The Patriots Gave a Tryout to Former Marine and Navy TE Paul Quessenberry, Who Hasn't Played in 6 Years. And There is No One I Want to See Make the Roster More

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Yesterday the Patriots held tryout for a number of players:

… just doing their due diligence like every team does, either to invite in some camp bodies or have information on available free agents for the season when the injuries inevitably pile up. The name that stands out on that list is former Naval Academy tight end Paul Quessenberry, the brother of offensive tackle David of the Titans and center Scott of the Chargers. And just by way of background, here's how tight the three of them are. From 2014:

David Quessenberry, an offensive lineman with the Houston Texans, discovered in May he had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The 6-foot-5, 307-pound tackle had been fighting through chest congestion he figured was the result of a severe cold. However, after Quessenberry struggled to breathe during a practice, members of the Texans' medical staff discovered the 23-year-old's lungs contained two liters of fluid that had to be drained immediately.

Paul Quessenberry, a starting defensive end for the Navy football team, was studying in his Bancroft Hall dormitory room when he heard the news. … Upon hearing that the growth was indeed cancerous, Paul Quessenberry shaved his head to show solidarity with David, who recently completed his fourth round of chemotherapy. Baby brother Scott Quessenberry, a sophomore offensive lineman at UCLA, beat Paul to the punch by shaving his head as well.

"It really meant a lot for my brothers to do that. The three of us have such a close bond together," David Quessenberry said. "What this journey has shown me is how much love and support I have. I talk almost every day with Paul and Scotty, and since I can't play this season I'm kind of living vicariously through them."

Quessenberry hasn't played football since his final game for Navy in 2014. Interestingly enough, he was a defensive end for the Midshipmen, where he appeared in 38 games and earned two varsity letters. This is how their website described his junior year:

A starter in 12 games, he finished the year with 25 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, five quarterback hurries and recovered a fumble … member of the Mids' defensive unit that held eight of its 13 opponents under their scoring average this season … Navy's defense was the only unit in the country to not allow a touchdown in the postseason … Navy was also the only team in the country who did not give up a pass of 50 yards or more over the course of the season … part of a defensive unit that held Army, ranked No. 2 in the country in rushing (323.6), to a season-low 157 yards

After going undrafted in 2015, he got a tryout with the Texans. And when the phone didn't ring, he gave up football and joined the United States Marine Corps, and eventually became an infantry officer. But this year, his phone did ring. And it was the Patriots personnel department inviting him in for a look. 

I don't have to explain why. This is obviously a result of the warm spot in the middle of Bill Belichick's gooey, caramel-centered heart for the Naval Academy in particular and the U.S. military in general. And ultimately none of Quessenberry's service and sacrifice is going to factor into the decision of whether he gets a precious roster spot. Sentiment won't enter into it, it'll all be about running routes and throwing blocks. Which makes him the longest of longshots after 5+ years of wearing a different kind of helmet and altogether different sort of uniform. We all know that going in.

But by God, would this be the greatest story ever if it were to happen. Quessenberry joining fellow Navy grad Joe Cardona. Getting a chance to fill the void left by Rob Gronkowski and be an entirely opposite kind of fan favorite. Representing the Marines as well as giving hope to anyone who's been away from the game for a while. Like a cross between Chesty Puller and Roy Hobbs. I don't want to get my hopes up it'll work out. But I've rooted for very few things as much as I have this. Best of luck, Marine.