Tom Beer

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For the Detroit Lions player of the 1990s, see Tom E. Beer.
Tom Beer
Date of birth December 21, 1944 (1944-12-21) (age 63)
Place of birth Detroit, MI
Position(s) Tight End
College Houston
Common Draft 1967 / Round 2
Jersey Number 82
Stats
Statistics
Teams
1967-1969
1970
1971-1972
AFL Denver Broncos
NFL Boston Patriots
NFL New England Patriots

Thomas John Beer (born December 21, 1944, Detroit) was an American football player who played at the University of Houston and professionally for the Denver Broncos of the American Football League and the NFL's Boston Patriots and New England Patriots.

Tom wore #82 and had the nickname "Tarzan". He played as a Tight End in 42 games for the Patriots over the 1970-1972 seasons. Tom had 25 receptions for 381 yards & 3 TD's. His longest reception was a 31 yard TD reception on 10-24-71.

He also returned 2 kickoffs for a total of 19 yards. Tom returned a kickoff 4 yards to end the 1st half in the Patriots 31-21 loss to the New York Jets @ Harvard Stadium on 09-27-70. His longest kickoff return was 15 yards at the end of the 1st Qtr in the Patriots 34-10 loss to the New York Jets @ Shea Stadium on 10-29-72.

Tom lateraled a kickoff to Carl Garrett, who took it 21 yards in the Boston Patriots 27-3 loss to the Baltimore Colts @ Memorial Stadium 10-25-70.

Tom lateraled a kickoff to Carl Garrett, who took it 27 yards in the Boston Patriots 45-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills @ Harvard Stadium on 11-01-70. Tom lateraled another kickoff to Carl Garrett, who advanced it 15 yards, in the Boston Patriots 45-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills @ Harvard Stadium on 11-01-70.

Tom is the only Tight End of the Patriots who has lateraled a kickoff to a teammate.

Tom returned a fumbled punt return by Ike Hill 5 yards in the Patriots 38-33 win over the Buffalo Bills @ Schaefer Stadium on 11-14-71.

Following his playing days, Beer wrote the sardonically ribald 1974 memoir Sunday's Fools: Stomped, Tromped, Kicked and Chewed in the NFL, recounting the experience of playing for two of the worst franchises in pro football during his career. He also was an executive for the New York Stars of the short-lived World Football League.

He is currently residing in New Jersey.

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