Patriots Daily News Thread NEW ARTICLE: Friday Patriots Notebook 5/31: News and Notes

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Friday Patriots Notebook 5/31: News and Notes
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Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

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[mike_usagisan]

Higgins for Douglas and draft picks and a bag of money... no thank you. Douglas is the new Edelman, the guy who will be moving the chains. That might not matter down the line with Maye, who likes to take shots down the field, but with Brisket, having that steady diet of underneath stuff is going to be very valuable.

 

[jmt57]

According to Moton, the deal would involve sending Douglas, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-round pick to Cincinnati in exchange for bringing Higgins to Foxboro.​

I know that many on this forum will disagree, but this trade is the exact opposite of what a team like the current New England Patriots needs to make. A 4-13 team needs to keep its early draft picks as part of a long range plan. This type of trade makes sense for a super bowl contender, not a rebuilding team. Besides that, does a young rebuilding team really want an unhappy drama-creating diva on their roster? The money it would take to sign Higgins would be better utilized elsewhere.

 

[jmt57]

One thing about being retired from football, you can be brutally honest with your opinions since you are no longer seeking a job.
Any doubts about how negative players felt when Bill Belichick first hired his sons are resolved by Chris Hogan. To be fair, Hogan does also say that Steve Belichick worked hard and became a good coach.

Hogan Provides Insight on Belichick’s Sons as Coaches​

Price asked Hogan an interesting question in terms of what the feeling was initially within the Patriots’ locker room when it came to seeing Belichick’s sons, Steve and Brian, joining the coaching staff.​

​

Hogan was honest, with his answer giving a glimpse into how that was viewed initially before the two developed into two respected members of the staff.​

​

“That they got the job because their dad was the coach,” said Hogan about how the players felt. “When Steve was there, he was appointed the safeties coach. Now you’re in a room with Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Devin McCourty – Jason McCourty was in there at some point – you have Stephon Gilmore in the DB room, I mean, you had guys, man, that were All-Pro type guys that were now learning from someone who played college lacrosse. Yes, is he from a football family, and was Bill probably teaching him the right things? 100%. But that was tough, I think, for a lot of those guys initially to stomach.”​

​

“It’s just like, ‘How is this guy going to help me get better?’ Now listen, to Steve’s credit, he frickin studied and learned and I think at the end of his time at New England, the dude could coach. He knew what he was doing. I give him all the credit in the world. He knew it. He knew that he didn’t necessarily belong in that position, probably, at that point in his career. But he didn’t step back from that. He was there, every single day, teaching, whether he was regurgitating whatever coach Belichick was saying, or Matty P when he was there, whatever they needed to do, he did. I think Brian probably falls into that category right now where, does he deserve to be coaching some of these guys? Probably, no, right? But that’s not to say that he’s not going to do what he needs to do and better himself as a coach. He’s there for a reason.”​

​

“Yes, did being Bill’s son help a little bit to keep him there and keep him around? Sure, I’m sure it did. This is a league is a ferris wheel. If you’re in the league and you get in with certain people, you’re going to last, wherever they go. But, Brian’s a smart kid. I’ve been around him. He kind of knows it. He just has to build his own confidence and do his own thing and kind of trust that he knows what he’s talking about.”​

 

[Stu Pidassle]

One thing about being retired from football, you can be brutally honest with your opinions since you are no longer seeking a job.
Any doubts about how negative players felt when Bill Belichick first hired his sons are resolved by Chris Hogan. To be fair, Hogan does also say that Steve Belichick worked hard and became a good coach.

Hogan Provides Insight on Belichick’s Sons as Coaches​

Price asked Hogan an interesting question in terms of what the feeling was initially within the Patriots’ locker room when it came to seeing Belichick’s sons, Steve and Brian, joining the coaching staff.​

​

Hogan was honest, with his answer giving a glimpse into how that was viewed initially before the two developed into two respected members of the staff.​

​

“That they got the job because their dad was the coach,” said Hogan about how the players felt. “When Steve was there, he was appointed the safeties coach. Now you’re in a room with Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Devin McCourty – Jason McCourty was in there at some point – you have Stephon Gilmore in the DB room, I mean, you had guys, man, that were All-Pro type guys that were now learning from someone who played college lacrosse. Yes, is he from a football family, and was Bill probably teaching him the right things? 100%. But that was tough, I think, for a lot of those guys initially to stomach.”​

​

“It’s just like, ‘How is this guy going to help me get better?’ Now listen, to Steve’s credit, he frickin studied and learned and I think at the end of his time at New England, the dude could coach. He knew what he was doing. I give him all the credit in the world. He knew it. He knew that he didn’t necessarily belong in that position, probably, at that point in his career. But he didn’t step back from that. He was there, every single day, teaching, whether he was regurgitating whatever coach Belichick was saying, or Matty P when he was there, whatever they needed to do, he did. I think Brian probably falls into that category right now where, does he deserve to be coaching some of these guys? Probably, no, right? But that’s not to say that he’s not going to do what he needs to do and better himself as a coach. He’s there for a reason.”​

​

“Yes, did being Bill’s son help a little bit to keep him there and keep him around? Sure, I’m sure it did. This is a league is a ferris wheel. If you’re in the league and you get in with certain people, you’re going to last, wherever they go. But, Brian’s a smart kid. I’ve been around him. He kind of knows it. He just has to build his own confidence and do his own thing and kind of trust that he knows what he’s talking about.”​

Hogan's statements are consistent with how McCourty described the situation when SB became safeties coach. It seems like both Belichick kids took their opportunity and ran with it. Now they will have the chance to make their own reputations.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
A Wild and Crazy JAG​

Happy 50th birthday to Steve Martin
Born May 31, 1974 in St. Paul, Minnesota
Patriot DT, 2002; uniform #90
Signed as an unrestricted veteran free agent on April 3, 2002

No relation to the wild and crazy comedian, the Patriots signed the 6'4", 320 lb 27 year old journeyman three weeks prior to the 2002 draft. A fifth round draft pick by the Colts in 1996 out of Missouri, the six year veteran was viewed as a being a two-down player; superior against the run, and average versus the pass.

