Today In Patriots History May 4: Ed Weisacosky, the Jete-Hating Ozark Sheriff

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ed Weisacosky​

In memory of Ed Weisacosky, who would have turned 81 today
Born May 4, 1944 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania
Died November 24, 2019 at the age of 75 in Mt Vernon, Missouri
Patriot left linebacker 1971-1972; uniform #66
Claimed off waivers from New Orleans on September 8, 1971
Pats résumé: two seasons, all 28 games (23 starts)


Ed Weisacosky was an All-American at the University of Miami, and then a sixth round (42nd overall) pick by the Dolphins in 1966. Rather than play with the brand new AFL expansion team, he instead signed a contract with San Francisco. Five years later Weisacosky joined the Patriots. He did not miss a single game over his final two pro football seasons for the Pats, making 23 starts at left linebacker. Weisacosky later became a sheriff in Missouri, retiring in 2008. He was also inducted to the Miami Hurricanes Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.

​

To the day he died Weisacosky still had a disdain for anything and everything to do with the Jets, and also stated that he 'enjoyed his years with the Patriots most because management was considerate of the players' and that they were still his favorite team.





Ed Weisacosky was a 1962 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, where he lettered in track, basketball and football. He was named to the 1962 PIAA Big 33 team (State of Pennsylvania All Star Team) his senior year.

After graduating from high school, he played linebacker at the University of Miami, where he was a tackling machine and chosen team captain his senior year. Ed was also the Sports Illustrated defensive player of the week twice - once against Boston College and once versus Notre Dame. In 1965 he was named AP First Team All American at defensive end. By the end of his career with the Hurricanes he held the school records for most career tackles and most single season tackles. That same year, in the North-South All Star Shrine Game, he was named MVP for the South Team.

Ed was a sixth round (42nd overall) draft pick by the Dolphins in 1966. Rather than play with the brand new AFL expansion team, he rejected the Fins and moved away from Miami - instead signing a contract as an undrafted rookie with the 49ers. Five years later Weisacosky joined the Patriots. He immediately became the starting weak side linebacker in '71, and did not miss a single game. Ed retired that offseason, but rejoined the club just in time to be activated for week one of the '72 season. Once again he did not miss any time, but did retire for good from pro football soon after in order to begin his next career.

After his football career ended, Ed went into the ranching business in Mount Vernon, Missouri where he raised cattle and Arabian horses. While in Mount Vernon, he was elected Lawrence County sheriff and later served for nine years on the school board. Perhaps due in part to the four concussions he suffered as a player, as part of his will he asked that as part of his funeral that donations be made in his name to Boston University's CTE program, which conducts research on the long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma in athletes.

In 1981 Ed was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

Ed Weisacosky - University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame

Biography page for University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame member, Ed Weisacosky

www.umsportshalloffame.com

ED WEISACOSKY, DE (1965)
First-team All-America accolades from The Associated Press … Still holds UM mark for most total tackles in season (164, 1965) and solo tackles (112, 1965) … tallied 297 total tackles in UM career … Sixth-round draftee of Miami Dolphins … Eight-year veteran of pro football (Giants, 49ers, Patriots and Dolphins).

He's tackling retirement: Former NFL linebacker-turned-sheriff to hang up badge

By Debby Woodin [email protected] MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Sheriff Ed Weisacosky will soon be through tackling crime in Lawrence County. He’s hanging up his badge and gun to retire in

www.joplinglobe.com

Former Lawrence County Sheriff and NFL Star Passes Away | Newstalk KZRG - KZRG-AM

News - Talk - Weather

www.newstalkkzrg.com

Edward Weisacosky Obituary (1944 - 2019) - Pottsville, PA - Republican & Herald

View Edward Leo Weisacosky's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

Ed was a 1962 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, where he lettered in track, basketball and football. He was named to the 1962 PIAA Big 33 team his senior year.

After graduating from high school, he played college football as a linebacker at the University of Miami, where he was named Sports Illustrated defensive player of the week twice - once against Boston College and the other against Notre Dame. Ed was also chosen team captain his senior year. In 1965, he was named Associated Press First Team All American at Defensive End. At the end of his career with the Hurricanes, he had amassed the most career and one season tackles in school history. That same year, in the North/South All Star Shrine Game, he was named most valuable player for the South Team.

In his first year with the Dolphins, he was named Defensive Player of the Week against the Buffalo Bills. His second year with the Dolphins, the Miami sports writers named line backer Weisacosky Defensive Back of the Year.

He went to the New England Patriots in 1971 and finished his career in 1972 with them.

Ed was inducted into the University of Miami Hall of Fame in 1981.

