Today in Patriots History

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Albert Haynesworth​

June 17 birthdays are highlighted by three pro football hall of famers, and low-lighted by a low-cost, high risk-reward swing and a miss.


Happy 49th birthday to Doug Skene
Born June 17, 1970 in Fairview, Texas
Patriot guard, 1993-1994; uniform #74

Doug Skene was an 8th round draft pick from Michigan by the Eagles in '93, and the Pats picked the rookie up off waivers in November. Out of training camp in '94 Skene was the starting right guard, and played in the first six games. In an October game against the Raiders he was making a block when 310 pound Chester McGlockton fell on the back of his knee, resulting in season ending surgery. Skene came back in 1995 hoping to compete with Todd Rucci, who finished the season at RG. However the knee was not 100% and he retired after being cut at the end of training camp.

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After his weight ballooned in his post-football career, Skene took up bicycle riding and dropped 50 pounds in six months. He is a sales manager for Allegion, a company that provides 'security around the door and adjacent areas, producing everything from mechanical locks to advanced biometric scanning devices'.

Ex-NFL player loves to ride | mLive.com

Happy 38th birthday to Albert Haynesworth
Born June 17, 1981 in Hartsville, South Carolina
Patriot DT, 2011; uniform #92

The 15th overall pick of the 2002 draft is most well known for his dirty play. At training camp in Tennessee he kicked a teammate in the chest. Then in a game against the Cowboys Haynesworth took off center Andre Gurode's helmet, and after missing the first time stomped on his face, resulting in 30 stitches. Roger Goodell suspended Haynesworth a mere five games. The Titans had seen enough and released Haynesworth even though it meant eating $5.5 million in cap space. That didn't stop other teams from drooling over the two-time All Pro and 2008 Defensive Player of the Year when he hit free agency though.

Haynesworth signed a seven year $100 million contract with Washington, even though Tampa Bay offered $120 million. Haynesworth didn't like playing in a 3-4, clashed with coaches, and was eventually suspended. After two seasons Washington traded Haynesworth to the Patriots for a 2013 fifth round pick.

The acquisition was a low risk, high upside move. Haynesworth's 2011 salary was not exorbitant (it worked out to $100,000 per game); Washington had taken the brunt of the deal with upfront money.

In a week 8 game against the Giants the officials missed a hold on Haynesworth. After protesting to no avail he seemed to completely lose focus and intensity, and was beat badly on each of the next three plays - the last which resulted in a 10-yard touchdown run. Haynesworth did not get back on the field again, and was seen having words on the sideline with coach Pepper Johnson. Two days later Haynesworth was released.

In six games with the Patriots he was on the field for 133 of 561 defensive snaps, missing two games with a back injury; his stat line consisted of two tackles and one assist. Unable to beat Kyle Love for a starting position alongside Vince Wilfork and with Gerard Warren and Ron Brace available for depth, Haynesworth was already expendable; the confrontation with Peppers after the poor play in the previous games made the decision an easy one.




Happy 35th birthday to David Herron
Born June 17, 1984 in Warren, Ohio
Patriot LB, 2007

Every year one or two undrafted rookies overcome tall odds and make the week one 53-man. In 2007 there were two players to achieve this feat. One was quarterback Matt Gutierrez, who had signed with the Patriots right after the draft. The other was David Herron, a linebacker from Michigan State. Herron had spent the summer with Minnesota, and was allegedly a pawn in a battle between Bill Belichick and Viking coach Brad Childress.

Sep 6, 2007: Waiver war: Childress, Belichick have tense conversation | espn

Vikings coach Brad Childress is the typical tight-lipped NFL coach, but he opened up on a radio interview last weekend. And Childress revealed an apparently tense conversation he had with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick about a couple players each team wanted to pass through waivers and put on the practice squad.

Childress said Belichick called to ask him not to claim tight end Garrett Mills, offering to avoid picking up a player the Vikings cut as a reward. Childress declined.

"He didn't really care for that," Childress said Sunday morning on WCCO-AM. "He was trying to leverage, but you always find out who is honest and straightforward."

So the Vikings claimed Mills, the Patriots claimed linebacker David Herron, and Childress later realized he said too much.

"That's a case of me being a little too colorful," he said at his Wednesday news conference. "You guys wonder why I stand up here and go, 'Yep, no, and maybe so.' Bill's and my conversation should stay between Bill and myself."​

While Herron did survive cutdown day - he took a roster spot made available with the release of WR Reche Caldwell - he never did play a single down for the Pats. Herron was waived on September 11, eight days after being claimed off waivers, to make room for Chad Brown. Herron re-signed with Minnesota to their practice squad a day later and the following year did start three games with the Vikings. He later played with the Chiefs and Chargers, appearing in 28 games over four seasons. A few years later his brother Dan also made it to the NFL as a running back with the Colts.




Other pro football players born today with New England connections:
- Alec Anderson (6/17/94 - 11/14/53); Somerville native went to BC and Holy Cross. Guard played briefly for the 1921 Washington (football) Senators.

- Jon Jenkins (6/17/26 - 6/30/99); Dartmouth alum was a tackle with the Colts and New York Yanks in 1949 (AAFC) and 1950 (NFL, after the two leagues merged).

- Ed Smith (6/17/13 - 1/29/98); FB/QB/DB for the 1936 Boston Redskins.




Some of the notable NFL players born today:
- Kyle Boller, 38 (June 17, 1981); the Ravens were so desperate for a QB they traded their second round 2003 pick and 2004 first for the Pats first round (19th overall) pick of the 2003 draft, and used it on Boller. The Pats used the 2003 pick in a trade with Houston that allowed them to draft Eugene Wilson, and then selected Vince Wilfork with the Ravens' first rounder in 2004.

- Elroy 'Crazy Legs' Hirsch (6/17/23 - 1/28/04); Hall of Fame end/halfback had an unheard of at that time season in 1951, catching 66 passes for 1495 yards, averaging 22.7 yards per receptions and scoring 17 receiving touchdowns - in 12 games.

- Bobby Bell, 79 (6/17/40); Hall of Fame LB for the Chiefs played in 168 games, with 26 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries and nine touchdowns - including one on a kick return.

- Dermontti Dawson, 54 (6/17/65); Hall of Fame center was a six-time All Pro for the Steelers in the nineties.

- Jason Hanson, 49 (6/17/70); kicker played in 333 games for the Lions and scored 2,150 points.

- Wayne Hawkins, 81 (6/17/38); Raider guard was named to five consecutive All Star teams but sadly now suffers from dementia and CTE.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Who's Harry Crump?

​

Happy 79th birthday to Harry Crump
Born June 18, 1940 in Framingham
Patriot FB, 1963; uniform #31

Harry Crump grew up in the west suburban town of Westborough, and went to Boston College. Pats HC Mike Holovak brought Crump in after having seen him first hand at Chestnut Hill. "Harry the Thump" rushed for five touchdowns in a season that saw the Pats make it to the AFL championship game, but that was the extent of his career with the Patriots.

Happy 53rd birthday to Rodney Rice
Born June 18, 1966 in Albany, Georgia
Patriot CB/KR, 1989; uniform #43
Pats 8th round (210th overall) selection of the 1989 draft, from BYU

Rodney Rice played in ten games for the Patriots. He had one fumble recovery and returned 11 kicks at an average of 22 yards. In 1990 he signed with the Bucs as a Plan B free agent, and was out of pro football after that.

Rodney Rice Athletic Profile | BYU Athletics

Rodney Rice - Co-owner, personal trainer | Game Changers Sports Las Vegas

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While studying for two years at Merced Junior College and playing football, Rodney achieved several football accolades and was recruited by several Division 1 schools for football. Rodney eventually accepted a scholarship for football at Brigham Young University. The next three years led him to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and drafted in the NFL by the New England Patriots where he played his first season. Rodney also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a year and ended his football career with the Detroit Lions.​

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When the football days ended, Rodney put his NFL connections and his degree to work and started a Behavior Health company that served at-risk kids. He then established a therapeutic program in Utah named A Better Way, and then a therapeutic boarding school in Western Samoa called Coral Reef Academy. His program in Samoa is still running and impacting families to this day. He has been self-employed for over 20 years. Rodney gives credit for his success to his family, his upbringing, and his wife of 22 years who has stood by his side through thick and thin. They have not only built a successful business overseas for the last 20 years but are in the process of raising four wonderful boys towards becoming good young men.​

Oct 25, 2017 - Las Vegas gym provides training and mentoring to at-risk kids

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Preparing to officially unveil its status as a nonprofit organization on Nov. 3, followed by an open house on Nov. 4, the free, ongoing program supervised by those co-owners — former Navy SEAL Mel Spicer III, former NFL player Rodney Rice, probation officer Lamont Hicks and businessman Manus Edwards — provides strength and agility conditioning and sports coaching for boys and girls ages 6 to 18. About 30 kids have been through the program, and 12 are currently enrolled. Additional components, such as nutrition education, are planned.​

Happy 39th birthday to Visanthe Shiancoe
Born June 18, 1980 in Birmingham, England
Patriot TE, 2012; uniform #80

After nine NFL seasons with the Giants and Vikings, the Pats signed the 6'4 tight end just before the start of the 2012 training camp to a one year, $1.2 million deal. In a move that was questioned by many fans, four days prior to week one he received the team's sole IR 'with designation to return'. Visanthe Shiancoe was activated on November 10 after an injury to inmate 174954 was injured. Shiancoe appeared in four games, with no receptions on one target. On December 12 he was released to make room for the re-signing of Deion Branch. Over 11 NFL seasons Shiancoe had 245 receptions and 27 touchdowns.

Happy 37th birthday to Michael Jenkins
Born June 18, 1982 in Tampa
Patriot WR, 2013 off season; uniform #10

The Pats signed the 6'4 31 year old veteran after seven seasons with Atlanta and two with Minnesota, in March of 2013. Lost in a news cycle that was dominated with the addition of Tim Tebow, Jenkins, Austin Collie, Donald Jones, Danny Amendola, LeGarrette Blount and Leon Washington were all brought in to compete for roster spots after the departures of skill players Wes Welker, Danny Woodhead, Brandon Lloyd and inmate 174954. Jenkins did not make it to the final cuts as he was released in mid-August. The former first round pick finished his NFL career with 354 receptions for 4,427 yards, and 25 touchdowns.

June 18, 2013: Police obtain a warrant and search Aaron Hernandez' home in connection with an investigation into the shooting death of a friend, Odin Lloyd, whose body was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the back and chest in an industrial park about a mile from Hernandez' house.




Other pro football players with New England connections:

- Angelo Bertelli (6/18/21 - 6/26/99); Springfield born and raised, Angelo went to high school at Springfield Cathedral. Bertelli was the first Notre Dame player to win the Heisman Trophy, with the Irish winning by an average of 43-5. Football had to wait though, as he was called upon to enlist in the Marines. Although he was the first overall pick of the 1944 draft - despite his war obligations - Bertelli's pro football career was ruined by injuries leading to multiple knee surgeries. In a bit of trivia, his son 'Bob Bert' became a drummer for several bands, including Sonic Youth.

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- Charley Malone (6/18/10 - 5/23/92); a pro bowl end for the Boston (and later Washington) Redskins, he led the NFL in receiving in 1935.

- Mike Micka (6/18/21 - 1/4/89); FB/QB/HB/DB for the 1945-48 Boston Yanks was the 8th overall pick of the 1944 draft.

- Joe Watt (6/18/19-6/27/83); HB/DB for the 1947 Boston Yanks.

- Freeman Rexer (6/18/18-4/19/64); end for the 1944 Boston Yanks.



Other pro football players born today:

- Bruce Smith, 56 (6/18/63): HoF DE was named to 11 Pro Bowls with Buffalo.

- Antonio Gates, 39 (6/18/80); 116 TD with the Chargers.

- Jeff Saturday, 44 (6/18/75); six-time Pro Bowl center played in 231 games.

- Chris Harris, 30 (6/18/89); four-time Pro Bowl CB with the Broncos.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Happy 39th birthday to Visanthe Shiancoe​

Born June 18, 1980 in Birmingham, England
Patriot TE, 2012; uniform #80

After nine NFL seasons with the Giants and Vikings, the Pats signed the 6'4 tight end just before the start of the 2012 training camp to a one year, $1.2 million deal. In a move that was questioned by many fans, four days prior to week one he received the team's sole IR 'with designation to return'. Visanthe Shiancoe was activated on November 10 after an injury to inmate 174954 was injured. Shiancoe appeared in four games, with no receptions on one target. On December 12 he was released to make room for the re-signing of Deion Branch. Over 11 NFL seasons Shiancoe had 245 receptions and 27 touchdowns.

​

: opens birthday present :

"Another package of underwear? I'm never living that down, am I?"

