Tom Brady Strolls Through The Park With Sons

Source: Yardbarker

This is how I roll now T… Tom Brady and his sons Benjamin and Jack hit the park in Boston this morning for some fun. Brady played with the boys on the slide and then afterwards they relaxed and shared some popcorn. The Brady Bunch is living the life.-TO Tom Brady Brings Out the Blue Tux Tom Brady freaking out at the Kentucky Derby

Gronk, Patriots players bring smiles back to Newtown

Source: NFL.com by NFL.com

About 30 current and former New England Patriots players -- including Rob Gronkowski -- coaches and cheerleaders held a football clinic in Newtown, Conn., a city still reeling from tragedy.

Patriots hold ‘Football For You’ clinic for children of Newtown (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

On Dec. 14, 2012, America's collective heart was broken by the school shootings in Newtown, Conn., when twenty children and six staff members were killed. Six months later, as a community tries to put things back together as only they will know how ... well, sometimes, it's just about having fun outside and trying to forget for a while. Sometimes, it's just about being a kid. On Saturday, the New England Patriots helped more than 500 kids, ages 6 to 14, do just that at Newtown's Blue and Gold Stadium, when they held a "Football For You" camp. "As a part of the New England community, I think all of us were devastated when we saw what happened here," Patriots owner Robert Kraft t old Richard Gregory of CTPost.com , "and if it can happen in

Poll: Buffalo Bills' rookie impact

Source: AFC East Blog

On Saturday, I wrote a column in the AFC East blog about the immense potential of the Buffalo Bills' 2013 draft class. This group could lay the foundation and eventually be the building block that ends the team's 13-year playoff drought. But which rookie in Buffalo will make the biggest immediate impact this season? Will it be first-round pick EJ Manuel? The former Florida State star is in a three-way competition with veterans Tarvaris Jackson and Kevin Kolb for the starting quarterback job.

The New England Patriots Reload With Their 2013 Rookie Class

Source: Yardbarker

2013 New England Patriots Rookie ClassDraft Picks2nd Round: Jamie Collins, Outside Linebacker2nd Round: Aaron Dobson, Wide Receiver3rd Round: Logan Ryan, Cornerback3rd Round: Duron Harmon, Strong Safety4th Round: Josh Boyce, Wide Receiver7th Round: Michael Buchanan, DE/Outside Linebacker7th Round: Steve Beauharnais, Linebacker Free Agent RookiesTJ Moe, Wide ReceiverJoe Vellano, Defensive TackleZach Sudfield, Tight EndCory Grissom, Defensive TackleMatt Stankiewitch, CenterKenbrell Thompkins, Wide ReceiverRyan Allen, PunterQuentin Hines, Running BackBrandon Ford, Tight EndStephon Morris, CornerbackElvis Fisher, Offensive TackleChris McDonald, GuardBrandon Jones, CornerbackJoe Kline, Offensive LinemanKanorris Davis, Strong SafetyBen Bartholomew, FullbackDwayne Cherrington, Defensive LineRyan Osiecki, Quarterback (tryout only)Mike Zupancic, Long SnapperIan Sluss, LinebackerThe Patriots had a disappointing ending to a strong season when they were beat in the AFC Championship by the Balti...

Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski could require back surgery

Source: Yardbarker

It just keeps getting worse for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Yesterday it was reported that he would undergo his fourth surgery on his injured forearm. Now, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that Gronk is battling “chronic” back pain, an ailment which the Patriots are investigating. On Gronk: Had heard he's battling "chronic" back pain and the Patriots were looking into it. This developments explains it. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 17, 2013 Gronkowski recently underwent an MRI to determine the severity of the back injury. He’ll reportedly meet with a spine specialist following next week’s forearm procedure. The last time Gronkowski faced back issues was while he was in college. A person close to Gronk told Adam Schefter of ESPN that the injury is minor, as there is still not concern surrounding his availability for the start of training camp. Quote from person close to Gronk: "He is going to be fine long term. (He is) not worried about the short term, I.e.

Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats

Source: ESPN Boston

Quick-hit thoughts around the NFL and with the Patriots: 1. When media members are present for the Patriots’ organized team activity on Tuesday, one of the first areas of interest will be starting middle linebacker Brandon Spikes’ presence. Spikes, who joined the team as a 2010 second-round draft choice, enters the final season of his contract so this is a big year for him to improve his stock and land what he hopes is a big payday. Given that background, it’s notable from this perspective that Spikes hasn’t been seen much at Gillette Stadium since the offseason program began in mid-April.

Donte’ Stallworth Questioned By CIA

Source: Musket Fire by Kristian Lundgaard

Aug 20, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Donte

Things haven’t gone well for Stallworth over the past few years. He was able to return to New England last season and made a big impact when he returned, but it didn’t last long. He suffered a high ankle sprain and was forced to be put on Injured Reserve. He also was in a hot air balloon accident recently, and was just cleared to resume football activities.

We all remember the huge tragedy that he was involved in a few years back. As he was suspended for the 2009 season after a car he was driving, he struck and killed a pedestrian in South

Donte’ Stallworth Cleared For Football Activities

Source: Musket Fire by Kristian Lundgaard

Dec 10, 2012; Foxborough, MA USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Donte

Stallworth has been a memorable name for most Patriots fans since the magical 18-1 season. Lots of fans were glad to see him back with the team last season, but it didn’t last long. Luckily for his future, he’s been cleared to participate in football activities. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported on Friday that the veteran wide receiver has been cleared to resume football activities on the heels of his March

Dont’a Hightower Is Happy to Be With Patriots to Showcase His Versatility at Linebacker

Source: Yardbarker

FOXBORO, Mass. — It’s no coincidence that Bill Belichick and the Patriots have drafted linebackers who can cover, stop the run and blitz early two seasons in a row. In 2012, Dont’a Hightower was drafted No. 25 overall in the first round out of Alabama. He had experience playing inside linebacker, outside linebacker and as a defensive end rushing off the edge. This year, Jamie Collins was the team’s first pick in the draft. Collins had similar versatility at Southern Miss, playing outside linebacker, defensive end and safety. When New England drafted Collins, Belichick mentioned Hightower’s versatility on multiple occasions. “It’s similar but I would say different than Hightower, but there’s some similarities,” Belichick said about Collins’ versatility on April 26. “Dont’a did that as well — played inside, played outside, played defensive end in their nickel package at Alabama [in 2011].” By having versatility on defense, Belichick can choose to play the best 11 players rather than

New England Patriots Hope Defensive Tackle Changes Improve Run Defense

Source: Bleacher Report

Ron Brace, Myron Pryor, Brandon Deaderick and Kyle Love were released this offseason by the New England

Ex-Patriot Stallworth has run-in with CIA

Source: CSN Boston by dquin

Friday night, ex-Patriots wide receiver Donte Stallworth almost got himself in some trouble with the CIA for taking a picture.

Snapshot: First look at New England Patriots rookie Aaron Dobson in uniform

Source: MassLive.com

Here's hoping this becomes a familiar site.

Here's hoping this becomes a familiar site.

New England Patriots rookie Aaron Dobson slipped on his uniform the first time at the NFL Rookie Premiere and did a mock touchdown celebration that was filmed by Topps in the video below. If all goes to plan, he'll break the curse of the jersey No. 17 (See: Price, Taylor; Salas, Greg; Jackson, Chad) and go through those same motions several times over the next few years.

Dobson has not yet signed his rookie deal. A source told MassLive.com that negotiations began late last week and both sides are hoping to reach an agreement in the coming days.

NFL Roundup: Freeney headed to Chargers, Williams in lawsuit with former fiancee (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The San Diego Chargers agreed to a two-year, $8.75 million contract with free agent defensive end Dwight Freeney, according to multiple reports. Freeney also reportedly has incentives in the contract tied to the number of sacks he gets that could make the deal worth up to $13.35 million.

