Image courtesy of Jack Conley
When the New England Patriots signed former Boston College offensive lineman Jack Conley on Saturday night, they made his dream of playing in the NFL a reality. What made it even more special for the New Canaan, Connecticut native is that he is getting his shot with the team he grow up rooting for.
“It is unbelievable. I actually grew up with the Patriots and my whole family did, so it really is like, not to be cliche. It’s a dream come true for sure, to be able to be a part of the Patriots. I’m just really excited to get it going and I’m excited to compete and get in there and work. I think Coach Vrabel and the whole staff has a really good thing going. I’m really excited for the future of the franchise.”
Conley signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent. The swing guard, tackle spent the past six seasons at the Heights and played in or started 60 games during his college career. He made starts at guard, tackle and even played some tight end in 2023. It is that versatility that ultimately helped him get this opportunity with the Patriots.
Conley also made a favorable impression with the organization during his pro day and he believes that the connection between the Patriots and Boston College coaching staff and his hard work ultimately made this opportunity possible.
“I think it definitely helped, just being comfortable, with each other throughout the whole process, you know, at the pro day and then at the local day where I was also there and spent a bunch of time with their staff. You know they’ve seen me play on film and stuff and in person. So I think that helped a lot with just the familiarity and I worked with Coach Marrone a lot, so I’m excited to keep working with them. It is awesome. I think it’s helped out a lot.”
Conley says when he got the call from the Patriots , it was surreal for him and his family. He says his parents got emotional, specifically his mom who couldn’t stop crying because she was so proud of him.
“I don’t know if she stopped crying. Like at all. Then the first thing my dad and my brother did was go put on their Patriots jerseys from when we were younger. It was fun. It was a good night just hanging out with, loved ones. It was good and everyone’s, everyone’s reaction was great.”
Now this Connecticut kid who grew up in New Canaan watching Mike Vrabel play, will get an opportunity to play for him. It hasn’t quite sunk in with Conley but he is looking forward to the opportunity.
“He and I have had some great conversations throughout the past couple of weeks and yesterday as well. I’m just really excited to have the opportunity to play for him. I mean, I grew up watching him play as a Patriot. I’ve followed his career as a coach, and he’s done unbelievable things and I’m good friends with Tyler (Vrabel). So just knowing what he’s about already before I’m stepping in there, I’m so excited. He’s the kind of guy that I want to play for. I love the no nonsense, but I also like tough love. I can’t wait. It’s an honor to play for him”
The Patriots were a great opportunity for a number of reason for Coney. One of the biggest was the opportunity to play close to home and have family close by.
“My parents have a place in Rhode Island, in Charlestown. They are even closer. It is really special. I am fortunate to be able to stay close to where I grew up and close to B.C. I have a great supporting cast in the area. I am familiar with the area so it really is special. I am super excited.”
Conley and the rest of the Patriots rookies will be reporting to rookie mini-camp on Friday May 9th.