NEW England Patriots fans pay tribute to “true hero” Chad Ryland after he was released from the franchise.
The kicker was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but had a rocky rookie season.
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He lost out to Joey Slye in the battle for a starting spot in the offseason and was released yesterday.
Ironically, his poor performance in New England may ultimately earn him icon status.
Ryland, 24, famously missed a field goal that would have tied the game against the New York Giants in November, and his fans are now thanking him for giving the team the third pick in this year’s draft.
The 4-13 Patriots selected quarterback Drake Maye three picks before the 6-11 Giants selected wide receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 6 pick.
“The only reason the Patriots were allowed to draft Drake Maye. A true hero,” one fan commented next to a clip of the infamous missed field goal.
“The tank commander,” joked another.
“This guy will forever be known as the guy who robbed the Giants from Drake Maye,” wrote a third.
“Hero from New England, he got us Drake Maye,” posted a fourth.
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Earlier this week, legendary former Patriots coach Bill Belichick angered some Massachusetts fans with his comments about the state’s taxes.
The NFL icon argued that they made it difficult for local sports teams to sign top athletes.
Massachusetts is one of 41 states that taxes individual wages and salaries, charging residents a 5% levy in addition to the federal tax.
Starting in tax year 2023, the state will also impose a 4% surtax on taxable income over $1 million.
Belichick, 72, was asked about taxation in Massachusetts during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday.
“Oh yeah. It’s Taxachusetts,” the eight-time Super Bowl winner replied. “They take more from you.”
The former Patriots head coach said the issue of high taxes came up during contract negotiations with players.
“So virtually every player, even a practice squad, but even the minimum players, is close to a million dollars,” he added.
“So when you hit that million dollar mark, you pay more taxes in Massachusetts.
“So that’s just another issue that you’re going to have to deal with in the negotiations up there.
“It’s not like Tennessee or Florida or Nevada or some of these teams that don’t collect state income tax.
“The agents treat you pretty harshly.
“They come and accuse you of the taxes you pay. We get no benefit from that.”
When the comments reached New England fans on social media, Belichick faced harsh criticism.
