Long snapper Lonie Paxton, who spent nine seasons with the Patriots from 2000 to 2008, been lacing up his cleats for the Broncos the past three years. He won't be on the field against his former team on Saturday, though.
According to the Denver Post, Paxton will miss Saturday's divisional round matchup with the Patriots at Gillette Stadium to be with his wife, who is experiencing complications in her pregnancy with twins.
Paxton has since reached out to supportive fans, expressing his gratitude for their well wishes.
The 33-year-old Paxton provided New England fans with a few memorable images during the Patriots' 2001 Super Bowl run. He famously made a snow angel in the end zone following Adam Vinatieri's game-winning kick against the Raiders in the Snow Bowl that year, then repeated the celebration on the Superdome turf after Vinatieri's kick sealed New England's Super Bowl win over the Rams.
Longtime Chargers long snapper David Binn has been signed to assume the role for Saturday's playoff showdown. He spent 16 seasons with San Diego, but was cut during training camp this season, and has since been out of work.
