The New England Patriots really made some big moves! That has made them more reliant on kicker, leading them to pick up their newest Andy Borregales. This is the third kicker the team has drafted in as many years. It illustrates their understanding of the importance of shoring up this key position. Borregales, a former University of Miami kicker, joins his brother in the NFL. The Patriots welcome the opportunity to tap his vast experience and skillset to solidify their special teams.
Borregales’ story started with his family’s immigration from Venezuela to South Florida when he was just two years old. He lived 18 summers in Miami, practicing kickoffs and FGs on the practice fields. As he admits, the famously windy conditions of the area provided him with the experience that turned him into a genius. His ties to the Hurricanes is strong as his brother Jose also kicked for the team in 2020.
The 2024 season was equally impressive in highlighting Borregales’ kicking ability and mental toughness. He finished up his collegiate career on a high note. He was 18-of-19 on field goals, missed only one attempt of 23 yards, and 62 for 62 on extra points. His most impressive game was in a shootout with Virginia Tech. With 24 seconds remaining in the first half, he hit one of the longest field goals in Ducks history, an insane 56-yard kick. Beyond just his strong leg, this performance showcased his poise and ability to be an NFL punter under pressure.
Counting Danny Kalter, the special teams coach at the University of Miami, among Borregales’ most ardent defenders. He said that kicker’s mentality really shined through when he’d go into games, sometimes with guys like Borregales showing confidence in himself in clutch situations.
“He’s looking at me, looking at the head coach. It would be 70 yards, and he would say, ‘I have it in me.’ That defines him to the core,” – Danny Kalter
Kalter is unflagging in his conviction about Borregales’s abilities to succeed in inclement weather. He’s particularly high on Borregales’ chances of surviving and thriving through the harsh winters of the Northeast. He explained how wind forces unique obstacles that kickers have to overcome. Both Borregales’ time spent in South Florida—including Miami’s legendary Hurricanes—have prepared him to put any weather element to shame.
“The longer you’re out of the NFL, you’re not getting tape, and the harder it is to get in. The UFL was instrumental in showing he’s continued to develop,” – Erik Schmella
The Patriots’ selection of Borregales comes despite a rising tide of uncertainty about their current kicker Justin Tucker. As they search for some continuity in this high-leverage spot, Borregales is a very intriguing choice with proven durability and adjustability. It was his work ethic and burning desire to win that made him different from the rest.
From the beginning of Borregales’ collegiate career, he showed a different mentality. After missing his first field goal attempt from 45 yards against Florida, he remained perfect for the rest of the season. This capacity to self-correct after a failure without paralysis by analysis shows his desire to sharpen his skills.
“No kick is too long. No moment is too big,” – Danny Kalter
There is a lot to like about Kalter’s admiration of Borregales beyond his kicking talents. He’s excited that the Patriots are signing someone who best represents what it means to play football.
“The Patriots aren’t just getting a placekicker; they’re getting a football player,” – Danny Kalter
Borregales comes to New England with strong credentials as a kicker. Beyond talent, he brings a giant chip on his shoulder to prove what he can do between the white lines. He’s developed a reputation for being willing to take on big challenges and for having a chip on his shoulder. This no-nonsense mentality will carry him far as he makes the jump to the pro level.
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