Steve Martin played in 14 games with five starts while with the Patriots, but was unhappy with his decreased role and playing time - and let that be known to the New York press prior to an upcoming game against his prior team, the Jets. Aside from his not keeping these matters in house, more egregious was this coming on the heels of a critical late season loss to Tennessee, in which the Patriots allowed 238 yards rushing to drop to 8-6. The combination of a bit too much mouth and not enough run stuffing led to a swift pink slip, as Bill Belichick cut Martin while the ink on those newspapers was still wet.

Patriots DT Steve Martin rests on the sidelines during afternoon practice at Bryant College on August 7, 2002 in Smithfield, Rhode Island​

Martin played in 127 games with 51 starts over nine NFL seasons, constantly moving from one team to the next. His longest tenure was his first, two seasons plus a month in Indy. After that Martin played with the Eagles for a year and a half, then one season or less with the Chiefs, Jets, Patriots, Texans and Vikings.

​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More May 31 Birthdays​

Happy 34th birthday to Shamiel Gary
Born May 31, 1990 in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Patriot S, 2014 offseason and 2016 practice squad; uniform #31
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 12, 2014

Shamiel Gary, an undrafted free agent, speaks to media during the New England Patriots Rookie Minicamp at Gillette Stadium on May 15, 2014 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.​

The Oklahoma State Cowboy was released on August 30, 2014 and never got on the field for the Pats. He did play six games for Miami in three for the Bills in 2017. Gary also spent times on the practice squads for the Bears, Dolphins, Vikings, Patriots and Bills, and in 2014 was with the Boston Boxers of the short-lived Fall Experimental Football League. He is now back in Tulsa, self employed as a motivational speaker and real estate investor.

James White on a 68-yard catch-and-run avoiding the tackle by Miami Dolphins strong safety Reshad Jones and
defensive back Shamiel Gary (27) during the third quarter of a game at Sun Life Stadium on January 03, 2016.​

Aug 8, 2014 preseason depth chart:

Meet Shamiel - Shamiel Gary | Keynote Speaker | NFL Athlete

Father, collegiate athlete, NFL athlete, entrepreneur and author, Shamiel Gary is one of the most highly sought after speakers in the world.

www.shamielgary.com

Tackling life

What if we knew we didn’t have tomorrow? Would you do anything different today? Former NFL player and motivational speaker Shamiel Gary visited Beaty Warren Middle School for the first time to share with students the importance of perseverance when facing your fears and chasing your dreams. Gary...

www.timesobserver.com

Other pro football players with New England area connections born on this date:
- Jim Del Gaizo, 77 (May 31, 1947); QB 1972-1974.
Born in Everett and an alum of Revere High School class of '65, Del Gaizo got a ring as a backup QB with the '72 Dolphins.
- John LoVetere (5/31/36 - 10/27/12); DT 1959-65.
Born in Boston, he made the Pro Bowl in '63 and played in 77 games for the Rams and Giants.
- Colonel James 'Big Jim' Landrigan (5/31/23 - 6/24/74); offensive lineman for Colts and Steelers. Jim was also born in Everett. He grew up in Wakefield, went to Wakefield High School, Holy Cross and Dartmouth.



Notable NFL players born today:
- Joe Namath, 81 - Hall of Fame QB and late night infomercial spokesperson.
- Richard 'Batman' Wood, 71 - Bucs LB from 1976 to 1984.
- Norm Johnson, 64 - Pro Bowl kicker for the Seahawks and Falcons booted 366 field goals in his 18 year NFL career.
- Jordy Nelson, 39 - caught 613 passes and 72 touchdowns from 2008 to 2018.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
May 31 Transactions​

May 31, 2013:

Pats waive WR Moe; cut OL Green

The Patriots waived/injured wide receiver T.J. Moe and released offensive lineman Tyronne Green on Friday, a league source confirmed. In addition, the team had defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, a former first round pick of the Saints, in for a visit.

www.espn.com

The Patriots waived/injured wide receiver T.J. Moe and released offensive lineman Tyronne Green on Friday, a league source confirmed. In addition, the team had defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, a former first round pick of the Saints, in for a visit.​

​

Moe was signed as an undrafted free agent this year after a standout career at Missouri. He received the most guaranteed money ($30,000) among the Patriots undrafted rookies this year. It is unclear what the injury he suffered is, as he was on the field for Wednesday's OTA. If he clears waivers, he will revert to injured reserve.​

​

Greene, meanwhile, was signed by the Patriots as a free agent this offseason. He was originally a fourth-round pick of the Chargers in 2009.​

​

Ellis was the seventh overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Saints after a stellar career at USC. The 28-year old had 36 tackles for the Saints during the 2012 season. Coincidentally, the Saints traded up to the seventh pick with the Patriots to take Ellis. The Patriots chose Jerod Mayo three slots later.​

​

He's the second defensive tackle to visit Foxborough in as many days, as Spencer Johnson was in town for a tryout on Thursday.​

https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article320292.html

The New England Patriots released former Missouri wide receiver T.J. Moe on Friday. According to multiple reports, Moe – who signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in April – was released under the waived/injured designation, meaning the Patriots can still place him on injured reserve if he clears waivers.​

​

The Boston Herald reported Moe, who was not available for comment, suffered a torn Achilles in practice this week.​

