FOXBORO — Former Patriots center and team dentist Bill Lenkaitis passed away Sunday at the age of 70. Lenkaitis played for the Patriots for 11 years from 1971-1981.
Lenkaitis was a member of the Patriots offensive line that plowed the way for an NFL record setting 3,165 yard rushing attack in 1978, a record that still stands today. Lenkaitis was drafted from Penn State by the San Diego Chargers in 1968 where he played for three seasons before being claimed on waivers by the Patriots.
“Bill centered one of the greatest offensive lines, not just in franchise history, but in NFL history,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “In 1976, he helped propel the Patriots to an 11-3 record and our first NFL playoff berth. Two years later, the offensive line powered the Patriots to our first NFL division title, while setting the NFL rushing record. As a season ticket holder during his playing days, I was a fan of the player he was on the field. But, in my 22 years of ownership, I became an even bigger fan of the person he was off the field. He was a big man with an even bigger personality and a huge heart. As a Patriots alumnus, he remained active in our communities and regularly volunteered to support our Foundation’s many initiatives. He was a great Patriots ambassador and he will be missed. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and former teammates.”
Lenkaitis earned his dental degree during his offseasons from the University of Tennessee and worked to become the Patriots team dentist while still playing.