Bob Yates Jr., former Syracuse and Patriots offensive lineman, dies at 74

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Bob Yates Jr., the former Syracuse offensive lineman who played for the Patriots in their first six seasons, had died. He was 74.

The Patriots said Thursday that Yates died Tuesday at his home in Spring Branch, Texas.

Yates, from Montpelier, Vt., helped lead Syracuse to the 1959 national championship and played 68 games at tackle, guard and center for the Patriots from 1960-1965.

He later was a teacher and coach for 34 years at high schools and colleges in Massachusetts and Vermont.