​

The Patriots gave the 6-foot, 200-pound Moe – who caught 188 passes for 2,101 yards and 11 touchdowns as an inside receiver at MU – the most guaranteed money of any of their undrafted free agents this April, as he agreed to a deal with a $30,000 in guaranteed base salary and $8,000 signing bonus.​

​

He was among his position’s top performers at the NFL Combine in the bench press (26 reps), three-cone shuttle (6.53 seconds), 20-yard shuttle (3.96 seconds) and 60-yard shuttle (10.87 seconds). He also posted a 4.74 40-yard dash, which he pared down to around 4.5 at Missouri’s pro day in March.​

Unapologetically Moe, part 1

T.J. Moe talks about Mizzou, what-ifs, and his post-career career. Part one of a two-part conversation.

www.rockmnation.com

May 31, 2001:
Patriots sign veteran free agent wide receivers Charles Johnson and Torrance Small

Charles Johnson was a first round draft pick in 1994, and had spent five seasons in Pittsburgh and two in Philadelphia. With Terry Glenn either suspended or deactivated for most of the 2001 season, Johnson was the number three option at wide receiver - but on a team that rarely used three WR formations, ranking 8th in rush attempts and 24th in pass attempts. Johnson played in 14 games (plus all three playoff games), with 14 receptions and one touchdown in that super bowl season; he also had two receptions in the AFCCG versus Pittsburgh. The Pats released Johnson three weeks after the Silence of the Rams; he spent his final NFL season with the Bills. Over nine NFL seasons Johnson had 354 receptions for 4,606 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Torrance Small was a 31 year old veteran who had averaged 43 receptions and four touchdowns over the previous seven seasons. Part of the revolving door at wide receiver in an attempt to replace Glenn behind Troy Brown and David Patten that year, Small appeared in just three games with four receptions early in the season, for what turned out to be his final stop in the NFL. Over a ten year NFL career Small had similar numbers to Johnson: 346 receptions for 4,602 yards and 33 touchdowns.

May 31, 2000:
Patriots.com | Patriots hire Jake Hallum as area scout, sign WR/KR Tony Gaiter

The New England Patriots announced the hiring of Jake Hallum as an area scout today. In another move, the team announced the signing of wide receiver/kick returner Tony Gaiter.​

​

Hallum, 61, had been a college scout for the Philadelphia Eagles since June of 1995. Prior to joining the Eagles, he was a regional scout for National Football Scouting from 1992-94. He served as a coach on the collegiate level for 24 years, prior to becoming a scout.​

​

He began his college coaching career as the head coach of Morehead State (KY) from 1968-71. He then moved onto Maryland and was employed as the Terrapins' offensive line coach from 1972-81. From 1982-89, he served as an assistant at Kentucky. Then in 1990 he began a two-year stint at Arizona State as their offensive line/tight ends coach.​

​

Gaiter, 25, re-joins the Patriots after two seasons with the San Diego Chargers. He was signed by the Chargers on Nov. 24, 1998 and played in the final five games of the regular season. He returned 13 punt for 155 yards (11.9 avg.), including a long of 49 yards. He also returned 16 kickoffs for 295 yards (18.4 avg.) with a long of 33. He spent the 1999 preseason with the Chargers, but was released following training camp on Sept. 6, 1999.​

​

The 5-foot-8-inch, 170-pound wide receiver/kick returner was originally drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL Draft (192nd overall). He spent the first 13 weeks of the season on the practice squad before being activated for the final four games of the season. Gaiter made his NFL debut vs. Indianapolis (11/30/97), but did not record any statistics. He was listed among the Patriots inactives for the final three weeks of the season and both playoff games. He was released following training camp on Aug. 25, 1998. He was resigned on Oct. 22, 1998 and was active but did not play at Miami (10/24). he was released the following week on Oct. 28, 1998.​

Jake Hallum - Ourlads' NFL Scouts Hall of Fame

Information taken from www.clevelandbrowns.com Former NFL scout with National Football Scouting, the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and Cleveland Browns Jake Hallum is in his seventh season with the Browns as a senior college scout and is now in his sixth … Continue reading ?

blogs.ourlads.com

Hallum served five seasons as a college scout with the New England Patriots, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. During his tenure with the Patriots, the team captured three Super Bowl titles.​

May 31, 1994:
Patriots sign their sixth round draft pick, tackle Max Lane from Navy, and fifth round pick Pat O'Neill, a punter from Syracuse.

Max Lane on football and life - The Martha's Vineyard Times

Growing up 60 miles northeast of Kansas City in Norborne, Mo. (population 900), which self-styled itself as the Soybean Capital of the World, Max Lane could not have been farther away from a seagoing Island culture like ours. On the other hand, he also probably never saw himself attending the...

www.mvtimes.com

A greater love than the NFL

He found that he wasn't in love with football

www.heraldtribune.com

May 31, 1989:

Patriots release three free agents - UPI Archives

The New England Patriots reduced their roster to 88 players Wednesday by waiving three free agents.

www.upi.com

The New England Patriots reduced their roster to 88 players Wednesday by waiving three free agents.​

​

Placekicker Chris Kolodziey of the University of Maryland, defensive back James Norris of Upsala College and tight end Robert Stallings of the University of Southern Mississippi. All three players signed as free agents during the off-season. Neither Norris nor Stallings had played college football since 1986.​

May 31, 1984:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1984/06/01/68c10d9d-687d-4d06-bae8-d66b45e5b6f9/

Lincoln, Neb.--Former Nebraska WR Irving Fryar, first player chosen in this year's NFL draft, was fined $150 after pleading no contest to an accusation that he struck a former girlfriend.​

 

[Gumby]

Ian, kinda-sorta editorial note.

your last paragraph (about JJSS ) is worded a little funny (too much verbatim quote from someone talking off the cuff, I think ) and so unclear.

