Advertisement
patriot gains

Olympic Silver Medallist sprinter signed up by New England Patriots

The multi-talented athlete has prospered on the American Football field with University of Florida.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS coach Bill Belichick must have had a Eureka moment as he watched his country steam in to finish second behing Olympic Gold Medal winners, and world record setters, Jamaica last weekend.

Belichick spotted the piston-pumping thighs of Jeff Demps, a member of the USA’s Men’s 4x100m Relay team, and, no doubt, recalled that the lad had played a bit of pigskin in the past.

Demps, who took home a relay silver from London 2012, plans to sign an NFL deal with the Patriots, according to a posting on the league’s website. Demps then confirmed the news on his Twitter page.

Belichick said the club was interested in finding a kick returner and Demps would fill the role, having done such duties while a college standout at the University of Florida.

Demps has garnered praise as a running back with University of Florida. (AP Photo/ Phil Sandlin)

Demps ran for 2,470 career yards and 23 touchdowns while in college but was not selected in last April’s NFL Draft after skipping workouts for NFL clubs and all-star games to focus upon his Olympic dream.

Demps also drew interest from the New York Jets, Indianapolis and Tampa Bay.

Jets quarter-back Tim Tebow, a former University of Florida player, had lobbied hard for the athlete’s services in recent weeks.

Demps could also offer the Patriots another option at running back and possibly as a receiver.

(Additional reporting © AFP, 2012)

Uncaged: Different weight class but same old Chael Sonnen

All the Nike gear you get for making the US Olympic team in one photo