. Mark...

sports.yahoo.com

May 27, 1982:
First year head coach Ron Meyer makes some changes, cutting eight players: Frank Rocco, Gary Puetz, John Vella, Peter Corrigan, Robert Intemann, Tom St. Jacques, Vince Coby and Edwin Rakus.

Coby Had an Unforgettable Month Before He Encountered a Forgettable Play

Former University of Washington running back showed His greatness, but it didn't last long enough.

www.si.com

Vince Coby had NFL written all over him.​

A third-stringer and a junior from Tacoma, he took over as the Huskies' top tailback when the players ahead of him, Joe Steele and Kyle Stevens, went down on consecutive Saturdays in 1979 with knee injuries. He made the most of his opportunity.​

Coby came off the bench at California and provided 97 yards and 3 touchdowns. He made his first career start against USC and ran for 103 yards, dazzling the Husky Stadium crowd with a 52-yard run. He churned out 112 yards and a score against Washington State in the Apple Cup. He was the starter against Texas in the Sun Bowl. In his abbreviated stint, he finished with 422 yards and 6 TDs rushing.​

"I could go 50 at any time," he said. "I just didn't get a chance to show that to the world."​

At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, he was a good-sized runner. A third-place state finisher in the 100-meter dash as a high school sprinter, he could get out and go.​

He was competitive and impatient, too. As a sophomore, he met with coach Don James to discuss limited playing time, warned beforehand to not to use the word "I" during their conversation, rather "we." Coby slipped up and his short-statured but highly imposing coach let him know it.​

"By the time he was finished with me, he was 7-foot-1 and I was 3 years old," he said.​

Forty years ago, Coby entered spring football as the Huskies' No. 1 running back. He felt confident, in total control with the ball in his hands, that pro football wasn't far off.​

Yet similar to Steele and Stevens before him, Coby was not immune to football's unforgiving side. In a Tuesday practice in 1980, his world changed as a running back.​

On a pitch play called 28 sweep, he was running behind a wall of blockers when he took a hit from Huskies defensive back Ken Gardner that destroyed his left knee and required immediate surgery.​

"I didn't see Kenny coming and the next thing I knew I was lying on the carpet," Coby said. "I didn't think I could get hurt because the game had slowed down so much for me."​

He sat out the following season in recovery, missing a Washington-Michigan Rose Bowl. He came back in 1981 as one of four co-captains and became the starting fullback and mostly a blocker for another Pasadena trip. All along, he struggled with that knee.​

"My senior year was a not a fun year for me," Coby said. "My knee swelled up every week. I'd have it drained every Thursday or Friday. I'd feel good for a half and it would blow back up."​

In the 1982 Rose Bowl against Iowa, where a little-known UW freshman named Jacque Robinson ran for 142 yards and two scores in a 28-0 victory, Coby received a final football reward.​

With the Huskies ahead 7-0 and halftime approaching, he scored on a 1-yard run with 19 seconds left to provide his team with a cushion. It felt good to reach the end zone on a big platform.​

"It was one of those triumphant moments for me with all that I'd overcome," he said.​

Coby gave pro football a shot with the New England Patriots, but he was waived in training camp. He worked for Marriott in sales and for Boeing as a supply chain analyst, and he retired last year from the aerospace company.​

Like so many others in his position, he can't help but wonder what might have been for him as a pro football player had he stayed healthy.​

"Life changes on a dime and you have to adapt," Coby said. "You don't see it coming. I wanted that dream career."​

May 27, 1987:
The Patriots sign Joe Peterson, a safety from Nevada.
Peterson was one of the dozens of football players who were cut, then re-signed when the NFLPA went on strike, appearing in three "replacement" games from October 4 to October 18 in 1987.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
21st Century May 27 News​

May 27, 2009:

Patriots sign former Lions LB Lenon

The Patriots have addressed their depth concerns at inside linebacker, reaching an agreement Wednesday morning with unrestricted free agent Paris Lenon.

www.espn.com

Linebacker Paris Lenon joins Patriots

Linebacker Paris Lenon agrees to contract terms with the Patriots, adds depth after injury to Tyrone McKenzie.

