Former Key Star Nearly Broke Super Bowl XX Record in 1986 Passes Away – His Final Words Move Patriots Nation

Boston, October, 2025 – The New England Patriots community is in deep mourning following the news of the passing of former player Stephen Starring, an icon of the 1980s team, who died at age 64 on October 19. Starring, born July 30, 1961, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was not only a talented wide receiver but also an exceptional return specialist, playing a pivotal role in leading the Patriots to Super Bowl XX in 1986 – a game that shaped the team’s history.

Starring began his NFL journey when the Patriots selected him in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft from McNeese State University, where he was the MVP of the 1980 Independence Bowl, setting a school record with 974 rushing yards as a quarterback. Over his four seasons in Foxborough (1983-1986), he played 62 games, recording 78 receptions for 1,487 yards and 6 touchdowns. His kickoff return role shone brightly: 138 returns for 2,897 yards, including 1 touchdown. In 1985, he led the team with 1,212 return yards, helping the Patriots secure the AFC Championship.

The pinnacle of his career came at Super Bowl XX in the Superdome, New Orleans, where the Patriots faced the formidable Chicago Bears. Despite a 10-46 loss to the Bears’ “46 Defense,” Starring nearly made history. He returned 7 kickoffs for 153 yards – just 1 yard shy of breaking John Taylor’s Super Bowl record (Giants, Super Bowl XXIII). With 2 receptions for 39 yards, he became the “unsung hero” of the special teams. “Stephen was the soul of our team on the field,” coach Raymond Berry once said. After the Patriots, he played for the Lions (1987) and Buccaneers (1988), finishing his career with 120 receptions, 2,029 receiving yards, and 2,497 return yards.

Starring’s sudden passing, announced by McNeese State, has left Patriots Nation heartbroken. Yet, what moved millions of fans most was his final message, revealed by loved ones at his memorial: “Love the team as I did – the Patriots are forever family.” These simple words, penned in a handwritten letter to owner Robert Kraft, warmed the hearts at Gillette Stadium. Kraft responded, “Stephen wasn’t just a player; he was our heart.”

Starring was inducted into the McNeese Hall of Fame in 2000. Today, flags at Foxborough fly at half-mast, and fans pledge to sing “Sweet Caroline” to honor the hero who nearly broke a record. Rest in peace, Stephen. You reached the pinnacle, and Patriots’ hearts will forever cherish you.