I assume the quote is meaning that Hogan thinks JJSS would ideally be a good stabilizing (vet) presence; but is unlikely to survive cuts based on talent-health.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Foxboro Stadium is Demolished​

June 1, 2002: the demolition of Foxboro Stadium, which had begun in February a couple weeks after the AFCCG victory over Pittsburgh, was officially completed.

15 years later, Foxboro Stadium is best remembered by its football finale

On June 1, 2002, the demolition of Foxboro Stadium was finished. The place that the Patriots called home for more than three decades was officially no more. Years later, Foxboro Stadium is not exactly the most missed facility. First, there is the simple fact that its successor, Gillette Stadium...

www.boston.com

Remember This? Demolition of Foxboro Stadium Began 13 Years Ago This Week

Share your memories about the old Foxboro Stadium and learn some fun facts about Gillette Stadium.

patch.com

Foxboro Stadium was officially demolished 15 years ago today

It has already been 15 years since the Patriots moved from their old Foxboro abode to their new digs at Gillette Stadium.

www.espn.com

Local military man has brush with fame

HAMPTON — While 2000 Winnacunnet graduate Scott Beebe is heading toward Afghanistan with the Marine Corps, another U.S. soldier from Hampton took a break last month to mingle with the stars in Europe…

www.southcoasttoday.com

On February 18, 2002 the demolition of Foxboro Stadium commenced, one month after the last game at the old stadium occurred. On that night clutch field goals by Adam Vinatieri in a blinding snowstorm resulted in the Patriots defeating Oakland. That historic playoff game is known as the Snow Bowl in New England; to everybody else it is the Tuck Rule Game.

Construction began on June 15, 2000 for CMGI Field. The company with the naming rights was an internet incubator that unfortunately had a penchant for backing the wrong horse. For example, they operated companies like Alta Vista (rather than Google) and uBid (instead of eBay). Those wrong choices resulted in their stock price dropping from $160 to $40. This in turn caused the dot com to quickly bail from the naming right in order to stop the financial bleeding, and Boston based Gillette stepped in to fill that void by purchasing the naming rights.

 

[jmt57]

While we are on the subject, I would like to share a few comments on the old stadium from a 2020 thread:

Today In Patriots History - Today in Patriots History: Demolition of Foxboro Stadium

Today in Patriots History: Demolition of Foxboro Stadium John Morgan On February 18, 2002 the demolition of Foxboro Stadium commenced. One month earlier the last game at the old stadium occured. Clutch field goals by Adam Vinatieri in a blinding snowstorm resulted in the Patriots defeating...

www.patsfans.com

Supafly:
Nice memory. I have a set of cufflinks that are from the last game that I keep meaning to put in some type of display box, but keep forgetting. I think they’d look nice on a shelf somewhere in the home office.


Clonamery:
What? You don’t have the other goalpost? Would look freakin’ awesome in the “home office.” Cuff links.


denverpatsfan:
Loved that old stadium. It had character and was loud unlike the new place. I was at the Snow Game. Many fond memories. We bought our seats too. I turned it into a bench for the patio.


FCB02062:
I was there, along with probably many others on this board, and it was an incredible day/night/game. We got to the stadium around 3:30 and it started snowing shortly after, perhaps even as we were unloading my brother's truck to start our tailgate. We had 4 in our usual crew and we each had assigned "duties" to unload/setup - one guy assigned to each - the grill, the speakers (set up and connect to car radio), our flag poles (American Flag, Pats Flag, Italian Flag), table/chairs, cooler, etc. This was our 8th or 9th season as season ticket holders, so we had it down to a science by then.

Anyway, as we're unloading the snow starts (iirc), but this I'm sure of - these were some HUGE snowflakes, like so big that you could almost make out their geometric shape. It was not THAT cold out - there've been many other much colder games, and there wasn't much wind. All I remember is those massive snowflakes falling from the darkening Foxboro sky. By mid tailgate we've got accumulating snow in the parking lot (we always tailgated in Lot A, which was south of the stadium).

We go through our tailgating routines - we drank lots of beer, ate our usual menu of grilled chicken, steak tips, burgers, dogs - basic tailgate fare. And then we'd get our area going as one of us would "preach". I don't know how or why we started doing this, but one of our group would stand up on a cooler and basically get everyone's attention and pump up the area. Sometimes we'd burn a shirt or paraphenelia from the other team, but mostly it was just "The Pats are gonna beat the schitt out of such and such and blah blah blah" (we were in our early-mid 20s, it was fun, don't judge ). And after our preaching we'd play a song that keeps the area pumped up - usually Song 2 by blur or Machinehead by Bush (very popular high energy tunes at the time) as both made appearances on the in Foxboro stadium game day soundtrack.
By now it's time to break everything down and load up the truck. We always grabbed a "roadie" for the walk into the stadium. At the old stadium you had to walk up a hill (steepness depended on how hammered you were) from Lot A and other lots on the south side of the stadium, and I remember it being quite slippery from the now accumulated snow.

Now we're talking 18 years ago, so some of this may be foggy.

My seats were in 223, about the 5 or 10 yard line on the Pats sideline closest to the south end zone. IIRC, the game tying drive was going right to left in front of us. When the "tuck rule" play happened, and Oakland recovered the ball, many folks in our section got up and left. I sat there in several seconds of disbelief at what just transpired in front of my eyes. I was pissed. I turned to my left and said to my brother as I raised from the bench (bench seats back then) "let's get the **** outta here." And literally just that moment Walt Coleman announced "the previous play is under review". I still wanted to leave because there was no way that wasn't a fumble. My brother wanted to stay and hear the call. I agreed to stay. We couldn't believe the call reversal. It was an amazing turn of events. So then they go on and Vinatieri makes the most incredible kick in football history.

