Foxborough may soon relive one of its wildest quarterback stories in recent memory. Reports suggest that former Patriots fan favorite Bailey Zappe, now with the Cleveland Browns, could return to Gillette Stadium for the first time since his release.
Once seen as a spark of hope during turbulent times in New England, Zappe’s journey has been nothing short of cinematic. From backup to fan hero, and eventually to exile, his story still lingers in the hearts of Patriots Nation.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Bailey Zappe arrived from Western Kentucky carrying record-breaking numbers and quiet confidence. Few expected the rookie to see the field so early — until injuries changed everything.
“For me personally, I think it’s important to put a full game together,” Zappe said in December 2023. “If I can execute for two halves, we’ll score more points. That’s my responsibility — doing my job well.”
It was during those unexpected starts that “Zappe Fever” was born. The rookie nearly stunned the Green Bay Packers in overtime, then led back-to-back wins over the Detroit Lions and, ironically, the Cleveland Browns.
Though Mac Jones reclaimed the starting role, Zappe’s flashes of composure and precision left a mark. Fans flooded social media, chanting his name and calling for his return each time the offense struggled.
In 2023, the tides turned again. With Jones faltering, Zappe stepped up, closing the season with memorable performances — including a gritty Christmas Eve win over Denver and a snow-soaked finale against the Jets.
Now,
