HOW ACQUIRED: signed as an unrestricted free agent May 5, 2009.

PRO CAREER:
(2009) New England Patriots:

(2005-08) Chicago Bears:
Signed as an undrafted free agent with Chicago (5/1/05).

Bears Safety prospect battled through an injury plagued 2006 season, missing the first 7 games while on the Physically Unable to Perform List and the last 8 games while on Injured Reserve after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in Game 8… Has gathered 30 defensive tackles and 6 special teams tackles in 9 career games with 1 TFL in 2 seasons… Signed with Chicago following a tryout during the team's post-draft rookie mini-camp in 2005… Only undrafted rookie to make active roster following 2005 training camp… Suffered season-ending knee injury in 2005 season finale after starting the final 3 contests at both safety positions gathering 29 tackles.

PERSONAL NOTES: Four-year letterwinner at Maine (2001-04) started 33-of-34 games played to finish his career while totaling 293 career tackles, 7.5 sacks, 20 TFLs, 7 INTs, 10 PBUs, 3 forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries… First-team all-Atlantic 10 as a senior FS… Second-team all-Atlantic 10 and Maine's Defensive Player-of-the-Year as a junior after starting all 11 games at FS and leading the team with 85 tackles… Played 13 games as a sophomore, starting 12 at SS and ranking 2nd on team with 94 tackles… Earned the "Hammer Award" for the Black Bears' best special teams hit in 4 games during freshman year, finishing season with 14 special teams tackles… Majored in business. PERSONAL: Named defensive first-team all-county following senior season at Lincoln H.S. in Jersey City, N.J. after recording 63 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and blocking 3 punts… Selected MVP of the North/South All-Star game… Son of Annie Herring and Kyle McGowan.