RIP Former Patriot Sam Adams At 67

The former Patriots offensive lineman died in Houston.

Sam Adams joined the Patriots in 1972 and played for nine seasons there. He started 90 of the 119 games that he played for the Pats. He retired in 1981.

Sam Adams played on a Patriots offensive line in 1978, along with John Hannah and Leon Gray, that set an NFL team record by rushing for 3,165 yards.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft released the following statement:

"This is really sad news for Patriots fans who enjoyed watching Sam Adams play and the many Patriots teammates who played with him throughout the 1970s. Not only was he a stalwart in the trenches for nearly a decade, but I can't think of a more appropriately named player to represent the Patriots."

No cause of death was released.