Regards,
Chris

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Alan Miller​

Happy 82nd birthday to Alan Miller
Born June 19, 1937 in Mount Kisco, New York
Patriot FB, 1960; uniform #32

The Milford CT native went to Boston College and was a late draft pick by the Eagles in 1959. Alan Miller joined the Pats for their inaugural season and played in every game, leading the Pats in rushing and yards from scrimmage while also scoring four touchdowns. The Patriots traded him to Oakland for Babe Parilli, and in his first season with the Raiders he was named to the All Star team. Miller was a three-time captain with Oakland, while also pursuing a law degree from BU in the off season. He worked as the general counsel for the AFL and NFL player association from 1967 to 1972, and has represented many professional athletes as a lawyer/agent.

For more on his varied and interesting life, check this out bio:

Alan R. Miller, P.C.




Happy 44th birthday to Brandon Mitchell
Born June 19, 1975 in Abbeville, Louisiana
Patriot DE/NT, 1997-2001; uniform #98, #96
Pats 2nd round (59th overall) selection in the 1997 draft, from Texas A&M

Brandon Mitchell played in 62 games with 37 starts, plus five playoff games with the Patriots. As a rookie he was used mostly on special teams, but earned more playing time the following year. He was injured in week 7 of 1998 at Miami after a seven-tackle, one sack game against the Dolphins, and went on IR. In 1999 Mitchell started every game at DE opposite Willie McGinest, with 48 tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery. A leg injury in December of 2000 resulted in another season ending up on IR. In 2001 he was moved inside to nose tackle, playing in all 19 games.

Mitchell then signed with Seattle as an unrestricted free agent, playing three seasons with the Seahawks. In 2008 Mitchell was arrested for possession of cocaine and crystal meth with intent to distribute; he now works as an addiction and recovery counselor.




Happy 90th birthday to Art Hauser
Born June 19, 1929 in Rubicon, Wisconsin
Patriot DT, 1960; uniform #67

Artie Hauser was a fifth round pick by the Rams out of Xavier in 1954. In 1959 Hauser was one of nine players traded by L.A. to Chicago in exchange for running back Ollie Matson. Hauser joined the Pats at the age of 31 for the first year of the AFL, appearing eight games. He spent one more season playing pro ball, with Denver in 1961. Overall Hauser played in 76 regular season games and two playoff games.

After working as a scout for the Dolphins, Art Hauser entered the business world. The insurance company that he founded has been turned over to his son and now employs hundreds and has branched out to a private equity firm, with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York and St. Louis in addition to the original location in Cincinnati.




Happy 32nd birthday to Thomas Welch
Born June 19, 1987 in Deltona, Florida
Patriot OT, 2010-2011; uniform #66, #74
Pats 7th round (208th overall) selection of the 2010 draft, from Vanderbilt

The Pats moved up to pick Welch, trading their 229th and 231st picks to Washington in order to draft the 6'6, 306 pound tackle. As a rookie he was waived during final roster cuts and then decided to join the Vikings practice squad rather than the Pats. After Buffalo cut him at the end of 2011 training camp, he was signed to New England's practice squad. Welch appeared in three games with one start in 2011, bouncing back and forth between the active roster and practice squad when Sebastian Vollmer was dealing with injuries. After that he was signed by the Rams, Eagles, Bills again (where he roomed with Chris Hogan) and Saints. Between all his various stops Welch appeared in 27 NFL games, mostly with Buffalo.




Happy 28th birthday to Joey Iosefa
Born June 19, 1991 in Pago Pago
Patriot FB, 2015; uniform #47

The American Samoan was a 7th round draft pick by the Bucs in 2015. After being part of final training camp roster cuts Marvin 'Joey' Iosefa did not initially catch on anywhere. The Patriots signed the 6'0, 245 pounder to their practice squad on October 21. He was promoted to the active roster late in the season, and in week 15 had 14 carries for 51 yards against the Titans. Iosefa was waived at the end of the 2015 training camp and with James Develin healthy upon return from his 2015 broken leg, the pro football career of the plodding fullback was over. Since 2018 he has been playing Major League Rugby, for the Houston SaberCats and now the Seattle Seawolves.

Highlight Video: Joey Iosefa runs over defenders for 15 yards | Patriots.com




June 19, 2013: With reporters and helicopters tracking his every move, Aaron Hernandez seeks respite at Gillette Stadium. Between Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft and Gillette security, the decision was to bar Hernandez from Gillette (there were no practices or OTAs at this point in time) to avoid the stadium from becoming a media circus and distraction. The decision was also made at that time that the team would sever ties with Hernandez should he be arrested on any charges related to the murder of Odin Lloyd.




June 19, 1981: Mel Lunsford is traded to Cincinnati for cash




Other pro football players with New England area connections:
- Stephen Cooper, 40 (6/19/79); the best football player in Wareham High School history went to the University of Maine and then became a starting linebacker for the Chargers, playing in 133 games from 2003 to 2011.

- 'Wild Bill' Quinlan (6/19/32 - 11/10/15); defensive end was a native of Lawrence MA, and played in 115 games from 1957-65, starting on two championship Packer teams.

- Walt Uzdavinis (6/19/11 - 12/23/88); DE/E/T from Brockton played for the 1936 Boston Shamrocks of the old, short lived AFL, and for the 1937 Cleveland Rams. Some trivia: the Shamrocks outdrew the Redskins in Boston, prompting owner George Preston Marshall to move the NFL team from Boston to Washington.

- Jahine Arnold, 46 (6/19/73); born in Rockville CT. WR/KR was a 4th round pick by the Steelers and played in 13 NFL games for Pittsburgh and Green Bay; he also played in the XFL and three seasons in the Arena league.


- June 19, 2008: Boston Celtics celebrate their NBA championship with a Duck Boat parade through Boston.




Plenty of notable pro football players born on this date:
- Leo Nomellini; Hall of Fame DT/OT for the 49ers and professional wrestler.
- Charlie Cowan; 3-time Pro Bowl OL played 213 games for the Rams.
- Patrick Surtain; CB had 37 career interceptions with Dolphins and Chiefs.
- Chris Gray; guard played in 219 games, mostly with Seattle.
- Willie Frazier; 3-time AFL all star TE had 36 touchdown receptions.
- Quentin Jammer; Charger CB missed only 4 games from 2002 to 2012.
- Peter Warrick; WR was great at FSU but a big time NFL draft bust.
- Rashard Mendenhall; Pittsburgh RB scored 39 TD before retiring at age 26.
- Mike Renfro; WR had 326 receptions with Oilers and Cowboys from '78 to '87.
- C.J. Mosley; Jet MLB was named to four pro bowls in his first five seasons with Baltimore.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Six degrees of Dave Rowe​

Happy 74th birthday to Dave Rowe
Born June 20, 1945 in Neptune, NJ
Patriot DT, 1971-1973; uniform #76

David Homeyer Rowe was the Pats left defensive tackle for three seasons, appearing in all 42 of those games with 33 starts. After playing with losing teams (Saints, Pats, Chargers), Rowe was traded to the Raiders in '75, and started for Oakland when they beat the Patriots in the Ben Dreith Game, and went on to win the Super Bowl. Rowe was also a member of the first Penn State team coached by Joe Paterno, and blocked on Tom Dempsey's historic 63-yard field goal for the Saints.

8/11 73: Patriot defensive tackles Dennis Wirgowski and Dave Rowe sign autographs at a pre-season practice​

Rowe is perhaps most well known for a 1987 game when he was the color analyst. His post-football career as a sports broadcaster spanned thirty years. But in that game between the Seahawks and Chiefs, Tampa sports anchor and sports aficionado Gayle Sierens became the first woman to provide the play-by-play commentary for an NFL regular season game.

Despite the fact that Sierens handled the duties far better than many male counterparts, due to the backlash it would be thirty years before another woman would announce an NFL game.




Happy birthday to Elbert Crawford
Born June 20, 1966 in Chicago
Died May 2, 2013 at the age of 46
Patriot guard, 1990-1991; uniform #65

Originally selected by the Rams in the 8th round of the 1990 draft out of Arkansas, Crawford was signed by the Pats on September 12, 1990. Crawford played in 14 games for that pitiful '90 team, primarily on special teams. In '91 under new head coach **** MacPherson, Crawford started all 16 games at left guard. In the off season he signed with the Broncos as a Plan B free agent, but three weeks later had a heart attack while working out at Denver's facilities. That ended his playing career, and Crawford went on to become a player agent. A second heart attack at the age of 46 in 2013 turned out to be fatal.

Former Razorback Crawford Dead at 46




Happy 78th birthday to Al Snyder
Born June 20, 1941 in Baltimore
Patriot WR, 1963-1964; uniform #38
Pats 23rd round (183rd overall) pick of the 1963 draft, from Holy Cross

In college Snyder was a three year starter, playing flanker, defensive back and kick returner. While there he set a school record for career receptions, and also played baseball with the Crusaders. Snyder spent his first year on the Pats taxi squad. He then appeared in two games in '64, with one reception for twelve yards. Snyder later spent two seasons with the Colts, during which time he earned his law degree from the University of Maryland.

Al Snyder | Holy Cross




Happy 34th birthday to Matt Flynn
Born June 20, 1985 in Tyler, Texas
Patriot QB, 2015 off season; uniform #8

The Patriots had Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo and Garrett Gilbert on their roster at quarterback during 2015 OTAs. Gilbert had finished the previous season on the practice squad. With the possibility of a suspension to Tom Brady not being overturned, Gilbert was released in favor of a veteran QB. Flynn had parlayed one good game in relief of an injured Aaron Rodgers (against the Patriots) into a big free agency pay day with Seattle, but rookie Russell Wilson beat him for the starting job in 2012. Still, with 53 NFL games Flynn provided a lot more security over going with two inexperienced quarterbacks for four games, and he was signed June 12. Problem was that Flynn was on the NFI list and couldn't practice, and in camp three arms are a necessity. He was released August 10, 2015.

June 20, 1972: Ed Weisacosky retires




Other pro football players with New England area connections:

- Tony Plansky (6/20/00 - 2/10/79); South Boston native played FB in the NFL from 1928-32 with the Giants and Boston Braves, and led the NFL in scoring in 1929. A three-time national decathlon champion (1925, 1926, 1928) and Eastern League batting champion (.376) in 1930, Plansky coached the Williams College track and cross-country teams from 1931 to 1978.

- Joe Sulaitis (6/20/21 - 2/8/80); RB/G/LB/DE played 11 NFL seasons, including one with the 1946 Boston Yanks.

- Vic Baltzell (6/20/12 - 4/25/86); FB/DB/K/P/KR/PR for the 1935 Boston Redskins.

- June 20, 1969: New England Aquarium opens.




Other pro football players born today:
- Len Dawson, 84; it is amazing to consider that within just a few years the Pittsburgh Steelers gave up on two future hall of fame quarterbacks: Dawson and Johnny Unitas.
- Darren Sproles, 36; RB has 62 career touchdowns.
- Dave Elmendorf, 70; Ram safety never missed a start over nine seasons.
- Fred McAfee, 51; Saints Pro Bowl special team standout played in 194 NFL games.
- LaVar Arrington, 41; three straight Pro Bowls led to a big payday for the second overall pick of the 2000 draft, but he played in only six more NFL games after signing that contract.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Duane Thomas​

June 21 includes the birth date of a player who is one of the more bizarre anecdotes to the 20th century Patriot franchise.


Happy 72nd birthday to Duane Thomas
Born June 21, 1947 in Dallas
Patriot RB, 1971 off season

As a rookie in Dallas, Duane Thomas took over for Calvin Hill and was named Rookie of the Year, leading the league with an average of 5.3 yards per carry. He then became the first rookie to ever rush for 100 yards in consecutive playoff games, gaining 278 yards on the ground against the Lions and 49ers. The following year Thomas refused to report to training camp, holding out to have his contract renegotiated. On July 31 Dallas traded Thomas, Halvor Hagen and Honor Jackson to the Patriots in exchange for Carl Garrett and the Pats first round 1972 draft pick.

"Before the first Super Bowl, I asked how it felt to be playing as a rookie in the ultimate game. He said, `If this is the ultimate game, how come they play it every year?' "​

At first Thomas could not be found to be notified of the trade. Then on the second day of practice he refused to get in to a 3-point stance, later explaining "I was in a two-point stance because it gives a better view of a handoff. I was behind Jim Nance, and I couldn't see. His ass was the size of a volleyball court."

John Mazur ordered him off the field, then claimed Thomas didn't pass his physical. A few days later Pete Rozelle stepped in and voided the trade, sending Thomas and Garrett back to their former teams. Despite holding out for three games Thomas proceeded to lead the NFL with 13 total touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns in 1971. He scored a TD in each of Dallas' three playoff games and rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries in the 24-3 super bowl victory over Miami.

Thomas was reportedly voted the Super Bowl MVP, but after having boycotted the media all season due to what he felt was one sided and erroneous reporting on his contract dispute, the decision was allegedly made to give the award to Roger Staubach instead, in order to avoid another potentially awkward interview.