www.boston.com

Linebacker Paris Lenon has agreed to contract terms to join the Patriots, his agent said.​

“Paris is excited to finally be a part of a winning organization and eager to contribute in whatever way Coach Belichick and his staff see fit. Now, quite simply, he’s eager to go to work,” Jon Persch of Allegiant Management told the Globe this morning.​

Lenon (6-2, 235) adds depth to the Patriots’ inside linebacker corps. The unit was thinned after third-round draft choice Tyrone McKenzie tore his ACL in rookie minicamp, which will sideline him for the season. The Patriots had also waived 2008 sixth-round draft choice Bo Ruud earlier in the offseason.​

Lenon enters his eighth NFL season and leaves the NFC North for the first time, as he’s played for the Packers (2002-2005) and Lions (2006-2008). He was the leading tackler on last year’s winless Lions squad, playing middle linebacker in a 4-3 alignment.​

In New England, the 31-year-old Lenon will be making a switch to a 3-4 scheme. His performance on special teams also figures to be a factor in earning a roster spot.​

The Patriots return Jerod Mayo (2nd year) and Tedy Bruschi (14th year) as starters at inside linebacker, with Gary Guyton (2nd year) the top backup. Antonio Appleby, Eric Alexander and Vinny Ciurciu round out the depth chart. Lenon could challenge for playing time next to Mayo, pushing Bruschi and Guyton.​

The agreement with Lenon likely takes the Patriots out of the mix for Pisa Tinoisamoa, a free agent who visited with the club Tuesday. Lenon was one of the top inside linebackers available on the free-agent market.​

May 27, 2010:
Patriots waive WR Isaiah Stanback and LB Bruce Davis, and re-sign LB Derrick Burgess

Pats Re-sign LB Derrick Burgess, Release Two Others

PATRIOTS RE-SIGN LB DERRICK BURGESS; RELEASE LB BRUCE DAVIS AND WR ISAIAH STANBACK FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots re-signed unrestricted free agent LB Derrick Burgess today. Terms of the contract were not announced. In addition, the Patriots announced that LB Bruce Davis...

www.abc6.com

Burgess, 6-2, 260 pounds, is a veteran of nine NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (2001-2004), Oakland Raiders (2005-2008) and the Patriots (2009). The Patriots acquired Burgess in a trade with the Oakland Raiders on Aug. 6, 2009.​

​

Last season, Burgess played in 16 games with six starts and finished with 35 total tackles, 5.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.​

​

Burgess originally joined the NFL as a third-round draft pick by Philadelphia (63rd overall) out of Mississippi in 2001. He has accumulated 262 total tackles, 52 sacks, seven forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries during his career. After a four-year career in Philadelphia, Burgess joined Oakland as an unrestricted free agent in 2005 and earned Pro Bowl honors in his first two seasons with the Raiders, registering 16 sacks in 2005 and 11 sacks in 2006.​

​

Davis, 6-3, 252 pounds, joined the New England practice squad on Oct. 7, 2009. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round in 2008 out of UCLA. As a rookie, he played in five games, seeing action mainly on special teams. Davis was waived by Pittsburgh prior to the start of the 2009 regular season.​

​

Stanback, 6-2, 208 pounds, joined the New England practice squad on Sept 7, 2009. He was signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Nov. 14, 2009 and played in six games with two starts. Stanback finished the 2009 season with three receptions for 22 yards and one kickoff return for 22 yards. He originally joined the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick by Dallas in 2007 out of Washington. A quarterback in college, he was converted to a wide receiver with the Cowboys. Stanback was waived by Dallas prior to the start of the 2009 season.​

Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats

Quick-hit thoughts from around the NFL and with the Patriots:1. One reason the Patriots might have waived receiver Isaiah Stanback last Thursday was economics.

www.espn.com

One reason the Patriots might have waived receiver Isaiah Stanback last Thursday was economics. He was due a $25,000 roster bonus in mid-June and the Patriots might have figured it was too much to pay for a player who was a long shot for a roster spot at an already-crowded position.​

May 27, 2021:

Patriots Sign TE Troy Fumagalli; Release LB LaRoy Reynolds and FB Danny Vitale

May 27, 2024:

​

May 27, 2024:
Forum discussions from 365 days ago.

