FOXBORO — Patriots fullback Jack Westover already has two playoff starts under his belt at a position he wasn’t playing when training camp began.
Westover first joined the Patriots’ practice squad as a tight end one month into the 2024 season. After rookie Brock Lampe went down with an injury this summer, Westover moved from tight end to fullback and earned his spot on the 53-man roster. He finished the season playing the fourth-most offensive snaps by an NFL fullback, only trailing the 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk, the Dolphins’ Alec Ingold and the Chargers’ Scott Matlock.
The University of Washington product has seen his role grow as the Patriots have leaned more heavily into jumbo formations and their rushing attack. He’s started three of the Patriots’ last four games and played 92 snaps in that span, even seeing more involvement in the passing game with two receptions.
Westover comes with an interesting story. A prep basketball player, Westover didn’t play football until his senior year of high school at Mount Si (Snoqualmie, Wash.). His high school career lasted just two games before a broken collarbone ended it prematurely.
He showed enough in those two games, plus camps, that he was able to walk on with the Huskies. He finished his college career with 87 catches for 849 yards and six touchdowns, plus seven carries for 26 yards and a touchdown while moonlighting as a fullback.
Foxboro, MA – Aug. 11 – Tight end Jack Westover (87) of the New England Patriots makes a catch during practice at Gillette Stadium. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald)
Learn more about Westover in the latest installment of our Q&A series.
What’s your first football memory?
I grew up a Seattle Seahawks fan, so watching Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander in the Super Bowl versus the Steelers. I remember that game. And I remember, what round was it? Was it the wild-card round when (Tony) Romo fumbled the snap?
What’s your top high school football memory?
(Westover only played two games of high school football before breaking his collarbone.)
Two games to go off of. I remember scoring a touchdown in my first game, running over a kid in the end zone. That was pretty cool.
Why didn’t you play football until your senior year?
I was just all focused on basketball. I grew up traveling the country, pretty much, playing AAU basketball, and that was my love. That was my focus. That’s what I was going to go to college for — small schools and stuff like that. I always loved football, so I gave it a shot my senior year and liked it a lot.
What’s your top college football memory?
Definitely just that last season (at the University of Washington) — winning the Sugar Bowl, going to the national championship. Just being able to play in that game was amazing and something that a lot of Husky fans, me included, dreamed of for a long time.
What made the University of Washington special for you?
My whole family went there. My grandpa went there, my dad went there, my sister went there. I grew up a die-hard Husky fan. I didn’t know what sport it was going to be when I played there, but I was going to find a way to go to school there.
Washington tight end Jack Westover runs the ball against Boise State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 56-19. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
What would you be doing if you weren’t a football player?
I’d probably be working in construction and building. I went to school and learned a lot about architecture and all that, so that’s where my love’s at a little bit after football.
Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Honestly, probably Tiger Woods. Big golf family. That’s all I watched on the weekends, even if it was a weird tournament. I was forced to watch it.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Probably The Godfather.
Favorite musical artist?
Honestly, I don’t listen to him a lot, but Frank Sinatra.
Who have you been closest with on the team?
Probably just the tight ends. Hunter (Henry) and (Austin) Hooper. Those guys — I came in last year around Week 4 or whatever. They took me in and were really good to me. I was a rookie and came in at the beginning of the season, so I wasn’t even there for the offseason. They’ve been nothing but amazing to me.
Who’s the funniest player on the team?
Probably Christian Barmore.
What do you like most about the New England region so far?
I like the history. History’s really cool. I love that stuff. The city of Boston is amazing, and all the different places you can drive to are nice.
Is there a player you feel is underrated or underappreciated?
Probably a ton, but I’d say the linebacker we played last week, Azeez Al-Shaair. I think he’s a really good player. Recency bias, but I think he’s a helluva player. Great leader out there, good competitor.
New England Patriots tight end Jack Westover (37) walks the sideline during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. Patriots defeated the Buccaneers 28-23. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Do you have a hidden talent?
I’m very average at a lot of things. That could be my hidden talent.
Is there a topic you know more about than anyone else in the locker room?
Probably just sports. I’m pretty confident in my sports knowledge and sports history compared to the average probably person in this locker room.