A silent voice of experience | Boston.com

The infamous Duane Thomas interviewed | Pro Football Daly

Jan 24, 1972 - Duane Thomas, Running Back | Sports Illustrated

Ex-Cowboy Duane Thomas had one word for late commentator Tom Brookshier

The Lonely Blues of Duane Thomas | Texas Monthly

Duane Thomas: His Own Man | Houston Chronicle




Happy 49th birthday to Brandon Moore
Born June 21, 1970 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Patriot OT, 1993-1995; uniform #70

Not to be confused with the more well known ButtFumble star namesake, or the linebacker of the same name with the Pats for a short while in 2002, this Brandon Moore played in 26 games for the Pats, including all 16 in 1993. The 6'8, 315 lb lineman went to Duke when Steve Spurrier was the Blue Devils coach, and was signed as a rookie free agent. Moore played mostly on special teams, and was a backup to Bruce Armstrong. Not just all brawn, Moore later went on to earn his PhD and become a professor.

Former NFL lineman tackles research, teaching at Tech | Louisiana Tech University

From 1993-’95, Moore played for the NFL’s Patriots, mostly behind All-Pro tackle Bruce Armstrong. And when the Patriots went to Super Bowl XXXI the next season and began their current streak as one of the league’s modern elite, Moore was back in school, this time earning a Bachelor of Science in life sciences at Arizona State.

After that he was back with Spurrier, in a sense, as Spurrier coached the Florida Gators and Moore earned his Ph. D. in zoology at the Gainesville university. After a decade there, Moore spent a year as a postdoctoral fellow at Tulane in New Orleans before coming to Tech in February of 2011 with his wife, Dr. Thea Edwards, and their two children, Christopher, 5, and Nicholas, 2.​

Happy 68th birthday to Bruce Barnes
Born June 21, 1951 in Coshocton, Ohio
Patriot P, 1973-1974; uniform #3
Pats 12th round (290th overall) selection of the 1973 draft, from UCLA

Barnes was the career punting leader at UCLA, and punted 100 times for the Pats, averaging 38.8 yards per kick. In his second year he was limited to nine games due to a strained back muscle, and was replaced by Mike Patrick in '75. His son Ricky Barnes golfs on the PGA tour; he won the 2002 US Amateur and finished second in the 2009 US Open.

Other pro football players with New England area connections:

Bulger Lowe (6/21/95 - 2/18/39); Arlington native was an All Pro end and tackle in the twenties, once played for Jim Thorpe and won a championship with Frankford in 1926.

John 'Baby Grand' Scafide (6/21/11 - 10/24/79); tackle for the 1933 Boston Redskins was later mayor of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi from 1953 to 1969.




Other NFL notables born June 22:
- Mike McCormack
- Dan Henning
- Bob Gain
- Al Wilson
- Bruce Davis

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bottom of the Roster Trivia​

Happy 54th birthday to Steve Johnson
Born June 22, 1965 in Huntsville, Alabama
Patriot TE, 1988-1989; uniform #85
Pats 6th round (154th overall) selection of the 1988 draft, from Virginia Tech

In his rookie season Steve Johnson appeared in 14 games with three starts. He had one catch for five yards, and registered seven tackles on special teams. Johnson signed with Dallas as a free agent in 1990 but a preseason knee injury led to his retirement. Steve Johnson is now a successful commercial developer in Bristol, Virginia, and the Virginia Tech practice football field is named after him.

TE Steve Johnson's final year at VT was head coach Frank Beamer's first​

Steve Johnson is a true Hokie fan

Football practice fields renamed for Steve Johnson

Virginia Tech football: a look back at Steve Johnson




Happy 41st birthday to Lewis Sanders
Born June 22, 1978 in Staten Island, NY
Patriot CB/S, 2008; uniform #29

After four seasons with the Browns, two in Houston and one in Atlanta, the Pats signed the 30 year old veteran as a free agent on March 6, 2008. The Patriots had been burnt the previous season by their lack of height at cornerback, and at 6'1 Lewis Sanders was envisioned to be a nickel back that could be used against taller receivers.

San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson #83 can't hang onto the ball, as teammate Legedu Naanee #11 looks on. Defending the play for the Patriots were Brandon Meriweather #31, Ellis Hobbs #27 and Lewis Sanders #29. October 12, 2008 at Qualcomm Stadium.​

Sanders appeared in ten games for the Pats with four starts, two at corner and two at safety. Other than Ellis Hobbs the 2008 CB position (Deltha O'Neal, Jonathan Wilhite, Terrence Wheatley) was rather mediocre for the Pats. Lewis Sanders (not to be confused with teammate James Sanders, who was also a defensive back) was not offered a contract the following off season as the Patriots attempted to upgrade the position (with various results) in 2009 by signing Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs. 2008 was Sanders last year in the NFL; he finished his career with 97 games played and 29 starts, five interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

From humble start, NFL veteran Sanders finds a spot in the Hall | Staten Island Live

Patriots sign CB Lewis Sanders and S Tank Williams | Patriots.com




Happy 49th birthday to David Frisch
Born June 22, 1970 in Kirkwood, Missouri
Patriot TE, 1995; uniform #88

The Patriots signed David Frisch on October 25, 1995. He had spent the previous two seasons with Cincinnati, appearing in 27 games with two starts. At 6'7, 260 lbs Frisch was essentially an extra tackle on the line. He appeared in only two games for the Patriots, with no stats. Frisch signed with Minnesota in the following off season and finished his career with Washington. In 2008 he was arrested for weed after an odd late night rabbit hunt.




Happy 30th birthday to Ryan Lindley
Born June 22, 1989 in San Diego
Patriot QB, 2015 off season; uniform #7

Ryan Lindley was brought in as a camp arm on August 10, 2015 after Matt Flynn was unable to get off the NFI list and pass a physical. He was also seen as insurance in case Tom Brady was unable to play due to Roger Goodell's witch hunt.

Lindley was thrust into the starting role late in 2014 for Arizona after Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton were both injured. The performance did not result in potential suitors outbidding one another for his services. In the final two regular season games Lindley completed fewer than 50% of his passes and the Cardinals lost both games. Then in a 27-16 playoff loss to Carolina he went 16-28 for just 82 yards, with one touchdown, two interceptions and four sacks.

Lindley's only playing time with the Pats was when he was the team's only QB in the final 2015 preseason game, going 22-45 for 253 yards with no touchdowns and one pick. With Brady by that point being assured of being able to play in 2015, there was no longer any need to retain Lindley, and he was waived on September 4. He joined the Colts late last in 2015 after Andrew Luck was injured and then played one season with Ottawa in the CFL.

After that Lindley spent two seasons as an assistant at San Diego State, was hired in 2018 as the running backs coach for the Browns, and is now Cleveland's quarterbacks coach. His career NFL stat line reads 1-5 in six starts with 51.1% of 274 passes completed, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt with three touchdowns and 11 interceptions for 52.4 passer rating. Incredibly, Lindley's CFL stats are even worse. Doesn't Baker Mayfield deserve better tutelage than this?




Other notables born June 22:
- Champ Bailey, 41; 12-time Pro Bowl CB led the NFL with 10 interceptions in 2006 - but the game-changing play the previous year should have been ruled a touchback.
- Kurt Warner, 48; 3½ very good seasons merits entrance to the Hall of Fame?
- Eric Green, 52; Pro Bowl TE for the Steelers in the nineties.
- Mark Royals, 54; averaged 42.1 yards on his 1,116 punts.
- Bobby Douglass, 72; left handed QB for the Bears in the seventies.
- Mike Wagner, 70; safety won four rings with the Steelers.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Matt Light​

Happy 41st birthday to Matt Light
Born June 23, 1978 in Greenville, Ohio
Patriot LT, 2001-2011; uniform #72
Pats 2nd round (48th overall) pick of the 2001 draft, from Purdue

The man that Ron Borges infamously stated that the Patriots 'settled for and would not help any time soon' was a starter his rookie season as the Patriots went on to defeat the Rams in Superbowl 36. That was the first of three rings Light would earn, as he would proceed to play in 155 games for the Pats, plus 20 playoff games. The Pats went 15-5 with Light protecting Tom Brady's blindside in the postseason, and he was named to three Pro Bowls - despite battling Crohn's disease.

Matt Light was named to the Patriots All-2000s Team, the Pats 50th Anniversary Team, and in 2018 he was inducted to the Patriots Hall of Fame. Light works with underprivileged and at risk youth, something he has done since his playing days.

Matt Light Foundation

Matt Light's former teammates, coaches recall best pranks | Patriots.com

Photo Gallery - Matt Light: A Career Retrospective | Patriots.com

Matt Light voted by fans into Patriots Hall of Fame | Patriots.com

Matt Light Patriots Hall of Fame Induction Highlights | Patriots.com

​

Happy 47th birthday to Larry Whigham
Born June 23, 1972 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Patriot Special Teamer and Safety, 1994-2000; uniform #25

​

Before Matt Slater and before Larry Izzo, there was Larry Whigham. He was a 4th round pick out of Northeast Louisiana (now known as Louisiana-Monroe) by Seattle. The Pats signed him as a free agent two weeks into the '94 season. Whigham became a two-time All Pro for his special team play, and played in 106 games with the Patriots. He also made five starts for the Patriots and had four interceptions. Three of those came off Dan Marino, including a 60-yard pick six in a much needed 27-24 victory on November 23, 1997.

Larry Whigham missed just four games in seven years with New England. Unfortunately he was released prior to the 2001 season because Bill Belichick did not want to give Tebucky Jones, who was going to start for the first time, added pressure with Whigham behind him. As a result he never had the chance to play for that 2001 championship team and receive a super bowl ring. Whigham went on to play for the Bears for two seasons and retired after the 2002 season. He is a very deserving member of the Patriots All-1990s Team.

Front Row - Corwin Brown -(S-30), Ty Law (CB-24), Bill Belichick, Scooter McGruder (CB-27), Jimmy Hitchcock (CB-31)
Back row - Vernon Lewis (DB-43), Otis Smith (CB-45), Lawyer Milloy (SS-36), Larry Whigham (DB-25), Willie Clay (FS-32), Terry Billups (CB-23), Ricky Reynolds (CB-21), Jerome Henderson (CB-26)​

Happy 49th birthday to Mike Bartrum
Born June 23, 1970 in Gallipolis, Ohio
Patriot LS/TE, 1996-1999; uniform #86

Bartrum was a precursor to Mike Vrabel: with the Pats he had only four receptions but two were for touchdowns. Over his career the Marshall grad had 11 receptions with six touchdowns; Vrabel is the only player with more TD and fewer than 15 receptions in NFL history. Bartrum was so accurate with his long snaps that a Philadelphia television affiliate filmed him with some stunts:

​

Happy 44th birthday to Chris Floyd
Born June 23, 1975 in Detroit
Patriot FB, 1988-2000; uniform #37
Pats 3rd round (81st overall) selection of the 1988 draft, from Michigan

Chris Floyd was part of Michigan's 1997 national championship team, in the backfield primarily blocking for Chris Howard and Anthony Thomas. Floyd played in all 16 games with two starts in his rookie season, used mostly on special teams. After trying to find a role for Floyd at tight end failed, Bill Belichick cut Floyd in late November of 2000. The end was not pretty; a penalty filled game in Detroit in front of Floyd's friends and family dropped the Pats record to 3-9. Floyd totaled 14 rushes for 33 yards in 40 games for New England, with four receptions for 43 yards. He played two more games in 2000 with Cleveland and then his pro football career was over. As of 2012 Floyd was back in Ann Arbor, working in the Parks and Recreation Department in the day and as a bouncer at night.

On a side note, the first link above lays out the reality of how bad the drafts were for the Patriots in the three Pete Carroll/Bobby Grier years and how the club botched the bounty of draft picks received when the Jets signed Bill Parcells and Curtis Martin.




Happy 41st birthday to Greg Robinson-Randall
Born June 23, 1978 in Galveston, Texas
Patriot RT, 2000-2002; uniform #77, #64
Pats 4th round (127th overall) pick of the 2000 draft, from Michigan State

Greg Randall started four games as a rookie and then every game in 2001 for the superbowl champions. However in 2002 Randall started just three games before being replaced by Kenyatta Jones, a 2001 4th round pick by the Pats. Randall was inactive, a healthy scratch for the final nine games of the season plus the playoffs.

The Patriots traded Randall to Houston in March of 2003 for a fifth round draft pick. That pick was traded again and ended up netting center Dan Koppen. Randall started all 16 games for the Texans but was out of the NFL the following year. He later played in the CFL and Arena Football League. Over three seasons Randall appeared in 35 games with 23 starts for the Patriots, plus three playoff games. He earned a ring as part of the '01 team that upset the Greatest Showoffs on Turf in Super Bowl 36.




Happy 59th birthday to Doug Rogers
Born June 23, 1960 in Chico, CA
Patriot DE, 1983-1984; uniform #65

The Pats claimed the former 2nd round pick by Atlanta off waivers on September 14, 1983. Rogers played on special teams and on the line on passing downs for the Pats. Over two seasons he played in 22 games but was slowed down by shoulder and foot injuries that ended up requiring surgery. The foot injury kept him off the field in '85 and the Pats eventually waived him in October.




