On Sunday, Many New England Patriots players both current and former took time out of their day to create Father’s Day tribute posts on their social media accounts.
Grateful to celebrate this Father’s Day with my family, including two terrific kids who fill my wife and me with pride and joy, while thinking of so many kids and their dads who aren’t as fortunate. Best to you and yours! pic.twitter.com/wAcBgAsN7i
With a win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, the New England Patriots earned a first round bye for the eighth consecutive season. However despite Week 17 still being a must win game to decide the first or second seed, the team put a pause on the regular season finale next week to celebrate the Christmas holiday with their friends and families on Monday.
Speaking with the media Tuesday, even head coach Bill Belichick answered a Christmas related question with a football twist,
Bill Belichick on last-minute Christmas shopping and getting it done: "It was a struggle. 2-minute drill. We were out of timeouts."
On Monday morning it was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that former New England Patriots wide receiver Terry Glenn passed away at a hospital in Dallas, Texas following an automobile accident. Glenn was 43 years old.
Glenn played his first six NFL seasons with the Patriots, who drafted him seventh overall in the 1996 NFL Draft. During that timespan, Glenn played in 68 games and recorded 329 receptions for 4,669 yards and 22 touchdowns. He currently ranks eighth in team history in receiving yards and ninth in receptions.
In his first year with the Patriots, Glenn made an immediate impact on the team, starting 15 games and setting an NFL record for most receptions by a rookie with 90 catches for 1,132 yards and six touchdowns. His contributions that year helped the Patriots earn an 11-5 regular season record, claim their first division title in a decade, achieve their first playoff victory in Foxboro Stadium and advance to Super Bowl XXXI.
In a press release by the team, Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft shared the following statement;
“We were shocked and deeply saddened by today’s news that Terry Glenn died in an auto accident,” Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said. “Terry was one of the most gifted receivers we have ever had. For so many Patriots fans, his rookie season will be remembered as one of the most impactful in franchise history. After a disappointing 6-10 finish in 1995, we drafted Terry seventh overall, and in his first year, he helped propel the Patriots to an AFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance. One of my favorite memories came when we hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional playoff game. It was my first home playoff game as an owner and just the second home playoff game in our history. It will always be remembered for the fog that filled Foxboro Stadium that day. Yet, on the first play from scrimmage, Drew Bledsoe threw a deep pass that disappeared in the fog and reappeared 53 yards downfield in Terry Glenn’s hands. We scored on the next play and ended up winning 28-3. Our thoughts and prayers are with Terry’s family, his former teammates and friends who mourn his loss.”
As word spread throughout the NFL, former teammates of Glenn along with present players took to their social media accounts to share their final goodbyes and condolences with personal tributes.
Incredibly sad to hear about my buddy Terry Glenn. Overcame a ton of adversity to become an excellent person. May your soul rest in peace my friend. #riptg88
I’m speechless. My @Patriots Class Of ‘96 teammate and hands down most talented natural athlete I’ve seen in person. Terry kept to himself but was a good Dude with a big smile that lit up the room when it came out. #RIP#Patriotshttps://t.co/xk5HCng1gj
Very sad to hear about the loss my teammate Terry Glenn! A man with a remarkable story. He had himself in a much better place before he passed! God bless you & your family! RIP my friend!
BRADY TO GLENN Here's Tom Brady's first NFL TD pass to Terry Glenn vs Chargers in 2001. Glenn then threw the ball in the stands instead of giving it to Brady.#wbz#Patriotspic.twitter.com/49znyDyoUL
For the people that were asking for it yesterday, here's @DrewBledsoe's 53 yard bomb to Terry Glenn vs Rod Woodson in the '96 Divisional Round, the first play of the game for the Pats offense. Plus Curtis Martin's TD on the next play. #GoPatspic.twitter.com/e3BQbE8phV
On Sunday, New England Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich formally announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 professional seasons at age 33.
Over social media, current and former members of the Patriots took time to honor Ninkovich’s career with photographs and memories of their time together.
Purdy sure ya'll know there are few current #Patriots that I've had mo' ongoing respect 4 than Ninkovich. Great player, dude. Here w/ my son pic.twitter.com/I0slxBq95F
Patriots teammates, including Tom Brady, show up for Rob Ninkovich retirement presser. Shows respect Ninkovich has among his peers. pic.twitter.com/8fDpOOCIyE
Sunday marked Fathers Day celebrations across the country and to honor the occasion, current, former, and family members of the New England Patriots took to their social media accounts to thank the father’s in their lives.
According to a recent story, written by Sports Illustrated’s Kalyn Kahler, six Patriots players have had seven babies since winning Super Bowl LI back in February. Congratulations to all the new dad’s!
Heading into their Week 13 match up with the Los Angeles Rams, the New England Patriots were seeking their 14th consecutive 10-win season and one step closer to locking up another AFC East title.
The Patriots received the ball first to open up the game, and not even four minutes into the first quarter they jumped out to an early 7-0 lead following LeGarrette Blount’s longest run of the season, on fourth down no less.
After one quarter of play, the Patriots still lead 7-0.
The Patriots had the ball to open the second quarter, and Brady drove the Patriots down inside the Rams 20 yard line setting up this beautiful tip-toe touchdown by Chris Hogan.
In honor of the Patriots 15th anniversary of the 2001 Super Bowl XXXVI championship, members of the team returned to Foxboro for a special halftime ceremony.
You can checkout the full halftime ceremony at this link HERE on the Patriots website.
With the second half underway, the game didn’t get any easier for Rams head coach Jeff Fisher. Seeking to challenge a catch, he struggled to find his red flag buried within his coat.
Jeff Fisher had no idea where his challenge flag was. Almost launched a piece of paper from his pocket onto the field.
Fisher would ultimately win the challenge, but it would only lead to a field goal. Rams still trailed 17-3.
The Patriots would get the ball back, and “Minitron” Julian Edelman hauled in this 32 yard pass from Brady following an incredible dodge of the pass rush.
In the fourth quarter the Patriots were unable to find the end zone, but kicker Stephen Gostkowski had a terrific performance making all four field goal attempts, three of them from over 45 yards.
Stephen Gostkowski 4/4 on field goals today. First time he's made 4+ FGs without missing since Week 2, 2015. Has to feel good #Patriots
The Rams would tack on a garbage time touchdown with under four minutes to play but the Patriots would walk away with their tenth win of the season by a final score of 26-10.
201 is an incredible achievement fitting of the GOAT. He treats 201 just as if it was win #1. Greatness is a pursuit, not a destination. pic.twitter.com/6UULH32xgu
