Today In Patriots History May 6, 2019: Rodney Harrison elected to Pats Hall of Fame

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
One Red Jacket Down,
One Gold Jacket To Go​

May 6, 2019:
The New England Patriots announce that Rodney Harrison has been elected to the Pats Hall of Fame. The Sunday Night Football analyst won the 2019 fan voting over Richard Seymour and Mike Vrabel.


The strong safety spent the final six seasons of his 15-year NFL career with the Pats, after playing in San Diego for nine years. He admirably filled a large void on the defense when Lawyer Milloy was released as a cap casualty at the start of the 2003 season. Rodney played a key role in the Patriots winning back-to-back Super Bowl titles in his first two seasons in Foxborough.


Rodney Harrison was a clutch performer, with seven interceptions in nine playoff games with the Pats - including two in Super Bowl 39. His seven postseason interceptions are tied for the third-most in NFL history. In his first two seasons in New England, Harrison was not only the team's leading tackler each year, but also led all NFL defensive backs in tackles in both seasons. He was also the leading tackler in the '03 and '04 postseasons, while also registering two sacks, six interceptions, seven passes deflections and two forced fumbles in those six games.


Rodney is the all-time NFL leader in sacks by a defensive back with 30½, including nine while with the Pats. He was the first player in NFL history to have 30 sacks and 30 interceptions, and the only defensive back to do so - with eight of those picks coming during his Patriots career. (Pro Football Hall of Fame CB Ronde Barber has 47 picks, but fell short of the dual-milestone with 28 sacks. The only other 30-30 player is another Hall of Famer, linebacker RLKAG.) Add in a whopping seven post-season picks, and Rodney's actual career totals are 41 interceptions and 32½ sacks.


Harrison was voted a team captain in each of his six seasons with the Patriots and is a member of the New England Patriots All-Decade Team of the 2000s; the Pats All-Dynasty Team; the Pats 50th Anniversary Team; and the San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team. There is no genuine, valid reason for his not being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I have to assume that this is yet another case where the Patriots HoF representative - lazy plagiarizer Ron Borges - is doing a disservice to the team, and not strongly advocating for Rodney (or any other Pats).


Let's compare apples to apples, two strong safeties: Hall of Famer John Lynch vs Rodney Harrison.
The stats include regular season and playoffs.
Rodney played in a total of 199 games, John Lynch played in 236.

Sacks: Harrison 32½, Lynch 13
Interceptions: Harrison 41, Lynch 28
Tackles for a Loss: Harrison 43, Lynch 28
Passes Defensed: Harrison 85, Lynch 77
Forced Fumbles: Harrison 20, Lynch 9
Fumble Recoveries: Harrison 9, Lynch 9
Defensive Touchdowns: Harrison 4, Lynch 0
Super Bowl Rings: Harrison 2, Lynch 1
(NFL only started tracking TFL and PD in 1999; both players miss out on about the same amount of time for these stats, 48 games as a starter for Rodney vs 55 for Lynch.)

This is not an attempt to bash John Lynch; he was a helluva good player, and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

But how can anyone possibly justify his inclusion, but not Rodney's?

Until Rodney gets in as well, it is the Hall of Sham, not the Hall of Fame.



Nice summary of Rodney's impact when he retired below, by the Globe's Chad Finn:

Rodney remembered

Graceful exits are scarce in professional sports, maybe because it’s usually someone else telling you it’s time to go. For those whose final act on a football field is to be carted off to a round of bittersweet applause, you’d think it might be particularly agonizing to say goodbye. Jim...

www.boston.com

Rodney Harrison voted into Patriots Hall of Fame | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Safety Snub: Patriots' Rodney Harrison Denied Hall of Fame

Rodney Harrison, already enshrined in the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, was not chosen for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

www.si.com

Rodney Harrison | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Best of Rodney Harrison | Career Highlights
4:11 Highlight Video



Rodney Harrison - {Career Highlights} Necessary Roughness!!!!
8:50 Highlight Video by former forum member Jsn
​

Rodney Harrison Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
NE trades a future All-Pro MVP QB
seven days after drafting him​

May 6, 1987:
The New England Patriots trade their fourth-round draft pick, Delaware QB Rich Gannon, to the Minnesota Vikings for fourth and eleventh round draft picks in 1988.


The Patriots wanted to convert the Yankee Conference Offensive Player of the Year to either running back, defensive back or wide receiver - but Gannon wanted no part of that. He forced a trade and went on to become a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, passing for 28,743 yards and 180 touchdowns. Gannon led the NFL in touchdown passes in 2000, and was the league's MVP two years later when he led the NFL in completions, completion percentage, passer rating, and 4,689 yards passing. Gannon retired in 2005 and immediately began working as an in-booth analyst on NFL games with CBS for the next 16 years.

While it seemed as though the Patriots were set with their quarterback depth at the time Gannon was drafted, that did not remain the case for even a single season. The Patriots went through four quarterbacks in Gannon's rookie year of 1987 (five if you include replacement player Bob Bleier), and five more over the course of six seasons. The Pats could have used Gannon while he was in Minnesota as Wade Wilson's backup. From 1987 to 1992 the Pats QB position was a revolving door, with Steve Grogan (8-12), Tony Eason (3-5), Doug Flutie (8-5), Tom Ramsey (2-2), Marc Wilson (1-9), Tommy Hodson (1-11), Hugh Millen (5-15), Scott Zolak (2-2) and Jeff Carlson (0-2) all taking turns under center, until the Patriots drafted Drew Bledsoe in 1993.


Oct 17, 1991:

VIKINGS’ GANNON NOT PASSED OVER

Rich Gannon knew he was never going to play quarterback for the Patriots as soon as he heard the word athlete. The Patriots made him a 1987 fourth-round draft pick with plans to turn him into a wide receiver, defensive back or running…

www.courant.com

Vikings' Gannon Not Passed Over | Hartford Courant

"I knew the quarterback situation in New England and at the time it was a pretty good one with Grogan and [Tom] Ramsey and [Tony] Eason," Gannon said. "I didn't really see where I fit in. And New England was one of the only teams that didn't work me out. I was sort of confused as to why I was drafted." It became clear when **** Steinberg, now vice president of player operations for the Jets, the Patriots' draft expert at the time, got on the phone.

"[Steinberg] called and said `We're excited about having you, we think you're a great athlete,' " Gannon said. "I started hearing that "athlete" word and I put two and two together. [Former Patriots coach] Raymond Berry got on the phone and he said they were going to try to find the best position for me. I wasn't real pleased. If they were going to draft me as a versatile player or utility player, they should have made that known to me before they drafted me. It wasn't anyone's fault. It was just a misunderstanding." The Patriots have gone through Eason, Ramsey, Marc Wilson and Doug Flutie and are now trying Hugh Millen and Tommy Hodson in search of a replacement for Grogan. Millen will start Sunday.​

Rich Gannon – Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame

desports.org

Rich Gannon (2005) - Hall of Fame - University of Delaware Athletics

University of Delaware Athletics

bluehens.com

Drew Bledsoe & Rich Gannon to be Inducted into National Quarterback Hall of Fame — National Quarterback Club

The National Quarterback Club (NQBC) announced today that Drew Bledsoe and Rich Gannon will be inducted into the National Quarterback Hall of Fame at the 2019 NQBC Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on January 17, 2020. NQBC will also celebrate Arizonan Bill Shover with the Legacy Rec

www.nationalqbclub.com

299. Rich Gannon

It took a long time before Rich Gannon really had his chance in the NFL and/or found his groove, but once he did, he had a stretch where he was amongst the best Quarterbacks in the National Football League. From the University of Delaware, Gannon was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1987...

www.notinhalloffame.com

Rich Gannon - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GannRi00.htm

Rich Gannon Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Rich Gannon. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century Trivia​

May 6, 1962:
Mike Holovak signs Brian McNeely to the Boston Patriots

McNeeley was a center/linebacker who didn't have much of a chance to make the roster - listed as third on the depth chart at middle linebacker behind Harry Jacobs and Nick Buoniconti, while Walt Cudzik and Bob Yates were at center. After being released by the Pats, Brian played in the Atlantic Coast Football league from 1963 to 1965 for Boston, New Bedford and Holyoke.