Happy 28th birthday to Jon Halapio
Born June 23, 1991 in St Petersburg, FL
Patriot G, 2014; uniform #59
Pats 6th round (179th overall) selection of the 2014 draft, from Florida

The former Gator was cut at the end of his rookie training camp. After that he spent two seasons in the Fall Experimental Football League (2014 with the Boston Brawlers and 2015 with the Brooklyn Bolts. Halapio was on Denver's practice squad for a few weeks and in Arizona for their 2015 training camp. The Pats re-signed Halapio in the 2016 offseason, but once again he was cut at the end of training camp. Since then he has been with the Giants, bouncing back and forth between their practice squad and the 53-man roster.




Two other pro football players with New England area connections:

- John Bredice (6/23/34 - 10/1/97); Connecticut native went to Notre Dame High School in West Haven and Boston University, and was an end for the Philadelphia Eagles.

- Don Panciera (6/23/27 - 2/9/12); Rhode Island native went to LaSalle Academy in Providence, and Boston College. The QB played pro football from 1949-53, then owned Panciera Chevrolet in Wakefield RI before retiring.



Other pro football notables born June 23:
- LaDainian Tomlinson, 40; HoF RB is probably still whining about the Pats.
- Dave Butz, 69; Washington All-Pro DT played in 231 games.
- Cory Schlesinger, 47; Detroit Lions FB played in 181 games from 1995-2006.
- Bob Toneff, four-time Pro Bowl DT with 49ers and Washington.
- Marcel Reece, 34; Oakland's four-time Pro Bowl fullback.
- Tony Hill, 63; Dallas WR had 51 touchdown receptions.
- Shaun O'Hara, 42; Giants Pro Bowl center now on NFLN.
- Brandon Stokley, 43; the 'slot machine' had five seasons with 40+ receptions.
- Josh Scobee, 37; kicked 241 field goals and scored 1,046 points.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Lin Dawson​

Happy 60th birthday to Lin Dawson
Born June 24, 1959 in Norfolk, Virginia
Patriot TE, 1981-1990; uniform #87
Pats 8th round (212th overall) pick of the 1981 draft, from North Carolina State

James Linwood Dawson was drafted after Russ Francis abruptly retired following the 1980 season. He saw little playing time as a rookie when Don Hasselbeck became the starter, but had an equal share of playing time and receptions with Hasselbeck in the strike-shortened '82 season. Ron Meyer felt confident enough in Dawson's performance to make him the starter in 1983, trading Hasselbeck to the Raiders.

Dawson's best year from an offensive production standpoint was in 1984 when he was third on the team with 39 receptions, with four touchdowns and 427 receiving yards. Unfortunately Dawson sustained a ruptured tendon in his left knee on the first play of Super Bowl 20; the freak injury caused him to miss the entire 1986 season. He also missed the first month of the 1988 season due to a hamstring injury. Then after a two-touchdown game against the Bears, Dawson suffered a broken ankle the next week against Miami.

Over the course of his career Dawson played in 105 games with 75 starts, with eight touchdowns. He also appeared in five playoff games for the Pats and had a 13-yard touchdown against the Raiders in the '85-86 playoffs. Lin Dawson is the tight end on the Patriots all-decade team for the eighties. He is now athletic director at Clark University in Atlanta.

April 29, 1981 - **** Steinberg post-draft assessment

Steinberg, who ran the draft show at Schaefer Stadium Tuesday and Wednesday, labeled the Patriots' draft as a '7' on a scale of 1-to-10. New England failed to get a blue chip defensive lineman but did upgrade their team at several positions, most noticeably on the offensive line.

The Patriots spent the second day doing what most teams do -- picking players who can add some backup support. They chose a punter for the third straight year -- Ken Naber of Stanford -- who promises to give Mike Hubach a battle for his job.

Their other Wednesday picks were wide receiver Ken Toler of Mississippi, tight end Lin Dawson of North Carolina State, quarterback Brian Buckley of Harvard, and Cris Crissy of Princeton, a receiver-slotback projected as a safety.

'Every player we drafted should play in the NFL, but not necessarily with the Patriots,' Steinberg said. 'The thing that really hurt us was not having a third-round choice. We filled a glaring need in the offensive line, added a running back and depth in special teams, and we strengthened our linebacking and defensive-line corps even though we didn't get a good pass-rusher.'

Coach Ron Erhardt said that he thought the team he takes to camp this summer will be better than last year's -- if all the un-signed players (Horace Ivory, Rod Shoate, Don Hasselbeck are the biggies) have come to terms.

When asked about the team's prospects, Erhardt cracked, 'Anything over .500 is a super job of coaching.'​

Aug 25, 1981 - Training Camp Notes

Terry Nelson, a former star with the Los Angeles Rams, was among 10 players dropped by the New England Patriots. Nelson, a tight end who was released by the Rams before training camp, was signed by the Patriots shortly after Russ Francis, one of the league's best tight ends, decided to retire. But last year's backup, Don Hasselbeck, recently ended a contract holdout and reported to the team, and Lin Dawson, a 1981 draft choice, has apparently won a roster spot.​

Jan 27, 1986

New England Patriots tight end Lin Dawson sustained a ruptured tendon in his left knee on the first play and was lost for the rest of the game. He was carried from the field on a stretcher. The Patriots went to reserve tight end Derrick Ramsey.​

Lin Dawson - Staff Directory - Clark Atlanta University Athletics

J Lin Dawson was appointed Director of Athletics by Clark Atlanta University President Ronald A. Johnson on November 18, 2015 to provide visionary leadership for the Department of Athletics. In two short years, the Department is well on its way to becoming a stellar program.

“Our goals are driven by the simple philosophy of winning championships, graduating student-athletes, and developing leaders,” he said. “These three pillars set the tone for all we do and think.”

A former professional football player, Dawson brings more than 20 years of administrative, academic and entrepreneurial experience to CAU. Prior to his arrival at CAU, Dawson served as Director of Athletics at North Carolina Central University, Grambling State University, Elizabeth City State University, and as Chief Operating Officer for the National Consortium for Academics and Sports at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. In addition, Dawson gained senior-level administrative experience as an Associate Athletic Director at North Carolina State University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

At Clark Atlanta University, he oversees the University's NCAA Division II athletic program, including, but not limited to, compliance, budgeting, operations, advancement, student-athlete recruitment and professional staffing and development.​

Happy 42nd birthday to Shaun Ellis
Born June 24, 1977 in Anderson, SC
Patriot DE, 2011; uniform #94

After 11 seasons with the Jets that included two Pro Bowls, the Pats signed the 34 year old Ellis just after the start of the 2011 training camp. Ellis never lived up to his contract, his age catching up to him. Over the season he played in 14 games with ten starts, recording one sack, seven tackles and seven assists.




Happy 73rd birthday to Randy Edmunds
Born June 24, 1946 in Washington, Georgia
Patriot LB, 1971; uniform #51

George Randall Edmunds was drafted by the Dolphins in 1968 and started at outside linebacker for two seasons in Miami. Edmunds played in all 14 games with the Patriots in 1971, almost exclusively on special teams. He finished up his NFL career in '72 with three games for the Baltimore Colts.




Happy 49th birthday to Carlos Yancy
Born June 24, 1970 in Sarasota, FL
Patriot safety, 1995; uniform #40
Pats 7th round (234th overall) pick of the 1995 draft, from Georgia

Yancy appeared in four games for the Pats in '95. His father was a major league baseball player for the Chicago White Sox. Yancy is a 16-year employee at Goodwill, where he assists people in finding jobs and careers for the non-profit agency.




Happy 31st birthday to Ishmaa'ily Kitchen
Born June 29, 1988 in Youngstown, Ohio
Patriot NT, 2015; uniform #70

Kitchen was originally signed by Baltimore as an undrafted rookie out of Kent State in 2012, and appeared in 40 games with the Browns from 2012-2014. The Patriots signed him after their week 14 victory at Houston when Dominique Easley was placed on injured reserve. Kitchen was a healthy scratch for the next game versus Tennessee, then released to make room for RB Steven Jackson. In the next game the Patriot defense surrendered 143 rushing yards and 428 total yards in an overtime loss to the Jets, and Kitchen was re-signed. He appeared in the week 17 loss at Miami, then was again a healthy scratch in both playoff games. Defensive linemen Kitchen, Easley and Chris Jones were all released two weeks prior to the 2016 draft.




June 27, 1973: Pats sign free agent John Tanner




Other pro football players with New England area connections:

- Dave Lapham, 67 (June 24, 1952); Wakefield MA native played guard for Cincinnati from 1974-83, then signed a 10-year personal services contract with the Donald to jump to the USFL. Since 1986 Lapham has been the color analyst for Bengals radio broadcasts.

- Bill Rogers (6/24/13 - 4/30/77); Westborough High School and Bridgton Academy alum was not a long distance runner, but was a tackle with the Lions between 1938 and 1944.

- Erik Storz, 44 (June 24, 1975); linebacker from Boston College spent three years with the Jaguars, and is now works in commercial real estate.




Some pro football notables born today:
- Antoine Winfield (1977, 42); CB had 27 interceptions with the Bills and Vikings.
- Mitch Berger (1972, 47) two-time Pro Bowler averaged 43 yards on his 847 punts.
- Curtis Painter (1985, 34); went 0-8 with 50% more interceptions than touchdowns in Indy's 2011 'Suck for Luck' tanked season.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
On the Roster Bubble​

Four Patriots were born on June 25, and they combined to start just one game while with the Pats. Something to consider as we get closer to the first day of training camp.


Happy 45th birthday to Vernon Crawford
Born June 25, 1974 in Texas City, Texas
Patriot LB, 1997-1999; uniform #99
Pats 5th round (159th overall) pick of the 1997 draft, from Florida State

Crawford was primarily a special teamer, playing in 41 games with one start over three seasons with the Pats. He appeared in every game his first two seasons; in '98 he had 14 ST tackles and 13 more on defense. Crawford signed with the Packers in 2000, but spent that season on IR. He was also part of two short lived leagues, in the XFL in 2001 and later played in the AF2. Crawford remained in the New England area and has coached at Walpole and Randolph high schools, Curry College and Boston Renegades women's football. Crawford is now the head football coach at Seekonk High School.

Vernon Crawford - Patriots Alumni

• At the time he was drafted, we wasn’t even sure where the team was located but he’s lived in New England ever since, coaching football at both Walpole and Randolph High Schools as a defensive coordinator.
• Vernon also played a year of Arena League football with the Manchester Wolves in New Hampshire but being a linebacker used to rushing the passer, wasn’t too enamored with the pace of the play. “You can get a clear shot at the QB, but by the time you get there the ball is long gone,” said Vernon.

Coaches and Personnel | Boston Renegades Women's Football

Since retiring as a player, Vern has amassed extensive experience coaching all phases of the game at the high school and college levels. He is currently head coach of the Seekonk (Mass.) High School football team. He was Defensive Coordinator for the Boston Militia (2008-2014) before joining the Renegades coaching staff in 2016.​

Former Patriot Crawford named Seekonk HS head football coach

Crawford, a grid star from a young age, graduated from Texas City (Tx.) High in 1993, then trekked to the Community College of San Francisco, where he earned his Associate’s in 1995. After that stint, he was recruited by legendary head coach Bobby Bowden to play at Florida State University in Tallahassee, where he helped the Seminoles achieve a No. 3 national ranking as a junior and senior.

He not only played in two Sugar Bowls, but also was selected ESPN Football Commentator Lee Corso’s College Football Special Teams Player of the Year his final season. Crawford earned a Bachelor’s in criminology in 1997, but – just a month before – was drafted in the fifth round by the Patriots.

He was named to the NFL All-Rookie special teams players list that fall. He played three seasons (1997-99) for then-head coach Pete Carroll, recording a total of 32 special teams tackles, but closed his career in Green Bay after suffering a hamstring injury in the home opener against Miami.

“I knew I was hurt, but you just do what you must to remain on the field,” Crawford said. “I tried to play through it, but couldn’t.”​

Happy 55th birthday to Mike Ruth
Born June 25, 1964 in Norristown, PA
Patriot NT, 1986-1987; uniform #65
Pats 2nd round (42nd overall) pick of the 1986 draft, from Boston College

Mike Ruth won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top interior lineman as a senior after the 1985 season, during the Doug Flutie era at BC. Unfortunately he was snakebit with injuries with the Pats. Ruth injured his knee on the opening kickoff of the first game of the '86 season, and was limited to six games plus the playoff loss to Denver. He missed the first 17 days of 1987 training camp due to injury, then 11 days later in the first preseason game injured his knee again, requiring surgery. Ruth was able to return for two games in November, but never played in another NFL regular season game - though he did play in NFL Europe for two years.

Ruth was named to the College Football Hall of Fame this past January, along with Peyton Manning, Marshall Faulk, Adrian Peterson, Brian Urlacher, and coach Steve Spurrier, among others. Ruth is also the only BC Eagle other than Flutie to have his number retired. In his post-football career he earned his masters in education from Harvard, worked in insurance, has served as president of his own consulting firm since 2003, and is now a teacher and coach at Everett High School.

