FOXBORO, Mass. — After Isaac Sopoaga was informed he had been traded from the Eagles to the Patriots, the big defensive tackle couldn’t get out of South Jersey fast enough.
New England and Philadelphia pulled off the trade close to Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. Sopoaga did not have long to get to New England for practice on Wednesday morning.
“You all know the meaning of the word hectic, right? When I found out [Tuesday], I was with the Eagles, and then, I had to drive to New Jersey — South Jersey so I could pack all my stuff and get ready,” Sopoaga said. “You know, doing your own Fast and the Furious thing on the highway. Even though it was like, [a 50 mph] speed limit — but us Samoan people, we go double the speed limit. So I was going roadrunner speed.”
Sopoaga gave a statement as he stood on a chair in front of his locker when he met with the media. The Hawaii product is happy to be a Patriot.
“First things first, I would like to say Aloha,” Sopoaga said on Wednesday. “And also give thanks to our graciously heavenly father for everything he has done for us individually and our family. And also thank you for the New England Patriots for — today is my daughter’s fourth birthday, I felt like today is my birthday, [Tuesday] was my birthday when I found out New England called me up. Basically, I am enjoying it and I love it. ”
Sopoaga played with the 49ers before going to the Eagles this season. He’s well versed in New England’s history, though.
“Patriots, you know? It’s like, a dream come true to be honest,” Sopoaga said. “I respect these guys the last 10 years. They’ve won — three-time Super Bowl [champions]. It’s just awesome.”
Sopoaga is expected to help the Patriots’ struggling run defense. He played nose tackle for the Eagles and 49ers.
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