. James had the longest punt return in the NFL during the 1980 season. He returned a punt 75 yards for a TD in the Patriots 34–21 win over the
New York Jets at
Schaefer Stadium on November 2. James recorded five sacks in 1981. He intercepted a pass by
David Woodley on the last play of the Patriots 3–0 "Snow Plow" victory over the
Miami Dolphins on December 12, 1982. James intercepted three passes by
Joe Ferguson in the third quarter of the Patriots 31–0 shutout of the
Buffalo Bills at
Rich Stadium on 10–23–83, becoming the first player in club history to record three interceptions in the same quarter. He tackled
Frank Middleton for a safety in the Patriots 50–17 rout of the
Indianapolis Colts on November 18, 1984. James recovered 10 fumbles during the regular season and recovered a fumble by
Freeman McNeil in the Patriots 26–14 AFC Wild Card Round win over the New York Jets on December 28, 1985. He had 29 interceptions and 42 punt returns in 145 regular season games for the New England Patriots. James played in five playoff games for the New England Patriots. ==Post-playing career==