Patriots Roster Bubble Guy Devine Ozigbo Turned Down a Spot on the Jags Roster So He Could Keep Being Coached Up in NE

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This is Patriots running back Devine Ozigbo. If the name doesn't ring the slightest, quietest bell for you, don't get down on yourself. You can still be a football PhD and never hear of Ozigbo. He's in his third NFL season after signing with Jacksonville as a UDFA out of Nebraska. And been receptions and rushing attempts he's up to 23 career touches. The Pats are his third team this season alone, having been given his release by both the Jags and Saints before New England claimed him in late November. He was elevated off the practice squad for the game at Indy two weeks ago, but never left the bench. 

But it's not like he hasn't done anything significant in his time in Foxboro. In fact, this week we found out that Ozigbo did something that should resonate with all guys in his position. By that I'm not referring to running backs, but those hundreds of roster bubble guys. Laboring in obscurity. Fighting to hang onto a practice squad spot. Keeping hope alive that they'll get to dress some day. Take significant reps. Make a contribution. And above all else, have the NFL career they've been working for their entire athletic lives. 

Mike Reiss - Prior to finding out he would be elevated, Ozigbo had an opportunity to return to the Jaguars' active roster, which would have guaranteed him at least three game checks. But he passed on it, in part because of his belief that he's improving as a player under Patriots running backs coaches Ivan Fears and Vinnie Sunseri.

Now, a cynical or merely lazy man would grab the cheap, low-hanging fruit of saying this runs a yellow highlighter across just how atrociously gawdawful the Jaguars are. But by no means is that the point of this story. 

No, Ozigbo's choice here should be a life lesson for us all. Especially for young people just beginning to make their way in a cold, indifferent world. Far too often, we take the easy road. The quick and reward. "What do we want? Instant gratification! When do we want it? What do you think?!" and all that. 

But by God do I admire someone who chooses the tougher, longer road from a belief that it will lead them to their ultimate goal. Those bold, intrepid souls who believe in their self-worth and choose to gamble on themselves. People who sacrifice the immediate gain for the long term. Which is precisely what he's done here. 

Not only did Ozigbo pass up the three game checks, but playing out the string on the Jags roster would've earned him time towards a pension. Which, for a lot of guys just trying to survive in the NFL, is the Holy Grail. But he believes - make that, understands - that continuing to learn under the tutelage of Ivan Fears and Vinnie Sunseri is the best way to get him to his professional goals. 

His is an inspirational story that good parents should teach to their children. And that all NFL bubble guys should take to heart. Because Foxboro remains a place where dreams will come true for all players willing to put in the work, take the coaching, and make the most of themselves, in the proud tradition of Troy Brown, Stephen Neal, Julian Edelman, Malcolm Brown, JC Jackson, Jakobi Meyers and dozens upon dozens of other overlooked players who became legends. 

If there's any justice in the world, Devine Ozigbo will join their mighty company. Maybe beginning this week, against the same Jaguars he turned down. One can only hope.