After his football career, Ed went into the ranching business in Mount Vernon, Mo., where he raised cattle and Arabian horses. While in Mount Vernon, he was elected Lawrence County sheriff and later served for nine years on the Mount Vernon school board.

Ed Weisacosky Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Ed Weisacosky Transactions

Ed Weisacosky - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Even though he only played with the Patriots for two seaons, Ed Weisacosky may hold the honor of the best player in franchise history to wear the #66 jersey. Paul Fairchild played more games, but he was a reserve; the starts he made were only due to injuries to other players. Lonie Paxton had more longevity and was part of three super bowl championship teams - but he was strictly a long snapper. Bob McKay, Bryan Stork? No.

All Players To Wear Number 66 For Boston/New England Patriots | Pro-Football-Reference.com

All Players To Wear Number 66 For Boston/New England Patriots

www.pro-football-reference.com

Content Post Thread 'Best All-Time Patriots Players by Jersey Numbers'

Apr 7, 2023

Was bored... put together this list of who I felt was the best, based on jersey number... some numbers have 1 guy, others 2 or three... thoughts comments? edit : Fixed some stuff, deleted some guys where appropriate edit edit updated the list a bit

1	John Smith	Cam Newton	Tony Franklin
2	Nick Folk	Doug Flutie	Mike Patrick
3	Stephen Gostkowski	Matt Bahr	Jabril Peppers
4	Adam Vinateri	Jason Staurovsky	Jarret Stidham

...

• Pape
• Replies: 56
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[Hyped]

@Joker now has a new friend up there....

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Ed Weisacosky​

Even though he only played with the Patriots for two seaons, Ed Weisacosky may hold the honor of the best player in franchise history to wear the #66 jersey. Paul Fairchild played more games, but he was a reserve; the starts he made were only due to injuries to other players. Lonie Paxton had more longevity and was part of three super bowl championship teams - but he was strictly a long snapper. Bob McKay, Bryan Stork? No.

and, as the lede states, he was a notorious Jete hater... put him over the top on my list and the best in class for #66...

maybe before the 2025 season starts, we can do another best by number threads... 100 polls for 0-99... and the top three consensus winners take the win/place/show honors... post a few polls a day til its done...i think its doable... be an intriguing experiment...

maybe start with the top 4 or 5 for each number? with one spot for a write in? think i will start putting the frame work together...

 

[Pape]

and here's a pic of Ed in action vs the fins...

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pittsburgh Steeler Hall of Famer
Almost wins Super Bowl ring with the Pats​

Happy 47th birthday to James Harrison
Born May 4, 1978 in Akron, Ohio
Patriot linebacker, 2017; uniform #92
Signed as a 39-year old veteran free agent on Dec 26, 2017
Pats résumé: four games (including 3 in postseason); 13 tackles, 5 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack, 1 TFL


If Steeler fans weren't upset enough when James Harrison signed a contract with division rival Cincinnati in 2013, those yinzers must have gone berserk when their fan favorite donned a Patriots uniform. Apparently that was done out of spite, upset about his dwindling playing time and being a healthy scratch before Pittsburgh released him late in 2018. The Pats were the AFC champions that season but lost in the Super Bowl to Philadelphia; Harrison went so far to say that had the Patriots won, he would have returned to New England to help them to a 7th Lombardi Trophy - one more than Pittsburgh owns.

James Harrison Says He Would've Returned To New England 'Out Of Spite' To Get Patriots A 7th Ring If They Won

I think it’s fair to say that, at least based on yesterday’s comments, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison’s reputation was tarnished in the eyes of many fans of the team based on the way that he handled himself during his final season in the league in 2017. He himself admitted...

steelersdepot.com

James Harrison explains what made Patriots' coaches better than Steelers' coaches

When James Harrison landed in New England after a long career in Pittsburgh, there were a few differences he noticed in the coaching staff. And one, he said on The Herd with Colin Cowherd was clearly better. "In New England, it's more regimented," he said. "I

ftw.usatoday.com

Patriots sign ex-Steelers LB James Harrison

James Harrison signed with the Patriots on Tuesday. The Steelers waived Harrison, the franchise's all-time leader in sacks, on Saturday.

www.espn.com

The New England Patriots signed former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison to a one-year deal Tuesday. The Patriots released linebacker Trevor Reilly to create a roster spot for Harrison.​

Harrison, 39, visited the Patriots on Tuesday after clearing waivers on Monday to become a free agent. Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, told ESPN's Josina Anderson that coach Bill Belichick's reputation among players and the organization's winning tradition factored into Harrison's signing with New England. Parise said Harrison had interest from other teams.​

