Patriots OL Returns: 'Blessing to Be Back'
New England Patriots offensive lineman Calvin Anderson is intent on making the most of his second tour of duty in Foxboro ... and he is doing so with a new lease on life.
Since signing a two-year deal in March to return to the club which signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2019, Anderson had participated in neither a training camp practice nor a preseason game — that is, until last Tuesday when he was activated from the non-football illness/injury (NFI) list.
While the reasons for his absence remain somewhat mysterious, Anderson did reveal that its serious nature has provided him with a new perspective, both on and off the field.
“We agreed we’re not going to talk in-depth about what actually happened just yet because I obviously want to get back on the field ... but we will have a chat about it when the time comes,” Anderson told reporters following Tuesday's practice. “It was serious, and I’m just grateful to be back. I’m blessed. I think you realize in moments like that how many things you take for granted. Just small things. So, I’m just so grateful to be back on the field, be around the guys again. It’s truly a blessing to be back.”
Photo Cred: CBS Sports
Though the former Texas Longhorn technically began his career with the Pats, his stay in New England lasted only 11 days as he was released by the team to accommodate the arrivals of offensive tackle Jared Veldheer and wide receiver Dontrelle Inman.
Four years later, Anderson has returned to the club, and is slowly beginning his journey back to earning a prominent spot on their struggling offensive line. Despite his physical limitations during his time away from the field, the 27-year-old kept both his head and his heart in the game.
“I stayed mentally plugged in," Anderson said. "You have to because this sport, at this level, requires so much more than just your physical prowess. I was able to stay in it mentally, and luckily, I have great coaches — Coach [Adrian] Klemm, Billy Yates — guys who can help make sure you’re on the tip of the mental stuff. Whatever you can do, you do at the maximum. I had to learn that the hard way, obviously, with this situation.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the timeframe for his getting back into game shape, Anderson's recent success on the gridiron provides palpable hope for his being able to help the team. After all, Anderson’s best season came in 2022, where he played on 47 percent of the Broncos’ offensive snaps — most of which came at left tackle. Per Pro Football Focus, he gave up two sacks last season as well as 15 additional quarterback pressures. With the health status of fellow offensive tackle Riley Reiff still in question, Anderson will be in the mix of those attempting to protect quarterback Mac Jones along the edge of the line, along with newcomers Tyrone Wheatley, Jr, Verderian Lowe and rookie Sidy Sow.
Still, he will take things one step at a time, in true Patriots fashion. Accordingly, both he and the Pats know that he will be ready to make an impact when he steps back on the field for game action.
“Out of respect for all the coaches and stuff, I’m not at liberty to say any timelines or anything,” Anderson added. “But I will say that we have a great coaching staff. They’ve helped me stay in it as much as you possibly can. Now that I’m back on the field, I’m just focusing on getting back in the rhythm, getting back in the groove. And I have a really good feeling about that.”