Pats get the kickoff and now they're moving to the end zone farther away from us. I remember there was a run by Antowain Smith around the right side in which it looked like he might be able to run it in for a td as the play was transpiring. But he got tackled for a 9 or 10 yard gain down inside the Oakland 10. At this point I'm thinking just don't fumble. When Vinatieri made the game winner it was absolute pandemonium - hugging guys you don't know in your section. It was insane.

After the game we did some more tailgating, sparked up the grill, drank some more, and my brother and I called our father from the parking lot as we always did. My brother dropped me off at my house maybe around 1 or 1:30 and I remember I watched SportsCenter highlights and commentary until 3 am. I still have the ticket stub from this game.


Patriot Missile:
Good riddance, have some good memories from that place but there is no denying that place was a dump.


Hyped:
I won't miss the cold metal benches and the insane lines for the bathroom....hell I even had to pee downhill towards the old race track outside the bathroom through a chainlink fence because my next option was to pee in my pants....


FCB02062:
Another memory/oddity of the old stadium...

As we would leave our seats/bench after the game, we'd exit the stadium proper at the first stairway to the runway/walkway abutting the stadium. There was a fence, maybe 6 feet high running along the length of this walkway. On the other side of the fence was a fairly steep hill leading down to the parking lot. Sometimes people would give up waiting to get to the front exit as the throngs left after the game, and they'd hop the fence. Every game someone would be schitfaced and fall off the fence and roll down the hill...

Also, the back doors to the many of the concessions opened up to this exit walkway...there was this one dude pretty close to the "end" of the stadium towards the route 1 side that'd give out papa gino pizzas to passers by. These are the litte "Junior Gino" pizzas (IIRC) that they used to sell at the stadium. I was the recipient of several of these through the years...


Tunescribe:
My seats were in sec. 204. The snow was like feathers and piled up vertically on people's heads and shoulders. I remember short catches by Wiggins, Patten and Troy Brown comprising much of the Pats offense while field conditions hindered the explosiveness of Oakland's Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. The trajectory of Vinatieri's game-tying kick was so low and it was snowing so hard we couldn't tell he made it 'til the refs' arms went up. Of course, those were the days before metal detectors at the entry gates: one guy a few rows down from us had two aerosol air horns he held up and blasted whenever Oakland had the ball. I still have a souvenir hat I bought at that game embroidered with the date and team logos.


Free Ted Williams:
I hear they moved those aluminum benches to Gitmo as a tourture device!

I'm pretty sure half of my butt cheek is still attached to one of them.


sean10mm:
The final game there was legendary, but the place itself was an embarrassing dump. It wasn't even a charming mess, it was just an open septic tank with bleachers that gave children tetanus.


italian pat patriot:
I know that it was not a fantastic venue but i have to admit i would have loved to see a game or more at the old Foxboro Stadium

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Larry Centers​

Happy 56th birthday to Larry Centers
Born June 1, 1968 in Tatum, Texas
Patriot FB, 2003; uniform #31
Signed as a veteran free agent on July 30, 2003

Larry Centers was one of the best pass receiving backs in the history of pro football. Unfortunately he was 35 years old and had lost a step when he signed with New England, with his primary contribution coming from his still prolific blocking skills. The Pats signed Centers at the start of training camp, and he beat out Patrick Pass and Fred McCrary as the number one fullback to begin the 2003 season.

Centers had 54 yards from scrimmage on five carries and four receptions in the week one 'they hate their coach' loss to Buffalo; that would turn out to be his most statistically productive game of the year. The Patriots cut Centers in order to activate Tully Banta-Cain from PUP after a week six 17-6 victory over the Giants, where he had one carry for a loss of two yards and no receptions on two targets.

The Pats waived WR J.J. Stokes and re-signed Centers in mid-December for the final three games of the regular season. After the Colts had scored to cut the lead to 15-7 in the AFC Championship Game, Centers had a critical 28-yard catch-and-run that helped set up an Adam Vinatieri field goal and give the Pats an 11-point lead.

Centers retired after earning his first super bowl ring in the championship victory over Carolina. His 827 career receptions is most for any running back in NFL history, and at the time he retired it ranked 7th most in league history. To put that in perspective, Larry Centers has 60 more catches than Marshall Faulk, 203 more than LaDainian Tomlinson, and 240 more than Marcus Allen - all running backs that are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame known for their pass receiving abilities.

From October 24, 1993 to October 20, 2002 Centers caught a pass in an incredible 143 consecutive games. He held the NFL record for most receptions in a season by a running back (101 in 1995) for 19 years (surpassed by Matte Forte with 102 in 2014 and Christian McCaffrey with 107 in 2018), and was the first NFL running back to have 100 receptions in one season. The three-time Pro Bowler from Stephen F Austin State University was at his peak from 1994-96 when he scored 20 touchdowns and racked up 3,390 yards from scrimmage in that three year span.

Over the course of his 14 year NFL career Centers had 827 receptions for 6,797 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per reception with 28 touchdowns. He also ran for 14 TDs, giving him a total of 8,985 yards from scrimmage and 42 touchdowns while averaging 6.2 yards per touch (70th best in NFL history).

Larry Centers signs with Patriots - UPI.com

Larry Centers, the NFL's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards by a running back, signed Wednesday with the New England Patriots.

www.upi.com

Patriots sign three-time Pro Bowl fullback Larry Centers

Why Larry Centers should break a barrier for fullbacks in the Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame hasn't inducted a fullback since 1987. Here's why ex-Patriots fullback Larry Centers should be the one to break the barrier.