The Patriots have been thin at defensive end and outside linebacker for most of the season. They have Trey Flowers atop the depth chart at their end-of-the-line position, with rookie Deatrich Wise and Eric Lee behind him. The team also uses linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Trevor Reilly and Marquis Flowers at the end of the line, depending on the package.​

The Steelers released Harrison, the franchise's all-time sacks leader, on Saturday to make room for right tackle Marcus Gilbert, who returned from suspension. Harrison, 39, has 80.5 sacks in a Pittsburgh uniform, including at least five sacks in each of the past three regular seasons despite playing a part-time role. Harrison also came up big in the Steelers' past two playoff runs with multiple sacks.​

Interesting list below of all the changes at DE/OLB that the Patriots had to overcome in one season.

Chris Long and Jabal Sheard left in free agency; the Pats traded fro Kony ealy, but he didn't make the roster. Then Rob Ninkovich retired and Derek Rivers tore his ACL. So the Pats traded for Cassius Marsh, but that too did not work out. Harvey Langi missed the season after being in a car wreck, Dont'a Hightower tore a pec, and Shea McClellin was never able to return from his injury.

All that led to practice squad player Eric Lee seeing substantial playing time, Marquis Flowers playing away from his natural position, and scrub Trevor Reilly getting snaps.

The 10 moves that ultimately led the Patriots to sign James Harrison

Here's a look at the key personnel moves that led the Patriots to sign veteran outside linebacker James Harrison on Tuesday.

www.espn.com

​

James 'Silverback' Harrison is well known for his 14 seasons playing for the Stillers, but that almost never happened. He was undrafted out of Kent State in 2002, and spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad before playing in one late season game. The following year he spent a few weeks on the practice squad and was allocated to NFL Europe - appearing in zero NFL games. Harrison then spent the 2004 offseason with Baltimore, and resigned with Pittsburgh after the Ravens released him prior to the start of training camp. Three years later Harrison became a starter, and was named to five consecutive Pro Bowls. During that time he was twice a 1st Team All Pro. In 2008 he was named the AP Defensive Player of the Year - the only undrafted player to win that honor. That was the same season when he ran an interception off Kurt Warner back 100 yards down the sideline against Arizona in Super Bowl 43 as time expired at the half - a crucial 1-point swing on the scoreboard, as Pittsburgh won the game by four points.

James Harrison active for Patriots after leaving Steelers

James Harrison active for New England Patriots against the New York Jets for the regular-season finale after being signed following his release by Pittsburgh

www.boston.com

James Harrison steps right up for Patriots in debut

FOXBORO — Conventional wisdom figured that James Harrison’s primary role with the Patriots — at least to start —would be as a situational pass rusher.That was part of his ar…

www.bostonherald.com

James Harrison Playoffs Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get James Harrison Playoffs game log for all playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- James Harrison

Pro Football Archives -- James Harrison Transactions

Pro Football Archives -- James Harrison Game Logs

James Harrison (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor -- James Harrison

Former Steelers DPOY James Harrison explains why he doesn't think he's Hall of Fame worthy

It's simply a numbers thing for Harrison

www.cbssports.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other May 4 Stuff​

Happy 31st birthday to Pharaoh Brown
Born May 4, 1994 in Cleveland
Patriot tight end, 2023; uniform #86
Signed to the practice squad on Aug 30, 2023; elevated on Sept 4, 2023
Pats résumé: one season, 17 games (11 starts); 13 receptions, 208 yards (16.0 ypc), w/1 TD; 399 offensive snaps, 209 ST snaps

Pharoah Brown has now played in 87 NFL games since 2017, with 72 receptions.
The primarily blocking tight end played for Seattle in 2024, and is now on Miami's roster.




May 4, 1977:
Day Two (Rounds 6-12) of the NFL Draft, from the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan

Day Two was not very fruitful, but the 1977 draft was still very successful. On the previous day the Patriots drafted CB Raymond Clayborn and RB Horace Ivory with picks they received from San Francisco in the Jim Plunkett trade, plus WR Stanley Morgan and TE Don Hasselbeck with their own first two draft picks.

- (Pats had traded their 6th round pick (6.165) to Minnesota for S Willie Germany on 9/24/76)
- (Pats had traded C Doug Dumler to Minnesota for a '76 8th and '77 6th (6.166) on 4/9/76)
- (Pats then traded 6.166 to Detroit for WR Marlin Briscoe on 9/6/76)
- 8.192 -- WR Ken Smith, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
- 8.219 -- G Brad Benson, Penn State
- 9.249 -- LB Jerry Vogele, Michigan
- 10.276 - OT John Rasmussen, Wisconsin
- (Pats had traded RB Leon McQuay to Oakland for a 10th round pick (10.279) on 4/28/76)
- 10.279 - DE Giles Alexander, Tulsa
- 11.303 - LB Ray Costict, Mississippi State
- 12.333 - RB Dave Preston, Bowling Green

After selecting Raymond Clayborn, Stanley Morgan, Horace Ivory and Don Hasselbeck the previous day, the '77 draft was already a success. Coupled with a great draft the previous years this team should have been a Super Bowl contender for many years to come.

