FOXBORO, Mass. — Joseph Fauria has dreamed of playing for the New England Patriots for 12 years, and it finally came true this week.
The 6-foot-7, 267-pound tight end watched his uncle, Christian Fauria, win two Super Bowls with the Patriots from 2002 to 2005 and signed to the team’s practice squad Wednesday.
“I’ve been a fan ever since my uncle came here, and it’s a dream come true being part of this organization,” Fauria said Thursday. “I’m excited to get my guys a look and help this team win however I can.”
Fauria, 25, was released from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad with an injury settlement on Oct. 14 after undergoing medial meniscus surgery. He began working out with teams once healthy and chose the Patriots over other offers.
“As soon as I was in contact with the team and other teams, I was kind of hellbent on coming here,” Fauria said. “I’m really excited to come here. There were other options, but this organization, this team is like no other, and I’m happy to be part of it.”
Fauria attended Super Bowls XXXVIII and XXXIX with his uncle and has fond memories beyond seeing Janet Jackson’s famous wardrobe malfunction.
“I just remember how happy my uncle was and how he told me that they could do it every year because that’s the kind of organization this is,” Fauria said. “That’s when I was what, 13, 14 years old, and I remember touching the Lombardi Trophy, but I didn’t deserve to touch it then. And I want to be able to at some point in my career touch it for a reason and to deserve to touch it. I’m just excited to be here and be part of this organization now. It’s kind of come full circle, it’s kind of crazy, but I’m enjoying it.”
Fauria met Tom Brady and dropped his famous uncle’s name when the Patriots quarterback attended a UCLA game while the tight end was playing at the school from 2010 to 2012.
“It’s crazy how things come around, and I’m playing with him now,” Fauria said. “It’s crazy. I love it.”
Fauria will help the Patriots’ defense prepare for opposing offenses as part of the scout team, but the big tight end has potential as a possible active roster option. He caught 24 passes for 281 yards with eight touchdowns with the Detroit Lions in 2013 and 2014 before being released after training camp this summer.
The Patriots currently have tight ends Rob Gronkowski, Michael Williams and Scott Chandler on their active roster. Fauria joins fellow tight end Asante Cleveland on the Patriots’ practice squad.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Fuller/USA TODAY Sports Images