Brian and his brother Tom (a lineman/fullback) were both from Arlington and Michigan State. I couldn't find much else about Brian other than his retiring to Fort Lauderdale, but it sounds like his brother was quite a character. Tom was a brawler who refused to quit, and had fought Floyd Patterson for the heavyweight boxing championship in 1961. Tom later served eight years as the commissioner of the Massachusetts State Boxing Commission.

Tom McNeeley | A Fighter in his Father's Shadow

Tom McNeeley will not go down as a great Heavyweight, but he fought some of the best of his era, he didn't beat any, but he won respect!...

thegruelingtruth.com

Thomas McNeeley Obituary (2011) - Arlington, MA - Boston Globe

View Thomas William McNeeley Jr.'s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

Brian McNeeley Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Brian McNeeley. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

May 6, 1971:
The New England (no longer Boston) Patriots sign four of their draft picks

- 6th round pick David Hardt
Attleboro native was a TE from Kentucky; never played in the NFL

- 13th round pick Lewis Swain
Safety from Alabama A&M never played in the NFL

- 14th round pick Alfred Sykes
Florida A&M alum played in four games for the Pats in '71, with one 15-yard reception

- 17th round pick Ron Leigh
DE from Elizabeth City State never played in the NFL

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
21st Century News​

May 6, 2002:
The New England Patriots' organization moved into their new offices and facilities at their brand new stadium, CMGi Field.


Named after an internet incubator that was a poster child of the dot com boom - and bust - CMGi was a tech giant with a market cap of $41 billion (more than $100 billion when adjusted for inflation) in the 1990s, supporting more than 70 early stage tech companies. The company grew beyond their founders expertise though, with an uncanny ability to back the wrong horse. CMGi operated companies such as Alta Vista (rather than Google), uBid (rather than eBay) and NaviSite (an early web hosting firm that has been bought and sold five times since).

A few weeks later the demolition of Foxboro Stadium was completed, on June 1, and on June 6 the entire team worked out at the new stadium with the opening of a three-day minicamp. In August of 2000 CMGI had entered into a 15-year naming rights agreement priced at $7.6 million annually, but two years later the dot com bubble was showing signs of bursting. On August 6, 2002 CMGi decided to drop the naming rights to the stadium before the Patriots even played a single game in the new stadium.

May 6, 2005:
Patriots release guard Michael Rogers

His pro football career ranks right up there as one of the shortest ever, all of seven days. At least he didn't have to drive far to go home.

Former Spiders Ink Pro Contracts - University of Richmond Athletics

ND, Va. - Former University of Richmond football standouts Michael Rogers and Bryson Spinner signed free agent contracts in the National Football League last...

richmondspiders.com

Rogers, who signed with his hometown New England Patriots, started the final 33 games of his career, including all 11 in 2004, on the offensive line. A team captain his senior season for head coach Dave Clawson, Rogers played his first collegiate season on the defensive line. The 6-4, 300-pound guard is from Bridgewater, Mass.​

Patriots Release Rookie G Michael Rogers

The New England Patriots released rookie guard Michael Rogers today. Rogers, 22, was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2005.

www.patriots.com

Rogers, 22, was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2005. The 6-foot-4-inch, 300-pound lineman attended the University of Richmond, where he made the switch from the defensive line to the offensive line prior to his junior season. He started all 22 games at guard in his final two seasons with the Spiders. As a sophomore in 2002, he started all 11 games on the defensive line and recorded 3.5 sacks.​

May 6, 2013:
Patriots release two UDFAs, Akron RB Quentin Hines and Portland State LB Ian Sluss

I stand corrected; these two had NFL careers (three days) that were shorter than that of Michael Rogers (six days).

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4743166/source-patriots-waive-sluss-hines

The Patriots have waived linebacker Ian Sluss and waived/injured running back Quentin Hines.​

Both players were signed as undrafted free agents on Friday. Sluss was one of two undrafted free agents whose contracts included no guaranteed money, while Hines received a $1,000 signing bonus. If Hines goes unclaimed on waivers, he will revert back to injured reserve. The nature of his injury is unknown. The Patriots' roster is now at 87 players as a result of the moves.​

May 6, 2016:
FB Joey Iosefa is released, and the Patriots announce the signings of eight draft picks and eight undrafted rookies:
- CB V'Angelo Bentley
- RB D.J. Foster (played 3 games w/NE, 27 in NFL)
- DL Woodrow Hamilton (2 games w/NE (one start), 10 NFL games)
- LB C.J. Johnson
- CB Jonathan Jones (131 games, 71 starts w/NE; 143 NFL games)
- TE Steven Scheu
- TE Bryce Williams

Iosefa had been a 7th round draft pick out of Hawaii by Tampa Bay in 2015. He was signed to the Pats practice squad on October 21, and promoted to the active roster for two games in December. He got on the field for 18 special team snaps and 23 offensive snaps, gaining 51 yards and two first downs on 15 rushes (3.4 ypa), with a long of 15 yards. The Patriots would re-sign Joey a week later, but his release as part of final roster cuts in early September marked the end of his pro football career.

https://www.patriotledger.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/05/06/patriots-sign-16-release-joey/30734831007/

Patriots sign eight of their nine 2016 Draft picks; Sign eight rookie free agents; Release Joey Iosefa

The New England Patriots announced today the signing of eight of their nine 2016 NFL Draft selections. In addition, Patriots signed eight rookie free agents today and released RB Joey Iosefa.

www.patriots.com

The New England Patriots announced today the signing of eight of their nine 2016 NFL Draft selections. The Patriots signed second-round pick CB Cyrus Jones, third-round pick OL Joe Thuney, third-round pick DT Vincent Valentine, fourth-round pick WR Malcolm Mitchell, sixth-round picks LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB Elandon Roberts and G Ted Karras and seventh-round pick WR Devin Lucien.​

May 6, 2020:
Sign second-round draft pick, OLB Josh Uche to a four-year contract worth $5.389 million, with a $1.48 million signing bonus.

Josh Uche is first Patriots 2020 draft pick to sign rookie contract

Josh Uche is all ready to go. The former Michigan linebacker, who was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round (60th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft, has signed his rookie contract, his agent told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Here’s how much Uche’s rookie contract is worth, per Ben Volin...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

May 6, 2021:
33-year old free agent CB Jason McCourty signs with Miami

Jason had played in 44 games over the previous three seasons with the Pats, winning one super bowl ring.
He played in seven games for the Fins before landing on IR, then retired on July 15, 2022.

Thread 'JMac sleeps with the fishes...'

May 6, 2021

Former Patriots CB Jason McCourty reportedly signing with Dolphins

For the first time since 2017, twin brothers Devin and Jason McCourty won’t be on the same team next year. According to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo, Jason McCourty is headed to Miami where he will rejoin head coach Brian Flores, who was an assistant coach with the Patriots before he was hired by the...

www.boston.com

Thanks, man. You and your brother were a helluva d-back tandem. I’d say good luck... but it’s the Dolphins. So good luck... in meaningless games.

