The Patriots and Buccaneers on Friday confirmed they will hold joint practices in Tampa before their exhibition game at Raymond James Stadium on Aug. 24.
The Patriots play the Eagles at Gillette Stadium in their second exhibition game on Aug. 20, then travel to Florida for practices with the Bucs on Aug. 22-23. The Patriots’ exhibition finale is at MetLife Stadium against the Giants on Aug. 29.
Because the Buccaneers will have broken training camp, the sessions will not be open to the public.
Bill Belichick and new Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano have a long professional relationship, dating to Schiano’s years at Rutgers. The Patriots will also hold joint practices with the Saints in Foxborough on Aug. 7-8, before their Aug. 9 exhibition game.
Farewell to fixture
The Patriots announced that Gino Cappelletti, who played, coached, and served as broadcaster for the team over the last 52 years, is retiring from the broadcast booth.
“There will never be another Gino Cappelletti,” owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “I remember watching him play as an original Boston Patriot in 1960. He quickly became one of the biggest stars in the fledgling American Football League. He retired as the league’s all-time leading scorer and deserves special recognition, not just for being one of the pioneers of the AFL, but for creating the foundation on which our franchise was built. He has been a great ambassador for the Patriots over a career that spanned six decades.’’
Added coach Bill Belichick: “Going back to his days as one of the all-time great players, Gino has been such a fixture, so it is hard imagining not working with him on a regular basis. I have been fortunate to enjoy Gino’s presence and share experiences that extend well beyond the game. Around the team, he wasn’t just a broadcaster, but was — and remains — truly part of the team, respected by players and coaches for representing everything good about sports.
“Gino is a class act, one of the true gentlemen of the AFL and NFL and I am proud to have been associated with him every week of my career as Patriots head coach.”
Roark cut
The Patriots cut rookie wide receiver Matt Roark. Undrafted out of Kentucky, the 6-foot-4-inch Roark was a long shot to make the roster, and he was one of five players who reportedly failed their physicals Thursday, when rookies reported for training camp. Veterans report Wednesday.