Today in Patriots History

[Actual Pats Fan]

Here you go with June 18.

Cornelis Joseph Connor Dennis "Neil" O'Donoghue (born June 18, 1953) played in the NFL from 1977 to 1985 with the Bills, Bucs, and the St. Louis Cardinals. At 6'6, he is the tallest kicker in NFL history. Born in Dublin, O'Donoghue is the most recent Irish-born player in the NFL. Growing up in Clondalkin, his father Michael played for the Ireland national field hockey team.

He missed a potential game-winning kick at RFK against the hated, obnoxious Washington Redskins, who had already qualified for the postseason, in the last game of the 1984 season that would have won his Cardinals the division.

Instead, in almost Patriot-like fashion, they were eliminated.

 

[jmt57]

Five former Patriots celebrate their birthdays on June 19.


Brandon Mitchell, 42 (June 19, 1975)
Patriot DE/NT, 1997-2001
Uniform #98, #96
Pats 2nd round (59th overall) selection in the 1997 draft, from Texas A&M
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, then in '98 after a seven-tackle, one sack game against the Dolphins he was injured 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 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.


Alan Miller, 80 (June 19, 1937)
Patriot FB, 1960
Uniform #32
The Milford CT native went to Boston College and was a late draft pick by the Eagles in 1959. 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 was named to the All Star team. Miller was a three-time captain with Oakland while in the off season was pursuing a law degree from BU. He worked as the general counsel for the AFL and NFL's player association from 1967 to 1972, and has represented many professional athletes as a lawyer/agent.


Art Hauser, 88 (June 19, 1929)
Patriot DT, 1960
Uniform #67
Hauser was a fifth round pick by the Rams in 1954. In 1959 Hauser was one of nine players traded by L.A. to Chicago for running back Ollie Matson. Hauser joined the Pats at the age of 31 for the first year of the AFL, appearing eight games. Hauser spent one more season playing pro ball, with Denver in 1961. Overall he played in 76 regular season games and two playoff games.


Thomas Welch, 30 (June 19, 1987)
Patriot OT, 2010-2011
Uniform #66
Pats 7th round (208th overall) pick of the 2010 draft, out of Vanderbilt.
The Pats moved up to select Welch, trading their 229th and 231st picks to Washington to draft the 6'6, 306 pound tackle. 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, 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.


Joey Iosefa, 26 (June 19, 1991)
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 he initially did not 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 plodding Iosefa's career with the Patriots was over.


Others with New England area connections:
- Stephen Cooper, 38 (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, 44 (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 today:
- 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.

 

[jmt57]

Relatively slow day today.


Dave Rowe, 72 (June 20, 1945)
Patriot DT, 1971-1973
Uniform #76
Rowe was the Pats left defensive tackle for three seasons, appearing in all 42 games with 33 starts. After playing with losing teams (Saints, Pats, Chargers), Rowe was traded to the Raiders in '75, and started for Oakland's team that 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. Rowe went on to become a sports broadcaster for thirty years in his post-football career.


Elbert Crawford (June 20, 1985 - May 2, 2013)
Patriot G, 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 heat attack at the age of 46 in 2013 turned out to be fatal.


Al Snyder, 76 (June 20, 1941)
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 HC. 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.


Matt Flynn, 32 (June 20, 1985)
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.


Others 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, 82; 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, 34; RB has 61 career touchdowns.
- Dave Elmendorf, 68; Ram safety never missed a start over nine seasons.
- Fred McAfee, 49; Saints Pro Bowl special team standout played in 194 NFL games.
- LaVar Arrington, 39; three straight Pro Bowls led to a big payday for the 2nd overall pick of the 2000 draft, but he played in only six more NFL games after signing that contract.

 

[jmt57]

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


Duane Thomas, 70 (June 21, 1947)
Patriot RB, 1971 off season
As a rookie in Dallas, Thomas took over for Calvin Hill and led the league with 5.3 yards per carry, and was named Rookie of the Year. He then became the first rookie to rush for 100 yards in consecutive playoff games, gaining 278 yards against the Lions and 49ers. 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. 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. After holding out for three games Thomas led the NFL in 1971 with 13 total touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns. 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 of another potentially awkward interview.


Brandon Moore, 47 (June 21, 1970)
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.


Bruce Barnes, 66 (June 21, 1951)
Patriot P, 1973-1974
Uniform #3
Pats 12th round (290th overall) pick 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 and won the 2002 US Amateur.



Others 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, MS from 1953 to 1969.



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

 

[jmt57]

Onward and upward to June 22; only 35 days until the first training camp practice.


