Belichick praises ex-Jet Ihedigbo
JAMES IHEDIGBO, Defensive back
His parents moved to the U.S. from Nigeria 30 years ago and both received their doctorates from the University of Massachusetts. Credit: Joe Rogate
Apparently the Patriots saw something in James Ihedigbo that Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan didn’t.
After four years with the Jets, Ihedigbo signed with the Patriots -- much to the delight of Bill Belichick.
“He’s had another solid year for us,” the Patriots head coach said of the safety/special teamer, who is an Amherst, Mass., native. “Came in primarily with a lot of experience in the kicking game, seeing from when he was with the Jets and how well and how hard he played against us there. His role has expanded a little bit defensively, but I think he’s still pretty much the same player.”
Belichick praised Ihedigbo, who made his mark in New England after injuries wreaked havoc on its secondary, for being a tough, smart guy who is a leader in the backfield.
“He’s a hard worker,” the coach said. “He’s a really diligent guy, he knows the game plan, he studies the opponents well, does a good job of communicating that on the field. He’s tough. A contact-player that is physical taking on blockers, physical tackler. Does a good job for us in the kicking game.
“Got a lot of value for us in a lot of different areas.”
