NORFOLK COUNTY, Ma. (7News) — With the Washington Commanders joining the New England Patriots for a joint practice and preseason game, the trip is significant for two players returning to the team they previously played for.
Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jonathan Jones spent eight and nine seasons, respectively, with the Patriots. For both players, it was the only NFL organization they ever knew.
Wise and Jones signed with the Commanders this past offseason. Five months later — and repping the burgundy and gold — the duo made a return to their old stomping grounds.
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“It’s bittersweet,” Jones said. “So many memories here, but at the same time, I’m loving where I’m at.”
“New England was everything. They gave me the opportunity. They drafted me. I’m forever grateful,” Wise said. “It’s always cool coming back to a place that you spent so much time, gave so much time, gave so much of your body to.”
During Wednesday’s joint practice, held at the Patriots’ practice facility, Wise said he was able to rekindle with many people throughout the organization. That included the fans and ownership all the way down to “the grass people [and] the cafeteria people.”
Jones received boos from the New England crowd after defending against an incomplete pass from quarterback Drake Maye. He playfully pumped up the crowd as a response.
“You expect that. I’m the villain now,” Jones said. “It’s a great feeling to come in here and make plays. It’s all love. Me and New England are always and forever, but it’s just good to come here and compete.”
Wise, a defensive end, is a projected starter for Washington. Jones slots in as a reserve cornerback, but is likely to see plenty of snaps this season.