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Tom Neville was an offensive tackle the AFL's Boston Patriots from 1965 through 1969, and with the NFL's Patriots, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants. He outlasted four different head coaches and playing in seven "home" stadiums, Neville had a huge impact on generations of Patriots offensive linemen, but he almost missed becoming a Patriot altogether. When Neville arrived at Patriots Training Camp in 1965, wear-and-tear was beginning to catch up with him. He'd already had the kind of college production that would later earn him induction into both the Mississippi State and Mississippi Sports Halls of Fame. A knee injury incurred while playing both ways for the Bulldogs left him unable to pass the Patriots' physical. Quickly carving out a niche for himself as an outstanding pass-blocker, Neville attended the Pro Bowl in 1966 and again two years later. The Patriots became his family, and when the identity of the team finally solidified, so did his role. Neville was a staple of the Patriots offense for over a decade, but in 1975, he broke a leg. It healed, but the doctors realized a ligament had been trapped during the healing process. They re-broke Neville's leg just six months after the original injury, and he was hard-pressed to return before the 1976 season. He is a member of the Patriots All-1960s Team. |
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