Rich Ohrnberger, a graduate from , was cut by the New England Patriots Wednesday, according to the team's official website.
Ohrnberger never expected in 2009. When his phone rang during the fourth round, the New England Patriots proved Ohrnberger’s expectations wrong. Coach Bill Belichick welcomed Ohrnberger to the NFL, and his dreams of becoming a professional football player had come true.
“I was sitting in the living room with my family and some friends when the phone rang,” Ohrnberger said. “I can say, without doubt, that that was the happiest day of my life.”
From the Patriots' website:
Ohrnberger, 6-2, 300 pounds, was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 3 and did not appear in any regular season games last season. Originally drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft, Ohrnberger has played in five games over his three-year career.
After playing one year for junior varsity in high school, Ohrnberger joined Vincent Mascia on varsity. He played both offensive and defensive line. During his time at EMHS, Ohrnberger won the Thorp and Martone awards, given to Nassau County’s most outstanding player and most outstanding lineman, respectively.
“It became a passion and something I knew I wanted to pursue,” Ohrnberger said. “That’s the main thing I got from high school. I fell in love with the sport.”
As for Mascia, Ohrnberger's former coach at East Meadow High School, he had nothing but praises for the former Jet.
"Anybody that's gotten to the level he's gotten to was extremely special as a football player," Mascia said. "But he was really special as a kid too."
Ohrnberger, known for his off-the-wall sense of humor, posted on Twitter about his release.
"Newly jobless: saw this in the want ads, "fluffer needed" San Fernando Valley, CA," he said. "Not sure what a fluffer is. Could be cool, nice weather."
Do you think Ohrnberger will be resigned by the Patriots or go to another NFL squad? Tell us in the comments.
