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About Christopher Price

Christopher Price has covered the Boston sports scene for more then a dozen years, working for ESPN.com, SI.com and Baseball America as well as The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, The Miami Herald and Boston Metro. In that time, he’s established himself as an award-winning sportswriter who has been honored by Northeastern University, the New England Press Association and the North Carolina Press Association. In addition, he’s the author of the just published, “New England Patriots: The Complete Illustrated History” and two other books “Baseball by the Beach” and "The Blueprint: How the New England Patriots Beat the System to Create the Last Great NFL Superpower.”

 
COLUMNS
Christopher Price
06/11/2009 - 6:26pm
Easy To Take Note Of Springs' Success
FOXBOROUGH -- In a high-tech world, Shawn Springs is a low-tech cornerback. While other players rely solely on film work or some other sort of game video to try and gain an edge on an opponent, the veteran cornerback, who signed with the Patriots on March 11, is decidedly retro when it comes to his preparation. When he needs to get an edge, he goes to his notebook. Not Macintosh. More like Trapper Keeper.
Christopher Price
06/10/2009 - 6:53pm
Wilfork, Kraft Strike Positive Note Regarding Contract
Contract disputes usually come with angry rhetoric, harsh words and prolonged absences.
Christopher Price
06/09/2009 - 8:08pm
O'Brien Putting His Stamp On Special Teams Unit
While there were major moves on offense and defense this offseason for the Patriots, no unit saw more important changes than special teams.
Christopher Price
06/08/2009 - 8:24pm
New Veterans Getting Peek Behind The Curtain
Truth be told, before he got to New England, Fred Taylor wasn’t the biggest Tom Brady fan. While he was with Jacksonville, Taylor and the Jaguars were knocked out of the playoffs twice by Brady and the Patriots, first in 2005 and again in 2007. And so when he first entertained the idea of signing with New England as a free agent, the veteran running back wasn’t completely enamored with the thought of lining up alongside No. 12.
Christopher Price
06/07/2009 - 8:14pm
Patriots Look To Get Work In Before Break
Call it summer vacation. Once this week’s minicamp is done, the Patriots will have their first extended getaway of the offseason, a break that will last until training camp opens roughly six weeks down the road. Players, coaches and the rest of the support staff will head for home to spend time with friends and family before returning to start the preseason grind of two-a-days in the summery conditions of late July.
Christopher Price
06/05/2009 - 1:17am
Moss Almost A Forgotten Man This Offseason
For most of his career, he’s been a leading man. But this offseason, he’s been a bit player, content to let others take center stage.
Christopher Price
06/03/2009 - 11:36pm
The Hot List: Rodney's Greatest Hits
Rodney Harrison, who announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday morning, will be remembered as having a unique place in New England’s football legacy. In many ways, you could make the argument that he was the final element that turned them from a very good football team into a dynasty.
Christopher Price
06/02/2009 - 4:54pm
Patriots Sound Prepared For Rodney Retirement
If veteran safety Rodney Harrison does decide to retire from pro football this week, he’ll be remembered as an intense player whose passion for the game often left teammates shaking their heads in disbelief. “It didn’t matter if it was a Friday practice or a walk-through, the guy was always full-speed, and he brought that intensity and leadership to the field,” defensive lineman Richard Seymour said of Harrison, who will reportedly call it a career in a Wednesday morning conference call.
Christopher Price
06/01/2009 - 11:11pm
Patriots' Fans Should Appreciate Red Wings Run
Usually, this little section of bandwith at WEEI.com is devoted exclusively to Patriots’ information, analysis and commentary. (We leave the hardcore hockey analysis to him and, when he’s not writing about pit bulls or d-bags, this guy.)
Christopher Price
05/28/2009 - 11:08pm
Brady Back On the Field
The quarterback slowly strolled over to the waiting group of media. “Welcome back,” one reporter said. “Thanks,” said Tom Brady with a big smile. “I’ve gotta tell you guys -- I’ve really been looking forward to this.”
Christopher Price
05/27/2009 - 11:30am
Newest Patriot linebacker Lenon 'a real pro'
Paris Lenon has made a career out of surprising people. The 31-year-old linebacker out of Richmond -- an undrafted free agent -- has been released three times. He has played in Europe and in the XFL. But through it all, he’s persevered to carve out a place for himself in the National Football League. On Wednesday, he signed a free agent deal with New England.
Christopher Price
05/25/2009 - 9:35pm
The Hot List: Agents Of Change
The Patriots have always done a nice job finding gems in the unlikeliest of places, with many unheralded contributors over the years finding their way to Foxborough as undrafted or rookie free agents. New England could have another handful make the roster this season -- Jermail Porter, Brian Hoyer and Antonio Appleby are among those who were impressive enough during rookie minicamp to be asked back for the organized team activities.
Christopher Price
05/21/2009 - 11:47pm
Older And Wiser, Banta-Cain Returns To New England
