Patriots Teammates Share Memories of Unsung WR After Passing
Stephen Starring, one of the more underrated New England Patriots of the 1980s, passed away at the age of 64 on October 18. The wide receiver — who spent five seasons with the Patriots and was also utilized in the special teams game — was a third round pick by the franchise and was among the league's best returning kicks.
The top two wideouts on those Patriots teams (Stanley Morgan and Irving Fryar) garner the most attention, but Starring was right behind them. Alongside Cedric Jones, the wide receiver room in 1985 was a complementary piece for one of the franchise's most proficient offenses.
A Pair of 1980s Patriots Pay Respects to Teammate
Some of Starring's former teammates spoke to Patriots on SI about what they remember about Starring, and what he meant to the organization.
"I was not on the '85 team, but I played with him my rookie year in 1986," running back Reggie Dupard said. "He, of course, is from Louisiana, As I am as well. He is from Fenton, Louisiana, which is close to Lake Charles. My wife is from that area and her brother told me the day after he passed. He said he had not been looking well. He was a legend in that area."
Starring's NFL career began in 1983 after a fantastic four-year stint with McNeese State. The dual-threat in college and eventual inductee into the school's athletic Hall of Fame, switched over to wide receiver when coming to New England. When he joined the Patriots, he made a quick impact, grabbing 17 passes for 389 yards — good for second-most on that team — and a pair of touchdowns.
"He was sort of laid back, but a real good teammate," Dupard continued, talking about how Starring helped him adjust to the NFL after being drafted out of SMU. "We clicked really well being from the same state. He and Stanley Morgan would give me tips on route running. I was not familiar with the passing game because we did not throw the ball a lot in the Southwest Conference. He will be missed."
"He was our third receiver," Dupard said. "He was a track guy that played quarterback in college. He was a good athlete!"
The quick Starring was one of the NFL's
"Stephen was a multi-talented player who played a key role in our team’s success," running back Craig James said. "His talents provided the kind of depth all great teams need for success."
After his time with the Patriots was over, Starring had stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Raiders. He retired in 1989 and finished his career with nearly 2,400 yards in the return game.
THE ENTIRE NFL WORLD ERUPTS: Erin Andrews Leaves Studio Speechless After Declaring “Shedeur Sanders Is This Nation’s New Quarterback”
The NFL world has erupted in chaos following one of the boldest statements ever made on live television. During a recent post-game discussion, veteran sportscaster
“Is it time for America to move on from Patrick Mahomes?”
Moments later, she doubled down by calling
“It wasn’t meant to disrespect Mahomes,” Andrews later clarified, “but it’s time we talk about what’s really happening on the field. The league is changing, and Shedeur Sanders is part of that change.”
The statement came after a disappointing performance by Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in their loss to the Browns. Analysts had already been questioning whether the Chiefs’ dynasty was beginning to crack, but Andrews’ comment poured gasoline on the fire. Within minutes, hashtags like
Supporters of Mahomes were quick to defend him, highlighting his two Super Bowl victories and record-breaking achievements. “You don’t just move on from the best player in football,” one fan wrote. Others, however, agreed with Andrews, arguing that Mahomes’ recent struggles show he’s no longer untouchable.
“Shedeur Sanders is fearless, disciplined, and represents the next evolution of leadership in this league,” Andrews said later in the broadcast. “This isn’t about disrespect — it’s about recognizing who’s leading the new generation.”
The controversy didn’t end there. Several analysts on the panel reportedly tried to steer the conversation away, but the clip had already gone viral. Sports talk shows replayed the moment repeatedly, with some calling it
Former players also weighed in. Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe tweeted, “Respect to Erin, but you don’t replace greatness just because someone’s having a rough month. Mahomes is still HIM.” Meanwhile, retired quarterback
The debate has since evolved beyond football performance and into a cultural discussion about legacy, hype, and the media’s role in shaping public perception. Some critics accused Andrews of intentionally sparking controversy to drive ratings, while others praised her for “saying what everyone else was thinking.”
Inside NFL circles, the reaction was reportedly mixed. Sources close to the Chiefs said Mahomes was “aware” of the comment but refused to engage publicly, focusing instead on preparing for next week’s matchup. The
Shedeur Sanders himself responded humbly when asked about the viral moment during a post-practice interview:
“I’m grateful for the love,” Sanders said. “But I’m not trying to replace anyone. Patrick Mahomes is one of the best to ever do it. I’m just focused on earning respect the hard way — one win at a time.”
Despite his humility, the internet has already dubbed this debate the “Quarterback Crown War.” Fans and analysts are now framing every upcoming Chiefs-Browns matchup as a symbolic clash between the old guard and the new face of the league.
As of now, neither ESPN nor Fox Sports has issued an official statement regarding Andrews’ comments. Still, the moment has cemented itself as one of the most unforgettable live-television exchanges in recent NFL history. Whether you view it as bold truth-telling or unnecessary provocation, Erin Andrews has undeniably reignited a nationwide conversation about what greatness means — and who defines it.
With the NFL season heating up and the Chiefs under growing pressure, all eyes are now on Patrick Mahomes. Can he silence the critics and remind the world why he’s considered the face of modern football? Or has Erin Andrews’ declaration marked the beginning of a new chapter in NFL history — one where Shedeur Sanders becomes the symbol of a changing era?
Whatever the answer, one thing is certain: Erin Andrews has set the football world on fire, and this debate isn’t cooling down anytime soon.
