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Andre Tippett's time

Email|Link|Comments (3) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff July 30, 2008 12:25 PM

Robert Kraft, left, and Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett visited camp Wednesday. (Barry Chin / Globe Staff)

FOXBOROUGH – At their team meeting this morning, the Patriots paused to honor Andre Tippett on his upcoming enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend. Tippett described the meeting as intimate, relaying that it’s a good thing he doesn’t have to play a game because he is an “emotional wreck.”

“I think Bill wanted the opportunity to basically be in front of the team and share some special intimate time before I took off,” Tippett said in a meaningful press conference that lasted almost 25 minutes.

“It was awesome, and got a bit emotional. … Listening to Bill say the things he said, I’m honored – 15, 16 years later, it’s just awesome to get the confirmation from a guy like him, knowing his history and his background, and the people he’s been around from New York, to guys he’s coached here, and the championships. For him to co-sign on me like that, I’m very much appreciative. For him to stand here and speak to [the media] about me as a player, I’m overwhelmed.”

Much of Belichick’s press briefing this morning included thoughts on Tippett.

“We’re really proud of him,” Belichick said. “I just remember seeing Andre as a guy who was dominant – tight ends couldn’t block him, they couldn’t run outside to his side, they couldn’t run off tackle to his side. He was a very powerful pass rusher, but he was fast and athletic, and he used great technique.

“He, along with some other players in that era like [Lawrence] Taylor, really that defined that position of outside linebacker the way we really see it a lot in the National Football League today.”

Tippett is scheduled to attend the Patriots’ training camp practice this afternoon (2:30-4:30 p.m.), where fans are invited to give him a send-off before he leaves for his enshrinement.

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3 comments so far...

The best 2nd Rd pick in Patriots' history. He was stritctly used as a pass rusher in college at Iowa and because teams didn't know if could drop off in space he didn't go in the 1st Rd. This guy was always a difference maker, when he showed up at Iowa they were mired in a streak of 19 consecutive losing seasons and by the time he left they were Big Ten champs and Rose Bowl bound.

In the NFL he was overshadowed by the real LT, who moved all around the Giants D to get his sacks. In the Pats D at the time, Tippett only played on the left side which I believe brought down his sack numbers. He was as good as anyone in the history of the league coming off the edge. He was unblockable at times because those blocking him never knew whether he was going to run around them or over them. He made it look easy out there with speed, agility, strength and athleticism. 5x Pro Bowler and member of NFL all decade 1980's team. Very deserving member of the Hall of Fame.

Congrats Tipp!!

Posted by Nikos July 30, 08 02:04 PM

From bosoxj in Cali, via Waterville Maine; It was hard nose guys like Tippett and Tatupu and Grogan that made you feel validated being a Pats fan in the 80's. Even being a kid (though a football player none the less) you could feel the competitiveness oozing out of those guys. Moreover Tippett was one of those guys that you just expected plays from. You almost took him for granted. Congratulations to one of the greatest unheralded professional athletes of all time.

Posted by bosoxj July 30, 08 03:42 PM

This guy was my favorite player growing up. He did it with class, off the field, and was a complete beast on the field. I remember playing sandlot ball and taping his name and number on the back of my red T-shirt. I agree with Nikos, that if this guy was given all the opportunities and elaborate defensive schemes that LT was given, he would have made the same plays. I also remember hearing that he was a black belt in Karate.....this is a guy who could kick your tail in any way he wanted, and yet he did it with class. Congratulations Andre, no one deserves it more....thanks for playing hard in all the lean years as a Patriot fan.

Posted by steve July 31, 08 10:25 AM