S

Thread 'Alleged Character Issues in Patriots Draft'

May 27, 2024

So Bedard has some claims from League sources about potential character issues among some of the Patriots' draft choices.

Nothing on Mayes, and not much on Polk: "Another league executive said there was a red flag with Polk but he would not offer specifics. Other teams said this was a surprise to them, they had nothing."

Wallace a bit of question on drive.

Baker significant issues - fights, guns, very problematic father. "One league executive estimated that Baker was off the board for half the league." Arrived at OTAs with an entourage.

Milton - "heavy maintenance, partier."

Bell -...

• SlowGettingUp
• Replies: 144
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Thread 'Pats hire Asst for Wolf - Bob Kronenberg'

May 27, 2024

Patriots hire new assistant director of pro scouting under Eliot Wolf | Sporting News

New England's new executive VP of player personnel continues to fill out his staff.

www.sportingnews.com

Was a Scout in Atlanta. Also an Asst. O-Line Coach..

• DaBruinz
• Replies: 3
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Most of the other options at RB in Collins' career (Vagus Feguson early, Reggie Dupard late) made Collins look like a Hall of Famer by comparison. The one time Collins had a good complimentary back (Craig James) the team made it to the super bowl.

I didn't realize until today that after Collins left the Patriots he signed with Indianapolis.
Never played for the Colts though as that was the year he was suspended.

He only played in one game for Miami in 1990 before they released him.

Which leads to revelation #2:
After that Tony Collins played in the Arena Football League - for three years!
He was a FB/WR/LB for the Orlando Predators (1991), Cincinnati Rockers (1992) and Miami Hooters (1993).

Tony Collins | ArenaFan.com

ArenaFan is the premier community site for fans of the Arena Football League. News, scores, standings, statistics, games and more. Anything you've ever wanted to know about the AFL.

www.arenafan.com

COLLINS GETS LAST LAUGH WITH RETURN TO FOOTBALL

Former NFL star Tony Collins had an instant and emphatic reaction when Orlando Predators coach Perry Moss called one day two months ago to ask if he had any interest in playing Arena League football: Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. “I…

www.orlandosentinel.com

Former Patriot running back Tony Collins, whose...

Former Patriot running back Tony Collins, whose NFL career was shortened by drug use, drove his car into a lake in Orlando, Fla., in what police said was a suicide attempt.

www.latimes.com

EX-PATRIOT RB DRIVES CAR INTO LAKE

Former New England Patriots running back Tony Collins, whose NFL career was shortened by drug use, drove his car into a lake in what police said was a suicide attempt. Collins, 32, was treated at a hospital and released about an hour later, police said. The car hopped a curb at 4:45 a.m...

www.deseret.com

Tony's is a cautionary tale of a trap that too many countless professional athletes have fallen into. The pressure of being out there and performing and fear of being replaced supercede common sense, practicality and the sensible, realistic long term view that often means survival, not just professionally but just being alive. Tony was Kevin Faulk until he got hurt. I know the wrong personal decisions I made in my life were motivated by emotion and adrenaline instead of common sense. The problem is, for a young man with no advantages beyond athletics, what does common sense have to do with making it to and in the NFL? You play as hard as you can and just being out there on the field is throwing caution to the wind. Adjusting one's mindset is too much for a lot of people; it sure was for me.

 

[NCPATSFAN1971]

Today in Patriots History
Memorial Day Tragedy: RIP Marquise Hill​

On the evening of May 27, 2007, Marquise Hill and his friend, Ashley Blazio, fell off a jet ski in Lake Pontchartrain, north of New Orleans. Neither of them wore personal flotation or tracking devices. Hill ended up saving her life, keeping her calm until she could grab onto a buoy. Blazio was rescued and sent to Tulane Medical Center. Coast Guard units searched the area. Hill's body was found by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries the following day, around 2:20 PM CDT on May 28.


The 24-year old defensive end was a second round pick by the Patriots of the 2004 draft, from Louisiana State University.