Steve Johnson, 52 (June 22, 1965)
Patriot TE, 1988-1989
Uniform #85
Pats 6th round (154th overall) pick in the 1988 draft, from Virginia Tech.
In his rookie season Johnson appeared in 14 games with three starts. He had one catch for five yards and had seven tackles on special teams. Johnson signed with Dallas as a free agent in 1990 but a preseason knee injury led to his retirement. Johnson is a successful commercial developer in Bristol, Virginia, and the Virginia Tech practice football field is named after him.


Lewis Sanders, 39 (June 22, 1978)
Patriot CB/FS, 2008
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. At 6'1 he was seen as nickel back that could be used against taller receivers, after having been burnt by lack of height at corner the previous year. 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, Terrance Wheatley) was rather mediocre. Sanders (Lewis, not James) was not offered a contract the following off season as the Patriots attempted to improve (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 and 29 starts, five interceptions and three fumble recoveries.


David Frisch, 47 (June 22, 1970)
Patriot TE, 1995
Uniform #88
The Patriots signed Frisch on October 25, 1995. Frisch 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. He 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.


Ryan Lindley, 28 (June 22, 1989)
Patriot QB, 2015 off season
Uniform #7
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 had finished 2014 as the starter in Arizona after Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton were both injured. 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 preseason game, going 22-45 for 253 yards with no touchdowns and one pick. With Brady at that point being assured of being able to play in 2015, there was no need to retain Lindley and he was waived on September 4. He joined the Colts late last season after Andrew Luck was injured and is now with Ottawa in the CFL.



Other notables born June 22:
- Champ Bailey, 39; 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, 46; do 3½ very good seasons merit entrance to the Hall of Fame?
- Eric Green, 50; Pro Bowl TE for the Steelers in the nineties.
- Mark Royals, 52; averaged 42.1 yards on his 1,116 punts.
- Bobby Douglass, 70; left handed QB for the Bears in the seventies.
- Mike Wagner, 68; safety won four rings with the Steelers.

 

[jmt57]

Matt Light headlines today's Patriot birthdays.


Matt Light, 39 (June 23, 1978)
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 post season, and he was named to three Pro Bowls - despite battling Crohn's disease. Light works with underprivileged and at risk youth, something he has done since his playing days.


Larry Whigham, 45 (June 23, 1972)
Patriot S, 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. Whigham 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. 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. Whigham played for the Bears for two seasons and retired after the 2002 season.


Mike Bartrum, 47 (June 23, 1970)
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 Bartrum 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:



Chris Floyd, 42 (June 23, 1975)
Patriot RB, 1988-2000
Uniform #37
Pats 3rd round (81st overall) selection of the 1988 draft, from Michigan.
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 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.


Greg Robinson-Randall, 39 (June 23, 1978)
Patriot RT, 2000-2002
Uniform #77, #64
Pats 4th round (127th overall) pick of the 2000 draft, from Michigan State.
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 for the final nine games of the season and 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.


Doug Rogers, 57 (June 23, 1960)
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.


Others 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. 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, 38; HoF RB is probably still whining about the Pats.
- Dave Butz, 67; Washington All-Pro DT played in 231 games.
- Corey Schlesinger, 45; Detroit Lions FB from 1995-2006.
- Bob Toneff, four-time Pro Bowl DT with 49ers and Washington.
- Marcel Reese, 32; Oakland's four-time Pro Bowl fullback.
- Tony Hill, 61; Dallas WR had 51 touchdown receptions.
- Shaun O'Hara, 40; Giants Pro Bowl center now on NFLN.
- Brandon Stokley, 41; WR won three super bowl rings.
- Josh Scobee, 35; kicked 241 field goals and scored 1,046 points.

 

[Tony2046]

Matt Light headlines today's Patriot birthdays.


Matt Light, 39 (June 23, 1978)
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 post season, and he was named to three Pro Bowls - despite battling Crohn's disease. Light works with underprivileged and at risk youth, something he has done since his playing days.


Larry Whigham, 45 (June 23, 1972)
Patriot S, 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. Whigham 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. 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. Whigham played for the Bears for two seasons and retired after the 2002 season.


Mike Bartrum, 47 (June 23, 1970)
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 Bartrum 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:



Chris Floyd, 42 (June 23, 1975)
Patriot RB, 1988-2000
Uniform #37
Pats 3rd round (81st overall) selection of the 1988 draft, from Michigan.
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 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.


Greg Randall, 39 (June 23, 1978)
Patriot RT, 2000-2002
Uniform #77, #64
Pats 4th round (127th overall) pick of the 2000 draft, from Michigan State.
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 for the final nine games of the season and 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.


Doug Rogers, 57 (June 23, 1960)
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.


