Shaun Ellis claims it was never personal when he signed with the rival New England Patriots in the 2011 offseason – leaving the New York Jets after spending all 11 years of his career with the team.
“It was just part of the decision that they made,’’ Ellis says. “They wanted to go a different route.”
Now, the two sides are going different routes. The Jets went 8-8 this season and are free-falling after an offseason surrounded by controversy and locker room turmoil, while Ellis is headed to his first Super Bowl.
“It’s been a crazy ride,’’ Ellis says. “It’s very gratifying to get to this position after playing so hard for all these years and only getting close.”
Ellis, who was drafted in the first round of the 2000 draft by the Jets, accumulated 73.5 career sacks with the team and was a two-time Pro Bowler. He missed only six games during his tenure with New York, displayed great work ethic, and was well respected in the locker room.
The defensive end out of Tennessee always performed at a high level against the Patriots, and arguably had his best game as a Jet when he sacked Tom Brady twice and recorded five tackles during last season’s 28-21 Divisional Round upset.
Ellis was the longest-tenured player on New York before the organization offered him the veteran league minimum of $910,000 to return with the team this past offseason. The Jets used their first two draft picks on defensive linemen and were ready to move on from the 34-year old Ellis.
Enter the Patriots, who offered him a more substantial $4 million contract for one year, and made the decision easy for Ellis to head to Foxboro, MA.
Aside from the fact that New England was stealing a player from its most hated rival, the signing made perfect sense for the Patriots. Head coach Bill Belichick loves veteran defensive linemen that are versatile and can fit into New England’s scheme. In addition, Belichick is infamous for signing players that perform well against his team. If you can’t stop him, bring him on board, right?
Despite having a diminished role on the field, Ellis has handled his first season as a Patriot with professionalism.
“It’s been challenging,” Ellis says. “It’s been a little difficult, but just hanging in there, just trying to lend my hand when I can. When my number is called, I just go out there and play.”
Elis registered 14 tackles and two sacks this season, one of which came against Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow in the Divisional Round.
Although he has lost a step in terms of speed, Ellis has contributed to New England with his leadership.
“When he talks, guys listen,’’ cornerback Devin McCourty says. “He’s brought that leadership role to this team no matter what his playing time has been.”
Now, after falling one game short of the Super Bowl the past two seasons, Ellis is psyched to finally have a chance to win a championship.
“They all say it’s a feeling you can’t describe, that until you actually win you don’t know the feeling,’’ he says.
“I’m ready to know the feeling.’’