Death of Patriots' Hill is ruled accidental drowning

The death of New England Patriots defensive end Marquise Hill, who fell off a personal watercraft Sunday in Lake Pontchartrain, was ruled an accidental drowning Tuesday.

www.espn.com

Hill spent much of his free time and his NFL paycheck helping loved ones rebuild in the hurricane-damaged city where he grew up.​

Aiding others came naturally to him, and distraught relatives on Monday said Hill died a hero after the former LSU star helped save the life of a former high school classmate who could not swim.​

While the woman survived by grabbing a piling and holding onto it until she was rescued, the 24-year-old Hill, who friends described as a good swimmer, drifted away and disappeared until searchers pulled his body from the water on Monday afternoon, about 17 hours after the accident.​

"He was a hero until the end," his cousin, Elaine Hill Blackshire of Alabama, told the Boston Herald for Tuesday's editions. "He made sure he got her to safety. I'm just so sad that he lost his life, but he wouldn't have had it any other way. If he had saved himself, and knowing she couldn't swim, he couldn't have lived with himself.​

"He thought of others first. He was just that kind of person."​

"I lost a brother, man," said Patriots defensive lineman Jarvis Green, a fellow Louisiana native and former LSU player. "He was a funny guy. ... He'd just sit there and talk to you, say some funny things off his head that'd make you laugh. He was good to be around."​

Hill's agent, Albert Elias, said he spoke with Hill's friend and said she either couldn't swim or was having difficulty doing so.​

"Marquise knew this, and being a strong swimmer, he was instructing her as he drifted away in a different direction to stay calm and don't fight the water. He found a buoy or piling behind her and told her to let the current take her to that. She listened to him and it pretty much saved her life," Elias said.​

The woman was sent to Tulane Medical Center, where she told authorities that Hill had tried to keep her calm as the two were drifting away from each other.​

"It's so important to have a life jacket and a signaling device," Atkeson said. "One keeps you afloat and the other helps us find you."​

Elias said the player spent much of his time since Hurricane Katrina helping rebuild the homes of family members including his mother and the mother of his son.​

The Patriots wore number 91 on their helmet in memory of Hill for the full 2007 season.

I th​

 

[NCPATSFAN1971]

Thanks for posting Patriots History JMT.

Reading about Marquise Hill brought back some scary memories for me. Back in my early 40's my wife and I were vacationing in the Bahamas. I met a couple of young guys from MA on the beach and they had rented a small sail boat and asked me if I wanted to go for a short sail with them. It was pretty windy and the water was pretty rough but I figured they knew what they were doing so I went with them.

We were pretty far out having a great time and then suddenly the boat capsized. None of us had life preservers on. The young guys were in good shape and were trying to get the boat back upright. In the meantime I was treading water not fully realizing that I was drifting further and further away from the boat. After awhile, my arms and legs were getting weaker and weaker and I started to yell out but they couldn't hear me.

I think I must have been down to my last minute before I would have sunk underwater and through a stroke of luck a couple of Bahamians in a power boat must have seen me flailing my arms in a state of panic came to my rescue and pulled me into their boat. They saved my life.

From that point forward, I decided to never go on a boat unless I was wearing a life jacket or at least know where I could put my hands on one quickly. That experience showed me how quickly my number could be up. But fortunately that day wasn't the day. . .

 

[p8ryts]

Today in Patriots History
Tony Collins​

Happy 66th birthday to Tony Collins
Born May 27, 1959 in Sanford, Florida; hometown Penn Yan, New York
Patriot running back/kick returner, 1981-1987; uniform #33
Pats second round (47th overall) selection of the 1981 draft, from East Carolina
Pats résumé: seven seasons, 102 games (83 starts); 7,003 yards from scrimmage, 44 TD; 6 playoff games; Pats All-1980s Team

Tony Collins rushed for 4,647 yards with New England , which still ranks as third most in franchise history. By the end of the 1987 season his 32 rushing touchdowns was the third most (tied with Curtis Martin for sixth most now). He was also adept catching the ball out of the backfield, at one top holding the club record for receptions by a running backs with 261 (now 3rd), ranks fourth in receiving yards (2,356, behind only Kevin Faulk, James White and Larry Garron). At that time the 261 career receptions was the third most in team history overall regardless of position, and today still ranks as 14th most. Collins also had 12 receiving touchdowns, a franchise record for running backs that lasted for more than two decades. (White and Faulk are the only RBs with more.)


