Career
He was a 10th round selection (260th overall pick) in the 1968 NFL Draft out of Northeast Missouri State University by the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay Packers
He was cut in September 1968. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta signed him off the waiver wire and he played both tackle and defensive end for Falcons in 1968.
He ended the season with six tackles (one for a loss).
Los Angeles Rams
He played sparingly, making two tackles. Injuries curtailed his activity in both the 1970 and 1971 seasons.
In 1970 he made six tackles (one for a loss). In 1971 he was on injured reserve.
New England Patriots
He was the Patriots special teams captain in 1972 along with playing right defensive end and right defensive tackle.
He ended the season with 95 tackles and no sacks, two passes defensed and a blocked kick. In 1973 he made 92 tackles and sacked the quarterback three times. He played in 28 straight regular season games after joining the Patriots prior to the 1972 season, starting in the last 27.
World Football League
Rick also played a year in the World Football League for the Philadelphia Bell and the San Antonio Wings.
