So for coaches, the combine is more about socializing with friends and colleagues than actually getting a bunch of work done. Patriots Director of Player Personnel Matt Groh speaks about his past and present experiences at the NFL Combine. Thu Mar 02 - 03:00 PM | Tue Mar 07 - 11:55 AM. Among the activations: a pregame moment of support for Hamlin, the first responders and medical caregivers; outlining of the "3" in each 30-yard line number on the field in either Buffalo Bills Red or Buffalo Bills Blue; and pregame shirts reading "Love for Damar 3." https://t.co/qoMK1W8M0Y, Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) February 28, 2023. pic.twitter.com/BKQONV7BJ0, Our amazing medical and athletic training staff members were recognized pregame. 14 pick. I have to work at it.". The second-year player addressed the team via FaceTime on Friday, telling them, "Love you boys.". The intensity was a hallmark of the practice sessions, as the Shrine Bowl participants discovered a new level of immediacy in the NFL awaits them. The news first was reported by The Athletic's Chad Graff.. Now, New England will elect take care of offensive duties in-house. The group underperformed last season, and New Englands best player at the position, Jakobi Meyers, is set to become a free agent in two weeks. After spearheading a Patriots' offense that drastically regressed and grossly underperformed, their futures with the club are murky at best. On Sunday, September 25th, 2022 the New England Patriots young and talented starting quarterback, Mac Jones, suffered an ankle injury during the final moments of last weekend's 37 to 26 loss for the New England Patriots against the Baltimore Ravens. Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon joined NFL+ to analyze the defensive line and linebacker groups at the 2023 NFL Combine. According to a Patriots team official, a woman in the front row was injured when a player's helmet landed on her foot. John Schmeelk Senior Managing Producer, Radio & Giants.com. On This Day: Fans recall setting season ticket . "Whatever the coaches want me to do, I'm here to do it It's very exciting. Lots of hugs and handshakes. Its top trade options at this point are probably DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona) and Brandin Cooks (Houston). Head coach: Bill Belichick Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks: Josh. "Of course it does," tight end Rob Gronkowski asserted during the playoff run in January. Natalie Wizel Content Producer. November 27, 2021 12:00 pm ET. 2 min read. This time, the Patriots gave some information away. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Our staff has compiled what the top 'experts' are predicting the New England Patriots will do in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. David Dominik Director, Digital Platforms. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! What was different was Belichicks absence altogether. This Sunday marks four weeks since the Patriots won their sixth Super Bowl title, an achievement that ties the NFL record shared by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Outside of Gillette Stadium, she walks in anonymity. On Monday, the 24-year-old suffered cardiac arrest in a NFL game. NFL Announces Two 2023 International Games in Germany The National Football League (NFL) today announced there will be two 2023 International Games in Germany next season. New report says Mac Jones received heat from Patriots staff by Sara Marshall The bombshell report published by the Boston Herald on Thursday gained much traction within the media. Listen to the best sound bites from the exclusive NFL+ stream of the 'Players Only' coverage provided by Dwight Freeney, Matthew Judon, and Calais Campbell from Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. The Patriots did not name a defensive coordinator for the fourth straight season. This is going to be a vibe. Join Mike Dussault as he takes you on a tour behind-the-scenes of media coverage at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Chad Graff is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the New England Patriots after five years on the Minnesota Vikings beat. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels offered his thoughts on the Patriots hiring of Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator. @BuffaloBills pic.twitter.com/PQYClonUHb. New England has done so at times early in the year in seasons past, but what was truly exceptional was how frequently the Patriots were able to dress all 63 players (the 53-man plus the 10-man practice squad) in December and January this past campaign. Saivion Smith was put onto a backboard and taken off the . He watched the Bills-Patriots game Sunday from the hospital, and reacted on social media after Buffalo's Nyheim Hines, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Join Mike Dussault as he takes you on a tour behind-the-scenes of media coverage at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. #Billsmafia pic.twitter.com/OtqDlPRZIC, Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) January 8, 2023, The Bills just recognized the teams medical personnel and training staff: pic.twitter.com/i5k7T2iNGk, Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) January 8, 2023, So much love for No. He was giving hard criticism. Since then, hes positively recovering and the work of the training staff, including the likes of Denny Kellington, were called life saving.. You've got to go out there and work at it, day after day, week after week, month after month, in some cases, year after year, and that's how you improve. For the Patriots, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, cornerback Jack Jones, running back Pierre Strong and defensive lineman Sam Roberts were all participants in 2022, as were undrafted rookies LaBryan Ray and DEriq King. Those plans were in addition to a league-wide initiative to honor and support Hamlin. