Massachusetts-Native Obi Melifonwu Grew Up On Early Patriots Dynasty Teams

Massachusetts-Native Obi Melifonwu Grew Up On Early Patriots Dynasty Teams

FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots players — they’re just like you! Safety Obi Melifonwu grew up in Grafton, Mass., as a “huge Patriots fan,” so he was understandably very happy this week to sign with the team he cheered on as a kid. “Everybody was excited, especially my family,” Melifonwu said. “Growing up here, I’ve been a huge Patriots fan. So, everybody’s excited. Everybody’s ready to watch me play.” Melifonwu had some quality safeties to look up to as a young Patriots fan, watching those early-2000s teams. “Lawyer Milloy, Rodney Harrison are two I definitely watched,” Melifonwu said. “The team as a who... NESN.com

Patriots Hosting Super Athletic Massachusetts-Native Safety On Visit

Patriots Hosting Super Athletic Massachusetts-Native Safety On Visit

The New England Patriots are showing interest in 2017 second-round pick Obi Melifonwu, a source confirmed to NESN.com. Melifonwu is visiting Gillette Stadium on Friday. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport first reported the Patriots’ interest in the former UConn safety. Melifonwu, a Grafton, Mass.-native, was drafted by the Oakland Raiders and was waived/injured in late August. He reverted to injured reserve after clearing waivers and was released Oct. 23. The 6-foot-4, 224-pound safety tore up the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.40-second 40-yard dash with a 1.51-second 10-yard split, 44-inch vertical jump and 11-foot, 8-inch broad jump. He ran ... NESN.com