Jan. 30, 2015
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| Courtesy of @jkrausexvi on Instagram |
If the New England Patriots defeat Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX this Sunday, Patriot receiver Jonathan Krause will become the first Commodore to claim a world championship ring in seven years.
And Krause, a practice squad rookie out of Snellville, Ga., might be the most unlikely Patriot to own a ring.
Simply put, Krause has taken a wild ride to Super Bowl XLIX. And for that, he’s thankful.
“Honestly, it’s really a blessing,” Krause said. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of what’s going on. I’m just trying to take it in and help my team win.”
Krause didn’t start his rookie season with the Patriots, or in the National Football League. Signed as an rookie free agent by Cleveland, Krause spent much of preseason camp with the Browns until an injury landed him on injured reserve. After a two-month rehab and eventual release, Krause was available when New England called about a practice squad role in early October.
Since signing with the Pats, Krause has been single-minded. “I just try to work my butt off every day, just grinding,” he said. “I’m trying to give our guys a great look every week, whatever the coaches need me to do.
“God does amazing things. Hopefully, all the work I’m doing now will help me make the 53-man roster next year,” Krause said.
On Sunday, Krause will be in University of Phoenix Stadium, out of uniform on the New England sidelines – cheering hard for a Patriots’ victory.
Vanderbilt Super Bowl tidbits…
• Last Commodore to earn a ring: Jonathan Goff (linebacker, New York Giants, 2008).Though he started early in the season, Goff was on injured reserve during the game.
• Last Commodore to play in Super Bowl: Hunter Hillenmeyer (linebacker, Chicago Bears, 2007), was a starting outside linebacker for the Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis.
• Last Commodores to play for a Super Bowl champion: Shelton Quarles and Todd Yoder (Tampa Bay Bucs, 2003). Quarles was one of the game’s leading tacklers as a starting linebacker; Yoder was a reserve tight end and special teams contributor.
— Jonathan Krause (@JKXVI) January 19, 2015
Couldn’t Have Asked For A Better Birthday Present #23 #AFCChamps #SuperBowlBound http://t.co/gbwi6OslOp
— Jonathan Krause (@JKXVI) January 19, 2015
