Back in 2009 when I was on your practice squad, I felt like I was languishing in exile for my third team in a row - so when Eric Mangini came a-courtin', I listened to what he had to say.
After all, he was offering me an opportunity to play and I felt like I had already paid my dues on the practice squads in Philadelphia and Tampa, and so midway through my second season I was humbled by Cleveland's offer and knew that, by rule, I had to be on their active roster for three weeks - perhaps giving me a small window of exposure to express my talent.
But I wanted to be here, so I came to you with Mangini's offer and told you how I felt about things - that I wanted to play and I wanted to play where I had the chance to win big - and you had enough faith in my talent and work ethic to promote me to your 53 man roster.
I've started 60 of the 72 games since and haven't missed one game due to injury - not even last season when a partially torn groin muscle kept me in agony for the majority of the year.
You know, both me and Amendola were afflicted with torn adductor muscles, but while rest and rehab was the suggested course of action for Danny, surgery was indicated for me. I understand why, and you understand why, but to the lay the differences are severely misunderstood.
Danny's muscle was completely torn away from the bone, and where that was the case, he couldn't do any further damage to it than what was already done - but mine was a partial tear, which meant that it was either surgery to reattach it, or suffer through another season with a couple of "achers", if you catch my drift...
So it's been since early February since I went under the knife, and I'm ready to have the kind of season that we both envisioned when I signed up for four more years last offseason - and the challenge that presents has been made doubly difficult given the attention quarterbacks are likely to give their slot receivers with the likes of Revis and Browner on the wings.
Or maybe Alfonzo takes the job opposite Revis, or maybe even Logan - that's how deep our secondary is going to be, but if there is one universal truth about the opposing team's game plan, they are not going to come into the game looking to challenge Revis, they are going to focus everywhere else but, and we have to be ready.
I know that I am facing competition for my spot in the slot, and I realize the fact that over $5 million in guaranteed money still remaining on my contract will have some impact on that - but I also realize that in this business, and you don't want that kind of money sitting on the shelf.
As you well know, I have been pummeled in the media and on social media for my struggles at the corners - but my first, best destiny is playing underneath where I can jam the receiver and get inside leverage. I shut down Mike Wallace and Wes Welker doing just that last season, even with the painful huevos - so imagine what this year could be like with the depth in the secondary.
Respectfully,
Kyle
P.S. If anyone wants number 25 (Chung?) they can have it. I need some more diapers, man!
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Résumé
Kyle Chandler Arrington, Sr.
c/o New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium
1 Patriot Place
Foxborough, Massachusetts 02035
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7. Sebastian Vollmer - Offensive Tackle
Career Focus:
To remain healthy and continue my work as one of the most under-rated slot corners in the game
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Hofstra University ( Class of 2008)
- 2008 - 2008 Philadelphia Eagles (Practice Squad)
- 2008 - 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Split between practice squad & active roster)
- 2009 - Present New England Patriots
Awards & Honors:
- NFL Interceptions Leader (2011)
Career Stats (72 games):
- 313 Total Tackles (250 solo, 63 assisted)
- 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries
- 9 interceptions
- Scored 2 career touchdowns (Int & returned blocked kick)
Publisher's note: This"Résumé" is the work of the staff from
Foxborough Free Press and is part of an ongoing series highlighting the
players who - in our opinion - will be part of the 53 man roster when
Patriots' training camp breaks.
Be sure to follow the series, starting with the "Résumés" already posted:
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