#6

When I first starting watching games in 2010, I began to love Zoltan Mesko. The name and him being left-footed made him one of the more unique punters in the NFL. When he was replaced by an UDFA in 2013, I was indifferent. I was yet to discover my love for the Patriots special teams unit. This young kid from Louisiana Tech beat out Mesko for the starting job and it wasn’t groundbreaking news to me. Little did I know that the new lefty would help us win 3 Super Bowls and set SB records in the process.

The NFL is a business and a multi-billion dollar one at that. People often forget the human side of the business. People don’t stay on one team for an extended period of time very often. As a sports insane city like Boston, you grow to love the stars of your teams. While he is no Brady, Betts, Marchand or Smart, Ryan Allen was just as important to the success of the team as was anyone else. This man was the runner up for a Super Bowl MVP last season. AS A PUNTER. It is always sad to see a beloved Patriot not return for the upcoming season, but it’s a good problem for a fan when you appreciate the punter position. While the rookie Jake Bailey is otherworldly talented, we will always miss Ryan in New England.

Once a Patriot, always a Patriot #6