Collins also had 1,520 touches (third most), 7,003 yards from scrimmage (fifth) and 8,353 all-purpose yardage (sixth) with the Patriots, and his 44 touchdowns ranks seventh on the career leader board. Tony Collins was named to the 1983 and 1984 Pro Bowls, and is a member of the New England Patriots All-Decade Team for the 1980s.

Dec 13, 2012:

Former Pats player tells Foxboro kids about drug abuse

FOXBORO — Tony Collins rolled up more than 7,000 all-purpose yards as an elite running back for the New England Patriots during the 1980s.

www.thesunchronicle.com

In high school and college, he strove to spend more time in the weight room than anyone else, to be first on the field and last off it. Holder of multiple records at East Carolina University, he was drafted in the second round by the Patriots in 1981 and became an instant starter.​

But while success seemed to come easily to the young man from ECU, injuries began to take their toll. Collins began taking pain killers for his neck, but found they nauseated him. A friend recommended marijuana, which seemed to relieve his discomfort. But it wasn’t enough.​

“Then the marijuana turned into cocaine, and that took away everything I loved,” he said.​

The public learned of Collins’s drug abuse almost immediately after the team lost its first Super Bowl to the Chicago Bears in 1986, when the Boston Globe carried the news that six members of the AFC Champion Patriots team had tested positive for drugs.​

Collins was banned from the league for a year after testing positive a third time for marijuana and cocaine. He was later reinstated, but a move to the Dolphins didn’t work out because of Collins’s damaged knees.​

Collins said pride and his self-image as a football star probably interfered with him getting help in fighting drug use.​

“I thought, ‘hey, I’m Tony Collins. I can handle my problems. I’ve got this,’ ” he said. “Well, I didn’t have it. It had me.”​

The former star running back said he began to master his addiction and turn his life around seven years ago, when he met his current wife. He said she had a “different way of thinking about life” that made sense to him.​

Oct 29, 2015:

Collins speaks to Toll Gate students about making right choices

Former New England Patriots running back Tony Collins spoke to Toll Gate juniors and seniors on Tuesday morning about hard work, perseverance, sound choices and learning “to love to be

warwickonline.com

His work wasn’t done yet. He entered training camp third on the depth chart behind Vagas Ferguson and Horace Ivory, but he said, in his mind, he was always the No. 1 running back.​

In the second week of training camp, Ivory got injured. Collins continued to work harder, being the first out on the field and last off of it.​

“Felt bad for Horace, felt real good for Tony,” Collins said to laughs from the audience.​

Ferguson suffered an ankle injury himself two weeks later, earning Collins the top running back spot on the team. Collins would go on to play in all 16 games, tallying 873 rushing and 232 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.​

Collins had the best year of his career in 1983. He made the Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,049 yards and 10 touchdowns while picking up 257 yards through the air as well.​

Then, in 1984, Collins had to make a difficult choice. He had suffered cracked ribs early in the season, and either had to sit down like Ivory and Ferguson before him and have his job taken away, or go on painkillers. He chose the latter, opting to receive cortisone shots before and during games as well to numb the agony.​

“When the medicine wears off, wears down, I’m in so much pain that I can’t even go to sleep, that I cannot even breathe,” Collins said. “So I have to take all these painkillers just to go to sleep. And I’m taking painkillers all through practice and all through the year, and the painkillers were tearing up my stomach.”​

As he became addicted to painkillers, he also began smoking marijuana to relieve nausea. He ended up being randomly tested by the NFL, failing two drug tests and getting cut by New England after the second infraction in 1988.​

He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts the next day and promised himself that he would stay clean after receiving a second chance. If he failed another drug test, he would have been suspended an entire season, so he stayed away from marijuana. However, he chose to attend a party four weeks into training camp and, despite not actually smoking any marijuana, the secondhand smoke around him was enough to result in a third failed drug test.​

