Former Patriot Stephens Dies at 43

John Stephens, a fierce running back who was the Offensive Rookie of the Year for his play with the New England Patriots in 1988, died Tuesday night after his truck lost control in a one-vehicle accident on Highway 169 in Louisiana, leaving his legacy in the football realm to be celebrated while the public mourns his death. Stephens, who hailed from a small town in Louisiana called Spring Hill near the Arkansas border, overcame a less-than-glamorous childhood to rise to fame with the wide world of football, setting records at Northwestern State University before joining the NFL as the Patriots’ first-round draft pick in 1988. The 17th overall pick ran for 1,168 yards in his rookie season, taking four touchdowns on the way, and even earned a starting position for the AFC in the Pro Bowl the same year. “He had a fantastic rookie year,” said Andre Tippett, Patriots executive director of community affairs. “For that period of time that he had success as a running back, there was nobody better.”

Stephens also played linebacker during his NFL career, and after leaving the Patriots in 1992, he spent time in Green Bay, Atlanta and Kansas City before retiring from the league in 1993. John Stephens will be remembered for his toughness and agility on the football field, and his goodwill off the field will be remembered, as well.

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Posted in Uncategorized on September 3, 2009

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