Prisco's top Pats question: Outside WR

Source: ESPN Boston

In a column that provides a snapshot look at some of the larger issues facing each team in the NFL, Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com writes a piece titled, "Pressing questions for all 32 teams heading into the summer." For the Patriots, Prisco focuses on the offense, with this question: "Who starts outside at receiver with Danny Amendola in the slot? As previously noted by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, the club returns all but two starters and both are at the receiver position (Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd), so it makes sense that Prisco would look to that area.

Video: Patriots' concern for Gronkowski

Source: AFC East Blog

New England Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski is scheduled to have his fourth arm surgery, which has a 10-week timeline for recovery. Gronkowski also may have additional surgery to fix a disc in his back. ESPN NFL reporter John Clayton examines New England’s level of concern for its Pro Bowl tight end. Gronkowski is going in for his fifth surgery since 2012.

Dwight Freeney Signs With Chargers; Pats Showed 'Last Minute Interest'

Source: Pats Pulpit by Jared Stegall

Dwight Freeney garnered "last minute interest" from the New England Patriots, but it was all for not, as he is reportedly set to sign a two-year deal with the San Diego Chargers. Ian Rapoport reported the agreement while the USA Today's Jarrett Bell reported the Patriots' late interest.

The seven-time pro bowler Freeney had been in San Diego for the past few days talking with the Chargers. With pass rusher Melvin Ingram tearing his ACL, the Bolts acted

Chargers, Freeney agree to $8.75 million deal (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The San Diego Chargers agreed to a two-year, $8.75 million contract with free agent defensive end Dwight Freeney, according to multiple reports on Saturday.

Losing Patience With Rob Gronkowski

Source: Yardbarker

Here in New England and all over the country, nobody burst onto the scene quite like New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. A product of the University of Arizona, Gronkowski was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Like most Patriots rookies, Gronk flew under the radar during his college days. He missed some games in college due to injury, which brought red flags with him to the NFL combine. Once considered the best tight end in college football, he fell to the Patriots at the 42nd selection. Patriot’s fans had no idea what they were getting into when they drafted Gronk. He immediately became the best tight end in the league, maybe even the best pure athlete in the game. During his rookie year, he received a vote for the NFL All-Pro team and in his second year, he set the all-time record for touchdowns scored by a tight end. At the end of the 2011 season, his downfall began. During the second playoff game, a 23-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Gronkowski had...

Despite late push by Patriots, Dwight Freeney signs with San Diego Chargers

Source: MassLive.com

The Patriots made a late push but came up short.

Dwight FreeneyAP 

Dwight Freeney’s mother no longer has to worry about her son becoming a member of the Patriots.

Despite a late push by New England, the free-agent defensive end agreed to a two-year that could be worth up to $13.5 with the San Diego Chargers, according to USA Today.

The Patriots met with Freeney in March and maintained interest in him throughout the process, but apparently were unwilling to invest so heavily in the

Should Bills worry about Mario Williams?

Source: AFC East Blog

There is some disturbing news coming out of Buffalo this weekend, where suicidal text messages from star defensive end Mario Williams were released by his ex-fiancé. Williams is currently in a legal battle over an engagement ring worth more than $780,000, and new details emerged that Williams allegedly had "dramatic mood swings” last year during their engagement. "No money in the world should leave me with suicidal thoughts," Williams said in the text to his ex last November.

Chargers agree to two-year deal with Freeney (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The San Diego Chargers have agreed to a two-year contract with free agent defensive end Dwight Freeney, according to USA Today.

Ex-Patriot Stallworth has run-in with CIA (Comcast SportsNet New England)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Friday night, ex-Patriots wide receiver Donte Stallworth almost got himself in some trouble with the CIA for taking a picture.

