Doug Skene

Skene played college football for the University of Michigan from 1989 to 1992.^[3] He played on the offensive line for Michigan and was coached there by Les Miles. Skene later recalled: "The thing that Les hammered us on was the attention to detail. I never went through more walk-throughs in my entire life and more meetings and detailed study of the opponents than with Les. I felt he was really hard on me, and I told him later that at times I hated him. But looking back on it, he was the best coach of Xs and Os and the best technician I ever had."^[4]

Skene was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the eighth round (217th overall pick) of the 1993 NFL draft.^[6][2] He ended up with the New Orleans Saints and was put on waivers. In November 1993, he was signed by the New England Patriots.^[7][8] He started the first six games of the 1994 NFL season for the Patriots. In his first NFL game, Skene was credited with playing a key role in helping Drew Bledsoe pass for 421 yards to set a franchise record.^[9] In an October 1994 game against the Los Angeles Raiders, Skene suffered a career-ending injury to his left knee. He was making a block when 310-pound Chester McGlockton fell on the back of his knee.^[10][11] Skene attempted a comeback in 1995, but he was waived by the Patriots in late August 1995.^[12]