985thesportshub.com

NFL Super Bowl Champion Larry Centers pens letter about Miracle For Mom — Miracle for Mom Foundation

Last month, we lost yet another NFL player to the devastating impact of ALS, which is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Dwight Clark was an incredible football player and -- from all accounts – an even more impressive human being. Seeing Dwight’s life cut short – like that of my friend Kevin T

www.miracleformom.org

 

[n1997y]

Ian, kinda-sorta editorial note.

your last paragraph (about JJSS ) is worded a little funny (too much verbatim quote from someone talking off the cuff, I think ) and so unclear.

I assume the quote is meaning that Hogan thinks JJSS would ideally be a good stabilizing (vet) presence; but is unlikely to survive cuts based on talent-health.

I don’t know if it’s been revised, but I didn’t see anything different in the last paragraph. OTOH maybe I just wasn’t paying as close attention.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More June 1 Pats Birthdays​

Happy 60th birthday to Bob Bleier
Born June 1, 1964 in Rochester, New York
Patriot QB, 1987; uniform #10

The cousin of Rocky Bleier was New England's starting quarterback when the NFL players went on strike in '87 and replacement players were used for three games. Bleier still ranks first in University of Richmond school history in most passing categories. However, his talents were rarely showcased because installing a productive pass offense in such a short time with no veterans was impossible for the coaches of the replacements in '87. Bob is now a financial adviser and active in youth charitable organizations in western New York.

University of Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame

University of Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame

richmondspiders.com

Bob Bleier was one of the most prolific passer in Richmond football history. He is first on Richmond's career lists with 1,169 career attempts, 672 completions, 8,057 passing yards and 54 passing touchdowns from 1983-86. Bleier owns three of the top five passing seasons in school history. He was Second Team All-Yankee Conference in 1986 and played in the Blue-Gray Game following that season. Bleier played for the New England Patriots of the National Football League in 1987.​

Bonadio director recognized for charitable efforts

Bob Bleier, former NFL quarterback, cited for work with Camp Good Days and Special Times.

www.democratandchronicle.com

J. Robert "Bob" Bleier | Montage Wealth Management

Bob is the former managing partner at Bonadio Financial Services, LLC, and is a founding partner at Montage Wealth Management. He works as a trusted advisor to individuals, as well as small- and middle-market companies in the areas of compensation, benefits planning, estate planning, financial...

www.montagewealthmanagement.com

Prior to his 28 years in the financial services industry, Bob played professional football with the NFL New England Patriots. In 1991, he was named “The All Time Greatest Quarterback” at the University of Richmond. He has been inducted into three athletic Halls of Fame: Aquinas Institute, NYS Section V, and the University of Richmond. He is a frequent keynote speaker with a number of speaking engagements stressing his lifelong message, “If the opportunity comes, take it; if it doesn’t come, make it”.​

Happy 63rd birthday to Jon Williams
Born June 1, 1961 in Somerville, New Jersey
Patriot KR/RB, 1984-1985; uniform #44
Pats 3rd round (70th overall) selection in the 1984 draft, from Penn State

Jon Williams on the field for the Patriots during the 1984 season. He was injured for the next two seasons, but recalls the shift in player thinking following the team’s first playoff win against the New York Jets in 1985. “Ever since then the camaraderie among Patriots players has gotten better and better,” he said.​

Jon Williams had a rough childhood: his father was in prison on a murder charge when he was nine, and three of his six siblings wound up being drug addicts. He somehow persevered and was part of a national championship team at Penn State. Unfortunately he blew out his knee his rookie season, and his pro football career lasted only nine games. Since then he has used his life experience to council at risk boys on making the right choices, and now works in sales for Federal Express.

The Patriot Way

Former New England Patriots running back Jon Williams was posed the question of whether he could still fit into his No. 44 jersey.

www.thesunchronicle.com

Happy 64th birthday to Cedric Jones
Born June 1, 1960 in Norfolk, Virginia
Patriot WR, 1982-1990; uniform #83
Pats 3rd round (56th overall) selection in the 1982 draft, out of Duke

Cedric Jones was a member of the 1985 Patriots team that snapped an 18-gamelosing streak in Miami with a win in the AFC Championship game.​

Cedric Jones played in 120 games over nine seasons with the Patriots, scoring 16 touchdowns on 191 receptions for 2,703 yards. At that time he ranked 9th in career franchise receiving yardage (it is 20th now), 9th in receptions (20th) and 10th in TD receptions (22nd). Jones averaged 14.2 yards per reception but did not get a whole lot of passes thrown his way, as he was typically the fourth option after Stanley Morgan, Irving Fryar and RB Tony Collins.

Jones did develop a niche as a trusted possession receiver. His best season was in 1989 when he had 48 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns. Part of his post-NFL career includes being the athletic director at the New York Athletic Club, catering in part to athletes focusing on the Olympics.

July 21, 2014: Patriots.com | Where are they now? - Cedric Jones
Jan 8, 2006: Patriots.com - Where are they now? Cedric Jones

Former Patriots WR, Cedric Jones Interview

Biography : Cedric Jones was born on November 9th, 1987 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Jones attended Duke University. While team captain at Duke his senior year, he had 42 receptions for 832 yards, a…

prointerviews.org

Ex-New England Patriot Cedric Jones named Brunswick AD

Cedric Jones played nine seasons at wide receiver for the New England Patriots and has...

www.greenwichtime.com

Happy 87th birthday to Joe Biscaha
Born June 1, 1937 in Clifton, New Jersey
Patriot end, 1960; uniform #34
Signed as a veteran free agent, early summer of 1960

After retiring from football in 1961, Biscaha spent 35 years as a teacher, coach and school administrator in Passaic County, New Jersey. He played briefly for the Giants in 1959, and the Patriots in their inaugural season.

