How Patriots Defender Embraced Renewed Local Connection

Harold Landry III already had a feel for the area when he signed his free-agent deal with the New England Patriots.

The former Tennessee Titan played his college ball in Chestnut Hill, Mass. with the Boston College Eagles. Now entering his seventh NFL season, Landry got the chance to return to his stomping grounds before the start of voluntary workouts at Gillette Stadium.

“My wife came up with me this weekend to look at houses, and we drove through the campus,” Landry told reporters, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “It’s crazy how beautiful, and how far it has come, since I’ve been there.”

Landry emerged with BC with 26 sacks, including 16.5 to lead the nation in 2016, across his four seasons on campus for the Eagles. Landry also added a bowl win to close out the 2016 season, which was the last bowl win for the Eagles until the 2023 Fenway Bowl. He’s added 50.5 sacks in 98 career games in the NFL and will bolster a new-look Patriots defense next season with a need to get after the quarterback.

Landry sets a new identity for Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams’ defense with fellow new additions in Carlton Davis, Milton Williams and Robert Spillane.