Report: Patriots Release Hard-Working Safety With Inspirational Story

The New England Patriots made a few moves this season. In the most recent wave of changes, the Patriots decided to release their safety.

New England’s roster move comes as a surprise because JT Hassell is a really talented player. The team got rid of the linebacker-turned safety from Florida Tech a week after signing him. Mike Reiss from ESPN was among the first to report on the change.

Patriots release inspirational safety to create more room

Hassell spent some time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and they released him this season. The safety has great athleticism and intangibles, but New England didn’t need him. The team had Hassell in for a look earlier in 2020, but he was signed on Nov. 30. 

The safety practiced with the Patriots last week, but the team eliminated him. Hassell had great athletic numbers at the NFL Combine. Elliot Kennel from Fan-Sided wrote about this in his article right after the release of Hassell.

“He had good grades from Pro Football Focus last year in limited reps, and crushed his Pro Day last year, with a 4.38 40-yard dash, a 42-inch vertical, 23 reps on the bench press and a 6.84 in the 3-cone drill. Are you kidding? How can he not make the team?

Hassell comes from Florida Tech and played was an undersized linebacker in college. In the NFL, he became safety and had good performance. Hassell was born with only two fingers on his left hand. He worked really hard to overcome his situation.

Patriots practice-squad transaction: Safety J.T. Hassell released. A short stay for the Florida Tech alum who was signed Nov. 30.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 8, 2020

In a 2019 interview with Space Coast Daily, Hassell discussed his condition and the methods he has to play with it.

“Growing up, I just thought I was different all the time—like I wasn’t normal. I would always hide my hand in my pocket. Now, I’m more comfortable with it and just being who I am.”

New England may still add Hassell to the practice unit. Several players of the Patriots’ practice squad have been added and removed throughout the entire season. Hassell may end up with the Patriots in the next few years. He is a talented player and the Patriots could really use his skills.