He played one more season in 1990 for the Miami Dolphins before retiring, he said, as a “failure.”​

Jan 29, 2013:

Super Bowl nightmare was only part of Tony Collins” life of drugs

NEW ORLEANS — Tony Collins could never forget how he got his job, which is a large part of the reason he lost it . . . and nearly his life along with it.When the former Patriots Pro Bowl running back arrived in New…

www.bostonherald.com

Feb 11, 2016:

Former Patriot’s star Tony Collins talks big dreams – and bad calls – with Everett students - Dorchester Reporter

Tony Collins sat in the principal’s office of the Edward Everett Elementary School on Pleasant Street last Thursday. His hands folded, a Pro Bowl ring prominent on his right pinky, the former Patriots running back listened quietly as the principal explained why she invited him to speak to her...

www.dotnews.com

Tony Collins (2011) - ECU Athletics Hall of Fame - East Carolina University Athletics

East Carolina University Athletics

ecupirates.com

Patriots.com Audio -- 48:31 Podcast

Pats from the Past, Episode 15: Tony Collins

Tony Collins Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Tony Collins Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Tony Collins Transactions

Tony Collins (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Never gets his due. He was really good. Reminds me that despite the ups and downs, we have had some very good Running Backs through the years, starting with Jim Nance and Larry Garron.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Thanks for posting Patriots History JMT.

Reading about Marquise Hill brought back some scary memories for me. Back in my early 40's my wife and I were vacationing in the Bahamas. I met a couple of young guys from MA on the beach and they had rented a small sail boat and asked me if I wanted to go for a short sail with them. It was pretty windy and the water was pretty rough but I figured they knew what they were doing so I went with them.

We were pretty far out having a great time and then suddenly the boat capsized. None of us had life preservers on. The young guys were in good shape and were trying to get the boat back upright. In the meantime I was treading water not fully realizing that I was drifting further and further away from the boat. After awhile, my arms and legs were getting weaker and weaker and I started to yell out but they couldn't hear me.

I think I must have been down to my last minute before I would have sunk underwater and through a stroke of luck a couple of Bahamians in a power boat must have seen me flailing my arms in a state of panic came to my rescue and pulled me into their boat. They saved my life.

From that point forward, I decided to never go on a boat unless I was wearing a life jacket or at least know where I could put my hands on one quickly. That experience showed me how quickly my number could be up. But fortunately that day wasn't the day. . .

Coach Belichick is not a fire and brimstone type of guy.

But he knows about motivation and goals. The Steelers having their bags packed for New Orleans, for example.

But I can't believe Bill did any such thing facing his beloved Giants as an opponent, and this resulted in the Patriots coming out listless in two Super Bowls, and losing both despite my opinion that they should have won both, perhaps handily with better strategy.

Marquise Hill lost his life after saving that of a young woman. His number was rightfully on all the Patriots' helmets for the 2007 season. Belichick did remind the team right before going out that this was the last game of the season honoring Marquise.

I hardly believe that he mentioned, let alone made a big deal of the fact that the Giants, after treating Sean Taylor like he was a head of state and then losing to the Redskins a few weeks earlier as they did to every single team they played that regular season with a winning record, touched down in Arizona dressed in black for the Patriots' "funeral". This alone would be more than enough motivation for me personally as a player to destroy my opponent with no mercy or restraint.

The Giants sucked. Bill employed the effective approach to highlight and respect, strategically, every opponent's strengths no matter how bad said team actually was. In this case, he and Coach McDaniels ignored the fact that the single solitary thing the Giants did well that season was rush the passer. So they dropped Tom Brady back to pass over fifty times on an injured ankle including going for it on fourth and long within virtually routine field goal range indoors on an artificial surface with an effective, experienced including playoff and championship games kicker.

His take each game one at a time approach and preparation was undeniably effective, but had its drawbacks. I think what eventually drove Tom out of town was the inflexibility of both Belichick and Kraft in refusing to even consider altering their modus operandi.

And drafting N'Keal Harry.