Stephen Neal Retires: An Updated Look at the New England Patriots’ Draft Plans

March 3, 2011   ·   Aaron Dodge   ·   Jump to comments

This article debuted on SportsHaze.com/Boston
New England Patriots guard Stephen Neal will officially announce his retirement from football tomorrow. The 10-year veteran is hanging up his helmet after playing his entire career in New England.
To label Neal an undrafted free agent wouldn't do justice to his story. He was a collegiate wrestler at Cal-State Bakersfield and won the NCAA heavyweight title in his senior year. Despite not playing a single snap of football in college, the Patriots still offered him a tryout in their 2001 training camp.
New England recognized Neal's athleticism and wanted to see if the 6'4", 300-pounder could translate his obvious athletic abilities onto the football field. He was signed and waived and then signed again in 2001, ending the season on the team's practice squad.
Neal's early career was full of unfortunate circumstances. He broke into the starting lineup in 2002, only to suffer a season-ending shoulder injury, which kept him fro...

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