Tag Archives: New England Patriots

NFL

Henderson, Jerome

Cards: Action Packed 1991, Score Supplemental 1992
Acquired: Patriots Blitz 1992

Speedy defensive back Jerome Henderson was taken out of Syracuse in the 2nd round of the 1991 draft by the New England Patriots. He would provide valuable depth for the team also acting as a punt returner that initial season. Things looked good for Henderson who made 5 picks, 2 fumbles, 101 tackles and 201 punt return yards over two seasons, but by 1993 he was already playing for the Buffalo Bills, where he’d remain through 1994. In 1995 Henderson would sign with the Eagles, where he recovered one fumble and returned it for a touchdown, before he returned to the Patriots in 1996. 1997 would see him step up to a new challenge as he moved into the free safety position for the New York Jets, where he’d finish his career after 2 more additional seasons in 1998. At last check Henderson is the defensive backs coach for the Cleveland Browns. It’s interesting looking at the certainly journeyman like career of Henderson and where he has been as he has spent his whole college career and pro career within a 500 mile radius of New York City with 5 teams and 6 stops.

G/Gs 98/33   Tac 205     Sac  1    Fum     Int   9    Yds  118    Avg  10.9    Td 0    Lg 45

College Football HoF, NFL

Friesz, John “Deep”

Cards: Action Packed 1992, Action Packed Rookies 1991
Acquired: TTM 1993, C/o The San Diego Chargers

John Freisz was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 6th round of the 1990 draft. Considered to be the ‘future’ of the franchise- based on his amazing performance at Idaho leading them to an 8-0 record and throwing for over 4,000 yards- the future came sooner than anybody expected when Billy Joe Tolliver left after the season concluded.

In 1991 Friesz took over as starting quarterback of the Chargers, starting all 16 games. Allowed to flourish- he threw for 2896 yards and 12 touchdowns as a traditional drop back passer. Friesz suffered a season ending injury in the 1992 preseason and did not return until 1993, throwing 6 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. A new head coach led John in a new direction- as John became a journeyman quarterback, playing in Washington for a season, before a four season stint with Seattle starting in 1995. In 1996, (John’s best year,) he’d win 4 starts and lose only 2 putting up a respectable 86.2 quarterback rating.  In 1995, he came off the bench for the Seahawks leading the team back from a 20-0 deficit against the Denver Broncos- engineering 3 4th quarter touchdown drives. After his stint in Seattle, Friesz would play two non-discript seasons for the New England Patriots and retire.

Friesz was the epitome of the walking wounded. Over his career he broke his thumb, leg, suffered injuries to his knees and separated his non-throwing shoulder. He also spent 15 games of his rookie season on IR, and the whole 1992 season there as well. John was well liked by his teammates. With a workman like attitude and a team player, Friesz rarely if ever complained when salary cap problems, politics and injuries caused him to lose his starting job.

An avid outdoorsman, John especially enjoys fishing and is a certified Scuba diver. John’s last name is pronounced “Freez” and was nicknamed “Deep” by his teammates in college.

In 2006, John’s number was retired by Idaho and he became the school’s first inductee into the College Football HoF that year as well. In 2009 he’d also be inducted into the Inland Northwest HoF. He remains active to this day in his community participating in golf tournaments, hosting numerous charities for the Special Olympics and participating in Big Brothers & Big Sisters of America.

G/Gs 69/38     Att 1364    Comp 745    Yds 8699    Pct 54.6%
Td 45       Int 42        Rat  72.3

NFL

Pitts, Mike (1960-2021)

Card: ProSet 1990
Acquired: In Person 1992, Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp

When your swing defensive tackle is Mike Pitts, your defense is doing pretty darn good. The Philadelphia Eagles had an incredible defense at one point with Reggie White, Jerome Brown and Clyde Simmons on the defensive line with Mike providing valuable insurance especially against the run.

Originally a first round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons back in 1983 he’d play there for three years before signing with the Eagles- where he had his most memorable years. Later Pitts would sign with the Patriots where he finished out his career after 2 more seasons in 1993 and 1994.

Pitts was a venerable run stopper notching over 100 tackles 4 times in his career in 1985, 1988, 1989 and 1991 from his defensive line position who never seemed to get respect. His Proset card isn’t the greatest but I laughed when he signed it and put the “P” in his name around Ottis Anderson‘s head- just like he was wrapping him up.

G/Gs 169/123   Tac 804     Sac 48.5     Fum 15
Int 1   Yds 3  Avg 3.0   Td  0  Lg 3

UPDATE 9/25/2021- The Philadephia Eagles annouced today that they were saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Pitts this morning. He was 61.