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FOXBOROUGH, MA — Former BYU wide receiver Austin Collie has signed with the New England Patriots. Collie has not played in the NFL this season after being released by the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 31.
Collie, who played with future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning to begin his career, will have an opportunity to catch passes from another future Hall of Fame quarterback, Tom Brady.
The Patriots are still trying to replace the loss of receiver Wes Welker, who left New England to sign with the Denver Broncos. Collie's addition adds depth to the Patriots' receiving corps and gives the former Cougar an opportunity to prove he's healthy and ready to contribute. Collie will reportedly wear #10 for New England.
Collie has not been on an NFL regular season roster since suffering a ruptured patellar tendon that ended his 2012 season after just one game. Collie also has a history of concussions, but by all accounts, the 27-year old has fully recovered.
Collie was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2009, and prior to his season-ending injury in 2012, had accumulated 1,845 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.
As a receiver for BYU, Collie holds several records for the Cougars. Not only is he first in receiving yards with 3,255, Collie is also the school's touchdown leader with 30 career touchdowns.
