Today in Patriots History
A Pair Of Boston Patriots
Tom Yewcic
Born May 9, 1932 in Conemaugh, PA
Patriot P/QB/HB/FL, 1961-1966; uniform #14
Died Oct 20, 2020 at the age of 88 in Arlington
Signed as a free agent on January 21, 1961
Tom Yewcic was a late (319th) draft pick by the Steelers in 1954, but chose instead to play baseball. He was the MVP of the 1954 college world series and signed with the Detroit Tigers. Yewcic was in
Detroit's minor league system through 1959, only making it to the big leagues for three innings of one game in 1957 before switching to football.
Trivia #1: Tom Yewcic is the only person to appear in two professional sports at Fenway Park: his one MLB game against the Red Sox in '57, and later with the Pats from '63-'66.
For six seasons Yewcic was a punter and backup QB for the Pats. He was also occasionally used at halfback, and at flanker in 1961. Over his career he ran (72 times for 424 yards, 4 TD, 5.9 ypc) almost as often as he passed (87 completions, 12 TD). His 377 punts ranks second in franchise history.
Trivia #2: Tom Yewcic is the only Patriot besides Tom Brady to have punted, caught a pass, thrown a touchdown pass and rushed for a touchdown. Yewcic had a 46 yard reception in a 46-17 1961 victory over Denver, and his 90 yards rushing helped down the New York Titans at BU Field in '62.
Trivia #3: Yewcic holds the franchise record for longest run by a punter, a 20-yard gain against the Raiders at Nickerson Field in '62.
Tom Yewcic is also a member of the Patriots All-Decade Team of the 1960s as their punter. After retiring he worked with the Patriots until 1981 as a coach and a scout. Yewcic then transitioned to commercial business, selling medical supplies to doctors and hospitals.
Tom Yewcic: Former Football and Baseball All-American | MSU Athletics
Pittsburgh Steeler fans have the "Immaculate Reception."
Boston College faithful remember Doug Flutie's "Hail Mary."
In East Lansing, Michigan State followers revel in the thought of the "Transcontinental Pass."
It was 1951; the Spartans were down 20-17 to Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State. In the closing minutes, legendary coach Biggie Munn called for their secret play.
Michigan State broke the huddle and lined up in their familiar wing T formation. The ball was snapped directly to the fullback and pitched to the right halfback. The halfback, running as though the play would be a sweep pulled up and threw the ball clear across the field to the quarterback who was streaking down the sidelines.
Touchdown! Spartans win! 24-20!
That halfback was Tom Yewcic and that play will forever be known as the "Transcontinental Pass."
Trivia #4: Yewcic is not just the only player to win a Rose Bowl and also be named the College World Series Most Valuable Player - he accomplished that feat in the same year.
Tom Yewcic: 2013 Michigan State Baseball Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
One of the most decorated Spartans in school history, Yewcic was the starting quarterback in 1952 and 1953, leading the Spartans to an undefeated national championship in '52 and the program's first-ever Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl victory during the '53 season. In the spring of 1954, the first-team All-American catcher helped the baseball team win its first Big Ten title and advance to the College World Series.
More good info on Tom Yewcic below:
Tom Yewcic - Patriots Alumni
2/4/2008 -
Catching Up With Tom Yewcic | masslive.com
He played six seasons for the Boston Patriots and is considered one of the greatest punters in the team's history.
A versatile athlete, Tom Yewcic sits behind only Rich Camarillo on the New England Patriots all-time list in punts (378) and punt yardage (14,553). He held the league record for most yards kicked in one game. Yewcic played for the Patriots from 1961-1966, and he did much more than punting. He also played quarterback and threw for 1,374 yards and 12 touchdowns over his six-year career.
"It was a little different then than it is today," said Yewcic. "Today you are talking about a 53-man roster and talking specialization as far as centers, punters and kickers. When I was playing it was only a 32-man roster.
"With a 32-man roster, you had to play more than one position in order to make the team. I was really a halfback coming out of high school, but when I went to Michigan State they converted me over to quarterback. It wasn't a big adjustment."