Mike Ruth Named to College Football Hall of Fame




Happy 33rd birthday to Bradley Fletcher
Born June 25, 1986 in Cleveland
Patriot CB, 2015; uniform #24

Bradley Fletcher was a 3rd round 1999 draft pick by the Rams out of Iowa; he spent four seasons in St. Louis and two in Philadelphia. Soon after being burnt by Dez Bryant and Jordy Nelson he lost his starting job in Philly, and was released after the season ended.

After meeting with free agent corners Terence Newman, Tarell Brown and Robert McClain, the Pats signed Fletcher to a one-year, $1.2 million contract that included a $300,000 signing bonus. Fletcher played in two of the first three games, registering ten tackles and one forced fumble. Following a bye week Fletcher was waived the day prior to a week 5 game at Dallas to make room for special teamer Brandon King. Including his two games with the Pats, Fletcher played in 73 NFL games with 54 starts, plus one playoff game.




Happy 41st birthday to Marcus Stroud
Born June 25, 1978 in Thomasville, Georgia
Patriot DT, 2011 off season; uniform #98

After ten seasons with Jacksonville and Buffalo, the Pats signed Stroud to a 2-year contract on March 1, 2011. The three-time Pro Bowler was projected to play a similar sub role that Gerard Warren had the previous season, but that did not work out for the 33 year old veteran: the Pats released him just two days after training camp opened. The 13th overall pick of the 2001 draft played in 146 NFL games, recording 29.5 sacks, 424 combined tackles and 8 forced fumbles.




Other pro football players with New England area connections:

- Bryan Cox Jr., 25 (1994); son of Bryan Cox is a defensive end for the Carolina Panthers.

- Harrie Dadmun (1894 - 9/15/80); went to Arlington High School, Tufts and Harvard (where he was captain), and was an NFL lineman in the early twenties.

- Art Harms (1902 - 7/24/86); University of Vermont alum was an NFL lineman in the mid-twenties.

- Kent Austin, 56 (1963); born in Natick, was a backup QB with the '86 Cardinals; later became head coach at Cornell, HC for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and now OC at Liberty University.

- Lou Palazzi (1921 - 1/7/07); born in Groton, played center in the forties for the Giants and then saw many historic games up close over a 30+ year as an NFL umpire.



Some pro football notables born on this date:
- Curtis McClinton, 80 (6/25/39); RB was a three time AFL all star with the Chiefs.
- Tank Younger (1928 - 9/15/01); 4-time Pro Bowl RB for the Rams in the fifties.
- Matt Schaub, 38 (6/25/81); led the NFL with 4,770 passing yards in 2009.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Sign the Beast!
1st round draft pick, 18 ypc​

Only one former Patriot birthday today:

Happy 72nd birthday to Eddie Hinton
Born June 26, 1947 in Lawton, Oklahoma
Patriot WR, 1974; uniform #82

Eddie Hinton was a first round selection by the Colts in the 1969 draft. In his second season he had 11 receptions in what was the second Monday Night Football game ever played. Hinton finished the season with seven touchdowns and leading the 11-2-1 Colts with 47 receptions. He had 86 yards and a touchdown in Baltimore's 17-0 playoff victory over Cincinnati. Then Hinton had five catches for 115 yards in the AFC Championship game win over Oakland.

In the superbowl he was headed for a touchdown when Cowboy defensive back Cornell Green was able to strip the ball inside the ten yard line, and it rolled out of the end zone for a touchback. That play allowed for a nail biter finish, with Ken O'Brien kicking the game winning field goal with five seconds to go. Hinton was also part of a controversial play earlier in the game. At that time if a pass was touched by two offensive players it was declared incomplete. A pass resulting in a 75 yard touchdown to John Mackey appeared to have been tipped by Hinton, but no flag was thrown - and with replay still many years away, the play stood.

Hinton was a footnote in Pats history, as he played in what was the Patriots first victory over a team that had been part of the pre-merger NFL.

Until the final game of the '71 season, all of the Patriots victories in 1970 and 1971 had been against AFL clubs. In their first meeting Hinton had four receptions for 81 yards for the Colts, with Baltimore winning 23-3. In the final game of the season Hinton had four catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns, but this time the Pats upset the Colts. Jim Plunkett hit Randy Vataha for two touchdowns and John Outlaw scored on a 60-yard pick-six in the 21-17 victory.

That Colt loss gave the Dolphins the 1971 AFC East division title, and resulted in Baltimore playing on the road at Miami in the AFCCG. Hinton had six receptions for 98 yards in that game but Miami prevailed, 21-0.

The next year Johnny Unitas called Hinton's number on what would be the final touchdown pass of the great quarterback's career with the Colts. Hinton missed half the season with injuries, and it would turn out to be his final touchdown with Baltimore as well. He spent one season with Houston before reuniting with Chuck Fairbanks and signing with the Patriots. Unfortunately knee injuries had robbed the 6'0, 200 lb Hinton of the speed he had as an Oklahoma Sooner. On a team that ran far more often than they passed, Hinton was buried on the WR depth chart behind Randy Vataha, Reggie Rucker and Darryl Stingley. Hinton appeared in nine games for the Pats with one start, with two receptions for 36 yards plus a few kickoff and punt returns. After a post-NFL career as a home builder, Hinton worked as a school bus driver and counselor for at risk youths in Texas.

June 26, 2013: Aaron Hernandez is arrested and charged with first degree murder. He is released by the Patriots about an hour later.




Other pro football players with New England area connections:

- Joe Shield, 57 (6/26/62); born in Brattleboro Vermont, he went to high school at Worcester Academy and then college at Trinity in Hartford. Shield was a late round draft pick and backup QB for the Packers from 1985-86.

- Josh Thomas, 38 (6/26/81); born in Plymouth MA, the DE earned a ring playing for the Colts from 2005-09; he now works for Eli Lilly.

- Harry Boatswain (1969 - 8/8/05); the University of New Haven graduate was drafted by San Fran in 1991, and got a ring as a backup guard with the Niners in '94. He was the second player chosen by Carolina in their expansion draft (and one of the first cut); he later played in the XFL and then became a pro wrestler before succumbing to a heart attack at age 36.




Some notable NFL players born today include:
- Michael Vick, 39 (6/26/80); despite missing two full seasons in the prime of his career, Ron Mexico went to four Pro Bowls, passed for 22,464 yards and rushed for 6,109 yards and 36 touchdowns.
- Chad Pennington, 43 (6/26/76); his accuracy made up for an arm that was not the strongest, throwing for 17,823 yards and 102 touchdowns.
- Chad Clifton, 43 (6/26/76); despite being most well known as the victim of a cheap shot on an interception return by Warren Sapp that could have ended his career, the Green Bay left tackle protected Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers for 180 games including the playoffs from 2000-2011.
- Shannon Sharpe, 51 (6/26/68); Hall of Fame tight end and putrid person who least deserves a microphone.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jack Rudolph​

RIP to former Pats linebacker and an original Patriot, Jack Rudolph, who passed away Sunday.

Former Patriot LB Jack Rudolph passes away | Patriots.com

A three-year letter winner at Georgia tech, Rudolph was an original member of the Boston Patriots, where he played from 1960 through 1965. He finished his pro football career as an original member of the Miami Dolphins in 1966. He played in 64 games with the Patriots and 11 with the Dolphins.

Rudolph was drafted by the Detroit Lions of the NFL, but chose to play for the Patriots after joining the team as a second-round selection in 1960.​

John Lawrence Rudolph (Jack) | Obituary | Valdosta Daily Times

Born in St. Louis Missouri in 1937, Jack moved at an early age to Atlanta, Georgia where he spent his childhood and college days. Growing up in the shadow of Georgia Tech's Historic Grant Field, Jack was privileged to spend his middle school years selling programs and peanuts in the stands on games days. He attended Grady High School and was a standout student-athlete in football basketball, and track earning a football scholarship to The Georgia Institute of Technology.

While at Georgia Tech, he was a three time letter winner from 1957-1959. After graduating, he went on to play in the American Football League and was a member of the original Boston Patriot football team from 1960-65 and an original member of the Miami Dolphins in 1966.

In 1965, Jack married Marsha Lou Harris and they settled in Valdosta, Georgia. Jack spent 31 years as a coach and teacher at Valdosta High School. As a defensive coordinator for 25 of those years, his defenses recorded 111 shut-outs and held opponents to an average of 8.3 points per game. He was a part of Valdosta Wildcat teams that won 11 state and 5 national championships. He attributed this success to an excellent staff, exceptional players, and game changing fans.

Jack was arguably the greatest High School Defensive Coordinator of all time in the state of Georgia. He was honored to be inducted into the Valdosta/Lowndes County Sports Hall of Fame. He was known for his intimidating presence and football IQ. Although his players feared him, they knew that he loved them and had their best interest in mind and they played for him with passion. More important than the wins was the influence he had on hundreds of young people throughout his life.​

Patriots History: March 21 Birthdays | Pats Fans

Jack Rudolph, 79 (3/21/1938)
Uniform #80
Rudolph was drafted by the Lions in 1959 out of Georgia Tech, but never played for Detroit. Except for time missed due to injury he was a Patriot starting linebacker from 1960-1965. Miami selected Rudolph as part of their expansion draft and he finished his pro football career with the Dolphins. He had some interesting comments about those days.

Rudolph recalls early days of Super Bowl | Valdosta Daily Times

“It’s really enjoyable to see the teams I was an original part of having so much success now-a-days,” said Rudolph.

The game was a lot different when Rudolph played. The AFL was the upstart league. It was more wide-open, with a lot more throwing, and a lot of play-making on defense. All of it was just to attract more fans to the stadiums.

Looking at the troubles expansion teams have today, can you imagine how it was to play for two of them in the 60’s?​

“It’s hard for people to understand how it was back then,” Rudolph said. “The Dolphins put 250 guys through training camp to evaluate talent. The practices were long and hard and on a make-up field. After a few weeks, everyone was getting real cut up. The doctors didn’t know what was going on until someone looked at the field. The field was dirt put over seashells.”

So what could a linebacker from that hard-nosed era possibly see in today’s football? Is there a player today that could stand out to someone who was game-planned around so much back then.

“Almost every team has someone you can look at and say ‘wow,’” said Rudolph. “The linebackers today are kind of a down defensive end and a big cornerback. It’s a more specialized position.”

“Back then, if you were a really good linebacker, they put you on offense!”​

After his pro football career ended Rudolph went on to become one of the nation’s premier high school football coaches.

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame needs a reality check | Savannah Morning News

Jack Rudolph has been overlooked for 10 years now. I’d vote Coach Rudolph in and ask the committee to apologize to the guy. He is the perfect example of a deserving honoree. Born and bred in Georgia. Competed in Georgia. Never left Georgia, except to play pro ball.

Jack was an outstanding football player at Georgia Tech. He played for the Boston Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. Upon retiring from the NFL, he joined the great Wright Bazemore’s staff at Valdosta High School and remained the defensive coordinator for 31 years. Coach Rudolph could have coached on any level. He elected to settle down in Valdosta, raise a family, and coach high school ball.

Coach Rudolph’s defenses helped lead the Valdosta High Wildcats to 11 state championships in 31 years. Half of his defenses allowed 7 points or less. In those 31 seasons, they allowed 8.3 points per game. Rudolph’s defenses shut out the opponent 119 times. Bazemore, Charlie Greene, Nick Hyder and Mike O’Brien got most of the credit, but this man was a major reason why Valdosta High has this outstanding national reputation.

He excelled in high school, college and the NFL. He invested 31 years in high school football. Coach Rudolph impacted hundreds of young lives along the way, myself included. I learned defense from Coach Rudolph, by listening to him coach during practice. I was far ahead of the curve when I arrived at Georgia as a freshman.​

If it sounds like they take their high school football seriously in Valdosta you are correct. Rudolph ended up in his wife’s doghouse after his defense gave up only seven points in a loss to a crosstown rival.

Bragging Rights: The best high school football rivalries are long-running little civil wars. | Georgia Trend

It was October 1977. Rudolph, defensive coordinator for the mighty Valdosta football team, had just watched his unit play one of its best games of the season. Unfortunately, hated crosstown rival Lowndes High School was a little better that Friday night, posting a 7-2 win over the visiting Wildcats.

“That was the first time Lowndes had ever beaten us,” Rudolph says. “It was a pretty big deal.”

“That was always really important when I was playing and coaching,” says Rudolph, who grew up in Atlanta but married a Valdosta girl, Marsha, who was a cheerleader at Valdosta High and who stared righteous daggers at her husband that October night in 1977.

“When she [my wife] got home, she had a bad look on her face, asking me why we did this and that. The whole family was really upset with me,” Rudolph says. “My dog Blue jumped into my arms and licked my face, happy to see me when I got home. As the conversation with my wife went on, I said, ‘I wish there was one more person in this family who loved me as much as Blue does.’ So she said, ‘OK, we’ll get you another dog.’​

Happy 46th birthday to Heath Irwin
Born June 27, 1973 in Boulder, Colorado
Patriot G/C, 1996-1999; uniform #63
Pats 4th round (101st overall) pick of the 1996 draft, from Colorado

Over four seasons Heath Irwin appeared in 44 games with 17 starts for the Patriots, plus three playoff games following the '97 and '98 seasons. His brother Blake was in training camp with the Pats in 1998. In '99 Irwin was tabbed by Pete Carroll to replace Dave Wohlabaugh at center, but instead took over for Max Lane as the starting left guard while rookie Damien Woody started at center.

