Obi Melifonwu on his first game with the Patriots: ‘Wearing the logo is something that’s special’
“I think it’s going real well.”
Safety Obi Melifonwu made his debut with the New England Patriots in Sunday’s 27-13 win over the New York Jets, taking the field with his home team for the first time in his NFL career.
“It felt amazing to strap up the shoulder pads, put on No. 22, put on the Patriots helmet and just be out here with my teammates,” Melifonwu said per NESN’s Zack Cox. “Wearing the logo is something that’s special.”
The Massachusetts native was picked up from the Oakland Raiders after playing in just five games earlier this season. The Raiders drafted the former UConn star 56th overall in 2017 after an impressive performance at the NFL Combine. Melifonwu was inactive for his first game as a Patriot two weeks ago against the Tennessee Titans.
The 24-year-old saw playing time in Sunday’s win, seeing eight defensive snaps and as part of the coverage team on the opening kickoff.
“I’m a guy who’s fast and athletic, and I think they do a good job of putting me in the right positions to showcase my talent,” he said.
Melifonwu has spent time working with with safeties coach Steve Belichick, learning the ins and outs of New England’s defense, where he’s proving to be a good addition.
Obi Melifonwu already is getting more action on defense than I expected him to all season. Patriots are trying something new on defense. I like the idea.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) November 25, 2018
“I think it’s going real well,” he said. “It’s something that I’m spending a lot of time on, extra time, whether it be with Steve or the other players. Just trying to digest the system and learn as much as I can and know where they’re going to contribute to playing. … It meant a lot. It’s been a long journey coming back. It’s just a blessing to be able to still play and still get the opportunity to play.”