• oldrover
• Replies: 30
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Other forum discussion from this date included Mac Jones being an equivalent to Chad Pennington, and whether or not Sony Michel would be on the 2022 roster.

Thread 'Jones = Chad Pennington 2002?'

May 6, 2021

Scouts compare Mac Jones to member of infamous 'Brady Six' (985thesportshub.com)

I'm ok with that.

• sb1
• Replies: 195
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Thread 'Will Sony make this team?'

May 6, 2021

I was listening to Florio and Simms this morning and they have a feeling Sony will be cut. Our current RB roster is Sony, Harris, White, Taylor, Stevenson, and Bolden with Johnson and Vitale at FB. We obviously cannot carry everyone here. Who will be cut?

• imahobgoblin
• Replies: 140
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

May 6, 2022:
The forum discussion on this date centered on a bizarre rumor about Jimmy G being traded because he had knocked up Robert Kraft's then 36-year old girlfriend (when Bob was 75).

How quickly we forget how Pats fans pass their time during the slow offseason.

Thread 'Rumor: Jimmy G traded from Pats for knocking up Kraft's GF'

May 6, 2022

It's a rumor, not sure if it's true, slow offseason, might as well start a Convo on this...

Did Robert Kraft Trade Jimmy Garoppolo For Impregnating His GF? - Game 7

According to a recent report, some believe Garoppolo got dealt because he impregnated Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s much younger girlfriend.

itsgame7.com

• KDPPatsfan85
• Replies: 37
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

May 6, 2024:
The impossible dream dies, as QB Nathan Rourke is released.

Patriots Player Departure Thread 'The dream is dead: Patriots releasing Rourke'

May 6, 2024

My condolences are with Ian in this difficult time.

• Joey007
• Replies: 156
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

May 6, 2024
Joe Collier Sr passes away at the age of 91

While Collier is more well known for being with the AFL's Buffalo Bills from 1962-68 (including three years as head coach), and for twenty years with the Denver Broncos - the last 17 as Defensive Coordinator - his pro football coaching career began and ended with the Patriots.

At the age of 28, Collier became an assistant coach with the 1960 Boston Patriots, after three years as an assistant at Western Illinois. After Lou Saban was fired, Collier followed his mentor to Buffalo for the 1963 season. He finished his coaching career in New England as **** MacPherson's DC in 1991-92.

Joe's son Joel Collier was New England's assistant running backs and receivers coach in 1991-92, a pro scout in 1993, assistant secondary coach in 2005, and secondary coach from 2006-07.

Joe Collier, former Bills head coach and architect of Broncos' 'Orange Crush' defense, dies at 91

Joe Collier, the former Buffalo Bills head coach and architect of the Denver Broncos' famed “Orange Crush” defense, has died. The Broncos said Collier's family confirmed that he died at his Littleton, Colorado, home on Monday night. “Joe Collier is one of the most impactful coaches in the...

sports.yahoo.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Marcus Cannon​

Happy 38th birthday to Marcus Cannon
Born May 6, 1988 in Odessa, Texas
Patriot right tackle, 2011-2022; uniform #61
Pats 5th round (138th overall) selection of the 2011 draft, from TCU
Pats résumé: ten seasons, 90-30 record in 120 games (73 starts); 14-5 in 19 playoff games; 3 super bowl rings


On April 20, 2011, just days before Texas Christian offensive line prospect Marcus Cannon was to enter the NFL Draft, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a treatable form of cancer found in lymph tissue. A little more than one week later, the Pats selected Cannon in the fifth round (138th overall) of the draft with the knowledge of his illness. The Patriots placed Cannon on the Reserve/Non Football Injury list to start the 2011 season while he received treatment and recovered. Cannon was activated to the 53-man roster later that year and is now set to enter his ninth season with the team.


Cannon made a full recovery and was named the Patriots 2011 Ed Block Courage Award winner - an annual award presented to select players in the National Football League who are voted by their teammates as role models of inspiration, sportsmanship and courage.


Marcus Cannon played in 124 regular season games with 77 starts: 72 at right tackle, three at left guard and two at left tackle. He also played in 19 playoff games, with the Pats going 14-5 in those contests - and earned three Super Bowl rings.


Back in 2011 the Patriots traded down (shocking, I know), moving down 13 spots in the third round, from #60 to #73 overall, picking up a fifth, #138 in the process. The draft picks were used on Cannon (5th) and Stevan Ridley (3rd) in that draft day trade. In exchange the Texans received a late second round (60th overall) pick used on safety Brandon Harris - who was out of the league in three years, after a 42-game career with zero starts. Captain Obvious proclaims that trade to be a huge win for the Patriots.

Marcus Cannon an all-time great Patriots comeback story

After overcoming non-Hodgkins lymphoma and a draft-day slide, Marcus Cannon proved himself at right tackle, leading to a five-year extension.

www.espn.com

Marcus Cannon NFL Playoff Statistics - Pro Football Archives

The trusted source for NFL playoff information about Marcus Cannon. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Marcus Cannon Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Marcus Cannon - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Derwin Williams
The first player to cause
the Pats to lose a Draft Pick​

Happy 65th birthday to Derwin Williams
Born May 6, 1961 in Brownwood, Texas
Patriot wide receiver, 1984-1987; uniform #82
Pats 7th round (192nd overall) selection of the 1984 draft, from New Mexico
Pats résumé: three seasons, 42 games (one start); 14 receptions for 228 yards (16.3 ypc)


When the Patriots traded QB Matt Cavanaugh to San Francisco they received three draft picks; the first one was used on Derwin Dewayne Williams.


On August 24, 1984 Williams was playing pretty well in a preseason game. Head Coach Ron Meyer instructed him to go on the field with the kickoff unit, hit somebody, fall down and pretend he had a concussion.


Williams did so, and spent his rookie season on injured reserve. Meyer succeeded in stashing Williams on IR, preventing another team from claiming him off waivers. Problem was the NFL found out, and penalized the Pats for Meyer's chicanery. As a result the Patriots were docked a 1986 third round draft pick.


Derwin Williams appeared in 42 regular season games plus two playoff games with the Pats. Down on the depth chart behind Stanley Morgan and Irving Fryar, he was limited to just one start. With limited reps he had 14 receptions for 228 yards, his final game coming in a 22-17 playoff loss to Denver on January 4, 1987. His primary contributions were on special teams, where he one season he had 15 tackles and a fumble recovery.


In his post-NFL career Williams settled in Pawtucket, RI and went on to become an official in Conference USA, as well as officiating some ECAC and high school games.