Joe Biscaha – SportsLifer's Weblog

Posts about Joe Biscaha written by SportsLifer

sportslifer.wordpress.com

Playing in The Original AFL​

Biscaha failed to make the Giants roster in 1960. He was substitute teaching and making about $100 a week when the Boston (now New England) Patriots of the AFL offered him $4,500 for the last month and a half of the season. So Joe played for that first Patriots team in the AFL’s inaugural season, calling the Kenmore Station Hotel on Commonwealth Avenue home.​

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“The head coach was Lou Saban, a former Cleveland Brown, who seemed to have been influenced in the ‘General George Patton mentality,'” Biscaha recalled, “while my position coach was Mike Holovak, a likable gentleman from the Boston College coaching background. It seemed like most of the players were from a Boston College or Syracuse (1959 championship team) playing pedigree.​

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“I was being tried out as a wide receiver and needed to learn the skills to compete against the bump and run techniques utilized by the AFL defensive backs. Having played with the Giants as primarily a tight end, those were skills that I never had to acquire.”​

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In September of 1961 Biscaha, realizing his playing days were over after a tryout with the New York Titans (now Jets), “signed a teaching contract with the Paterson (NJ) School District for $4,500 for the year and got $400 more to assist in coaching football.”​

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His teaching career continued for more than 25 years and was highlighted by three New Jersey State Championship seasons, 1975,1979 and 1980, at Passaic Valley High School, as well as numerous coaching honors. After an eight-year retirement from education, while working in financial services, he returned to serve ten years as a school administrator at Passaic County Technical Institute until his retirement in 2005.​

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More than 50 years later, he wonders if his career might have taken a different path if Conerly, the NFL MVP in 1959, had not overthrown him in the end zone. “Had I caught that pass would my life have turned out differently?”​

Happy 32nd birthday to Tony Washington
Born June 1, 1992 in High Point, NC
Patriot WR, 2017 offseason; uniform #17
Signed as free agent on July 27, 2017

Tony Washington during a preseason game between the Patriots and Giants on August 31, 2017 at Gillette Stadium.
The Appalachian State alum never had a chance, having been designated the cursed number 17 jersey.
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Patriots sign WR Tony Washington and rookie DE Caleb Kidder

Patriots reach 53-man limit

Washington, 26, signed with New England as a free agent on July 27, 2017. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder was originally signed by the Indianapolis Colts as a rookie free agent out of Appalachian State on May 11, 2014. He spent his rookie season on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad in 2014 and began the 2015 season on the Jacksonville practice squad before being added to the 53-man roster on Sept. 26, 2015. In his two seasons with the Jaguars and multiple stints on the practice squad and 53-man roster, Washington appeared in six regular season games as a reserve and caught one pass for 9 yards. He also had one rushing attempt for 8 yards. Washington was released by Jacksonville on May 1, 2017.​

Tony Washington - Football Coach - East Carolina University Athletics

Tony Washington, who enjoyed a four-year career as a wide receiver in the National Football League, is in his first season on the ECU staff as the offensive ...

ecupirates.com

Washington was a multi-selection to All-Southern Conference squads while at ASU and was chosen to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Senior Bowl. He earned a number of accolades for his performance in the classroom, including SoCon All-Academic, Capital One All-District Academic and ADA FCS All-Star Academic honors, along with being the 2013 recipient of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award & Scholarship. Washington was a Dean's List student at ASU who also captured the school's Science Building Most Outstanding Student Award.​

Washington, who prepped at T. Wingate Andrews High School in High Point, N.C., earned dual bachelor's degrees in architecture & design technology and construction management from Appalachian State in 2013. He graduated with a 3.83 grade point average.​

One other pro football player born on this date with a New England connection:
Joe Costello, 61 (June 1, 1960)
Costello grew up in Stratford CT and went to Central Connecticut State.
The linebacker played 31 games for the Falcons and Raiders from 1986-89, and also spent some time in the CFL and USFL.




Other notable football players born June 1:
- Alan Ameche, 4-time Pro Bowl RB and Heisman Trophy winner.
- Ki Aldrich, 1st overall pick in '39 and C/LB/G for Cardinals and Washington.
- Santana Moss, WR with 10,283 career receiving yards - and cousin of Patriot RB James White.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats hire Nick Caserio​

June 1, 2001: Nick Caserio is hired by the Patriots as a personnel assistant. Earlier that year he was a grad assistant at Central Michigan, and held the same position the previous two seasons for Saginaw Valley State.

Feb 4, 2013: Patriots.com | Meet Nick Caserio, undercover architect of New England Patriots

"He's kind of a weird guy, quirky, not much personality, just a hyper-intense guy," one rival personnel executive said. "He's done a lot of different things. He's done coaching, he's done college, he's done pro. He seems real stiff, a little weird and I don't know if those qualities lend themselves to being a general manager, but he's really smart when it comes to football."​

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If that sounds like it could be a description of a scouting-side version of Bill Belichick, well, that's probably not by mistake either.​

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The former John Carroll University quarterback (one of his receivers there was New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels) rose to the top of the team's personnel department in 2009, after Scott Pioli, then vice president of the player personnel, left to become the Kansas City Chiefs' general manager. He'd previously moved back and forth between scouting and coaching. In his new role, Caserio was charged with leading a youth movement as many of the championship foundation pieces of the 2000s retired.​

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The promotion -- part of a transition that passed coveted draft-room seats from Pioli and Thomas Dimitroff (who left to become the Atlanta Falcons' GM) to Caserio and new college director Jon Robinson -- had to be earned, of course, and it was.​

