Seahawks Fan Favorite Receiver ‘Would Love To Shake Hand’ Of Patriots Legend

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo has to come up with a backup plan.

Bobo, who grew up in North Andover, Mass., looked forward to seeing Atonio Mafi — they were college teammates two years ago at UCLA — in Bobo’s homecoming to Gillette Stadium when the Seahawks face the New England Patriots on Sunday. But Bobo won’t get that chance with the Patriots cutting the second-year guard following training camp. Mafi is now on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad.

Bobo will pivot to trying to meet players on the Patriots he grew up watching as a kid. He said he usually searches out for fellow players who attended Duke or UCLA like himself. And even though Matthew Slater has turned in his cleats and is in his first season as a special assistant on the New England coaching staff, Slater fits the bill of a UCLA alum who turned into three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots.

“I’d love to shake that guy’s hand,” Bobo told NESN.com. “Obviously goes back to watching him on Sundays growing up.”

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Slater isn’t the only member of New England’s coaching staff Bobo admires and fondly recalled watching during his time as a Patriots fan.

“(Jerod) Mayo’s a legend obviously growing up being a stud ‘backer for the Pats in the glory days,” Bobo said.

An encounter with Slater, Mayo or both of them would only add to what will already be a special day for Bobo. He said he expects around 60 family members and friends to be in attendance for the game.

It’s clear Bobo’s first priority isn’t finding those Patriots legends or trying to do a jersey swap. He’s looking to do what he can to be a part of a Seahawks win, but he expects the nostalgia of taking on the Patriots to hit him come Sunday.

“I think you see the Patriots logo on the shoulder and everything will flash back to you no matter who’s on the other sideline,” Bobo said.