Ex-Patriot Stallworth has run-in with CIA

Source: CSN Boston by dquin

Friday night, ex-Patriots wide receiver Donte Stallworth almost got himself in some trouble with the CIA for taking a picture.

Clayton: Patriots should be concerned with Rob Gronkowski

Source: Yardbarker

ESPN’s John Clayton believes the New England Patriots should be concerned about the health of tight end Rob Gronkowski. Not only because he’s going to have a fourth forearm surgery, but now that he’ll likely have to undergo back surgery. Clayton made a great point that Gronk’s back problems have been a lingering issue.  The thing about a back is that surgery is certainly never a good thing and I would think it could end up shortening his career. Need NFL Tickets? The post Clayton: Patriots should be concerned with Rob Gronkowski appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Catching up with Dobson at Premiere

Source: ESPN Boston

James Walker, who covers the AFC East for ESPN.com, was in Los Angeles for this year's NFL Players Association's Rookie Premiere and caught up with Patriots second-round draft choice Aaron Dobson. One question that Walker asked Dobson was on his penchant for making tough, one-handed receptions. "It’s all instinct," Dobson tells Walker. "I’m just going for the ball and I attack the ball very well. That’s how it happens. I can bring them in with one hand and I can catch with two hands.

Bills' rookies can turn around misfortune

Source: AFC East Blog

Longtime readers of the AFC East blog know I detest grading drafts before rookies play their first NFL game. But there is nothing wrong with examining potential. The “P” word is exactly what I see when I look at the Buffalo Bills‘ 2013 draft. I see a potential franchise quarterback in first-round pick EJ Manuel. I see potentially two or three good NFL receivers in second-round pick Robert Woods, third-round pick Marquise Goodwin and talented rookie free agent Da’Rick Rogers.

Team Report - CLEVELAND BROWNS (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Weeden leading first team in OTAs

Chargers closing in on Freeney (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The San Diego Chargers are close to signing free agent defensive end Dwight Freeney, according to CBS Sports.

Patriots Should Worry About Gronkowski

Source: ESPN YouTube

John Clayon explains why Rob Gronkowski's latest injury news could be an added setback to his conditioning and to the Patriots' plans.

Bills home opener against the Patriots has sold out

Source: Yardbarker

Buffalo Bills President and Chief Executive Officer Russ Brandon announced on Twitter that the Bills home opener against the Patriots has already sold out. Ralph Wilson Stadium will be electric on Sept. 8. #Bills #Patriots sold out! — Russ Brandon (@RussBrandon) May 18, 2013 I believe the Bills always sell out when they host the Pats, but it’s pretty impressive that it’s already sold out in mid-May.  Don’t forget, the Bills are a small market team and have a hard time selling out all of their games.  Which is the reason they play some of their games in Canada.   Need NFL Tickets? The post Bills home opener against the Patriots has sold out appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Stallworth returning to football after accident

Source: CSN Boston by csn_intern

Donte Stallworth has been cleared to return to football after suffering burns from his hot air balloon accident.

Krafts catch flak for favoring Pats over Revs

Source: CSN Boston by csn_intern

The Krafts are catching flak for favoring the Patriots over Revolution. They are rated as the worst owners in the MLS according to Sports Illustrated.

Patriots sign two more draft picks

Source: Yardbarker

The New England Patriots announced on Friday that they signed second round pick linebacker James Collins and seventh round pick linebacker Steve Beauharnais. The Patriots now have four draft picks under contract.  The other two players they signed were third rounders Logan Ryan and Duron Harmon. Collins, 23, was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft with the 52nd selection overall out of Southern Mississippi. It was the first of two second-round picks by the Patriots in 2013. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder, began his college career as a safety before moving to linebacker as a sophomore in 2010. He appeared in 52 games with 34 starts and registered 314 total tackles, 21 sacks, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions with two returned for touchdowns. Last season he led the team with 92 total tackles and 10 sacks.   Beauharnais, 23, was selected by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft with the 235th selection over...

