Middle linebacker who spent his entire 8-year NFL career with the New England Patriots after being selected 10th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2010 and 2012. He appeared in Super Bowl XLVI, then earned a Super Bowl ring after the Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX, despite missing the game due to an injury. He was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference in his Junior and final season at the University of Tennessee.