Others 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. 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, 38; HoF RB is probably still whining about the Pats.
- Dave Butz, 67; Washington All-Pro DT played in 231 games.
- Corey Schlesinger, 45; Detroit Lions FB from 1995-2006.
- Bob Toneff, four-time Pro Bowl DT with 49ers and Washington.
- Marcel Reese, 32; Oakland's four-time Pro Bowl fullback.
- Tony Hill, 61; Dallas WR had 51 touchdown receptions.
- Shaun O'Hara, 40; Giants Pro Bowl center now on NFLN.
- Brandon Stokley, 41; WR won three super bowl rings.
- Josh Scobee, 35; kicked 241 field goals and scored 1,046 points.

Matt is just an awesome guy.

 

[jmt57]

Five former Patriots were born on June 24.


Lin Dawson, 58 (June 24, 1959)
Patriot TE, 1981-1990
Uniform #87
Pats 8th round (212th overall) pick of the 1981 draft, from North Carolina State.
Sawson became a starter in 1983 after Don Hasselbeck was traded to the Raiders. His 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. 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. Dawson missed the first month of the 1988 season due to a hamstring injury. Then after a 2-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. Dawson is the tight end on the Patriots all-decade team for the eighties. He is now athletic director at Clark University in Atlanta.


Shaun Ellis, 40 (June 24, 1977)
Patriot DE, 2011
Uniform #94
After 11 seasons that included two Pro Bowls with the Jets, 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.


Randy Edmunds, 71 (June 24, 1946)
Patriot LB, 1971
Uniform #51
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.


Carlos Yancy, 47 (June 24, 1970)
Patriot S, 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 14-year employee at Goodwill, where he assists people in finding jobs and careers for the non-profit agency.


Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, 29 (June 24, 1988)
Patriot NT, 2015
Uniform #70
Kitchen was originally signed by Baltimore as an udrafted 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.



Others with New England area connections:

- Dave Lapham, 65 (June 24, 1952); Wakefield MA native played guard for Cincinnati from 1974-83, then signed a 10-year personal services contract with 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 a tackle with the Lions between 1938 and 1944.

- Erik Storz, 42 (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, 40); CB had 27 interceptions with the Bills and Vikings.
- Mitch Berger (1972, 45) two-time Pro Bowler averaged 43 yards on his 847 punts.
- Curtis Painter (1985, 32); went 0-8 with 50% more interceptions than touchdowns in Indy's 2011 'Suck for Luck' tanked season.

 

[jmt57]

Four Patriots born June 25, who combined started just one game while with the Pats.


Vernon Crawford, 43 (June 25, 1974)
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 the 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.


Mike Ruth, 53 (June 25, 1964)
Patriot NT, 1986-1987
Uniform #65
Pats 2nd round (42nd overall) pick of the 1986 draft, from Boston College.
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.


Bradley Fletcher, 31 (June 25, 1986)
Patriot CB, 2015
Uniform #24
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. After being burnt by Dez Bryant and Jordy Nelson he lost his starting job in Philly and was released after the season. 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 games with 54 starts, plus one playoff game.


Marcus Stroud, 39 (June 25, 1978)
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. He 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 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.



Others with New England area connections:

- Harrie Dadmun (1894 - 9/15/80); went to Arlington High School, Tufts and Harvard (where he was captain); 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, 54 (6/25/63); born in Natck, backup QB with the '86 Cardinals, later head coach at Cornell and now HC for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

- 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 today:
- Curtis McClinton, 78 (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, 36 (6/25/81); led the NFL with 4,770 passing yards in 2009.

 

[JPPT1974]

Thanks for the history. Very interesting. Keep up the good work.

 

[jmt57]

Only one former Patriot birthday today.


Eddie Hinton, 70 (June 26, 1947)
Patriot WR, 1974
Uniform #82
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 that season Hinton had four receptions for 81 yards, with Baltimore winning 23-3. In the final game of the season Hinton had four catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns, but the Pats upset the Colts. Jim Plunkett hit Randy Vataha for two touchdowns and John Outlaw scored a 60-yard pick six in the 21-17 victory. The Colt loss gave the Dolphins the 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.



Others with New England area connections:

- Joe Shield, 55 (6/26/62); born in Brattleboro Vermont, went to high school at Worcester Academy and then Trinity College in Hartford.; was a late round draft pick and backup QB for the Packers 1985-86.

- Josh Thomas, 36 (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); University of New Haven graduate was drafted by SF 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), later played in the XFL and then became a pro wrestler before succumbing to a heart attack at age 36.