Traditionally, when a pro athlete sees Boston in their rearview mirror, there’s little chance they’ll return. Only a few can say they’ve enjoyed a second act on the New England stage -- Ellis Burks and Antoine Walker are among a handful of players who have launched their professional careers here, left, and then returned again.
Christopher Price
05/20/2009 - 10:27pm
O'Connell ready to take another step forward
Until last season, the role of Tom Brady’s backup always came with a cloak of anonymity. Whether it was Jim Miller, Damon Huard, Vinny Testaverde, Rohan Davey or Matt Cassel, Brady’s durability -- he had the third-longest streak of consecutive starts entering last September -- and his sheer star power often left the backup feeling like the invisible man.
Christopher Price
05/15/2009 - 11:36pm
Hodel Happy To Be Part Of 'No Nonsense' Patriots
Don’t expect Nathan Hodel to be doing any snow angels this winter. The new Patriots’ long snapper calls former New England long snapper Lonie Paxton “great,” but he has no interest in trying replicate Paxton’s trademark celebration “snow angel” move he made famous during the 2001 postseason.
Christopher Price
05/14/2009 - 10:55pm
Smith Ready To Fit In With Patriots
Alex Smith majored in economics at Stanford, but the newest Patriots tight end appeared to be a real student of history when he was asked if he was aware what it meant to wear No. 80 in New England.
Christopher Price
05/13/2009 - 10:38pm
Caserio provides a peek behind the curtain
Just get it right. It’s a simple phrase, but one that’s at the heart of the Patriots’ scouting system. According to director of player personnel Nick Caserio -- who spoke to fans Wednesday night at the Hall at Patriot Place -- the phrase is essential when it comes to the scouts’ role in the overall team-building process. From the most veteran scouts to the newcomers, the goal is the same. “To get it right,” Caserio said. “It doesn’t matter who found them. Just get it right.”
Christopher Price
05/13/2009 - 12:22am
Faulk Has Staying Power
Kevin Faulk thought Troy Brown was crazy. Well, maybe not crazy. But he still wasn’t sure why Brown, a former Patriots star, did some of the things he did in the twilight of his career to get his body ready to play. Back in the day, it was simple for Faulk: You just go out and play, right? The body will take care of itself.
Christopher Price
05/06/2009 - 11:23am
Selection of Ingram was a snap
The Patriots have had a few guys pick up a surfboard the last few years. Junior Seau. Tom Brady. And now, long snapper Jake Ingram. The Hawaiian native, who was picked in the sixth round of the NFL Draft late last month, is an avid surfer. But he’ll gladly set aside the board while he helps the Patriots try and find out if there’s life after Lonie Paxton.
Christopher Price
05/04/2009 - 10:58pm
The Hot List: Our Favorite Rookie Questions
With Patriots’ rookie minicamp completed, here are the Top 5 questions remaining about New England’s 2009 rookie class.
Christopher Price
05/03/2009 - 7:42pm
Halfway home: Examining the Patriots midway through their offseason
This week marks the halfway point of the Patriots’ offseason. It’s been just over four months since the end of New England’s 2008 season, and it’s roughly four months before the 2009 regular-season opener against Buffalo. How have things changed for the Patriots since they walked off the field at Buffalo’s Ralph Wilson Stadium after beating the Bills, 13-0, in Buffalo back on Dec. 28, 2008? And how do they look with the 2009 season looming on the horizon?
Christopher Price
05/01/2009 - 10:05pm
Rookies get first glimpse of NFL life
If an NFL career is like a journey, then Friday morning, many rookies took their first steps on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. Thirty players -- 12 of whom were drafted last weekend by the Patriots, plus a handful of rookie free agents and assorted players there to fill out the minicamp roster -- got a taste of NFL life under the watchful eye of the New England coaching staff as part of the Patriots’ rookie minicamp.
Christopher Price
05/01/2009 - 12:35am
McKenzie Continues To Make An Impression
When he first met Tyrone McKenzie, Wally Burnham was skeptical. The former defensive coordinator at South Florida wondered why the school was taking a chance on a guy like McKenzie, who had already left Michigan State and Iowa State and was talking to him about playing at USF as a junior. For a coach, one transfer usually raises a red flag. Two transfers, and you might as well slap a “radioactive” sticker on a guy.
Christopher Price
04/28/2009 - 8:47pm
Chung’s Career Has Been A Steady March Forward
Plenty of young football players who make the NFL can usually point to a career-defining moment in high school, a singular event where they cement their status as a future pro. Not Patrick Chung. Chris Van Duin, Chung’s coach at Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) High School, remembers a high schooler who steadily advanced up the depth chart with hard work and dedication. A relatively undersized youngster who started his high school football career at age 12, there were no highlight-reel hits, no trail of college coaches beating a path to Rancho Cucamonga to see him play.
Christopher Price
04/27/2009 - 10:49pm
Sudden Impact: What To Expect From 2009 Rookie Class
On a team that’s traditionally been stocked with veterans, players right out of college haven’t been asked to make sizable contributions in New England -- last year’s first-round pick Jerod Mayo was the exception rather than the rule. The 2003 rookie class was the last to make a serious mark as a group in its first year, as Ty Warren, Eugene Wilson, Asante Samuel and Dan Koppen all saw extended action their rookie season.