​

NFL teams hiding players on the injured reserve list... - UPI Archives

NFL teams hiding players on the injured reserve list can now pay a price....

www.upi.com

Oct 13, 1985 -- Football -- Washington Post

The New England Patriots say they won't appeal a National Football League decision stripping them of their third-round draft choice next season for misusing the injured reserve list. The team announced it was being penalized for placing wide receiver Derwin Williams on the list last season, allegedly with a concussion. Williams later was quoted as saying he was told by Ron Meyer, the Patriots' coach at the time, to fake the injury.​

Sept 22, 2017 -- Obscure Patriot of the Week: Derwin Williams -- NE Patriots Life

This week's Obscure Patriot of the Week goes to Derwin Williams, a wide receiver on that magical Patriots team.​

Williams was selected by the Patriots out of New Mexico in 1984, but missed that whole season on IR and didn't get up and running until 1985. Falling in behind names like Stanley Morgan and Irving Fryar, Williams made one start in his rookie year (the only start of his career) and appeared in all 16 games, catching nine passes for 163 yards.​

Those nine passes turned out to be a career-high, as he spent two more seasons in the league, catching five more passes along the way in 26 more games. His main contributions came on special teams, and according to the Patriots' website, his 15 tackles were fourth-most on the special-teams units.​

Williams left the NFL in 1987, but didn't leave football entirely after that, serving as an official with Conference USA -- a position he still holds today, according to Google. Occasionally, he'll officiate with ECAC Boston, or find a high school game to ref as well.​

Williams' athletic lineage still endures today, as his son, Mason, is a prospect in the New York Yankees organization, having been selected in the fourth round of the 2010 draft. He spent five games with the Yankees this year, before being sent back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in July.​

Derwin Williams Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Derwin Williams. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Derwin Williams Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Derwin Williams - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Patjew]

I told my dad just this past weekend that Rodney is my favorite Patriot of all time. I was explaining to my daughter's boyfriend what kind of player he was. He is a young Panthers fan and I described Rodney as a Steve Smith type of player that got to tackle and hit people.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Scooter McGruder​

Happy 62nd birthday to Michael McGruder
Born May 6, 1964 in Cleveland
Patriot cornerback, 1996-1997; uniform #27
Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on April 5, 1996
Pats résumé: two seasons, 17 games; 25 tackles, 1½ sacks; three playoff games


The final two of Scooter's nine NFL seasons were in Foxboro, where he played in 17 games. Mike McGruder was on the Patriot AFC Championship team that lost to Green Bay in the Super Bowl.


After graduating from Kent State, McGruder began his pro football career with the Oklahoma Outlaws of the USFL in 1984. He then played in the CFL from 1985-88, before signing with Green Bay. From 1989 to 1995 he played for the Packers, Dolphins, 49ers and Buccaneers, before joining the Patriots at the age of 32. A career depth player and special teamer, McGruder played in 92 NFL games with 18 starts over nine seasons.

McGruder has devoted much of his post-football career to charitable causes, including assistance for victims of domestic violence and youth literacy programs.

ABOUT MIKE SCOOTER MCGRUDER - Platinum Charities

MIKE “SCOOTER” MCGRUDER BIO Mike “Scooter” McGruder is a former NFL player. Over his 12-year career, Mike has played in championship games for the Miami Dolphins, the San Francisco 49ers, and in Super Bowl XXXI with the New England Patriots. During Mike’s tenure in San Francisco, he became the...

platinumcharities.org

Mike “Scooter” McGruder is a former NFL player. Over his 12-year career, Mike has played in championship games for the Miami Dolphins, the San Francisco 49ers, and in Super Bowl XXXI with the New England Patriots.​

During Mike’s tenure in San Francisco, he became the team captain and led them in interceptions. He also tied for 3rd in the NFC for most interceptions and was selected as an alternate for the NFL Pro Bowl. In 1998, he announced his retirement.​

Mike was once voted as one of the best names in the NFL and received a True Value Award in 1995 and a Generation Excellence Award in 1997, which was given by United Way because of his impact on the lives of others. He also received an NFL Extra Effort Award and was a finalist in the Bar Starr Award in 1997—this is an award that is voted by NFL players for leading a life that models a high moral character. His former teammate, Steve Young, won this award.​

Mike’s business knowledge and success, has made him a sought-after speaker for high schools, higher education institutions, and corporate functions. He was a partner with the Trinity Entertainment Group for more than 10 years, which won the Blockbuster Video Franchise Award twice. He was also a partner of Trinity Properties, a Texas real estate management company.​

Raised in the inner city of Cleveland, Mike witnessed the devastating effects the streets can have on our youth. Heavily involved in charity work and passionate about improving the lives of others, Mike founded Platinum Charities (PC) in 2010.​

At Noble and Oxford school libraries, Heights all-time great ‘Scooter’ McGruder reads again

Before the extended coronavirus break, retired NFL cornerback, Kent State University great and Heights hero Michael "Scooter" McGruder offered what proved to be some very timely advice when he shared some of his "secrets" to success.

www.cleveland.com

Mike McGruder Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Mike McGruder. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

profootballarchives.com

Michael McGruder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Mike McGruder - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Rob Holmberg​

Happy 55th birthday to Rob Holmberg
Born May 6, 1971; from Mt Pleasant, Pennsylvania
Patriot inside linebacker, 2000-2001; uniform #49 (preseason), #50 (2000), #47 (2001)
Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on June 4, 2000
Pats résumé: two seasons, 18 games (5 starts); 28 tackles, one TFL, one pass defensed; one ring


Robert Anthony Holmberg appeared in all 16 games for the Pats in 2000 with five starts, and two more games in October of 2001. Holmberg was originally a seventh round draft pick from Penn State via Navy in 1994 by the LA Raiders. He played in 112 games over eight NFL seasons with seven different teams, almost exclusively as a special teamer and backup MLB.

Aug 15, 2000:

Holmberg an NFL gypsy

FOXBORO —Living the nomadic life of a free-agent football player isn't just tough on the individual.

www.thesunchronicle.com

She's had to endure five moves — from the East Coast to the West Coast and back again — while her husband seeks to stick on an NFL roster.


Oct 17, 2001:
Pats sign Ken Walter, release Holmberg -- Patriots.com

The New England Patriots announced that they have signed veteran punter Ken Walter today. Subsequently, the team released linebacker Rob Holmberg.​

Holmberg, 30, is an eight-year veteran who appeared in every game for the Patriots in 2000 and both games since joining the Patriots on Oct. 5, 2001. The 6-foot-3-inch, 240-pounder was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL draft (217th overall). He was released by the Raiders in 1998, but played for two of the Patriots division rivals that year with three appearances with the Colts and nine games with the Jets. He was released by the Jets in 1999, but signed and appeared in every game for the Minnesota Vikings. In eight seasons, he has appeared in 107 games with six starts. He has 48 career special teams tackles and 38 defensive stops, including a pair of sacks.​

Rob Holmberg Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Rob Holmberg. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

profootballarchives.com

Rob Holmberg Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Rob Holmberg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Howard Feggins​

Happy 61st birthday to Howard Feggins
Born May 6, 1965 in South Hill, Virginia
Patriot cornerback, 1988-1989; uniform #27
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 3, 1988
Pats résumé: one season; 11 games, one interception


Howard Anthony Feggins did not make the roster as a rookie in 1988, but returned a year later to give it another try. He was initially cut again, then re-signed to what was then known as the Developmental Squad (i.e., the Practice Squad). Feggins was elevated twice that year and appeared in eleven games in what was Raymond Berry's final season as head coach. Feggins' highlight came in a week 13 game when he intercepted Jack Trudeau. The Pats would go on to come from behind to beat the Colts 22-16 that day, in a game that Jason Staurovsky connected on five field goals (in seven attempts!)

Feggins spent the entire 1990 offseason with the Giants, but did not make their roster. He finished his playing career in 1991 with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football.

Later that same year Feggins embarked on a 35-year coaching career as an intern with the Giants - and he is still coaching to this day. Among his many stops he was as a wide receivers coach at Northeastern from 1999-2004, and he also worked as an offseason intern for the Patriots in 2003 and 2008.

More recently Feggins was the head coach for D-2 St Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2023, and since 2024 has been the special teams coordinator and running backs coach for the FCS Hampton University Pirates, in Hampton, Virginia.

