Back
| May 29, 1998 Patriots Re-Sign Center Dave Wohlabaugh, Punter Mark Gagliano. FOXBORO, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced the signing of restricted free agent center Dave Wohlabaugh, who signed a contract which was consistent with the one-year tender offer made by the Patriots in  February. In
addition, the Patriots announced the signing of free agent punter Mark Gagliano.Wohlabaugh (pictured), 26, was originally drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL draft. The Syracuse product broke into the starting lineup in the sixth week of his rookie season, starting the final 11 contests. In 1996, the 6-foot-3-inch, 292-pound lineman centered an offensive unit which powered the Patriots to their first division title in 10 years. He started all 19 games for Patriots that season, which culminated with an AFC Championship title and a Super Bowl XXXI appearance against the Green Bay Packers. Last year, Wohlabaugh twisted his left ankle in the season opener, causing him to miss the next two games. He returned to the starting lineup vs. Chicago (9/21/97) and started each of the remaining games, propelling the Patriots to their first back-to-back division titles in franchise history. In three years, Wohlabaugh has started every game in which he has played – appearing in 41 of 48 regular season contests. He has also started all five Patriots playoff games. Gagliano, 24, is a Southern Illinois product who had brief stints with the Colts and the Bengals last season, but was not on an active roster in 1997. The 6-foot-4-inch, 214-pound prospect is a native of Collierville, Tenn. He is a strong-legged athlete, who will compete for the team’s punting and kickoff responsibilities. In other news, the Patriots will conduct their first of two mini-camps -- which are not open to the public -- beginning June 1 when rookies and first-year players report to camp. The veterans will join the team for workouts beginning June 5. The veteran camp will run through Sunday, June 7. This years rookie-class includes ten draft picks from the 1998 NFL draft and 11 undrafted rookie free agents. First round selections running back Robert Edwards and defensive back Tebucky Jones are scheduled to attend. |