Former Patriots running back dies at 58

Mass. — A former Patriots running back has died.

Robert Perryman Jr. died at the age of 58 after a rapid decline with dementia, his obituary said.

Perryman was drafted overall #79 in the 1987 NFL draft and was selected as the New England Patriots second pick in the third round as a running back.

Perryman was born in North Carolina but went to Bourne High School on Cape Cod. After graduating, he attended the University of Michigan and played running back for the Wolverines.

He played four years with the New England Patriots, then with the Dallas Cowboys, and two seasons with the Denver Broncos.

“His passion for football also led him to coach Youth, High School, and College Football, teams. He also worked as an assistant coach with the Boston Militia of the Independent Women’s Football League with former Patriots cornerback, Derrick Beasley,” his obituary said.

After ending his football career, Perryman worked with the United Way and ended as a probation officer in Gloucester District Court and Salem Superior Court.

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