Pats from the Past, Episode 43: Russ Francis

In this episode of Pats from the Past, Matt Smith and Paul Perillo are joined by former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronk talks about his his welcome to the NFL moment, best Patriots team he played on and what made his relationship with Tom Brady so unique.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune-in as Matt Smith and Paul Perillo talk with former Patriots running back Corey Dillon. Hear Dillon’s first reaction to being traded to NE, the moment he knew the team was special, what were some of the nicknames he was given?, how much underrated talent was on the 2004 team and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of Pats from the Past, Matt Smith and Paul Perillo sit down with former Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel. Cassell gives us the inside scoop on what really transpired on the 2 point conversion against Miami in the 2005 regular season final, how the 2008 season changed his professional life, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer joins us in the latest episode of Pats from the Pats.The 15 year NFL vet, who had three separate tours with the Patriots,  shares the trials and tribulations involved in such a long career. Brian talks about his unique role during the practice week leading into Super Bowl 53. Plus, he revels one of the craziest moments he experienced as Tom Brady’s backup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of Pats from the Past we sit down with former Patriots coach, Romeo Crennel.  Crennel discusses the differences between working for Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick, his favorite Super Bowl victory, working with Mike Vrabel as a player then as a coach, and what makes him successful.  Plus, much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Smith and Paul Perillo sit down with newly inducted Patriots Hall of Famer Mike Vrabel.  Listen in for his thoughts coming back to Foxboro for his induction, his ability to “give it back” to Coach Belichick, and some interesting comments on where he thought the 2007 team failed to finish the job.  All this and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of Pats from the Past, Matt Smith and Paul Perillo sit down with former Patriots safety Rodney Harrison. Harrison discusses the difference, now as a broadcaster, on his drives into Gillette Stadium, and the person he rides with that makes it even more unique. Find out his favorite Gillette Stadium moment. What was the best team he played on? 2004 Patriots or 2007 Patriots. Plus, much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Pats from the Past, we sit down with Adam Vinatieri, looking back at his storied career. Among the highlights is how his likely HOF career nearly never got off the ground during a shaky start in his rookie season. How that helped develop confidence to make some of the most clutch kicks in NFL history.  Re-live those kicks as Adam walks us thru the challenges and celebrations. Adam discusses the fortune of playing for 4 potential Hall of Fame coaches and highlights some of the difference between belichick and parcells specifically. Plus, his thoughts on being called by many the greatest kicker of all time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Patriots tight end Russ Francis is our guest on this edition of Pats from the Past. Highlights from our conversation include: How a kid from Hawaii with just one year playing major college football, became the 16th overall selection, and his difficulties conforming to life in the NFL. Francis entertains with often colorful stories from his 13 year career. Dubbed by some as “Gronk before Gronk,” Francis also shares his thoughts on the future Pro Football Hall of Fame TE who also played with New England. Plus, who did he receive career advice from upon his sudden retirement in 1981 and which legend did he work with off the field?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune-in for our conversation with former Patriots GM Scott Pioli. This is part two of our interview. Among the highlights include: Scott discussing his very humble beginnings to a multiple executive of the year award winner, how he was affected by the curse of success, his unique insights into the last back-to-back Super Bowl champions and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.