Audio On Demand

It Is What It Is Cast: Ex…

It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on Tebow's release

Mike Florio joined the program to discuss the Jets decision to release Tim Tebow, he said the situation is as disaster all around for the Jets and that the problems begins with owner Woody Johnson. Mike also said that he was disappointed with the Pats moving back in the first round.

Mike Petraglia, WEEI.com, Sits Down with Butch Stearns to Help Break Down the Pats Draft

One of the hardest working men in the biz, Mike Petraglia aka "Trags", sits down with Butch Stearns live in Foxborough to help break down all the latest Pats moves. He discusses his reaction to the trade in Round 1 and the guys those picks produced. Also, the boys talk about the decent trade the Pats made in acquiring LeGarrette Blount from Tampa Bay for Jeff Demps and a 7th rounder.

Celtics President Danny A…

Celtics President Danny Ainge with Salk and Holley

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Jackie MacMullan, ESPNBoston.com: "Gut" tells me Doc will stay

Jackie Mac joins the show to discuss the trade rumors swirling around Paul Pierce, KG, Doc Rivers and the Celtics. She also discusses the future of the Celtics head coach.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on his rumored Celtics Clippers trade

Stephen A. joined the program to discuss the trade rumors he has reported regarding a possible trade including Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Stephen A. also told the guys that he has heard that Danny and Doc may be tiring of working together.

John Farrell postgame pre…

John Farrell postgame press conference

John Farrell postgame press conference

David Ortiz after the second game in Minnesota

Joe Castiglione and Dave O'Brien talked to David Ortiz after the Red Sox beat the Twins 12-5. Big Papi said that team chemistry is great, that the new guys see the Sox way of doing things.

John Farrell pregame before the middle game of the Minnesota series

Joe Castiglione talked to John Farrell before the second game against the Twins. The manager said that the Sox can win with small-ball or with big-ball.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports, on Game 1 Bruins Rangers

Pierre McGuire joins Tom Caron and Mut to discuss the Bruins young defensemen, the intensity and energy level in the game, and the Rangers offense.

Shawn Thornton on his mes…

Shawn Thornton on his message to Seguin in Game 7 against the Leafs

Shawn joined the program to discuss another overtime win for the Bruins. When asked about Game 7 against Toronto, Thornton said that he would like to keep his specific comments in the dressing room private, but acknowledged that he encouraged Tyler Seguin to up his play and it paid off in overtime.

NESN's Barry Pederson on Bruins Rangers game one

Barry joined the guys to help breakdown the Bruins overtime win last night in game one. Barry said that he has rarely seen a team dominate as much as the Bruins yet be forced to an overtime.

Rangers superfan Boomer Esiason on the Bruins game 1 win

Boomer joined the program to discuss the tough loss for his beloved Rangers. Boomer told the guys that Lundqvist will be better in game two and predicted a seven game series.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Kevin Millar, Former Red Sox 1B, on Sox struggles

Millar joins the show to discuss the recent Sox slide, Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of power, and hitting in the big leagues.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

An hour with Jack: Breaki…

An hour with Jack: Breaking down the Bruins OT win over the Rangers with NESN's Jack Edwards

We talk all things game one with Jack Edwards of NESN, and get to hear a little from Jack's Finnish protege as well.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/17/13

We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today.. Joe Thornton and disappointing former Boston athletes, parking in Boston, buying jersey numbers and more...

Yo Soy Traction! Rob Gronkowski now may need back surgery in addition to his 4th surgery on his injured wrist.

We talk about the report that Rob Gronkowski may now be a candidate for back surgery with a disc problem. Is Gronk just an injury prone guy? Or is he not rehabbing proberly? Can the Pats build an offense around a guy who is so inconsistently on the field? We discuss.

Daily Planet Thursday May…

Daily Planet Thursday May 9th

The Bruins have almost finished raking the Leafs, the Red Sox struggle from the mound, Miami Heat fans show their level of class.

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Tuesday May 7th

Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins take a 2-1 series lead, the Red Sox get a run-off win, and we hear about cannibals and bible thieves.

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsb…

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsbury play will hurt him in free agency

Buster Olney joins the show to discuss the muddled AL East, the average play of Ellsbury and how that will affect him in free agency, and Tropicana Field.

More from this show

Linda calls in to describ…

Linda calls in to describe the scene on Dexter St in Watertown

Linda explains how the shootout transpired in Watertown during the early morning hours. She saw the first suspect mortally wounded and police beginning the manhunt for the second suspect.

More from this show

Boston bombing hero Jeff …

Boston bombing hero Jeff Bauman: "He's dead and I'm still here"

Jeff Bauman, a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing, joined the show to give the guys an update of his condition and a first-hand account of that terrible day. Jeff told the guys how he wrote the description of the bomber as soon as he could. Mr. Bauman added that he is aided every day with the knowledge that he is alive and the terrorist that detonated the bomb is dead.

More from this show

It Is What It Is Cast: Ex…

It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

More from this show

Rangers superfan Boomer E…

Rangers superfan Boomer Esiason on the Bruins game 1 win

Boomer joined the program to discuss the tough loss for his beloved Rangers. Boomer told the guys that Lundqvist will be better in game two and predicted a seven game series.

More from this show

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