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

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.
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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.

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TIME CHANGE: 49ers vs. Seahawks Game Under Weather Monitoring – Updated Game Information
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks this Saturday night, attention has quietly shifted from the field to the skies. A developing weather system moving through Northern California is expected to impact the Santa Clara region during the final weekend of the regular season, placing this Week 18 NFC West showdown under close monitoring. According to regional forecasts and weather services tracking the system, conditions in and around Santa Clara could include periods of rain, gusty winds, and cooler evening temperatures. While no severe storm warnings are currently in place, forecasters caution that shifting conditions could still affect travel, stadium operations, and fan attendance at Levi’s Stadium. Meteorologists note that slick roadways, variable winds, and changing evening conditions could present logistical challenges for fans and staff surrounding the 49ers–Seahawks matchup. Fans planning to attend the game are encouraged to monitor local forecasts closely and allow extra time for travel as conditions evolve throughout the day. At this time, the NFL has not announced any official schedule changes. However, league officials are actively monitoring the situation, and a short kickoff adjustment remains possible should weather conditions deteriorate closer to game time. Any potential delay would be considered strictly as a safety precaution for players, stadium personnel, and fans. Game Information (Subject to Weather Monitoring) Week: Week 18 – 2025 NFL Season Matchup: Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026 Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET (weather monitoring ongoing) Location: Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California Broadcast (U.S.): ABC & ESPN (simulcast, Saturday Night Football) Streaming: NFL+, ESPN app/website, Fubo International Viewing: NFL Game Pass (International) Broadcast coverage will remain flexible if necessary. Fans are encouraged to follow official 49ers channels, NFL announcements, and local news outlets for real-time updates regarding any potential kickoff adjustments. Pregame programming may also be affected depending on how conditions develop throughout the day. Weather analysts continue to track the system closely, emphasizing preparedness for those attending the game in person. Officials from both the 49ers and Seahawks are coordinating with league and stadium personnel to ensure all contingencies are addressed should conditions change rapidly. For now, all Week 18 preparations remain in place. Despite the weather uncertainty, the game remains scheduled for its primetime Saturday night window — a matchup that will decide the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC, carrying home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a first-round bye. As of this update, kickoff remains set for 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET on ABC and ESPN, though the situation remains fluid as weather conditions continue to move through the region. Fans are advised to stay informed, plan accordingly, and prioritize safety as the regular season reaches its dramatic conclusion.