Stallworth returning to football after accident

Source: CSN Boston by csn_intern

Donte Stallworth has been cleared to return to football after suffering burns from his hot air balloon accident.

Krafts catch flak for favoring Pats over Revs

Source: CSN Boston by csn_intern

The Krafts are catching flak for favoring the Patriots over Revolution. They are rated as the worst owners in the MLS according to Sports Illustrated.

Where Would the New England Patriots' Offensive Stars Play on Defense?

Source: Bleacher Report

What if the stars of the New England Patriots’ prolific offense were playing...on defense?

What position would Rob Gronkowski play? Tom Brady?

Strange thought, I know.

The Patriots' OTAs are still a week away, so while we’ve survived the bulk of the slowest part of the NFL offseason (if there is such a thing), we still need to think of creative ways to satisfy our football-hungry minds.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at this fantasy scenario.

AFC East Q&A: Patriots WR Aaron Dobson

Source: AFC East Blog

The New England Patriots need help at wide receiver after the departures of 2012 starters Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd. Patriots second-round pick Aaron Dobson will be one of those key players competing for a starting role with the reigning AFC East champions. Dobson comes to New England with a spectacular highlight reel at the University of Marshall. The AFC East blog caught up with Dobson during a community event in this week's NFLPA’s Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles to discuss a variety of topics.

The hell with injuries, Gronk’s going to Vegas

Source: Yardbarker

On Friday, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski managed to find himself in the news for two separate issues in one day. First, his 4th forearm surgery is scheduled for sometime next week, and later followed that tidbit up with a back issue that will probably require surgery too. So to Gronk, (with fans shaking their heads at the thought of an injury-laden bleak future) it can only mean one thing – ‘Let’s hop a plane to Vegas!’ ProFootballTalk.com received an email press release from the company Jumpseat.me, who’s offering 4 seats on a private Jjt to join Gronk and fellow Patriot Julian Edelman on a last minute trip to Las Vegas. “This Saturday night, share a cabin and fly privately with Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman from Boston to Las Vegas for a last minute get away before Gronk goes for yet another surgery…  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend time with a living Patriots legend.  Gronk is offering 4 seats in the cabin.”  

Patriots' Rob Gronkowski may need back surgery

Source: Yardbarker

  Jim Rogash/ Getty Images   FOXBOROUGH, Mass- According to a report from USA Today, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski recently had an MRI to check a disk issue he experienced in his back, according to a source connected with USA Today.  The source, who spoke confidentially due to the Patriots strict policy about not revealing injuries to media, said that the disk was different than the one that required surgery in 2009. There is no decision at this juncture in regards to if he will need surgery.  Next week, he will see Dr. Robert Watkins a spine specialist in order to put a new plate into his forearm. If he does in fact need surgery, “Gronkowski will be back within the same time frame as his recovery from the arm injury” according to the report. The army injury occurred back in November during New England’s 59-24 win over Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. The Amherst, N.Y. native caught 55 passes for 790 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games for New England last season. He is a...

Exploring the lesser known: Panthers

Source: ESPN Boston

The Patriots will play just once on "Monday Night Football" during the 2013 season, and the game comes on the heels of their Week 10 bye. It will take place in Charlotte against the Carolina Panthers, who feature one of the most exciting young players in football, quarterback Cam Newton. The teams have something of a history after a memorable meeting in Super Bowl XXXVIII, but while the Patriots have continued their success since that time, the Panthers took a nosedive in the standings and have had to rebuild the franchise.

With or without Rob Gronkowski, will Patriots rule in 2013?

Source: NFL.com by NFL.com

Now that Rob Gronkowski is set for yet another surgery, it's time to reconsider where the New England Patriots stand. Are Tom Brady and Co. set to dominate as usual in 2013? Our analysts debate.

Gronk could need back surgery

Source: Yardbarker

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowsi is scheduled to undergo a fourth surgery on his left forearm next week. USA Today’s Mike Garafolo now reports Gronkowski’s back is acting up, which could also require surgery. Gronkowski underwent an MRI to examine a disc issue he had been dealing with since last season.