June 1, 2009:

Patriots re-sign punter Tom Malone

The Patriots re-sign punter Tom Malone, providing competition for veteran Chris Hanson.

www.boston.com

The Patriots announced that they have re-signed punter Tom Malone today.​

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Malone joins veteran Chris Hanson on the roster at the punter spot. The team previously had UCLA rookie Aaron Perez on the roster as competition for Hanson, but released him last week.​

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Malone, 24, had two stints on the Patriots practice squad in 2008 – from Sept. 10 to Sept. 15 and from Nov. 26 through the end of the season. He was also on the Patriots practice squad late in the 2006 season and was with the team for its 2007 training camp.​

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Most recently, Malone had been released by the Patriots on May 5, 2009.​

June 1, 2007:

Spann re-signed

The Patriots announce the re-signing of exclusive rights free agent Antwain Spann.

www.boston.com

In an expected move, the Patriots announced the re-signing of exclusive rights free agent Antwain Spann today.​

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The 24-year-old Spann, a cornerback, has played in eight career regular-season games and three playoff games, all with the Patriots in 2006.​

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Spann has primarily been a special teams player and bounced back and forth between the team’s practice squad and active roster last season. He was present at the team’s passing camp on Thursday, stretching with the team before leaving the field, likely to rehabilitate a physical ailment.​

Brandon Meriweather, Miss Nevada and Antwain Spann for media day prior to Super Bowl 42​

June 1, 2005:

Patriots cut QB Redman

Patriots cut QB Redman

www.espn.com

The New England Patriots waived quarterback Chris Redman on Wednesday.​

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Redman was signed by the Patriots in January 2005 after missing the entire 2004 season while recovering from back surgery.​

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Redman's chances of making the team took a major hit when the Patriots signed veteran quarterback Doug Flutie in April to back up Tom Brady.​

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The other quarterback spot will likely go to Rohan Davey, a backup for the last three years.​

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Rookie quarterback Matt Cassel, a seventh-round pick out of Southern California, may spend the year on the practice squad.​

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Redman, 27, played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2000-03. He started six of 10 games and completed 106-of-198 passes for 1,111 yards and seven touchdowns with five interceptions.​

NFL: What happened to the 6 quarterbacks drafted ahead of Tom Brady in 2000?

GiveMeSport looks at the six quarterbacks taken ahead of Tom Brady in the 2000 NFL Draft and what became of their careers.

www.givemesport.com

3 - Chris Redman, picked at #75, Baltimore Ravens​

4-8 career record, 3,179 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 1 Super Bowl title (as backup)​

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Technically the most accomplished of the group by virtue of picking up a Super Bowl victory as a member of the 2000 Ravens team, but someone who spent the vast majority of his time as a backup in the league with the Ravens.​

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He did bounce around the practice squads of a few other teams around the league before moving to the Atlanta Falcons where he remained a backup but playing a few games before retiring in 2012.​

Patriots.com | Patriots waive OT Lance Nimmo and QB Chris Redman

Nimmo, 25, was signed to the Patriots practice squad on Nov. 10, 2004 and was subsequently signed to the active roster on Feb. 16, 2005. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round (130th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5-inch, 303-pounder spent the spring of 2004 in NFL Europe, where he started all 10 games for the Cologne Centurions. The West Virginia University product was a member of the New York Jets in 2003 and was listed among the day-of-game inactives for all 16 games. The Jets released the New Castle, Pa. native on Sept. 4, 2004. He was signed to the Cleveland Browns' practice squad on Sept. 7, 2004 and remained with Cleveland until being released from the practice squad on Oct. 6, 2004.​

Brady recalled as humble as well as winner

The NFL bid farewell to its winningest player when Tom Brady officially announced his retirement on Feb. 1.

www.ncnewsonline.com

June 1, 1994:
Patriots sign seventh round draft pick Marty Moore
The MLB from Kentucky was the final pick of the 1994 draft; he played in 96 games over two stints with the Pats from '94-2001.

June 1, 1991:
Patriots re-sign WR Mike Murphy, who had also been with the team during the 1990 training camp.
Alas, the 5'9, 163 pound product from Texas State-San Marcos did not make the 1991 roster either.

Mike Murphy seated next to Tommy Hodson for a Pats team photo​

June 1, 1979:
Pats sign undrafted rookie free agent Ken Talton, a running back from Cornell.
Talton kept getting bit by the injury bug and didn't survive roster cuts, but did play briefly for Detroit the following year. He later spent two seasons with the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL.

Uncle Kenny

Clipping found in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 4/4/1985. Uncle Kenny

www.newspapers.com

June 1, 1975:
New England re-signs punter Chuck Ramsey, a sixth round pick of the 1974 draft from Wake Forest.
After being cut as a rookie he played for the Chicago Fire of the WFL in '74. However, the Pats went with Mike Patrick over Ramsey to handle punting duties in the 1975 season. The Jets eventually signed Ramsey, and he stuck with Gang Green for an eight year NFL career.


June 1, 1961:
The Boston Patriots traded Tom Green to the San Diego Chargers for Duane Leopard
Greene was a quarterback from Holy Cross who backed up Butch Songin in 1960, going 1-1 as a starter while throwing six picks and one touchdown. Leopard was a lineman at LSU, blocking for Heisman Trophy winner RB Billy Cannon in the late fifties. His pro career was less glamarous; Leopard never played in an AFL or NFL game.

LSU Football: Photo Duane tackling Ole MS quarterback 1 NOV 1959

Clipping found in Daily World published in Opelousas, Louisiana on 11/1/1959. LSU Football: Photo Duane tackling Ole MS quarterback 1 NOV 1959

www.newspapers.com

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