Tag Archives: New England Patriots

NFL

Singleton, Chris

Cards: Topps Stadium Club 1992, ProSet 1990
Acquired: TTM 1992, C/o The New England Patriots

Chris Singleton was drafted in the first round of the 1990 draft by the perpetually (at that time) rebuilding New England Patriots. A dominating force for the Arizona Wildcats, he played the first three years out of college for the team but injuries would limit his contributions to the Patsies throughout his tenure. In 1992 he’d return an interception 82 yards for a touchdown against the Colts. Singleton would play 8 games for the Patriots in 1993 and then head over to Miami. He’d provide valuable depth for the Miami Dolphins defense for the next 3 seasons starting 39 games. Singleton is perhaps best remembered as a hero for donating bone marrow to save his twin brother after he contracted leukemia in 1990- and that’s probably worth more than any football accolade.

G/Gs 91/65    Tac 287    Sac 7    Fum 2   Int 2    Yds 85    Avg 42.5   Td 1   lg 85t

NFL, usfl

James, Craig

Card: Topps 1985
Acquired: In Person 1994, Houston Oilers Training Camp

Craig James went to Southern Methodist University back in the 1980s and was the running mate to Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson where they formed the “Pony Express”. He’d be drafted by the Washington Federals of the USFL and play there from 1983-1984 rushing for 823 yards and 4 touchdowns but would be released unceremoniously as the Federals were financially insolvent. Craig would sign with the New England Patriots in 1984, (who drafted him shrewdly in the 8th round in 1983,) where he’d go on to be named offensive player of the year in 1985 going to both the Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl that season; However, he’d be dominated by the Chicago Bears holding him to 1 yard on 5 carries. James would earn the nickname in some circles of “The Last Great White Hope” being the last white running back to run for 1000 yards (until that streak was broken in 2010 by Peyton Hillis).  James notably played runningback in 1984 and then fullback from 1985 on to his quiet retirement in 1988 due to injuries.

James’ career since football has been just as busy. Despite the dissolution of the SWC that he set conference records in, James’ legacy has grown a substantial amount. He has been able to parlay his personality and playing career into broadcasting where he remains to this day handling college and pro games on the radio and television.

G/Gs 52/33   Att 585  Yds 2469   Td 11  Lg 73t  |
Rec 81    Yds 819   Avg 10.1   Td 2   Lg 90t

NFL

Lockhart, Eugene

Cards: Action Packed 1990, ProSet 1990, Action Packed 1991
Acquired: In Person 1990, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp. TTM 1992, Patriots Blitz

A shrewd 5th round pick by the Dallas Cowboys administration in 1984, Eugene Lockhart was witness to the collapse and rebirth of the dynasty.  Eugene was the first rookie to start at middle linebacker for the Cowboys and was a tackling machine. Perhaps his best season was in 1989 where he logged well over 220 tackles, yet was playing for the 1-15 Cowboys, and was not voted to the ProBowl. The tackles were a club record. Unfortunately the team decided to jettison him to New England (for the Cowboys drafting rights to Russell Maryland) in 1991 where he’d play through the 1992 season and retire. Over the years I got his autograph at Cowboys Training Camp and then through the mail with the Patriots. Lockhart was shocked by the trading and was heartbroken by the decision. He’d be quoted as saying, “It’s a cold business.. and it’s even colder in New England.” While on New England he’d contribute any way he could to the franchise, even playing as the ‘up back’ on special teams. On a more hilarious note, Lockhart blocked his own team’s punt -with his butt. His teammates would affectionately nickname him ‘Bigbutt’.

Unfortunately Lockhart hasn’t made the best decisions since his playing days- being jailed recently for violating the terms of his bail (from bank and wire fraud), reputedly failing a drug test while out on bail. As of early 2011 he is still awaiting trial.

G/Gs 136/117   Tac 996      Sac 16      Fum 11      Int   6    Yds  83     Avg  13.7    Td 1   Lg 32