Howard Feggins - Football Coach - Hampton University Athletics

HOMETOWN: South Hill, Va. EDUCATION: B.S., North Carolina, 1987 COACHING: Minority Coaching Intern, New York Giants, 1991 Assistant

hamptonpirates.com

Howard Feggins, former head coach at St. Augustine’s, joined the Hampton coaching staff in June 2024. The veteran coach has more than four decades experience as a player and coach. In four seasons as a coordinator, Feggins has helped lead the team to four championships.​

A native of South Hill, Va., Feggins played safety and cornerback at North Carolina where he registered 169 tackles before embarking on a career in the NFL. Feggins played with the New England Patriots and the New York Giants as well as with the London Monarchs and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.​

He moved into the coaching ranks as an intern with the New York Giants. He spent two seasons in the high school ranks in Ohio before moving to the collegiate level at Wingate, Miami (Ohio), and Northwestern.​

Feggins spent 2003 with the New England Patriots with the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. He served on the coaching staffs at Eastern Michigan, South Carolina State, and Norfolk State. For two seasons, he coached at high schools in Kentucky and Ohio.​

He joined the coaching staff at Colorado State-Pueblo from 2018-22. He spent one season at Fayetteville State before being named head coach at St. Augustine’s. In his HBCU coaching stops, he has five championships. Feggins served as offensive coordinator in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.​

Under his direction, Hampton finished second in the Coastal Athletic Association in rushing, averaging 195.8 yards per game. In addition, running back Eljah Burris earned an invitation to the prestigious HBCU Legacy Bowl.​

Howard Feggins Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Howard Feggins. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Howard Feggins Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Howard Feggins - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Josh Boyce​

Happy 35th birthday to Josh Boyce
Born May 6, 1991 in Copperas Cove, Texas
Patriot wide receiver/kick returner, 2013-2014; uniform #82
Pats 4th round (102nd overall) selection of the 2013 draft, from TCU
Pats résumé: two seasons; 10 games (3 starts); 9 receptions (on 19 targets, 42%) for 121 yards (13.4 ypc); six 1st downs, 0 TD


As a rookie Joshua Caleb Boyce played in nine games, returning 21 kickoffs and catching nine passes on 19 targets for 121 yards. He spent most of 2014 on the practice squad, activated only for the final regular season game with no stats; he was also a healthy inactive for all three playoff games. Boyce was IR-waived at the end of the 2015 training camp. He spent most of the 2016 off-season with Indy before being cut after the first preseason game. Boyce then spent 2016 on Cleveland's practice squad, and was cut at the end of training camp in 2017. He did not play any pro football since then.


Josh Boyce's final NFL stat line (all with the Pats) reads 10 games played, 9 receptions on 19 targets for 121 yards (13.4 ypc) with a long of 30 yards, and zero touchdowns. Boyce also had nine kickoff returns for 214 yards (23.8 ypr) with a long of 41, for a grand total of 335 all-purpose yards.


On a side note, the draft picks used on Boyce, Jamie Collins and Logan Ryan were obtained from Minnesota in exchange for New England's first round pick, which the Vikings used on future Patriot Cordarrelle Patterson.


More trivia: Josh Boyce's high school quarterback was Robert Griffin III.

Josh Boyce Among Five Released By Patriots; Roster Now At 79 Players - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots reduced their roster one day early. The team released tight end Jimmay Mundine, linebacker Dekoda Watson, defensive tackle Joe Vellano and wide receivers Josh Boyce and Jonathan Krause on Monday. Mundine, Vellano, Boyce and Krause are subject to waivers...

nesn.com

Patriots inform Boyce, others of release

The New England Patriots informed second-year wide receiver Josh Boyce that he will be waived by Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, as the team has started the process of trimming its roster from 75 to 53 players.

www.espn.com

Josh Boyce among Patriots' cuts

When the Patriots selected TCU wide receiver Josh Boyce in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft, they thought he had the potential to be a big-play player both on their offense and on special teams.

www.nbcsports.com

WR Josh Boyce didn't seize opportunity with New England Patriots

Josh Boyce's missed opportunities led him to be waive/injured by the New England Patriots on Monday, one of five moves that the team made.

www.espn.com

Third-year wide receiver Josh Boyce, a high fourth-round draft choice out of TCU whose solid testing skills in the pre-draft process never fully translated to on-field production, was one of five players waived by the New England Patriots on Monday.

The move doesn't come as a surprise given what has unfolded in training camp and the preseason, and highlights how Boyce didn't seize a nice opportunity presented to him.

With top receivers Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Aaron Dobson and Brian Tyms all sidelined early in camp, Boyce received a lot of run with the top unit. But it just never seemed to click consistently for him. The Aug. 13 preseason opener reflected his struggles, as he was targeted 11 times and had just two receptions.

In addition to Boyce, the Patriots also waived receiver Jonathan Krause, defensive tackle Joe Vellano, linebacker Dekoda Watson and tight end Jimmay Mundine.

Boyce -- who appeared to be dealing with some type of injury within the last week, as he wore a sleeve over his left arm -- and Krause (who took a big hit over the middle Friday night) were waived with injury designations. That means they could land on injured reserve if they clear waivers, or receive some form of injury settlement.​

Josh Boyce Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Josh Boyce. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Josh Boyce Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Josh Boyce - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Cups of Coffee​

Happy 40th birthday to Markus Kuhn
Born May 6, 1986 in Weinheim, Germany
Patriot defensive tackle, 2016; uniform #94
Signed as an unrestricted free agent on April 7, 2016
Pats résumé: one offseason


Markus Kuhn was with the Pats in the 2016 off season, but was let go as part of final roster cuts in early September. He had previously played with the Giants for four seasons, but the reclamation project did not come to fruition, as he never seemed to fully overcome a severe 2015 knee injury.

​

Markus Kuhn Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Markus Kuhn. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Markus Kuhn Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Markus Kuhn (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

On January 27, 2017, Kuhn announced his retirement, never having played in a regular season game since being injured on December 14, 2015.





In memory of Freddie Meyers, who would have turned 94 today
Born May 6, 1932 in Enid, Oklahoma
Patriot end, 1961; uniform #34
Signed early in the 1961 offseason
Pats résumé: one offseason

Freddie Meyers started his college football career at West Point. He became Army's starting quarterback as a freshman after most of the football team was expelled due to a cheating scandal. Meyers injured his knee against Northwestern and did not return until Army's game against The Citadel on November 10. An all-around athlete, Meyers was also a guard on the Army's basketball team and played first base for the baseball team.

Meyers was moved to halfback for the 1952 season, but an injury in spring practice forced him to miss the entire season. In 1953, he failed a math course and left the school. He transferred to Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) for the 1954 season, but was injured in the season opener and missed the rest of the year. He had another injury-riddled season in 1955, and was suspended indefinitely for disciplinary reasons on December 20. Meyers was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the eighth round (93rd overall) of the 1955 draft, but joined the Army and played QB at Fort Still. At the age of 24 the 6'2 joined the Edmonton Eskimos in 1958 in what is now the CFL. Unable to win the starting quarterback job, Meyers was converted to halfback. He returned to the Eskimos in 1959 and was moved again to end, catching 15 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns.

The following Meyers signed with the Montreal Alouettes, but was released during the preseason. One year later a soon-to-be 29-year old Meyers joined the Boston Patriots, but Tom Stephens won the (tight) end position, Jim Colclough returned at flanker, and converted defensive back Gino Cappelletti became the new starting split end - and with roster limits set at 33 players, that was the end of Freddie Meyers football career.