Notable NFL players born today include:
- Michael Vick, 37 (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, 41 (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, 41 (6/26/76); despite being 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, 49 (6/26/68); Hall of Fame tight end and putrid opinionater.

 

[jmt57]

Four former Patriots born today.


Heath Irwin, 44 (June 27, 1973)
Patriot G/C, 1996-1999
Uniform #63
Pats 4th round (101st overall) pick of the 1996 draft, from Colorado.
Over four seasons Irwin appeared in 44 games with 17 starts with 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 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.


Nick McDonald, 30 (June 27, 1987)
Patriot G, 2011-2012
Uniform #67, #65
Green Bay originally signed 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 superbowl 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.


Jonas Gray, 27 (June 27, 1990)
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. 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, he became the focus of the game plan at Indianapolis. 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 past spring at his alma mater's Pro Day, trying for one more chance at the NFL.


Jake Crouthamel, 79 (June 27, 1938)
Patriot HB, 1960
Uniform #34
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.



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, 27 (6/27/90); All Pro linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks.
- Julius Thomas, 29 (6/27/88); Pro Bowl TE now with the Miami Dolphins.

 

[jmt57]

Three former Patriots share birthdays today.


Ron Wooten, 58 (June 28, 1959)
Patriot RG, 1982-1988
Uniform #61
Pats 6th round (157th overall) pick of the 1981 draft, from North Carolina.
As a rookie Wooten spent the year on IR. The following year he became a starter after Bob Cryder was injured, and missed just seven games over the next six seasons. Although he was an assistant player rep, Wooten was one of the first veterans to break ranks during the 1987 player strike. Over eight seasons Wooten played in 98 games with 96 starts, plus the six post season games. He also appeared in six playoff games and was part of the '85 team that won the AFC championship. He went on to get his MBA from Boston University and has had a successful business career, previously working in mergers and acquisitions for First Union. Wooten then served as President at the NovaQuest business unit at Quintiles. He is the Founding Partner, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at NovaQuest Capital Management.


Matt Chatham, 40 (June 28, 1977)
Patriot 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, with a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and 1.5 sacks. 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 Skycrepers restaurant and created one of the best football sites on the web, FootballByFootball. A fierce defender of the Patriots during the deflategate witch hunt, @Chatham58 is a must follow for anyone on twitter and is a regular contributor to NESN.


Brian Clark, 59 (June 28, 1958)
Patriot K, 1982 off season
Uniform #5
Pats 10th round (253rd overall) pick of the 1982 draft, from Florida.
In college 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 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 today:

- John Elway, 57 (6/28/60); HoF QB passed for 51,475 yards before becoming a successful auto dealership owner and Broncos GM.

- Chuck Howley, 81 (6/28/36); five time first team All Pro linebacker with the Cowboys was MVP of Super Bowl 5, a rarity for a defensive player.

- Raymond Chester, 69 (6/28/48); one of the premier TE of his era, he was named to four Pro Bowls, had over 5,000 yards receiving, and scored 48 touchdowns.

- Marvin Jones, 45 (6/28/72); had 1,021 tackles over 11 seasons with the Jets.

- Bryan Barker, 53 (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, 38 (6/28/79); from 2004-06 the Miami Dolphins tight end had 195 receptions.

- Clarence Davis, 68 (6/28/49); averaged 4.5 yards per carry with the Raiders in the seventies.

- Karim Abdul-Jabbar, 43 (6/28/74); rushed for 26 touchdowns his first two years for Miami, but bad knees prematurely ended his NFL career.

- Don Nottingham, 68 (6/28/49); 'the human bowling ball' was a fullback for the Colts and Dolphins in the seventies, rushing for 34 touchdowns.

- Jay Schroeder, 56 (6/28/61); went 24-7 in Washington after Joe Theisman broke his leg, then was the Raiders starting QB for five seasons.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Yes, happy birthday, Mr Chatham. In a desert of media stupidity, you are an oasis.

(And thanks, jmt57 for linking to the streaker -- I guess that MC loves that clip like Brandon Moore loves the Buttfumble.)

 

[jmt57]

Today is barely worth mentioning.


David Hendley, 53 (June 29, 1964)
Patriot S, 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.



Others with New England area connections:

- Steven Hauschka, 32 (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 each of the last four seasons with Seattle, and recently signed a four-year, $12.4 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.

- Steve Lubischer, 55 (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 today:

- Dan Dierdorf, 68 (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, 73 (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, 79 (6/29/38); four time Viking Pro Bowl fullback missed just two games and scored 56 touchdowns over his 14 year career.

- Dennis Pitta, 32 (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 will most likely lead to the end of his NFL career.

 

[jmt57]

Today is highlighted by the birthday of Dr. Bill Lenkaitis, who passed away last summer at the age of 70.


