Foxborough, MA – October 17, 2025
In Foxborough, where ambition meets heart, Brandon Crossley was on the brink of a lifelong dream — until life called him home.
The 22-year-old defensive back signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft. A product of Southern Methodist University, Crossley was known for his high football IQ, quick instincts, and relentless effort on special teams. Though he didn’t hear his name on draft night, his performance in rookie camp and preseason impressed the coaching staff.
He was waived during final cuts in August but quickly re-signed to the Patriots’ practice squad. Coaches described him as “first in, last out” — a player whose heart matched the team’s culture of grit and discipline. Just days ago, Crossley earned a promotion to the 53-man active roster — a reward for his hard work. But that joy was shattered by news from home.
In South Florida, both parents faced serious illnesses: his father relapsed with a chronic heart condition, and his mother recovered from breast cancer chemotherapy. With no siblings nearby and his mother’s health fragile, Crossley chose to pause football and return home to care for them.
In a team-shared statement, Crossley wrote:
“THANK YOU NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FOR THE INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO CHASE MY NFL DREAM. BUT RIGHT NOW, MY PARENTS—WHO SACRIFICED EVERYTHING FOR ME—ARE FIGHTING ILLNESS. MY FATHER HAS CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE, AND MY MOTHER IS RECOVERING FROM BREAST CANCER SURGERY. I NEED TO BE WITH THEM. THE NFL IS A DREAM, BUT FAMILY IS MY FOUNDATION. THANK YOU, PATS NATION, AND I HOPE TO BE BACK SOON.”
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel admired the choice, calling it “rooted in love, faith, and family — what defines us as people.” Teammates like Christian Gonzalez offered private emotional and financial support. In the locker room, Crossley’s locker at Gillette Stadium remains untouched — a reminder his Patriots story isn’t over.
For now, his fight is off the field: beside a hospital bed, holding his parents’ hands. Because for Brandon Crossley, football can wait — but family can’t.
