Longtime New England Patriots WR Terry Glenn gone too soon
For the second time in as many weeks, the New England sports world is mourning the loss of a former player. Former New England Patriots WR Terry Glenn has passed at age 43.
Terry Glenn, a former New England Patriots wide receiver, has been taken from this world too soon after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. The crash in Irving, Texas is still under investigation.
Just 43-years old, Glenn has been retired from the NFL since 2007. He played for the Patriots for 6 seasons, starting with his rookie season in 1996. During those 6 seasons in New England, Glenn became a top target for Drew Bledsoe. He racked up 4,669 yards and 22 touchdowns in 68 games for the Patriots.
Glenn was a member of the 1996 Patriots team that made it to the Super Bowl against the Packers. It was his only appearance in the big game, and he had 4 catches for 62 yards. He had a host of personal issues ahead of the 2001 season, including a suspension and then a deactivation for the rest of the season instituted by new head coach Bill Belichick. He did not receive a 2001 Patriots Super Bowl ring, despite playing in 4 games and catching Tom Brady’s first career touchdown in a game against the Chargers.
Terry Glenn went on to play 5 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, and then just 1 game in 2007 for the Green Bay Packers.
Bill Belichick was an assistant on the 1996 Patriots staff in Terry Glenn’s rookie season, and he had this to say about the former wideout after learning of his passing.
"“His rookie season was my first year here in ’96, so I had a lot of interaction with him and other people that were involved in his life and his upbringing separate from the Patriots. Terry is a very smart individual. Had a lot of, obviously, a lot of physical skill and talent. Could do a lot of things on the football field naturally. And I think was, deep down inside, a good person with good intentions and a good heart. Obviously, it’s a very unfortunate passing. It’s a sad day. Sad news.’’"
Tons of Glenn’s former teammates also put their thoughts out on social media. These included Patriots players, Cowboys players, and those from his alma mater The Ohio State University.
Very sad to hear about the loss my teammate Terry Glenn! A man with a remarkable story. He had himself in a much better place before he passed! God bless you & your family! RIP my friend!
— Troy Brown (@RealTroyBrown80) November 20, 2017
We lost a true Buckeye legend today. 🙏🏽 to Terry Glenn family and BuckeyeNation .
— Cris Carter (@criscarter80) November 20, 2017
I’m speechless. My @Patriots Class Of ‘96 teammate and hands down most talented natural athlete I’ve seen in person. Terry kept to himself but was a good Dude with a big smile that lit up the room when it came out. #RIP #Patriots https://t.co/xk5HCng1gj
— Lawyer Milloy (@LawyerMilloy) November 20, 2017
Incredibly sad to hear about my buddy Terry Glenn. Overcame a ton of adversity to become an excellent person. May your soul rest in peace my friend. #riptg88
— Drew Bledsoe (@DrewBledsoe) November 20, 2017
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Let’s end on a positive note, as it seems Terry Glenn had really turned his life around. He had been working with foster children, and recently proposed to his longtime girlfriend. Here’s a video of Glenn’s career highlights, but let’s aim to remember him as a father, a son, a man, not just a man in a football helmet.