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa believes if he and his brother Joey Bosa teamed up one day it would "break the NFL.". The National Football League (NFL) today announced there will be two 2023 International Games in Germany next season. The staff included head athletic trainer Nate Breske, assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington, physical therapist Joe Micca, assistant athletic trainer Tabani Richards, medical director Dr. Leslie Bisson, team internist Dr. Tom White, team internist Dr. Mark Kim, team orthopedist Dr. Marc Fineberg, director of sports performance Joe Collins, team sports psychologist Dr. Desaree Festa, athletic training intern Marissa Figueroa, team chiropractor Dr. Zachary Musial, coordinator of player services Kelsey Harkins and equipment assistant Kori Reblin. The Patriots finished 8-9, missing the postseason after a loss to Buffalo in a win-and-in scenario Week 18. ", "Absolutely, yeah," head coach Bill Belichick agreed when the topic came up earlier this calendar year. The Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots will make their debuts in Germany as designated teams, following the inaugural international game in Munich in 2022. Also not with the group traveling to Las Vegas is tight ends coach Nick Haley, whose contract is up and who interviewed for New York Jets' offensive coordinator earlier this month. Brian Belichick our linebacker coach out there, really great guy, very knowledgeable about the game, he just poured into us all week. Adrenaline was flowing throughout the game. Lets hear it for these heroes!#ForDamar | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/8zAZ4ilWq8, Denny kellington ( middle) is one of the trainers for the Bills that saved the life of Damar Hamlin. We've received your submission. "We'll be thinking of him for sure.". . The Buffalo Bills may have received a hero's welcome when they returned to the field Sunday for the first time since Damar Hamlin collapsed on Monday. But one of the loudest pregame ovations was for the heroes who helped save Hamlin's life: the Bills' medical and athletic training staff. The staff has been praised for their immediate response and quick action in applying CPR after Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after a collision with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on Monday Night Football. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young -- considered one of the top QB prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft -- downplayed questions about his size on Friday at the scouting combine. Director of college scouting - Camren Williams. Jan. 13 -- According to Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk 790, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is not expected to pursue head coaching opportunities during New England's playoff run. They stood on the field in front of the 30-yard line, which had the number three outlined in blue as a tribute to Hamlin and his No. Patriots Director of Player Personnel Matt Groh speaks about his past and present experiences at the NFL Combine. Belichick coached Mayo for eight seasons from 2008 through 2015 with the Patriots, and Mayo made two Pro Bowls while earning First-Team AP All-Pro honors once. A top receiver and three former teammates acknowledged the Patriots quarterback has made a lasting impression. Yet, after brief spells on the sideline or missing just a couple days of practice, Michel was able to bounce back and become New England's leading tailback in 2018. "Treat everything like a pro and be as consistent as possible, that's how you stick around. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Place Foxboro, MA 02035 Jim Whalen Head Athletic Trainer Michael Akinbola Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist Cross Klemko Assistant Athletic Trainer Home Member Directory New England Patriots Member Directory Internships Scholarships About Contact PFATS Foundation Education Development Leadership Director of scouting - Eliot Wolf. Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) March 1, 2023, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin, who said hes not interested in trading Tee Higgins, put it more succinctly when discussing teams like the Patriots who need a receiver: Thats their problem. New England and beyond! Belichick wouldnt commit to Jones as his starter for next season in his end-of-season press conference. Patriots head athletic trainer Jim Whalen received a special honor from his peers in the NFL Physicians Society, who named him the league's Outstanding NFL Athletic Trainer of the Year for 2018. there was a forced storyline that the team and its medical staff wasn't doing right by Thomas. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. But New England reportedly hasn't made serious pushes to land Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien or former New York Jets head coach Adam Gase, and Perry notes the team hasn't reached out to ex-Patriots wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea, who at least has offensive coordinator experience with the Miami Dolphins in 2019. INDIANAPOLIS Unlike many of the other coaches and executives who flock to this city for the leagues annual scouting combine, Bill Belichick isnt one to eagerly take to a podium here and share his thoughts on the state of his team. Kicking off what is clearly going to be a tumultuous offseason for the New England Patriots' coaching staff, Jerod Mayo is being courted, Bill O'Brien is being resurrected and Troy Brown is head coach? Despite the league updating its concussion rules and protocol to remove players who show gross instability, spotters and other medical staff missed New England Patriots' WR Devante Parker. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal. Check in with Mike Dussault and Evan Lazar as they discuss wide receiver, quarterback and tight end observations during the fourth day of the 2023 NFL Combine. They ended the season with a record of two wins and twelve losses, fifth (last) in the AFC East Division.. I'm very fortunate to be given another chance to play football again. FOXBORO, Mass. Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 21, 2022. Nancy Meier is the backbone of the Patriots organization. . Personnel coordinator - Brian Smith. With the conclusion of their 2022 season, the Patriots 2023 slate of opponents has been set. This news is just another piece in a barrage of changes the Patriots have made this offseason. The Patriots were zeroed in on specialists this week, per sources. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. A note on all 68 players who played a snap for the Patriots this season. Adderall XR capsules are displayed on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Patriots defensive back Marcus Jones (25). NFL Announces Two 2023 International Games in Germany The National Football League (NFL) today announced there will be two 2023 International Games in Germany next season. His sprit is so positive. But in an age of smartphones, some coaches dont feel theyre missing out on much. A few names from the 2022 staff are noticeable by their absence, including Matt Patricia and Joe Judge. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. President - Jonathan Kraft. "Physically, I've been doing what the training room has been giving me to do," he explained after a mid-season practice. The spotters then advised the Patriots medical staff that the player required a concussion evaluation pursuant to the Protocol. Dawson, meanwhile, got back on the field earlier than Burkhead, but despite being on the 53-man roster, the rookie was among the seven players deactivated for games down the stretch. This website is the only official website of the New England Patriots and is Copyright New England Patriots (the "Club"). The guess here is that the price tag would be a second-round pick for Hopkins and a third-round pick for Cooks. NFL prospects speaking at the Scouting Combine were quick to credit the work of Patriots coaches at the Shrine Bowl in preparing them for life in the NFL. More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here. Get your Patriots game tickets from SI Tickets here! "GMFB" share which wide receiver in the 2023 Draft they have their eyes on. https://billswire.usatoday.com/lists/buffalo-bills-honor-medical-staff-damar-hamlin-denny-kellington-patriots/, NFLPA team report card: Bills grade well in most, but not all, categories, Morning mock draft: PFF and their two-round predictions for Bills, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Leslie Frazier leaving the Bills (video), Current Bills players at the NFL combine through the years, Von Miller is shadowing Bills GM Brandon Beane at 2023 NFL combine, 7 takeaways from Bills' Sean McDermott at 2023 NFL combine, National reactions: Bills' Leslie Frazier stepping away called a big loss, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "It's a different transition from college to the NFL where you have classes, different things you have to worry about. The @Patriots have announced coaching staff titles (finally) . No long term issues are expected. If youre a coach with a major project on your hands or who wants to get an early start in preparing for free agency, you can certainly get more done at home. The New England Patriots . And lots of three fingers in the air. New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates with teammate wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) after catching a 37-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, in Minneapolis. "If I had to play 50 snaps, I could play 50 snaps," Dawson declared to reporters back in November. Commercial reproduction, distribution or transmission of any part or parts of this website or any information contained therein by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of the Club is not permitted. Both the Bills (8-6) and Patriots (9-5) announced positive tests for the virus on Monday. He's a New Hampshire native and a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. Check in with Mike Dussault and Evan Lazar as they discuss special teams and defensive prospects during the third day of the 2023 NFL Combine. continue. Mark D. Price, MD PhD , Head Team Physician (voting) Paul Cusick, MD (voting) Peter Asnis, MD . He is also the president of the six-time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. Credit: Getty, The staff was honored prior to the start of the Bills' matchup against the, The staff has been praised for their immediate response and quick action in. Robert Kraft, founder, chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, is an American entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist whose portfolio of businesses and brands range across many verticals, including paper and packaging, sports and entertainment, real estate and venture investing. He joined the Patriots Foundation Marathon Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels offered his thoughts on the Patriots hiring of Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator. Its mission is to provide excellence in the medical and surgical care of the athletes in the National Football League and to provide direction and support for the athletic . There are a few reasons, said one NFL defensive coordinator who was not authorized to speak publicly about the situationwho told me his team discussed whether to attend or not. Michigan cornerback DJ Turner II is the early leader for fastest player at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine after posting a time of 4.26 seconds in the 40-yard dash on Friday. Support for Hamlin was widespread Saturday during the Chiefs-Raiders and Titans-Jaguars games. Quarterback Mike White said he'd like to return to the New York Jets, but knows it might not happen as he heads toward free agency. Dr. Matt Provencher, the team's medical director since 2014, is stepping down from his role as Chief of Sports Medicine . The Bills defensive back, 24, was set to earn $825,000 in 2022, with his split rate on injured reserve at $455,000. 