- Roland James
NFL player
Name=Roland James
DateOfBirth=birth date and age|1958|02|18
irthplace=flagicon|USAXenia, Ohio
DateofDeath=
Position=Cornerback
Safety
College=Tennessee
DraftedYear=1980
DraftedRound=1 / Pick 14
DatabaseFootball=JAMESROL01
years=1980-1990
teams=New England Patriots
ProBowls=Roland Orlando James (born
February 18 ,1958 inXenia, Ohio ), is a formerAmerican Football defensive back who was selected by theNew England Patriots in the 1st round of the1980 NFL Draft . At 6'2", 190 lbs from theUniversity of Tennessee , James played his entire NFL career for the Patriots from 1980-1990. He currently resides inSharon, MA and is working as the Director of Youth Services at the Somerville Community Youth Program inSomerville, MA .Roland had the longest punt return in the NFL during the 1980 season.He returned a punt 75 yards for a TD in the Patriots 34-21 win over the New York Jets @ Schaefer Stadium on 11-02-80.
Roland recorded 5 sacks (Richard Todd, Jim McMahon, David Woodley, Dave Krieg & Steve Dills)
He intercepted a pass by David Woodley on the last play of the Patriots 3-0 "Snow Plow" victory over the Miami Dolphins on 12-12-82.
Roland intercepted 3 pass by Joe Ferguson in the "3rd Qtr" of the Patriots 31-0 shutout of the Bills @ Rich Stadium on 10-23-83.
He tackled Frank Middleton for a safety in the Patriots 50-17 rout of the Indianapolis Colts on 11-18-84.
Roland recovered 10 fumbles during the regular season and recovered a fumble by Freeman McNeil in the Patriots 26-14 AFC Playoff Game win over the NY Jets on 12-28-85.
He had 29 interceptions and 42 punt returns in 145 regular season games for the New England Patriots.
Roland played in 5 playoff games for the New England Patriots
Coaches high school football in Massachusetts. His son Roman James plays Free Safety for Baylor University.
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