Freddie Meyers Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Freddie Meyers. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Freddie Meyers - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

CFL Alumnus Fredric Meyers Passes

May 6, 1932 – Jan 31, 2015 ENID The Graveside Service for Fredric D. Meyers will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2015, in the family cemetery, three miles north of Hwy 64 on Hwy 58, across…

www.cflaa.ca

Fred attended Taft Grade School, Emerson Jr. High and Enid High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball. He was named to the All-State Football team and was President of the Enid High School Class of 1950.​

After graduation, he was offered football scholarships from Coach Bud Wilkinson, The University of Oklahoma; and Coach Red Blake, of West Point Military Academy. He elected to attend West Point. As a freshman, he was the team’s quarterback and also lettered in basketball and baseball. For his junior year, he transferred to Oklahoma A&M College to play football. A broken leg shortened his career at A&M. He finished his college studies at Michigan State University and UCLA.​

After college, he played for the Edmonton Eskimo professional football team. Later, while in the Army, he played for the Fort Sill, OK football team. The team was mostly college and professional players who were serving their military obligation. He started as their 6th team quarterback and quickly moved up to starting quarterback.​

Fred pursued his artistic talents in Hollywood. After moving to California, he was active in TV and movie filming. One of his assignments was the production of the Bob Hope Golf Classic. He treasured a picture of him and Bob Hope making plans for the tournament.​

Happy 76th birthday to Eric Dahl
Born May 6, 1950 in San Francisco
Patriot safety, 1972; uniform #29
Selected in the 16th round (400th overall) of the 1972 draft, from San Jose State
Pats résumé: one offseason

Spokane Community College Hall of Fame - Eric Dahl

Eric came to SCC in 1968 from Sequoia HS in Redwood City, California. He played football for Coach Dwight Pool and ran track under Coach Mike Keller. Dahl was named to the 1968 WAACC First Team as a Defensive Back and was named Honorable Mention All American. In track, he won both the 100- and 220-yard dash as well as running a leg on the winning 440 relay team in the 1969 WAACC Track Championships. Dahl continued his academic and football career at WSU and then San Jose State where he was named to the All League Second Team. Dahl was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 1972 NFL draft. After graduation, Dahl started a career in sales insurance and investments.​

Eric Dahl Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Eric Dahl. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Draft Pick Trade:
Happy 30th birthday to Greg Gaines, born May 6, 1996
Rams, Bucs DT, 2015-present; 108 games (34 starts)

On Day Three of the 2019 Draft, the Patriots traded down, sending their 4th round (134th overall) pick to the Rams, he used that on Gaines.

The Pats also sent a 7th to LA, and in return received two 5th round picks, #162 and #167.

The Patriots traded the first of those picks, plus a 7th to Minnesota for DT Byron Cowart, who played in 19 games with 14 starts for NE from 2019-2022. The Vikings used that pick on LB Cameron Smith who only played in five NFL games.

The Pats traded up four spots with the other pick, from #167 to #163, and selected P Jake Bailey. Philadelphia used #167 on QB Clayton Thorson, who never progressed beyond the practice squad. The Eagles also received a 7th round pick, which was traded to the Colts for DT Hassan Ridgeway. He played in 31 games over three seasons with Philly, and had an eight-year NFL career, mostly getting plenty of playing time (1,789 career defensive snaps, 476 ST snaps) in the defensive rotation.

Despite Jake Bailey being a very good punter for the Patriots, between Gaines and Ridgeway I would have to rate this as a slightly bad trade value for New England.





-

 

[jmt57]

Today in New England Pro Football History
May 6 Birthdays​

In memory of George Tarasovic (1930 - 2019)
Born May 6, 1930
NFL/AFL linebacker / defensive end / center, 1952-1966
Hometown Bridgeport CT; Warren G Harding High School, Bridgeport; Boston College
13 seasons, 155 games; 12 interceptions; led NFL with 5 fumbles recoveries in 1959, one for a TD


The toughest Pittsburgh Steeler with a giving heart: Remembering George Tarasovic - York Daily Record, Nov 7, 2019

He was a menacing force as a defender in the days when pro football rules were more lax and only the most resilient survived. Tarasovic was known, not so much for tackling ballcarriers, but throwing them to the ground like bags of laundry.​

"He was just a happy guy, happy all the time. Always doing things for people," said good friend (and former Boston Patriot) Eddie Khayat. "He was just the most pleasant guy you want to be around — off the field. On the field, you didn’t want to be wearing a different colored jersey."​

Teammates called Tarasovic the "Mad Russian."​

Opponents feared him. "He's one of the toughest SOBs I ever played against," former New York Giants running back Alex Webster once said.​

1966 photo: #85 is George Tarasovic​

Tarasovic grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and didn't play football until his junior year of high school. He was too big and fast not to be noticed, though, and scholarship offers suddenly poured in. He started at Boston College but left after a year or so for personal reasons, said his son, George Jr.​

Soon enough, he found a connection to LSU. He would need a year of junior college first, but he was hooked on this faraway opportunity. He packed one suitcase and took a bus to Louisiana to start over. There, he became an All-American on the Tigers' offensive line and a Southeastern Conference all-star at middle linebacker.​

The downtrodden Steelers drafted him in the second round of the 1952 draft. Tarasovic became an immediate standout, starting nine times on defense and recovering four fumbles for what was then known as the worst franchise in the NFL. The Steelers had never won a playoff game.​

His combination of size (6-foot-4, 245 pounds) and speed was stunning for the time and would have worked remarkably with the legendary Steelers' defenses to come. He was fast enough to play linebacker and intercepted 11 passes in his first nine seasons. He led the league with five fumble recoveries in 1959 and eventually settled in at defensive end.​

https://media.gettyimages.com/id/53197800/photo/new-york-giants-runner-phil-king-is-tackled-by-pittsburgh-steelers-players-****-alban-george.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=6dZwzRVzwnLKSW_s3KWu89ljBRaeWStUsBf_AcKWC8A=​

Tarasovic eventually earned induction into the Western Pennsylvania Football Hall of Fame. He also played parts of three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he met Khayat. The two were roommates and became lifelong friends.​

After Tarasovic retired from the game, he worked in manufacturing and a friend convinced he and his wife, Betty Lou, to move to York, Pennsylvania. When Khayat became the defensive line coach of the Baltimore Colts in 1977, Tarasovic convinced he and his wife, Deborah, to live in York, as well.​

George Tarasovic Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about George Tarasovic. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaraGe20.htm

George Tarasovic - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

In memory of John Anthony Kid Hill (1904 - 1973)
Born May 6, 1904
NFL tackle, 1926
Hometown Brighton Mass; Brighton High School; Portland (Maine) Prep School; Amherst College
One season with the New York Giants

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/100931311/john-anthony-hill

Kid Hill Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Kid Hill. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillKi20.htm

 

[jmt57]

Today in Pro Football History
May 6 Birthdays
Hit 'em again, Harder, Harder​

Pat Harder (May 6, 1922 - Sept 6, 1992)

When Pat Harder played at Wisconsin, fans would yell "hit 'em again Harder, Harder" - a chant that is still used eighty years later at high school and college games, after becoming generic rather than being about the specific player.

Harder was a three-time First Team All-Pro and three-time NFL champion with the Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions from 1946 to 1953. The fullback and kicker is a member of the All-Decade Team of the 1940s, and was voted UPI MVP in 1948. He was also voted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993, and led the NFL in 1947, 1948 and 1949.