3 with their fingers in a mid-field huddle. Their complete 2021 staff is below. Bills pass rusher Von Miller attended the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis in hopes of jump-starting his plans for a second-career as a general manager. Report: Patriots assistant declines interview for Panthers vacancy. Bills coach Sean McDermott thanked the first responders and medical staffs and specifically praised Kellington while speaking with reporters Thursday. Members of the Bills came to the stadium wearing Hamlin-inspired apparel and donned "3" hats on the sidelines in honor of his jersey number. Dan Salomone Managing Editor, Giants.com. Though he didn't mention them all by name, Belichick clearly was referring in his comments not only to Whalen, but also strength and conditioning coach Moses Cabrera, Cabrera's first-year assistant, Deron Mayo, assistant athletic trainer and director of rehabilitation Joe Van Allen, assistant trainer Daryl Nelson, assistant trainer and physical therapist Michael Akinbola, team dietitian Ted Harper, and the many doctors and medical professionals who roam the sidelines at Gillette Stadium and accompany the team on the road for games throughout the year. He watched the Bills-Patriots game Sunday from the hospital, and reacted on social media after Buffalo's Nyheim Hines ran back the opening kickoff for a touchdown to once again send the crowd at Highmark Stadium into a frenzy. More than 300 of the top prospects will be put through on-field drills, medical testing, exams and interviews with team personnel and the media in advance of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Dorchester native and Brighton High School product is eyeing a leap to the NFL as he checks in from the Scouting Combine. "I got a little inside look at what it's like to be coached by an NFL coaching staff. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. INDIANAPOLIS Brian Flores was early in his career climb having advanced to coaching Patriots safeties by 2012 . Thanks to this hit in the Super Bowl, #Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski's thigh required special treatment, including getting fluid drained from the area. What should the Patriots prioritize this offseason in free agency and the draft? "They're pretty straightforward, what they want you to do, you've got to do it right away. That's the stuff I appreciate. Training is like anything it helps to have a good plan, it helps to follow the plan, and the players have worked extremely hard. The. A medical team was sent to check on her and offered her wheelchair. Our staff has compiled what the top 'experts' are predicting the New England Patriots will do in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Michael Eisen Giants.com Senior Writer/Editor. The defensive front seven prospects kicked things off with on-field workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday night in Indy. #Chargers GM Tom Telesco: Keenan Allen isnt going anywhere. He reiterates the point be made in January that it is not tempting to part ways with Allen. So where does that leave New England? "They were with us pretty much 24/7, on the field there wasn't anybody standing back letting things happen," said Moore. You'll now receive the top Bills Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. On Wednesday, many of the defensive linemen and linebackers that took to the various podiums explained they were grateful for the experience with New England's staff. There will be a number of tributes for Damar Hamlin across the NFL during Week 18: https://t.co/YhD5s9k2jx pic.twitter.com/SlIviqGriI. Mustipher said. The free-agent receiver market is thin. Not only were the two men available to help the team both at practice and, in Burkhead's case, in games, but also, by contrast, the Patriots tried and failed to activate their two designated players in 2017 (linebacker Shea McClellin, who also dealt with a concussion, and wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, limited by a nagging knee injury). Chargers GM Tom Telesco said he has never thought about trading Keenan Allen. VDOMDHTMLtml> Josh McDaniels and Monti Ossenfort Talk New England Patriots Coaching Staff at 2023 NFL Combine - YouTube During press conferences Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. "I controlled what I could control.". ", We'll be wearing a special "3" patch on Sunday for our guy @HamlinIsland. Our staff has compiled what the top 'experts' are predicting the New England Patriots will do in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! Coming off a disappointing 8-9 season in which they missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, the Pats' lineup may provide more insight into just how much change is coming to the staff. ", The Bills announced on Saturday that Hamlin remains in critical condition, but is making continued progress, per physicians at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where Hamlin has been under care since Monday night. 