Is Patriots guard Stephen Neal considering a career as an Ultimate Fighter? That’s the word in UFC circles, where the buzz had been that not only might Neal step into the octagon after his playing days, he might even try it this offseason. Adding to the intrigue is that
Neal, who celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday, is a known fan of the sport, having wrestled in college with UFC champ Tito Ortiz. Alas, there’s nothing to it. “In the offseason? No. God no,†Neal said. “(The Patriots) would release me and it wouldn’t be worth it.†Neal is a former wrestling champion at Cal-State Bakersfield. To ease the monotony of long summer practices, the squad occasionally partook in grappling, submission holds which represent a common UFC tactic.