On March 1, 2000 the Dolphins signed Irwin to a four year contract. In two seasons there he played in 29 games with 7 starts; Irwin was left exposed to the 2002 expansion draft and when not claimed he was released. His final NFL stop was with the Broncos in the 2003 off season after a year with the Rams. Overall he played in 87 NFL games with 29 starts, and appeared in six playoff games. Irwin is now a high school football coach in Longmont Colorado and works in his family commercial real estate brokerage in Boulder.




Happy 32nd birthday to Nick McDonald
Born June 27, 1987 in Salinas, California
Patriot G, 2011-2012; uniform #67, #65

Green Bay originally signed Nick McDonald as an undrafted rookie in 2010, and he was on the roster for their Super Bowl victory over Pittsburgh. The Pats signed him to their practice squad prior to week one in 2011. In a season that saw injuries cause the team to start five different centers, McDonald was promoted to the active roster in December when Taylor Price was released, and nearly got a second super bowl ring. He was waived just after the 2013 training camp opened. McDonald played in 16 games with three starts for the Patriots and also played in two playoff games. At one time both he and his brother Chris were in training camp for the Pats together; both had a less publicized real life Michael Oher-type Blindside movie youth.




Happy 29th birthday to Jonas Gray
Born June 27, 1990 in Pontiac, Michigan
Patriot RB, 2014; uniform #35

As a rookie out of Notre Dame Gray spent the 2013 off season with Miami, and then was on Baltimore's practice squad. Jonas Gray spent the entire 2014 off season with the Pats and started the season on their practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster in mid-October when Stevan Ridley was placed on IR.

After three games in which he rushed for 131 total yards and no touchdowns, Jonas Gray became the focus of the game plan at Indianapolis - and made national headlines. Gray rushed for 201 yards and a franchise-record four touchdowns on 38 carries as the Pats crushed the Colts, 42-20. After allegedly being late for a meeting, Gray was benched the following week, causing many mediots' heads to explode. His final appearance for the Pats was ironically also against Indy: in a 45-7 playoff victory, Gray had four carries for four yards.

After being cut at the end of training camp, Gray split a nondescript 2015 between Miami and Jacksonville. His final stat line with the Patriots was eight games with three starts, 412 yards rushing at 4.6 yards per carry and five touchdowns. He was last seen this in 2017 at his alma mater's Pro Day, trying for one more chance at the NFL.




Happy 81st birthday to Jake Crouthamel
Born June 27, 1938 in Perkasie, PA
Patriot HB, 1960; uniform #34

Jake Crouthamel appeared in two games, gaining 16 yards on four carries in an October loss at Denver. In 1965 he returned to his alma mater and became an assistant coach at Dartmouth. He was promoted to head coach in 1971 and immediately won three straight Ivy League championships. In 1978 Crouthamel moved on to Syracuse to become their athletic director, a position he held for 27 years. He played a key role in the formation of the Big East conference, and as AD his Syracuse teams won ten national championships.

Jake Crouthamel - National Football Foundation




June 27, 1996: New England signs undrafted rookie Adam Vinatieri




Other notable pro football players born today:
- Doug Buffone (1944 - 4/20/15); linebacker played in 188 games for the Bears from 1966 to 1979.
- Bobby Wagner, 29 (6/27/90); All Pro linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks.
- Julius Thomas, 31 (6/27/88); two-time Pro Bowl TE for Denver, now pursuing a PhD.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Matt Chatham​

Happy 42nd birthday to Matt Chatham
Born June 28, 1977 in Newton, Iowa
Patriot ST/LB, 2000-2005; uniform #58

The Pats claimed Chatham off waivers from the Rams just prior to the start of the 2000 season, and he went on to become a special teams ace over the next several years. He played in six games in 2000, exclusively on special teams, before landing on IR. In 2001 he began the year on the practice squad but ended up playing in 11 regular season games and all three playoff games, finishing third on the team with 12 special teams tackles.

In 2003 Chatham had a 38 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, providing the winning points in a game against the Giants. Then in Super Bowl 38 he provided a highlight reel hit, leveling a streaker at the start of the second half, just after Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction. During the '03 season Chatham played in every game and filled in with four starts, registering a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and 1½ sacks.

Oct 12, 2003: Patriots linebacker Matt Chatham (#58) races to the end zone with a fumble to give the Patriots a 7-0 lead. The Pats went on to defeat the Giants 17-6.​

Matt Chatham played in 66 regular season games for the Patriots, plus 11 playoff games for the Pats - during which the team went 10-1. With three super bowl rings in his collection, Chatham went on to get his MBA from Babson College. He opened a restaurant and founded one of the best football websites of the last decade, FootballByFootball. Matt shut that site down to instead contribute to The Athletic, but his podcasts are still available.

A fierce defender of the Patriots during the deflategate witch hunt, @Chatham58 is a must follow for anyone on twitter, and he is a regular contributor to NESN.

​

Happy 60th birthday to Ron Wooten
Born June 28, 1959 in Bourne, Mass.
Patriot RG, 1982-1988; uniform #61
Pats 6th round (157th overall) pick of the 1981 draft, from North Carolina

Ronald John Wooten spent his rookie season on injured reserve. He became a starter the following season after Bob Cryder was injured, then proceeded to miss just seven games over the next six seasons. Wooten was one of the first veterans to break ranks during the 1987 player strike, despite the fact that he was an assistant player rep. Over eight seasons Wooten played in 98 regular season games with 96 starts. He also appeared in six playoff games and was part of the '85 team that won the AFC championship.

(L-R) Pete Brock, John Hannah, Ron Wooten​

Post-football Wooten went on to get his MBA from Boston University and has had a successful business career, initially working in mergers and acquisitions for First Union. He then served as President at the NovaQuest business unit at Quintiles. Ron Wooten is the Founding Partner, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at NovaQuest Capital Management.

Ron Wooten | NovaQuest Capital Management

Happy 61st birthday to Brian Clark
Born June 28, 1958 in Canton, Ohio
Patriot K, 1982 off season; uniform #5
Pats 10th round (253rd overall) selection of the 1982 draft, from Florida

In college Brian Clark was involved in a controversial field goal attempt that resulted in the Gators losing to Auburn in 1981. He was still considered good enough to be drafted; at the time he held school records for career field goals made, single season field goals made, and most field goals made in a single game (5). Although John Smith was not available after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee, Clark was waived in favor of Rex Robinson to start the 1982 season. Perhaps just as well; how would the Florida native reacted had he been called upon for a game winning field goal in the snowplow game later that season? Clark is now a strategic account manager for Steelcase Office Solutions.




One other player with New England area connections:

- Gosder Cherilus, 33 (June 28, 1984); graduate of Somerville High School (class of 2003) and Boston College (2007) started 116 games at tackle for the Lions, Colts and Bucs before retiring this off season.


Plenty of notable pro football players born on this date:

- John Elway, 59 (6/28/60); HoF QB passed for 51,475 yards before becoming a successful auto dealership owner and Broncos GM.

- Chuck Howley, 83 (6/28/36); five time first team All Pro linebacker with the Cowboys was MVP of Super Bowl V, the first of just nine times the award went to defensive player(s).

- Raymond Chester, 71 (6/28/48); one of the premier TE of his era, he was named to four Pro Bowls, with over 5,000 yards receiving and 48 touchdowns.

- Marvin Jones, 47 (6/28/72); had 1,021 tackles over 11 seasons with the Jets.

- Bryan Barker, 55 (6/28/64); had 878 consecutive punts without a block (2nd all-time in NFL history), and 326 career punts inside the 20 (3rd all-time).

- Randy McMichael, 40 (6/28/79); from 2004-06 the Miami Dolphins tight end had 195 receptions.

- Clarence Davis, 70 (6/28/49); averaged 4.5 yards per carry and scored 28 touchdowns with the Raiders in the seventies.

- Karim Abdul-Jabbar, 45 (6/28/74); rushed for 26 touchdowns his first two years for Miami, but bad knees prematurely ended his NFL career. Rumor has it he may have become a commercial airplane pilot.

- Don Nottingham, 70 (6/28/49); 'the human bowling ball' was a fullback for the Colts and Dolphins in the seventies, rushing for 34 touchdowns.

- Jay Schroeder, 58 (6/28/61); went 24-7 in Washington after Joe Theisman broke his leg, then was the Raiders starting QB for five seasons.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Rookies Report in 22 Days​

June 29 is an extremely slow news day in Pats history, but here's something worth remembering:

• Rookies report to training camp on Sunday July 21
• Veterans report to training camp on Wednesday July 24
• First practice open to the public is on Thursday July 25

Happy 55th birthday to David Hendley
Born June 29, 1964 in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Patriot safety, 1987; uniform #28

Hendley appeared in the first two of the three replacement games with the Pats in the 1987 strike season. The next two years he was in the arena league: in '88 with the New England Steamrollers and in '89 for the Denver Dynamite. Hendley then returned to his alma mater as a defensive backs coach at Southern Connecticut State. Hendley has had a nice business career, progressing to his current position as Vice President of Export Sales at American Honda Motor Company.

David Hendley | ArenaFan.com

David Hendley - Executives - Honda News

June 29, 1965: Patriots sign the Winchester Rifle, 1960 Heisman Trophy winner and free agent Joe Bellino, after his completion of a four year commitment to the Navy.




Other pro football players with New England area connections:

- Stephen Hauschka, 34 (6/29/85); one of just two players in NFL history to come from Needham High School. The kicker finished in the top ten in league scoring in four straight seasons with Seattle, then signed a four-year, $12.4 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2017. His career total of 1,051 points scored ranks ninth among active NFL players.

- Steve Lubischer, 57 (6/29/62); linebacker from Boston College during the Doug Flutie days. In 1983 his crucial plays led to BC's 20-13 victory over Alabama. He now works as VP of Sales for Alphatec Spine in New Jersey.

- Joe 'Speed' Braney (1893-1949); Irish native grew up in Rhode Island and went to Dean Academy (predecessor to Dean College) in Franklin MA. An all-american offensive lineman at Syracuse, Braney played and coached the Providence Steam Roller in the 1920s.



Some other pro football players born on this date:

- Dan Dierdorf, 70 (6/29/49); prior to his 30 years as a broadcaster, Dierdorf was a Hall of Fame tackle with the St Louis Cardinals from 1971 to 1983.

- Claude Humphrey, 75 (6/29/44); six time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame defensive end's career spanned three decades with the Falcons and Eagles.

- Bill 'Boom-Boom' Brown (1938-2018); four time Viking Pro Bowl fullback scored 56 touchdowns while missing just two games over his 14 year career.

- Dennis Pitta, 34 (6/29/85); Raven tight end bounced back from two injury filled seasons with a career high 86 receptions in 2016, but a third hip injury during OTAs ended his NFL career in 2017.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bill Lenkaitis​

Happy birthday to Dr. Bill Lenkaitis
Born June 30, 1946 in Strongsville, Ohio
Died in Aug 27, 2016 at the age of 70
Patriot center, 1971-1981; uniform #67

Bill Lenkaitis was a second round pick out of Penn State by the Chargers, where he played left guard for three years. The Pats picked him up off waivers and he was a reserve his first two seasons, playing in all but two games with six starts. In 1973 he was on the Pats list of final roster cuts, but was removed from waivers when longtime starting center Jon Morris hurt his knee. Morris was a seven-time pro bowler but was 33, and had missed almost all of the previous two seasons to injuries.

The Pats traded Morris to Detroit, and Lenkaitis quickly put any concerns about his abilities to rest. For the next eight years he was one of the most consistent and dependable centers in the NFL for the next eight years. Lenkaitis was an anchor on the line that was robbed of a Lombardi Trophy in 1976 and set the NFL record of 3,165 rushing yards in 1978.

“He was a smart player who made the calls for our offensive line and he did that flawlessly,” said Steve Grogan. “Lenk was as tough as they come and wouldn’t back down from anybody, but he also loved to laugh and when he did, we knew where it was coming from.”​

In the off seasons Lenkaitis worked on obtaining his dental degree, and opened up a practice in Foxboro while still playing football. He was named a member of the Patriots All-Decade team for the 70s, and arguably could have been named to the Pats 50th anniversary team over Morris. Bill Lenkaitis played in 151 games with 119 starts over 11 seasons with the Patriots, as well as in a pair of playoff games.