14 overall, on a receiver. The main reason is that its hard to get much done at the combine, an event where the top allure may be catching up with friends around the league you dont often see. Newton comes into this competition with a decade more of NFL experience than Jones, including his time in the Patriots offense last year. Graff joined The Athletic in January 2018 after covering a bit of . The perceived drawback would be missing out on the socializing that goes on here, a place where trade talks have often begun. Director of pro scouting - Steve Cargile. Theyre confident that Cole Strange will improve in Year 2, especially now that hell have a position coach whose sole responsibility is working with the unit (after Matt Patricia also handled offensive play-calling duties a year ago). "They were always coaching us, always talking to us making sure we're doing things the right way. Our youngest son has been so inspired by others that he committed to training to run the Boston Marathon in April. Click Here. This takes jack-of-all-trades to a whole other level. NFL Announces Two 2023 International Games in Germany The National Football League (NFL) today announced there will be two 2023 International Games in Germany next season. I want to be under a winner. Our staff has compiled what the top 'experts' are predicting the New England Patriots will do in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! NEW YORK -- The NFL and NFLPA have determined spotters assigned to watch players for concussions were aware New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker had a possible head injury on Dec. 12 . "The NFL and NFLPA have reviewed the medical staff reports and game video and interviewed the relevant medical personnel to understand the sequence of events leading up to New England Patriots . Jones completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022. Why? New York Giants Medical Staff Head Team Physician Scott Rodeo, MD Sports Medicine HSS Main Call for an appointment 212.606.1513 Head Physician Emeritus Russell F. Warren, MD Sports Medicine HSS Main, Stamford Call for an appointment 212.606.1178 Team Physician Frank P. Cammisa Jr., MD Spine Surgery HSS Main Call for an appointment 212.606.1946 The next event in Phoenixville Public Library's co-sponsored "Community Gardening around the Village" series will take place on Sunday, March 5, from 2:30 to 3:30 PM. Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadGraff. Nothing I Want More Than To Be Running Out That Tunnel With My Brothers. "GMFB" share which wide receiver in the 2023 Draft they have their eyes on. Joe Judge is the offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach. Read Full Disclaimer. POLAND A Lewiston man charged with murder in the deaths of a Massachusetts man and a Lewiston teen last week is expected to be brought from New Hampshire to Maine on . "The NFL and NFLPA have reviewed the medical staff reports and game video and interviewed the relevant medical personnel to understand the sequence of events leading up to New England Patriots . Front office. Matt Patricia will take on the role of senior football advisor, as well as work with the offensive line, per Sports Illustrateds Albert Breer. The documents and interviews established that one of the spotters was engaged with New England's medical staff regarding a prior injury when Parker was hurt. Brown was in a Cleveland-area hospital for two days after the incident. The cornerbacks were center-stage at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday night, a position the Patriots could target early in the draft. "It's a combination of a lot of things. When safety Patrick Chung suffered a broken right arm during Super Bowl LIII, he was attended to immediately on the field by Whalen and the medical staff. Injury Diagnosis, Testing, and Timetable for Jones' Return He wasnt alone. Every member introduced. New Englands 39-word statement a stunning admission of the incredibly tight-lipped and often shrewd franchises plans comes a few hours after NFL Networks Tom Pelissero reported that the Panthers requested to interview Mayo for their open head coaching position. #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/BfUMv7yUhe, alex brasky (@alexbrasky) January 8, 2023, Pregame photo with the #Bills medical and training staff.Heroes pic.twitter.com/HfZFCdM8UH, Sign up for the Bills Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Patriots Debrief: Day Two of the 2023 NFL Combine, Patriots Debrief: Day One of the 2023 NFL Combine, Building The 2023 New England Patriots: 2023 Shrine Bowl. The team also knows there were issues at right tackle for much of the season. New England Patriots corporate office is located in 1 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, Massachusetts, 02035, United States and has 312 employees. Its certainly not an exaggeration to say that the skilled and the immediate response by all of these talented caregivers prevented a very tragic outcome at that moment, NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said Wednesday. Josh Uche and Matthew Judon were great last season. Full quote from Tobin on "ridiculous" Tee Higgins trade rumors. He has remained in that position through the end of the 2022 season. NEW YORK -- The NFL and NFLPA have determined spotters assigned to watch players for concussions were aware New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker had a . Feb 26. The Pats' Shrine Bowl staff: Supervisory roles: Bill Belichick, Jerod Mayo, Bill O'Brien Head coach: Troy Brown Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks: Ross Douglas Running backs: Evan Rothstein Wide. Sign up for the Patriots Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Dynamic returner/cornerback/weapon Marcus Jones' exciting rookie year thrilled his former college teammates.