Former Patriots punter/quarterback Tom Yewcic has died, the team announced Wednesday. Yewcic was 88.
The Steelers made Yewcic a 27th-round choice in 1954 out of Michigan State. But Yewcic opted to play baseball, signing with the Detroit Tigers.
Yewcic spent time in the minor leagues before playing one game at catcher for Detroit on June 27, 1957. He signed with the Patriots in 1961 following a half a season with Toronto of the Canadian Football League.
Yewcic was chiefly a punter in 1961 and the first half of 1962. He was pressed into service as a starting quarterback when Babe Parilli was injured, and Yewcic sparked the Patriots to three consecutive victories.