Many fans likely remember the name Shawn Crable, who was a linebacker that was drafted out of Michigan in 2008 by the Patriots in the 3rd round (78th overall) that year, and unfortunately never lived up to the team's expectations.
 Crable is now in the UFL Football League. (FILE:Icon/SMI) |
Crable spent two seasons on injured reserve in New England, before finally being released on July 28th, 2010 after reportedly failing to come into camp in shape and failing his conditioning test.
"We didn't pass him on the physical, and just didn't feel like he was ready to compete and participate right now," said Belichick the day after Crable was cut back on July 29th.
"That's all part of the physical," Belichick replied when asked by a reporter if Crable's physical included the conditioning test "There's a physical, and there's being in condition - that's all inclusive."
After his release, Belichick left the door open for his return, provided he could prove he was healthy.
"If Shawn physically is healthy, that he would have a good chance to compete on the field based on what we saw coming out of college, and the limited opportunities that we've seen to evaluate him in the last two years. But right now I just don't think he's there."
Obviously it ended badly, and they eventually parted ways with Crable.
The reason for the brief mention of the former Patriots linebacker is because the last time New England battled the Steelers, Crable had his best regular season performance as a Patriot after combining for two tackles along with 0.5 a sack during New England's 39-26 win over Pittsburgh.
However, he was let go just days after the win, after the coaching staff must have seen something they weren't pleased with.
It was a tough two week stretch in his final days as a Patriot, as the week before the linebacker had 30 or so family members present out in Cleveland in a 34-14 loss for New England. In that game Crable made his presence known early, pressuring Browns rookie QB Colt McCoy for a throwaway late in the first quarter, but was quiet from there and finished that game assisting on one tackle.
After his release he landed on the Jets' practice squad days later - two weeks before New York was set to visit New England. The information they got from him must not have been too helpful, because the Patriots throttled them 45-3.
Now the former linebacker is playing in the UFL for the Sacramento Mountain Lions, and was active for the team's 25-19 win last Friday night after finishing with 1.5 tackles.
One other note from that game: former Patriot Sam Aiken, who is a member of the Omaha Nighthawks roster, also blocked a punt against Crable's team.
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