Photo credit- Dan Heary Rob Gullo, NEFJ Correspondent NEW BRITAIN — Former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones, who played in the NFL from 2015-2022, hung up the cleats following the 2022 season in which he did not play due to recovering from an Achilles injury. Since being retired, one thing Jones has remained busy with post-NFL career has been giving back to his community and hometown of…
Breaking down Springfield Central’s 2025 Schedule
Springfield Central is poised to make another run in Division 1. Bill Watson’s squad returns a talented offense led by quarterback Jareth Staine and running back Isaiah Rogers. The additions of linebacker Chris Sanchez and wide receiver Isaiah Fabulas makes an already talented team even better. The return of former head coach Vladamar Brower as defensive coordinator was already a big addition this off-season. Here is the breakdown of Springfield’s……
Catching up with Taft DT Jude Okeleke after his commitment to Temple
We got a chance recently to talk with Taft’s Jude Okeleke after his recent commitment to Taft. Here is what Jude had to say about why he committed to the Owls and what it means to him. NEFJ: Why did you commit to Temple? What made the school and the program the right fit for you? JO: “I believe in the Temple coaching staff, especially Coach Dudzinski and Coach Calhoun…….
UConn announces the addition of more future games with Duke
You don’t think rivalry when you hear UConn and Duke – at least not on the gridiron – but the two have developed a nice little competitive animosity over the last couple of seasons. This is going to be a regular occurrence going forward too. On Wednesday, the Huskies announced that the two schools have agreed to additional games on September 11, 2027 in Durham and then October 14, 2028…
St. Sebastian’s tackle Marky Walbridge commits to Michigan
For years now – really ever since Don Brown was the defensive coordinator – the Michigan football program has come to Massachusetts for some elite talent, particularly up front. After Zak Zinter became a household name from BB&N a few years ago during his time at Michigan, another ISL player is heading to Ann Arbor to hopefully follow in his footsteps. St. Sebastian’s tackle Marky Walbridge officially decided on the……
South wins 63rd edition of Harry Agganis All-Star Game behind Buettler’s MVP performance
By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Staff LYNN — Swampscott’s Henry Buettler earned MVP on Wednesday night as the South squad defeated the North 21-6 at the 63rd annual Harry Agganis All Star football game. For many players on the field, the game at Manning field was their final time putting on a football uniform. Buettler – who is set to attend Boston University in the fall – was one of those…
Robert Kraft makes an appearance at Fanatics Fest and shares his thoughts on the upcoming season
Image courtesy of Fanatics and Adam Schefter Patriots owner Robert Kraft made an appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York this weekend. In an interview with Adam Schefter, Kraft addressed several topics including his thoughts on the Patriots. Kraft, an investor in Fanatics and a close friend of founder and owner Michael Rubin had a lot to say. There is no transcript of the conversation. When Kraft was asked about…
Patriots brining back offensive tackle Yasir Durant
While this is the quietest time of the year for the NFL, the Patriots still made a little bit of news on Tuesday afternoon. The team officially announced the signing of a familiar face in tackle Yasir Durant. Durant was a part of the Patriots back in 2021, appearing in seven games and starting in one of them. He’s played in just 19 games total since 2020, spending that year…
BC goes international with latest 2026 pickup
As if the good vibes surrounding the 2026 recruiting class weren’t good enough already, the staff got a whopper on Sunday night. German native Bruno Werner – who is part of the NFL Academy program for European players – announced his commitment to BC on social media around 7:00 p.m. after he was one of 13 players on an official visit to Chestnut Hill this weekend. Werner is the 22nd…
Catching up with Tabor Academy OT Ahman Williams after his commitment to Central Florida
Courtesy of Ahman Williams We had the pleasure of talking to Randolph native and Tabor Academy offensive lineman Ahman Williams after his recent commitment to Central Florida. Williams was engaging and open about why he chose UCF, the role his family played in the decision and how his father’s loss and his faith impacted his decision. Here is our conversation with Ahman. NEFJ: Why did you commit to Central Florida?……