After going through all these drafts, I am amazed to discover how very many times
over the years Pats draft picks have been taken away by the NFL.​

May 4, 1979:
Day Two (rounds 7-12) of the NFL Draft, from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City

This was not a good draft for the Patriots, in what would be Ron Erhardt's first year as head coach. On Day One the Patriots had selected safety Rick Sanford, which was a good decision. After that it was DT Bob Golic, who became a three-time Pro Bowler -- all with the Browns, after the Patriots gave up on him too soon. The third round pick had been used on veteran WR Harold Jackson, which was a very good value; the picks from rounds four through six were nothing special at all though.

- (Pats acquired 7.177 in a trade with Washington)
- 7.177 -- DB Judson Flint, Memphis State
- (Pats own 7th round pick, 7.190, was forfeited by the NFL for an "illegal tryout")
- 8.216 -- RB Randy Love, Houston
- 9.245 -- TE John Spagnola, Yale
- (Pats had traded RT Tom Neville to Denver for a '79 10th (10.270) on 8/23/78)
- 10.270 - WR Martin Cox, Vanderbilt
- 10.271 - KR/RB Allan Clark, Northern Arizona
- (Pats traded 11.300 as part of the deal with Washington, above)
(Pats had traded 12.326 to Detroit for OT Bob McKay on 9/13/78)

Clark had a promising rookie season, but a knee injury ended his NFL career. Spagnola had a ten-year career in the NFL; unfortunately it was not with the Patriots as he was cut in preseason, signed with the Eagles, and went on to catch 263 passes with 15 TD elsewhere.




May 4, 2001:
New England releases RT/LG Max Lane.

The former sixth round pick from Navy is most well known as being the unfortunate soul who allowed three sacks to Reggie White in Super Bowl 31. Lane was actually a serviceable lineman in his seven seasons with the Pats. White was unstoppable back then in his career, and the blame should fall more on Bill Parcells to stop using a tight end to help Lane in pass protection in the second half. Lane suffered a fractured leg late in the 2000 season and even though he was only 29, his NFL career was over at that point.




May 4, 2005:
Patriots release DT Keith Traylor.

After being cast off by Chicago, the Patriots made a wise move to pick up the 35-year old Traylor in 2004. Traylor started the final 13 games of the season, helping the Pats to a 6th-ranked defense and their third Super Bowl victory. It was his third ring as well, after previously winning two championships with Denver.




May 4, 2009:
The Pats sign eight players -- including three who have military obligations to fulfill first.
- UDFA P Aaron Perez, UCLA
- UDFA FB Eric Kettani, Navy
- Veteran FA WR Eric Ortiz
- UDFA FA WR Shun White, Navy
- Veteran DE Steve Williams
- UDFA WR Tyree Barnes, Navy
- Veteran LB Vinny Ciurciu
- Veteran RB Omar Cuff




Others pro football players born on this date with New England connections:
- Montell Owens, 41; University of Maine Black Bear was a Pro Bowl fullback for Jacksonville in 2010 and 2011. He played in 113 NFL games over nine NFL seasons.

- Tim Sherwin, 67; Boston College grad was a 4th round pick in '81 by the Colts, and the TE spent eight years in the NFL.

- Sid Watson, 1932-2004: Andover native averaged over 100 yards per game and 7.1 yards per carry at Northeastern. He was an NFL halfback from 1955-58 with Pittsburgh and Washington, and led the league in kickoff returns in '55.

- Pop Williams, 1906-1979: born in Jewett City and raised in Killingly CT; he went to Connecticut Agricultural College (better known today as UConn). The wingback back played five seasons in the NFL; the first four with Providence, winning a championship with the Steam Roller in 1928.

- Ab Wimberly, 1926-1976: drafted by the Boston Yanks in 1948, Wimberly was a Pro Bowl defensive end for Green Bay in 1952.

- Honolulu Hughes, 1907-1963: Hawaii's first professional football and baseball player was a running back for the 1931-32 Boston Braves.




And this is what we were discussing 365 days ago:

Thread 'Pats alternate logo'

May 4, 2024

That’s a hard no from me unless the Pats are joining the arena league or Liv golf.

• sb1
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