After retiring from football, Harder became an NFL umpire. He was part of the crew that in 1972 worked the Pittsburgh Steelers first-ever playoff game, when Franco Harris made the highly questionable Immaculate Reception against the Oakland Raiders.



College Football Hall of Fame - Pat Harder, 1993

Pat Harder (1991) | UW Athletic Hall of Fame | Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin Badgers

uwbadgers.com

Why Pat Harder Belongs In The Pro Football Hall of Fame

When an incredible football player is consistently overlooked for inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we often hear several reasons for this

sportshistorynetwork.com

Interesting column/biography below:
Pat Harder - The Coffin Corner, 1981 - Pro Football Researchers Association

The only time Pat Harder makes headlines today is when his officiating crew is involved in a controversial play. Plays such as Franco Harris' "Immaculate Reception" gain the 15-year veteran official notoriety he would rather not have.​

A native of Milwaukee, Pat Harder gained All-America mention at Wisconsin where he played along with "Crazy Legs" Hirsch in the early 1940's. Their 1942 team beat a great Ohio State squad in one of the biggest upsets in Big Ten history. Pat then spent several seasons in the Marine Corps during World War II before he joined the Chicago Cards as the number two overall draft choice in 1946.​

Playing with the Cards from 1946 through 1950, Harder led the NFL in scoring for three consecutive years, scoring over 100 points each time to set a record. He also set records for most extra points in one game and most extra points without a miss in a season. Besides being a devastating runner and superb place kicker, he was a vicious blocker. His encounter with Hall of Famer Len Ford will long be remembered by pro fans. Ford received a broken nose, a smashed mouth, bruises, lost three teeth, and was penalized 15 yards!​

Although Harder was a great place kicker, he seldom booted field goals. "We did not practice kicking much in those days. It was the philosophy of the day that when you were deep in your opponent's territory you should get the ball over the goal line. We just did not think field goal."​

While Pat had many memorable games, he particularly like to mention that he was in four College All-Star games and the first Pro Bowl - and was on the winning team every time.​

Cam Heyward, 37 (May 6, 1989)
Pittsburgh Steelers DL, 2011-present
228 games (193 starts); 92 sacks, 796 tackles, 142 TFL, 64 pass deflections, 208 QB hits
4x First Team All-Pro, 7x Pro Bowl

Not to say Cam Heyward isn't deserving - he is - but the fact that Cam Heyward has played his whole career with the Steelers probably means that he will gain entrance to the Pro Football Hall of Fame before Rodney Harrison does.

​

Cam Heyward Cements Hall Of Fame Case With 5th All-Pro

With his fifth All-Pro selection, Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward has given his Hall of Fame chances a significant boost.

lastwordonsports.com

Cameron Heyward Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Cameron Heyward contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $161,255,028

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeywCa01.htm

Cameron Heyward - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

John Abraham, 48 (May 6, 1978)
Jets (6 years), Falcons (7 years), Cardinals (2) DE, 2000-2014
192 games (175 starts); 133½ sacks, 148 TFL, 48 forced fumbles, 30 pass deflections
3x First Team All-Pro, 5x Pro Bowl

​

John Abraham - SC Football Hall of Fame | Become a life changer for our youth!

John Abraham was born May 6, 1978 in Timmonsville, SC. He only played one year of football as a senior in high school at Lamar High School (same school as […]

scfootballhof.org

John Abraham—Hall-of-Fame Worthy?

By John Turney Here's what you should know about former pass rusher John Abraham : He was so productive that his 133-1/2 career sacks rank ...

nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com

John Abraham Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

John Abraham contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $70,489,529

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AbraJo00.htm

John Abraham (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Jason Witten, 44 (May 6, 1982)
Cowboys (2003-2019), Raiders (2020) tight end
271 games (252 starts); 1,228 receptions for 13,046 yards, with 74 TD; 74.1% completion rate, 10.6 yards per catch
2x First Team All Pro, 11x Pro Bowl

Another soon-to-be Hall of Famer.

​

Witten, Jason - Texas Sports Hall of Fame

He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

tshof.org

Cowboys greats Jason Witten, Darren Woodson skipped over for 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class

Witten was a finalist in his first year eligible. Woodson, meanwhile, has been a finalist for four straight years now, but keeps falling short in the final vote.

www.wfaa.com

Jason Witten Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Jason Witten contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

Career Earnings: $76,003,000

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00.htm

Jason Witten - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Sports History
May 6 Events​

May 6, 1915:
Babe Ruth hits his first MLB home run, while also pitching 12 innings - but the Boston Red Sox lose 4-3 in extra innings to New York Yankees

May 6, 1954:
Roger Bannister shattered what had been believed to be an unbreakable barrier, when he became the first to run a sub-4-minute mile.

​

1903:
The Chicago White Sox commit 11 errors against Detroit Tigers, but somehow still win 10-9 at South Side Park




1925:
Ty Cobb hits his 5th home run in two games, tying Cap Anson's 1884 record

1934:
The Boston Red Sox score 12 runs in the 4th inning - including an MLB record four consecutive triples, hit by OF Carl Reynolds, OF Moose Solters, C Rick Ferrell, and 3B Bucky Walters




1982:
Gaylord Perry becomes 15th pitcher in major league history to win 300 games. The long time SF Giants pitcher known for his spitball performed the feat at the age of 44 with his eighth team, the Seattle Mariners. I had the honor of meeting him in the early 2000's at a baseball old timers charity dinner, and I have to say he was quite a character, and a lot of fun to spend time with.

​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Music History
May 6 Events​

May 6, 1965:
Following his purchase of a Gibson fuzz-box earlier that day, Keith Richards woke up in the middle of the night (technically May 7, I suppose) with a melody in his head. He was in a room at the Gulf Motel in Clearwater, Florida, and his guitar was on the bed beside him. Fumbling around in the dark, he found his portable cassette recorder on the nightstand. He pushed the record button and played an eight-note riff. It was accompanied by the mumbled vocal line, “I can’t get no satisfaction.” Then he fell back asleep.

The Rolling Stones were in the middle of their second US tour as headliners. The band had already scored two Top 10 hits – “Time Is On My Side” and “The Last Time” – but in the ranks of the British Invasion, they were still a notch below Herman’s Hermits. They needed a defining single that would put them over the top.

Keith didn’t initially recognize that his motel room riff was exactly what the Stones were looking for. “I never thought it was anything commercial enough to be a single.”

Indeed, Stones bassist Bill Wyman later said that Richards had conceived it “as a folk song, probably a good filler track for our next album.”

“I think Keith thought it was a bit basic,” Mick Jagger has said. “I don’t think he really listened to it properly. He was too close to it and just felt it was a silly kind of riff.” But Jagger was inspired by the idea and quickly wrote a lyric.

​

During their tour, the Stones had been making pit stops at various American studios to record their ideas. On May 10, just three days after Richard’s midnight ramble, they entered Chess Studios in Chicago. As home to some of their biggest influences – Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters – Chess seemed the perfect location to lay down their new song-in-progress (it couldn’t have been lost on Jagger and Richards that Muddy had once cut a song called “I Can’t Be Satisfied”).

With manager Andrew Loog Oldham producing, the group did an acoustic country-ish version of “Satisfaction” that sounded more like Bob Dylan. The sexy swagger that would mark the finished version was completely absent. Oldham diplomatically called the chorus hook “subliminal.”

