When Brenden Schooler entered the NFL in 2022, he did so with little fanfare. A veteran of six college seasons split between three programs and two positions — defensive back and wide receiver — he did not hear his name called in the draft and had to go the free agency route before finally landing in New England.
Even though he lacked pedigree or draft status, Schooler managed to carve out a role as a core member of the Patriots’ special teams units. First serving as an understudy to team captain Matthew Slater, he took over as the main man in 2024.