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Remembering the Patriot: Rosevelt Colvin

By Connor Fulton

Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; The feet and helmet of New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (not pictured) as he sits on the bench during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; The feet and helmet of New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (not pictured) as he sits on the bench during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; The feet and helmet of New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (not pictured) as he sits on the bench during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; The feet and helmet of New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (not pictured) as he sits on the bench during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Today is the first day of a series we’re putting together here on Musket Fire to help pass the time over the long offseason. Each day, a random player from the New England Patriots’ reign of dominance in this century will be remembered. It is a completely random process; the writer is just going to pull a name out of his memory and write about him off the top of his head. Today, we’re remembering linebacker Rosevelt Colvin.

Before coming to New England, Colvin had been drafted in the fourth round by the Chicago Bears in 1999. During those four seasons, Colvin gained notoriety as a pass rusher, posting 10.5 sacks in each of the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

After signing as a free agent in 2003, Colvin’s first season with the Patriots was cut short due to a shattered socket in his left hip suffered in Week 3 of that year. However, he returned in 2004 to help power the Patriots to a second straight Super Bowl title, accumulating five sacks along the way.

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In 2005, with that nasty hip injury fully behind him, Colvin began a three-year run of stardom in New England that cemented his place in fans’ collective memories. During that span, the Purdue product amassed 99 tackles, 19.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, four recovered fumbles and an interception.

However, a failed physical in February of 2008 sent Colvin out of New England. He spent the summer in training camp with the Houston Texans but got the chop during final roster cuts. When the Patriots were tight at the linebacker position later that season, Colvin got the call and played in four games, his final contests as a pro.

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Colvin is remembered as a spirited member of the Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning teams of 2003 and 2004. In the ensuring three seasons, he became more centrally involved in the defense, using impressive speed and athleticism that Bill Belichick loves in his linebackers.

It should be noted that current superstar Jamie Collins is reminiscent of Colvin. Collins stands an inch above Colvin, but both weight 250 pounds. Much like Colvin did in his glory days with the Pats, Collins occupies the speedster role in the New England linebacker corps.

In recent news, Colvin voiced his support of the Patriots during Deflategate.

Next: 5 positions Patriots must address in free agency

Be sure to check back tomorrow morning as we remember the career of former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel.

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