The Patriots picked up some local talent today, something that doesn't happen every day since New England is not exactly akin to California, Florida or Texas in terms of producing NFL players.
None of the details have come out yet but former Jets safety James Ihedigbo tweeted tonight that "Thanks to #jetsfans for all the love an support greatly appreciate it's on to a new chapter.....I'm Officially a New England Patriot!!!!!!"
He graduated from Amherst Regional High School and attended college right down the road at the UMass-Amherst (class of 2008). He was an unrestricted free agent after spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Jets.
Over the last two seasons he has played in 29 games, accumulating 41 tackles and five sacks.
With injuries to Bret Lockett and James Sanders, the Pats needed more healthy bodies to join safeties Brandon Meriweather, Patrick Chung and Sergio Brown.
Off the top of my head on a Friday night, I believe Ihedigbo is the first local product on New England since Doug Flutie (Natick, MA) a few years ago and all he contributed was that stupid drop kick in that meaningless win over Miami. Jermaine Wiggins (East Boston, MA) had a big impact on the 2001-02 Super Bowl team as well.
Needless to say, it's been too long since a true Masshole suited up for the Patriots. I'm going to assume that Ihedigbo has been a fan since birth (like us all) so he must be pumped to switch sides on the Patriots-Jets rivalry and join former teammates Shaun Ellis and Danny Woodhead.
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