FOXBORO, Mass. — It’s only been eight months since Ray Ventrone split from the Patriots, but the special teamer came back to camp Friday with some longer hair and a new look.
Wait, that was his younger brother, Ross? Well then, they look nearly identical — Ross’ flowing, shoulder-length locks notwithstanding.
"Sure does," said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick with a wide grin after he was asked if Ross reminded him of Ray. "[Ross has] a little longer hair than Bubba. It took three seconds to recognize the physical resemblance, and also the playing style and a little bit of personality. Yes, very similar."
Ray Ventrone played four seasons in New England after signing with the Patriots in 2005 as an undrafted free agent out of Villanova. He was listed as a safety and wide receiver throughout his tenure, but Ventrone was a workaholic and feisty athlete who earned his bread on special teams. He surprisingly didn’t make the team last year but quickly latched on with the Browns and signed a three-year, $2.2 million contract extension during this offseason.
Ross Ventrone was a defensive back for last year’s Villanova squad that won the FCS national championship, and this week’s signing caused everyone around Foxboro to do a double-take. At first glance, he is the spitting image of his older brother, right down to the No. 41 on his jersey. It only seemed natural that the two sides would make for a good fit.
"My brother was up here for four years," the younger Ventrone said. "I came up here all the time to watch him. I love it up here. I love this team. I know some of the guys because of my brother. It’s kind of a home-away-from-home type of deal."
Ross didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school, and he walked on at Pittsburgh. After two years at Pitt, he landed a scholarship at Villanova, steadily improved and eventually wound up with a chance to earn a spot with the Patriots.
"It’s great, putting this helmet on was unbelievable," Ventrone said. "To have an opportunity to play out here with these guys, it’s a great opportunity to let me make a name for myself. I’m just making the most out of my opportunity, working as hard as I can and trying to make this team."
Ventrone said his brother’s advice was to "study up, hustle your butt off, just work hard and you can control what you do." That recipe clearly worked for Ray, who was always one of Belichick’s favorite players.
Realistically, Ventrone’s chances to make the roster are slim, but if work ethic runs in the Ventrone bloodlines, he could earn one of the team's eight practice squad positions. Worst-case scenario, he could turn into one of those players whom Belichick tells to stay close to the stadium in the event of an injury or roster defection.
At this point, though, it’s all about that tangible chance to make the team. Twenty-six rookies were at camp on Friday with the same goal, and some obviously have a much better chance than others. But Ventrone was ready for this challenge, figuring he’d go undrafted and have to fight to earn an NFL roster spot. After all, he has witnessed his brother master this exact course in the past.
"I thought I’d have to take this route, but it doesn’t really matter to me," Ventrone said. "Any opportunity is good for me as long as I have that opportunity now. Everybody is in the same boat here, just trying to make the team. I’m just excited to have an opportunity."