Too soon to panic about Rob Gronkowski's future

Source: MassLive.com

After all the things we've seen him do on Sundays, it's too soon to doubt Gronkowski's ability to run through another obstacle.

"One day, we're going to look back at Rob Gronkowski and wonder what he could have been. "

Those words were delivered to me during a discussion with a friend in the days before we learned that a fourth procedure on Gronkowski's left forearm was forthcoming and that he may need an operation to repair a disc in his back.

I shrugged the thought off at the time, choosing instead to believe that the first three operations performed on tight end's forearm were the result of freak accidents and bad luck. I felt the same way about the ankle surgery he had

New England signs top draft pick LB Jamie Collins

Source: Patriots Gab by Morgan Smith

The New England Patriots have announced they signed their first draft pick of the 2013 draft, LB Jamie Collins. The Patriots traded out of the first round and added two second round draft picks, and with their first second round pick they took Collins. A linebacker from Southern Mississippi. Collins moved from safety to linebacker during his time at Southern Miss, and will make a great cover linebacker, which is something the Patriots needed desperately heading into the draft. Collins was taken with the

Too soon to label Rob Gronkowski as soft

Source: MassLive.com

After all the things we've seen him do on Sundays, it's too soon to doubt Gronkowski's ability to run through another obstacle.

"One day, we're going to look back at Rob Gronkowski and wonder what he could have been. "

Those words were delivered to me during a discussion with a friend in the days before we learned that a fourth procedure on Gronkowski's left forearm was forthcoming and that he may need an operation to repair a disc in his back.

I shrugged the thought off at the time, choosing instead to believe that the first three operations performed on tight end's forearm were the result of freak accidents and bad luck. I felt the same way about the ankle surgery he had

Rob Gronkowski underwent an MRI on his back

Source: Patriots Gab by Morgan Smith

Gronkowski recently underwent an MRI on his back to check on a disk issue from last season according to ESPN, but the injury isn’t consider serious. Gronkowski will see noted spine specialist Robert Watkins sometime after his fourth forearm surgery. If he needs surgery on his back it will happen during his 10 week recovery time for his left arm. This disk injury is not related to the disk problem that required a procedure in 2009, the source said, and it is unknown what caused this issue and when it was discovered.

Back surgery considered to be minor for Rob Gronkowski

Source: Yardbarker

There’s still a chance Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski won’t need to undergo back surgery.  But if he does, it will be a minor procedure, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Rob Gronkowski’s back issue considered minor, per source. If he needs surgery it’d be during time frame that he’d be out with arm surgery. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 17, 2013 It’s makes me laugh when people consider any type of surgery is minor.  I don’t buy that at all.  Surgery is never a good thing. The fact of the matter is that the Pats should be concerned that their young start tight end is falling apart.     Need NFL Tickets? The post Back surgery considered to be minor for Rob Gronkowski appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Five thoughts on past, present and future of Rob Gronkowski

Source: It Is What It Is by Christopher Price

Rob Gronkowski. (AP)

In the wake of the news that Rob Gronkowski could be going under the knife for a back issue — in addition to his monthly series of offseason surgeries on his left forearm — here are five thoughts about what that means for him and the team, and what sort of future he might have in the NFL.

1. Back in late February, I talked with noted sports injury expert Will

Should the New England Patriots Start Looking for a Rob Gronkowski Replacement?

Source: Bleacher Report

In 2011, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski had one of the best seasons that a tight end ever has, catching 90 passes for 1,327 yards and an eye-popping 17 touchdowns.

However, that season ended with an ankle injury that required surgery. The 2012 campaign was cut short was a broken forearm. And now, with questions swirling around both that arm injury and Gronkowski's balky back, it's looking more and more like that 2011 season may be the best we ever see from "Gronk."

The news already wasn't especially good where Gronkowski's injured forearm was concerned.