FOXBOROUGH – On paper, the idea of Christian Barmore and Milton Williams just causing all kinds of havoc on opposing offensive lines and running games next year should have Patriots fans salivating.
But, after a blood clot scare last season that cost Barmore 2024 and almost cost him his life, the big D-lineman out of Alabama is feeling good and says he believes he’s ready to go heading into OTA’s and training camp this spring and summer.
“Yes sir,” Barmore said bluntly when asked if he’s been cleared and anticipates being ready for Week 1.
Williams and Barmore have been competing amongst each other to see who can get into the building first during involuntary workouts. The tandem is already clicking off the field which could spell trouble for opposing offenses on it.
“That’s my guy,” Barmore said with a big smile. “He makes me work hard. He’s a hell of a worker, hell of a guy and I’m really excited to work with him this year.”
Going through what he did last year, Barmore has a new found appreciation for the game and everything that goes into it too.
“I’m really just enjoying the game I love again,” he said. “Really just enjoying the blessing of playing the game. Not worrying about what was holding me back last year. Feeling better, keep getting better and I’m gaining more confidence back in myself with my breathing…I’m just feeling really good and talking a lot of smack, yeah.”
Barmore also acknowledged that the mental battle might have been the hardest part of his whole ordeal last season, especially when he worked so hard to get back, but had to start all over again in December when the blood clots reoccured.
“The biggest challenge has been battling with myself,” he said. “I was doing everything I could to come back last year.”
Barmore and Williams are only two pieces of the new defensive puzzle for Vrabel and DC Terrell Williams, but Christian is eager to see just how good the entire unit can be.
“Yes. I’m really excited, really excited,” he added. “Literally, like…we’ve got some hungry dogs. I can just feel it. I’m just really excited about how it’s going to look.”