Two days later the Stones checked into RCA Studios on Hollywood Boulevard. Inspired by the potential of Richards’ recently acquired Maestro Fuzz Tone pedal, the Stones launched into a much more aggressive feel. Richards said “Charlie Watts put down a different tempo, and with the addition of the fuzz box on my guitar, which takes off all the treble, we achieved a very interesting sound.”

In addition to the band, famed LA arranger Jack Nitzsche pitched in with tambourine and piano, adding a kind of Motown four-on-the-floor propulsion.

The band was elated with the result. But Richards wasn’t convinced. He said that his fuzz guitar line was intended only as a sketch for a horn section when the band came to record the final version (he was now hearing the song as a tribute to Martha & the Vandellas “Dancing In The Street”). “I left it in the studio thinking, ‘This is good, but it needs working up,’” Richards said.



As the Stones resumed touring, Oldham started promoting the new song. Richards says “I guess he thought, ‘They can work it up all they want, but it’s about the freshness and the timing.’ Which is, after all, everything.”

Knowing that the song’s suggestive lyric (especially the line about “trying to make some girl”) might prevent the song from getting airplay, Oldham decided to bury it in the mix.

“I never heard the damn lyrics to ‘Satisfaction’ for years,” said RCA engineer Dave Hassinger. “They kept telling me to bring the voice down more into the track. I thought they were crazy. I didn’t know it had to do with the lyric and getting radio play.”

The single was released on May 27. Despite the murky vocals, the song became a target for the anti-rock establishment. Newsweek dubbed the Stones a “leering quintet” and said “Satisfaction” was full of “tasteless themes.” A select ban in certain cities couldn’t stop the song’s rise; if anything the notoriety helped. On July 10, it hit number one for the first of four weeks.

In 1988, when Rolling Stone voted it the greatest pop single of the past 25 years, Richards confessed, “I hear ‘Satisfaction’ in ‘Jumping Jack Flash.’ I hear it in half of the songs that the Stones have done.”

In 1990, the Stones’ former manager Allen Klein signed a $4 million deal allowing the song to be used in a TV commercial for Snickers candy bars. In 2000, a VH1 poll of 700 music-industry movers and shakers voted “Satisfaction” as the top rock song of all time.

Though he’s been happily playing the song in concert for the last 40 years, Richards admits, “If I’d had my way, ‘Satisfaction’ would never have been released. The song was as basic as the hills, and I thought the fuzz-guitar thing was a bit of a gimmick.”

In 2004 Rolling Stone magazine placed 'Satisfaction' in the second spot on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

 

[jmt57]

Today in US & World History
May 6 Events​

May 6, 1937:
The airship Hindenburg, the largest dirigible ever built and the pride of Nazi Germany, bursts into flames upon touching its mooring mast in Lakehurst, New Jersey, killing 36 passengers and crew members on.

Frenchman Henri Giffard constructed the first successful airship in 1852. His hydrogen-filled blimp carried a three-horsepower steam engine that turned a large propeller and flew at a speed of six miles per hour. The rigid airship, often known as the “zeppelin” after the last name of its innovator, Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, was developed by the Germans in the late 19th century. Unlike French airships, the German ships had a light framework of metal girders that protected a gas-filled interior. However, like Giffard’s airship, they were lifted by highly flammable hydrogen gas and vulnerable to explosion. Large enough to carry substantial numbers of passengers, one of the most famous rigid airships was the Graf Zeppelin, a dirigible that traveled around the world in 1929. In the 1930s, the Graf Zeppelin pioneered the first transatlantic air service, leading to the construction of the Hindenburg, a larger passenger airship.

​

 

[TommyD4207]

Today in Patriots History
One Red Jacket Down,
One Gold Jacket To Go​

May 6, 2019:
The New England Patriots announce that Rodney Harrison has been elected to the Pats Hall of Fame. The Sunday Night Football analyst won the 2019 fan voting over Richard Seymour and Mike Vrabel.


The strong safety spent the final six seasons of his 15-year NFL career with the Pats, after playing in San Diego for nine years. He admirably filled a large void on the defense when Lawyer Milloy was released as a cap casualty at the start of the 2003 season. Rodney played a key role in the Patriots winning back-to-back Super Bowl titles in his first two seasons in Foxborough.


Rodney Harrison was a clutch performer, with seven interceptions in nine playoff games with the Pats - including two in Super Bowl 39. His seven postseason interceptions are tied for the third-most in NFL history. In his first two seasons in New England, Harrison was not only the team's leading tackler each year, but also led all NFL defensive backs in tackles in both seasons. He was also the leading tackler in the '03 and '04 postseasons, while also registering two sacks, six interceptions, seven passes deflections and two forced fumbles in those six games.


Rodney is the all-time NFL leader in sacks by a defensive back with 30½, including nine while with the Pats. He was the first player in NFL history to have 30 sacks and 30 interceptions, and the only defensive back to do so - with eight of those picks coming during his Patriots career. (Pro Football Hall of Fame CB Ronde Barber has 47 picks, but fell short of the dual-milestone with 28 sacks. The only other 30-30 player is another Hall of Famer, linebacker RLKAG.) Add in a whopping seven post-season picks, and Rodney's actual career totals are 41 interceptions and 32½ sacks.


Harrison was voted a team captain in each of his six seasons with the Patriots and is a member of the New England Patriots All-Decade Team of the 2000s; the Pats All-Dynasty Team; the Pats 50th Anniversary Team; and the San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team. There is no genuine, valid reason for his not being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I have to assume that this is yet another case where the Patriots HoF representative - lazy plagiarizer Ron Borges - is doing a disservice to the team, and not strongly advocating for Rodney (or any other Pats).


Let's compare apples to apples, two strong safeties: Hall of Famer John Lynch vs Rodney Harrison.
The stats include regular season and playoffs.
Rodney played in a total of 199 games, John Lynch played in 236.

Sacks: Harrison 32½, Lynch 13
Interceptions: Harrison 41, Lynch 28
Tackles for a Loss: Harrison 43, Lynch 28
Passes Defensed: Harrison 85, Lynch 77
Forced Fumbles: Harrison 20, Lynch 9
Fumble Recoveries: Harrison 9, Lynch 9
Defensive Touchdowns: Harrison 4, Lynch 0
Super Bowl Rings: Harrison 2, Lynch 1
(NFL only started tracking TFL and PD in 1999; both players miss out on about the same amount of time for these stats, 48 games as a starter for Rodney vs 55 for Lynch.)

This is not an attempt to bash John Lynch; he was a helluva good player, and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

But how can anyone possibly justify his inclusion, but not Rodney's?

Until Rodney gets in as well, it is the Hall of Sham, not the Hall of Fame.



Nice summary of Rodney's impact when he retired below, by the Globe's Chad Finn:

Rodney remembered

Graceful exits are scarce in professional sports, maybe because it’s usually someone else telling you it’s time to go. For those whose final act on a football field is to be carted off to a round of bittersweet applause, you’d think it might be particularly agonizing to say goodbye. Jim...

www.boston.com

Rodney Harrison voted into Patriots Hall of Fame | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Safety Snub: Patriots' Rodney Harrison Denied Hall of Fame

Rodney Harrison, already enshrined in the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, was not chosen for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

www.si.com

Rodney Harrison | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Best of Rodney Harrison | Career Highlights
4:11 Highlight Video



Rodney Harrison - {Career Highlights} Necessary Roughness!!!!
8:50 Highlight Video by former forum member Jsn
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Rodney Harrison Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Rodney Harrison not being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is Exhibit A as to why the institution is an absolute joke.