Dec 13, 1976 - Boston Center Bill Lenkaitis Rattles Teeth on Sundays & Fixes Them the Rest of the Week | People Magazine

Aug 29, 2016 - Longtime Patriots center Bill Lenkaitis dies at 70 | Mike Reiss, espn

Sept 1, 2016 - Teammates pay respects to Bill Lenkaitis | Patriots.com

“Bill centered one of the greatest offensive lines, not just in franchise history, but in NFL history,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft in a statement released by the team. “As a season-ticket holder during his playing days, I was a fan of the player he was on the field. But, in my 22 years of ownership, I became an even bigger fan of the person he was off the field. He was a big man with an even bigger personality and a huge heart.”​

Dr. William Edward Lenkaitis Obituary | Boston Globe

Oct 28, 2017 - Big men with broken minds: The largely forgotten faces of the Patriots franchise | Boston Globe

His most impressive feat: While supporting his wife and the first of their three children, Lenkaitis spent his first six NFL offseasons earning a dental degree from the University of Tennessee. He opened a practice in downtown Foxborough in 1974 and became the team’s dentist, excelling at two demanding careers.

“His dental practice meant everything to him,’’ Donna said.

Then the work became too much for him. He had planned to retire at 72.

“All of a sudden, at 68, he was just not with it,’’ she said. “He would get up some days and say, ‘Cancel my patients.’ ”

When Donna was younger, she experienced depression, she said, and Bill failed to appreciate that medication might help. “Why don’t you just go out and smell the roses?’’ he told her.

Then came his depression, and he said to her, “Is this what it feels like? I’m so sorry.’’

Donna said her husband suffered numerous football concussions and was slowed by CTE symptoms before he was diagnosed in 2015 with glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.

“I think he knew even before the cancer that he didn’t have much longer to live,’’ she said. “It was very hard for all of us to see him just crumbling away.’’​

Happy 39th birthday to Tank Williams
Born June 30, 1980 in Gulfport, Mississippi
Patriot safety, 2008-09; uniform #26

The nickname 'Tank' actually has nothing to do with the armored vehicle, football play or physical strength. When Williams was an infant his sister told his mother that he drank so much milk that she should give him a tank of milk rather than a bottle - and the name stuck.

Clevan Williams started the first four years of his NFL career with Tennessee, then after signing with the Vikings spent 2006 on IR. Bill Belichick signed the 6'3, 223 lb Stanford alum early in free agency in 2008 with the idea of making him a hybrid strong safety/linebacker. Unfortunately Williams suffered a second knee injury requiring surgery during training camp, resulting in another lost season on IR. The Pats re-signed him to a vet minimum contract, but he was released near the end of training camp in late August of 2009 - and he never played in a single regular season game for the Patriots.

Tank Williams participated in the NFL’s entrepreneurship program when injuries began to shorten his playing career, attending programs at Harvard, Stanford and Wharton. In his post-NFL career Williams has worked at a real estate investment company he founded in 2013. Since 2015 Williams has also worked as a football analyst for Yahoo! Sports. He also had a part in the 2013 crime-comedy movie The Roosters.


35-Photo Slideshow - Where Are They Now? SS Tank Williams | TitansOnline.com

3/3/2019 - Former Titans Safety Tank Williams Back at the NFL Combine - 17 Years Later - With Yahoo! Sports | TitansOnline.com

As for Vrabel, Williams said the Titans are in good hands.

“I was in the linebacker meeting room with Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi (in New England) when Matt Patricia was the linebackers coach and it was like all of those guys were extensions of Bill Belichick and Patricia,” Williams said. “They just had a complete understanding of not only the defense, but how you are supposed to approach each and every practice, each and every week, each and every game.

“And I believe that is the foundation (Vrabel) is building in Tennessee, and players need to focus on understanding their responsibilities and going out there and doing their jobs. If everyone does that, then you’ll have success on the field. And having that team-first approach, and having that camaraderie as a family, that is important because everyone will buy in and support each other. If you can have that solid foundation, (the Titans) will have success.”​

Former NFL Player Tank Williams Talks Life After Football

Honestly, I wasn’t ready to leave football when I retired in 2009. I was coming off of my third knee injury and felt like I could battle my way back onto a roster like I had in years past. Yet, I was released by the New England Patriots during training camp only a couple days after learning my grandmother had passed away.

Needless to say, I was devastated for multiple reasons, but fortunately, I spent the three prior off-seasons participating in the NFL’s entrepreneurship programs. My experience at the Wharton School, in particular, helped confirm my interest in real estate while also providing a network that helped me secure an internship with a commercial real estate firm run by a fellow Stanford University alum.​

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

- Gene Prebola, 81 (6/30/38); Boston University graduate was named to the Terriers' Hall of Fame in 1991. The TE spent four seasons in the AFL with Oakland and Denver, accumulating 133 receptions for 1,823 yards.

- Josh Beekman, 36 (6/30/83); was an AP first-team All-American guard at Boston College, and played three seasons for the Chicago Bears. He is now the offensive line coach at Concord University in West Virginia.

- **** McGrath (1901-1965, age 64); born in Winthrop, the Holy Cross alum was paid $50 per game for the 1926 Brooklyn Lions and was coach of the 1925 Waterbury Blues.

- Bill Hegarty (1931-2002, age 71); native of Medford MA was a DE/OT and 181st overall pick of the 1952 draft. (Birth date is in dispute; some sites say 6/30/31 and some say 10/13/27 - but the latter would make him age 25 when drafted?)




Some other NFL players born on June 30:

- Roy Green, 62 (6/30/57); two time All Pro WR with the Cardinals led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in '83 and receiving yards in '84; finished his career with 8,965 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns.

- Miles Austin, 35 (6/30/84); after three seasons of barely ever getting on the field, in his first start Austin set a Dallas franchise record with 250 yards receiving on 10 receptions. He went on to score 38 career touchdowns, catching 361 passes for 5,271 yards.

- Scott Schwedes, 54 (6/30/65); the son of original Boston Patriot Ger Schwedes was a star at Syracuse, but draft bust for the Dolphins. Trivia note: PatsFan Andy Johnson played football (high school, if I recall correctly?) versus Scott Schwedes.

- Kerryon Johnson, 22 (6/30/97); the Lion RB is the player selected with the draft pick that the Patriots received in exchange for Jimmy Garoppolo. The Pats traded that draft pick they had received from San Francisco to Detroit. From there New England proceeded to make a plethora of draft pick trades, ultimately selecting CB Joejuan Williams, RB Damien Harris, OT Yodny Cajuste, QB Jarrett Stidham, CB Duke Dawson and LB Christian Sam more or less in exchange for Jimmy G.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Mike Haynes​

July opens up with the birthday of one of the greatest players in the history of the Patriots.


Happy 66th birthday to Mike Haynes
Born July 1, 1953 in Denison, Texas
Patriot CB/PR, 1976-1982; uniform #40
Pats 1st round (5th overall) pick of the 1976 draft, from Arizona State

The 6-2 corner made an immediate impact as a rookie, intercepting eight passes and returning two punts for touchdowns - the first in franchise history. Haynes was named to the Pro Bowl every single season he was with the Patriots with the exception of 1981, when he missed half the year due to a collapsed lung; coincidentally the Pats won just two games that season. His cover skills were so profound that at one point during the 1977 season, Patriots' Head Coach Chuck Fairbanks remarked that Haynes "hadn't seen a ball come his way in over three weeks." Despite the reluctance of opponents to throw the ball in his direction, he still had 19 picks in his first three seasons.

Haynes was one of four players to holdout at the start of the 1980 season, missing the first three games. Then in 1983 he held out again, this time for 11 games. The Pats agreed to a trade with the Raiders but then the NFL voided the trade, stating they had not received notification until an hour after the trading deadline had passed. The case went to federal court and the trade was approved, with the Pats receiving a 1984 number one draft pick and a 1985 number two.

During his seven seasons with the Patriots, Mike Haynes recorded 28 interceptions and 1,159 yards on 111 punt returns. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times and earned All-AFC recognition five times (1977- 1980, 1982), and All-Pro honors twice (1978 and 1982). Haynes was elected to the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1994, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997, and was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001. He is a member of the Patriots all-decade team for the seventies, their 50th anniversary team, and is one of two Patriots (along with John Hannah) on the NFL's 75th anniversary team.

​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bobby Hamilton, and other non-Mike Haynes July 1 Events​

Bobby Hamilton, 48 (July 1, 1971)
Patriot DE, 2000-2003
Uniform #91

From Tom Curran on CSNNE in 2015:
Best of the Belichick Era: Number 43 -- Bobby Hamilton

Games: 64
Playoff Games: 6
Honors: Super Bowl winner (2001, 2003)

Bobby Hamilton couldn’t start for Bill Parcells and the New York Jets. From 1996 through 1999, the 3-4 defensive end was a decent situational player, but not good enough to get on the field and stay there.

When Bill Belichick broke away from Parcells and took over the Patriots in 2000, he brought Hamilton with him. And Hamilton played miles better than anyone could have predicted that a Jets special-teams castoff would.

In 2001, he was a force. He had seven sacks, five batted passes and 52 tackles -- big numbers for an interior defensive lineman. The Patriots’ defense was the driving force behind it winning three Super Bowls in four seasons, and Hamilton was a mainstay for two of them.

He left as a free agent to play in Oakland in 2004 and resurfaced with Eric Mangini in New York in 2006, never again playing at the level he did while with the Pats when he was an indispensable warrior in the trenches.​

Bobby Hamilton is now a high school coach in Atlanta.




Rick Cash, 74 (July 1, 1945)
Patriot DE/DT, 1972-1973
Uniform #63

Cash was a late draft pick by the Packers in 1968, and appeared in 36 games with one start over three seasons with the Falcons and Rams. He was acquired along with a first round draft pick when Fred Dryer refused to report, and was traded to the Rams. In two seasons with the Patriots, Cash appeared in all 28 games, starting in all but the first of those games. With the Patriots he was special teams co-captain in 1972, and defensive captain the following year. In 1974 Cash departed for the World Football League, where he played for two seasons.

In his post-football career he was the basketball coach at Charlestown High School, winning multiple state championships. He also later coached football at Somerville and Belmont high schools. After spending almost twenty years working in a Texas school district as an assistant superintendent of operations, Cash returned to New England. He has since worked at Falmouth High School as the football coach, and as athletic director at Scituate High School.




Craig Hanneman, 70 (July 1, 1949)
Patriot DE, 1974-1975
Uniform #74

Chuck Fairbanks signed Hanneman after he had spent two seasons in Pittsburgh. Hanneman appeared primarily on special teams, playing in twenty games with three starts for the Patriots. With injuries cutting his NFL career short he returned to his native Oregon. He was elected County Commissioner of Polk County in 1985, worked as the Government Affairs Manager for Willamette Industries and later as the President of the Oregon Forest Industries Council. In 2012 at the age of 63 Hanneman became the first pro football or basketball player to climb Mount Everest.




Mike Cloud, 44 (July 1, 1975)
Patriot RB, 2003 & 2005
Uniform #21 and #34

Mike Cloud grew up in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and was an All American at Boston College. The Chiefs selected him in the 2nd round of the '99 draft, but he was a bust, starting just six games over four seasons for Kansas City. In 2003 Cloud scored five touchdowns with the Pats in limited action, but was inactive for the playoffs. He returned in 2005 after Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk injuries had depleted the Pats running back depth. Overall Cloud appeared in 11 games with one start with the Patriots, rushing for 177 yards and five touchdowns.




One other pro football player born today with New England area connections:

- Joe McLaughlin, 62 (July 1, 1957); native of Stoneham went to UMass, then spent six seasons in the NFL as a special teamer and backup linebacker for the Packers and Giants from 1979-84. He is co-owner of Pro Fence with his brother, with locations in Dennis and Wilmington.




And other pro football players born on this date:

- Pat Donovan, 66 (7/1/53); left tackle for the Cowboys went to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1979-82, and won a ring from the Super Bowl 12 victory over Denver.

- Gary Brown, 50 (7/1/69); Dallas Cowboys running back coach twice rushed for over 1000 yards in the nineties.

- Dave Waymer (1958-1993); 13 year NFL veteran and Pro Bowl CB for the Saints died of a heart attack brought on by cocaine at the age of 34.

- Diron Talbert, 75 (7/1/44); DT played in 186 games plus 9 playoff games over 14 seasons, mostly with Washington.

- Ryan Diem, 40 (7/1/79); RT was an 11-year starter for the Colts from 2001-2011.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Troy Brown​

Happy 48th birthday to Troy Brown
Born July 2, 1971 in Barnwell, South Carolina
Patriot WR/PR/KR/DB, 1993-2007
Uniform #80 (and #86 in 1994)
Pats 8th round (198th overall) selection of the 1993 draft, from Marshall

After initially being cut after his rookie training camp, thankfully no other NFL team signed "Bingo". Bill Parcells re-signed the versatile Brown in mid-October and the rest is history. Brown has so many iconic and legendary plays they are too numerous to remember and list all of them. A few that come to mind though are his crucial 23 yard catch and run on the final drive of Super Bowl 36; his play in the previous game, the AFCCG at Pittsburgh when he returned a punt for a 55 yard touchdown and also picked up a blocked field goal attempt and alertly lateraled to Antwan Harris for a TD; at a sweltering hot and humid day in south Florida catching a sideline pass and racing for an 82-yard overtime touchdown, ending a 13 game losing streak at Miami; or being called upon to play defense in mid season - and finishing second on the team with three interceptions.