Bill Lenkaitis (6/30/46 - 8/27/16)
Patriot C, 1971-1981
Uniform #67
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 starter Jon Morris hurt his knee. Morris was traded to Detroit and Lenkaitis became the starting center for the next eight years. He 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. Lenkaitis played in 151 games with 119 starts over 11 seasons with the Patriots, as well as in a pair of playoff games.


Tank Williams, 37 (June 30, 1980)
Patriot S, 2008-09
Uniform #26
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 season on IR. The Pats re-signed him to a vet minimum contract, but he was released in late August of 2009 - and never played in a single regular season game for the Patriots. 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.



Others born today with New England area connections:

- Gene Prebola, 79 (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, 34 (6/30/83); was an AP first-team All-American guard at Boston College, and played three seasons for the Chicago Bears. 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 today:

- Roy Green, 60 (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, 33 (6/30/84); in his first start he set a Dallas franchise record with 250 yards receiving on 10 receptions.

- Scott Schwedes, 52 (6/30/65); son of original Boston Patriot Ger Schwedes was a star at Syracuse, but draft bust in Miami.

 

[jmt57]

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


Mike Haynes, 64 (July 1, 1953)
Patriot CB, 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 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, Haynes recorded 28 interceptions and 1,159 yards on 111 punt returns. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times and eanied 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 Pats (along with John Hannah) on the NFL's 75th anniversary team.


Bobby Hamilton, 46 (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.​

Hamilton is now a high school coach in Atlanta.


Rick Cash, 72 (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, 68 (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, 42 (July 1, 1975)
Patriot RB, 2003 & 2005
Uniform #21 and #34
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 player with New England area connections:

- Joe McLaughlin, 60 (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.



Other pro football players born today:

- Pat Donovan, 64 (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, 48 (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, 73 (7/1/44); DT played in 186 games plus 9 playoff games over 14 seasons, mostly with Washington.

- Ryan Diem, 38 (7/1/79); RT was an 11-year starter for the Colts from 2001-2011.

 

[jmt57]

Another day, another great Patriot Hall of Famer's birthday.


Troy Brown, 46 (July 2, 1971)
Patriot WR/PR/KR/DB, 1993-2007
Uniform #80 (and #86 in 1994)
Pats 8th round (198th overall) pick in the 1993 draft, out of 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 Superbowl 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


BenJarvus Green-Ellis, 32 (July 2, 1985)
Patriot RB, 2008-2011
Uniform #42
Law Firm 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 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 his 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.

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.


Ben Thomas, 56 (July 2, 1961)
Patriot DE, 1985-1986
Uniform #99
Pats 2nd round (56th overall) pick in 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.


Kelvin Kight, 35 (July 2, 1982)
Patriot WR, 2006
Uniform #19
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, only appearing in 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.


Santonio Thomas, 36 (July 2, 1981)
Patriot DT, 2005-2007
Uniform #92
The former Miami Hurricane signed with the Pats as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2005. 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.


Clay Harbor, 30 (July 2, 1987)
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. 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 is now 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.


Rex Burkhead, 27 (July 2, 1990)
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 that included a $1.1 million signing bonus, worth a total of $3.15 million. Last year Burkhead averaged 4.6 yards per carry and based on his contract is the front runner to be the Patriots lead running back in 2017.



Others with New England area connections:

- Gary 'Killer' Kowalski, 57 (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, 31 (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.



From the way-back 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, 36 (7/2/81); CB from 2005-14 with Washington, SF and Oakland.
- Hassan Jones, 53 (7/2/64); Viking WR had 3,824 receiving yards and 24 TD.
- Mark Clayton, 35 (7/2/82); Ravens' WR never really quite lived up to his status as a first round draft pick.
- Chad Henne, 32 (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, 65 (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.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Wonderful haul! And excellently written.

Yes, Troy's achievements are not easily expressed in numbers alone.

Looking at some of the 2001 games this off-season, it's remarkable how far he, Antowain Smith and Marc Edwards held the offense together -- all under Charlie Weis's masterful design. It's incredible how many reverses, screens, jet sweeps and so on they managed to run.

There's one moment that stands out (not sure from which game). Brady throws a bad pass straight to the defensive back, but Troy sees it, tracks back, leaps and twists to get his arm in to cause an incompletion. Incredible play that doesn't really show in the record books -- just another incomplete pass. No wonder they had him playing defense.

It's quite something to see a player play any sport with that kind of "want" -- all the more so when he plays for the team you root for.

 

[tbrown]

Just got home from work to come on and give a shout out to TB on his birthday...
Word up Troy!

Class act.