Former Patriots defensive tackle Kyle Love was a big part of New England’s defensive lineup until 2013, when a medical diagnosis changed that.
After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Love was cut by the team just months after playing in the Super Bowl against the Giants. It was a frustrating time for Love, who had played in all 16 regular season games in both 2011 and 2012 before his untimely release.
Following brief stints in both Jacksonville and Kansas City, he’s established a home in Carolina and finds himself headed back to the big game yet again, although he’s disappointed in the opponent.
In Love’s mind, he was hoping to get a chance at redemption had New England beaten Denver two weeks ago in the AFC Championship game. Instead, it’s Peyton Manning and the Broncos that he’ll be facing this Sunday.
Love said that he told the media back during preseason he relished the opportunity to face the Patriots in a game like this. Instead, he had to settle for their preseason game back in August.
“I told (reporters in August) I couldn’t wait and there was going to be pain brought,” Love told the Charlotte Observer. “So for us to be able to play them in this big game, it’d be even more pain being brought.
“It’s funny. Before the (preseason) game we played them Tom came to me and told me, ‘Hey, take it easy on me.’”
Leaving New England is something that really bothered Love, with the veteran defensive tackle admitting that it’s kept him up at times at night. But for now he’s got a great opportunity in front of him, and he’s hoping to take advantage this weekend.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say that I accept it because it’s always going to bother me. There’s nights that I have cried about it,” Love told the Observer Wednesday. “It’s something that I’ll probably never get over. But I’ve got to keep moving forward with my life.”
And for now as far as Love is concerned, he’s on to Denver.
Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants
We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
More Patriots News Headlines:
MORSE: Patriots Running Back and Quarterback Analysis, 1st OTA Report
By: Mark MorseAnalyzing Patriots' QBs Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito, and Behren Morton. Also covers the running back group and highlights from the 1st OTA practice.
Drake Maye Addresses AJ Brown Trade Rumors: “If He Ends Up Being On Our Team, Great”
By: Ian LogueDrake Maye addresses AJ Brown trade rumors, focusing on current Patriots teammates and his 2026 season goals, and discusses a practice interception.
TRANSCRIPT: Drake Maye Press Conference 5/27
By: Ian LogueHere's what New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had to say during his press conference on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Patriots OTAs: Vrabel Confirms Multiple Key Players Missing Wednesday
By: Ian LoguePatriots coach Mike Vrabel confirms multiple key players, including Christian Gonzalez and Harold Landry, are missing voluntary OTAs.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 5/27
By: Ian LogueMike Vrabel's May 27 press conference, he discussed roster improvements, Christian Gonzalez's absence, spring practice rules, and the 2026 schedule.