Rather than go on, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to read this piece on number 80's career. Along with a lengthy resume of impressive statistics there are some great quotes from Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft. Bingo indeed...

Fans vote Troy Brown as 2012 Patriots Hall of Fame inductee | patriots.com

​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Law Firm​

Happy 34th birthday to BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Born July 2, 1985 in New Orleans
Patriot RB, 2008-2011; uniform #42

Benjarvus Green-Ellis was signed as an undrafted rookie out of Ole Miss, where he was only the second running back in school history with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. With Laurence Maroney injured, BJGE became the team's third RB behind Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk his rookie season, rushing for five touchdowns. In '09 he was used primarily on special teams, getting just 28 touches in 12 games. Then in 2010 Maroney was traded, and after Fred Taylor and Faulk were both injured BJGE became the starting running back by default. He performed quite well, rushing for 1,008 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. In 2011 the Pats drafted Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, and it was clear Green-Ellis' days were numbered. Splitting playing time with the two rookies and Danny Woodhead, BJGE was still counted on near the goal line; he gained 826 yards from scrimmage and rushed for 11 touchdowns.

The Law Firm was well known for his ability to hang on to the ball, not losing a fumble in the NFL until after he signed with Cincinnati - a streak of 589 touches without a turnover. He started 31 games over two seasons with the Bengals, with 2013 his final NFL season. BJGE rushed for 29 touchdowns in 53 games with the Patriots, which ranks as the eighth most in franchise history, and had 2,064 yards rushing with the Pats (19th). In addition he had 183 yards on 47 carries and one touchdown in four playoff games with the Pats. For his NFL career BJGE totaled 4,332 yards from scrimmage with 42 touchdowns.

​

Happy 29th birthday to Rex Burkhead
Born July 2, 1990 in Plano, Texas
Patriot RB, 2017 - present; uniform #34

After four seasons in Cincinnati, the 5-10, 210 lb back from Nebraska signed a one year deal with the Pats in 2017 that included a $1.1 million signing bonus, worth a total of $3.15 million. In a week 10 2017 game Burkhead became the first NFL player in forty years to block a punt and catch a touchdown pass in the same game. Last year Burkhead spent two full months on injured reserve due to a neck injury. In two seasons with the Patriots Rex has appeared in 18 regular season games, with 835 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. In the 2018-19 playoffs Burkhead scored three touchdowns, with 45 receiving yards and 96 yards rushing.

In the AFCCG at Kansas City Rex Burkhead scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, then followed that up with the game-winning touchdown in overtime.​

Happy 58th birthday to Ben Thomas
Born July 2, 1961 in Ashburn, Georgia
Patriot DE, 1985-1986; uniform #99
Pats 2nd round (56th overall) selection of the 1985 draft, from Auburn

On the last day of April in 1985, the Patriots traded their first (16th overall) and third round (75th) picks to San Francisco for the 49ers first (28th), second (56th) and third round (84th) picks. Thomas was chosen with that extra 2nd round pick; with the later 1st the Pats took Trevor Matich (who had a lengthy NFL career - as a long snapper) and Audrey McMillan (who never played a down for New England - but did go on to become an All Pro corner for Minnesota). The Niners? They used that first round draft pick on some guy named Jerry Rice....

Thomas lasted less than one and a half seasons in New England, appearing in 19 games with one start and one sack. From '85 to '91 he played in 54 NFL games, and was a starter only in Atlanta in '89. Thomas went back to his alma mater in 1997 and worked as the Director of Athletic Events from 2005-08; since then he has been Auburn's Director of Player Development.




Happy 37th birthday to Kelvin Kight
Born July 2, 1982 in Atlanta
Patriot WR, 2006; uniform #19

Kelvin Kight had 76 receptions for 1,102 yards and four touchdowns in his junior and senior seasons at Florida, during the first two years that Ron Zook took over from Steve Spurrier for the Gators. Kight was not drafted and bounced between the Rams, Packers, Jaguars and Vikings from 2004-06, appearing in only one NFL game during that time. The Patriots signed him at the start of training camp in 2006, and he spent most of the year on the practice squad.

On December 9 Kight was promoted to the active roster after LB Don Davis went on IR and OL Gene Mruczkowski was released. Kight was used on special teams for four games, though he did also have one nine-yard reception and an eight-yard run; he also appeared in the first two playoff games with the Pats. Kight was re-signed the following April but was released during cuts at the end of the 2007 training camp, ending his NFL career.




Happy 38th birthday to Santonio Thomas
Born July 2, 1981 in South Bay, Florida
Patriot DT, 2005-2007; uniform #92

The former Miami Hurricane signed with the Pats as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2005. Santonio Thomas spent most of his time with the Pats on the practice squad. He was promoted to the 53-man roster for both of the playoff games following the 2005 season, but was a healthy scratch in those two games. Thomas was on the roster for seven games in the first half of 2007, appearing in four games and inactive in three others before returning to the practice squad. Cleveland signed Thomas in September of 2008, and he appeared in 11 games for the Browns.

Sept 16, 2007 in Foxborough: Santonio Thomas wraps up Charger RB LaDainian Tomlinson; Patriots defeat San Diego 38-14 in week two.​

Happy 32nd birthday to Clay Harbor
Born July 2, 1987 in Dwight, Illinois
Patriot TE, 2016; uniform #81

The Pats signed the veteran free agent in March of 2016, after six seasons with Philadelphia and Jacksonville. In a bit of a surprise he made it to the week one roster, beating out Bear Pascoe, Steven Scheu and rookie draft pick Bryce Williams. Clayton Lee Harbor was one of four tight ends on the roster to open up the season, along with Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett and A.J. Derby. In week one he was on the field for 22 offensive and 17 special team snaps, but those numbers rapidly dwindled over the next two games. The 6-3, 250-pounder was released on October 3rd, and replaced on the tight end depth chart by Greg Scruggs.

Harbor finished 2016 with Detroit, and finished his NFL career on IR for the entire 2017 season with the New Orleans Saints. His final stat line with the Patriots reads three games played, no receptions, 25 offensive snaps and 39 special team snaps. In 2018 he was a contestant on the television show The Bachelorette. He had to leave the show early though, due to a wrist injury that required surgery - that ironically occurred while playing football with other contestants.




Other pro football players born July 2 with New England area connections:

- Gary 'Killer' Kowalski, 59 (7/2/60); grew up in Clinton CT and played TE at Boston College. Drafted by the Rams in '83, was an OL with the Chargers through '88.

- Larry Green (7/2/95 - 8/7/60); went to Haverhill High School; was an end and guard for the 1920 Canton Bulldogs and 1921 Hammond Pros.

- Nick Hennessey, 33 (7/2/86); born in Salem, went to Danvers High School and Andover Academy. Was an OT for the 2009 Buffalo Bills and was then in the CFL for three years; now an offensive line coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.




And from the wayback machine:
- Frank Muehlheuser (1926-2006); FB/LB for the 1948 Boston Yanks.
- Bill Chipley (1920-2002); E/DB for the Boston Yanks, and later head coach at Washington & Lee.




Some other notable pro football players born today:
- Carlos Rogers, 38 (7/2/81); CB from 2005-14 with Washington, SF and Oakland.
- Hassan Jones, 55 (7/2/64); Viking WR had 3,824 receiving yards and 24 TD.
- Mark Clayton, 37 (7/2/82); Ravens' WR never really quite lived up to his status as a first round draft pick.
- Chad Henne, 34 (7/2/85); was the career passing leader at Michigan, but went 18-35 as an NFL starter for Miami and Jacksonville - with more career picks (63) than touchdown passes (58).
- Joe Pisarcik, 67 (7/2/52); NYG QB will forever be known for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory with the infamous fumble at the Miracle at the Meadowlands.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Founding Father of the End Zone Dance​

Happy 70th birthday to Elmo Wright
Born July 3, 1949 in Brazoria, Texas
Patriot WR, 1975; uniform #17

The 16th overall pick of the 1971 draft appeared in four games for the Pats in '75, with the final four receptions of his career for 46 yards. Although he had just 1,116 yards in his NFL career, he left an indelible mark for all future wide receivers in the game of football. While at the University of Houston, Wright set an NCAA record with 34 touchdown receptions, averaging 22 yards per catch. He became the first player to high step his way to the end zone, and is considered to be the godfather of the end zone dance.

11/23/2011: Elmo Wright, the man who invented the end-zone dance | Slate




Happy 56th birthday to Larry Williams
Born July 3, 1963 in Orange, California
Patriot RG, 1992; uniform #75

The 6-5, 292 lb lineman was a 10th round pick by the Browns in '85 out of Notre Dame, and he was Cleveland's starting left guard from 1986-88. At the age of 29 Williams appeared in 13 games with nine starts for the Pats, on that abysmal 2-14 **** MacPherson team that didn't win until Dante Scarnecchia took over on an interim basis. He retired in 1993 as a member of the Patriots. After working for six years as a lawyer the two-time All-American returned to the collegiate scene. From 2004 to 2011 he was the athletic director at the University of Portland. In 2011 Williams became the athletic director at Marquette University, and in 2015 he took over the same position at Akron University.

Dec 5, 2011: Marquette names Portland's Williams new athletic director | Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Larry Williams - Director of Athletics - University of Akron Athletics




Happy 52nd birthday to Todd Jones
Born July 3, 1967 in Hope, Arkansas
Patriot OT, 1963; uniform #63

I really don't know much of anything about this guy. Searches for Todd Jones are cluttered with a former ATF employee by the same name that went to work for the NFL league offices as the chief disciplinary officer. Our Todd A. Jones was an All-American in 1991 at Henderson State, and played in four games for Bill Parcells and the Patriots in 1993 - in a season in which the Pats had two bye weeks.




Happy 72nd birthday to Claxton Welch
Born July 3, 1947 in Portland, Oregon
Patriot RB, 1973; uniform #43

Welch appeared in a pair of November 1973 games for the Pats, and had six receptions against the Jets in his only NFL start. He had previously been with Dallas and played on special teams in seven postseason games with the Cowboys, earning a ring from Super Bowl VI.

Aug 29, 2018: Claxton Welch remembers the start of Cowboys dynasty

Welch made brief stops in New Orleans, Kansas City and New England before a series of knee operations brought his NFL career to a close. He enrolled at Seattle University, where he earned a masters in English and went on to a career in insurance and financial advising with Coldwell Banker.​

Happy 79th birthday to Chuck Sieminski
Born July 3, 1940 in Swoyersville, PA
Pats 14th round (110th overall) pick of the 1962 AFL draft, from Penn State

The Pats took a flyer on the DT, who was also drafted by the 49ers in the 4th round of the '62 NFL draft. Sieminski chose to sign with the Niners, and played six years in the NFL with SF, Atlanta and Detroit.

Nov 4, 2004: Sandusky, Sieminski earn induction into Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame | Penn State University

Sieminski was a two-way tackle for the Nittany Lions, earning letters from 1960-62 under Engle. From Swoyersville, Pa., he earned second team All-America honors in 1962 and in '67 was selected to the All-Time Penn State Team by the Pittsburgh Press. Recognized as a strong blocker and tackler, Sieminski earned his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1962. He played in the 1963 Senior Bowl.

Sieminski was drafted in the fourth round by the National Football League's San Francisco 49ers. He played defensive tackle for six years in the NFL with San Francisco, Atlanta and Detroit before starting a career as a high school teacher in Mountain Top, Pa.​

Other pro football players with New England area connections:

- Jack Hagerty (1903-1982); native Bostonian went to Dorchester High School. He was a RB/QB/PR with the Giants from 1926-32, then became head coach at Georgetown, winning 23 straight games. After coaching for 16 years he became the Hoyas' athletic director until retiring in 1969.

- Jordan Reed, 29 (7/3/90); graduate of New London High School in CT. Tight end had 11 TD in 2011, and has 329 receptions over six NFL seasons.

- Cameron Brate, 28 (7/3/91); Harvard grad has scored 20 touchdowns over the last three seasons at tight end for Tampa Bay.

- Ray MacMurray (1889-1996); guard from Dartmouth class of 1917 played for the 1921 Muncie Flyers.




A few notable July 3 pro football players:

- Jethro Pugh (1944-2015); fearsome Dallas Cowboy DT from 1965 to 1978 played in 23 playoff games.

- Neil O'Donnell, 53 (7/3/66); despite throwing three picks in Pittsburgh's Super Bowl 30 loss to Dallas, the Jets immediately signed the QB to what was then a mega-contract a month later in 1996 - and he went 0-6 in his first season with Gang Green.

- Manny Fernandez, 73 (7/3/46); DT went to three super bowl games with the Dolphins.

- Grant Wistrom, 43 (7/3/76); Rams DE may have been on the losing end in Super Bowl 36, but he did receive four championship rings: three with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and one with St. Louis in SB 34.

- Paul Naumoff, 74 (7/3/45); linebacker once played in 142 consecutive games for the Lions, and missed only two games in 12 years with Detroit.

- Manny Lawson, 35 (7/3/84); OLB had 24½ sacks with the 49ers, Bengals and Bills.