New England Patriots offensive lineman Ted Karras had big shoes to fill entering the NFL.
Karras’ grandfather Ted Karras Sr. won an NFL championship with the Chicago Bears. His father Ted Karras Jr. received his 1987 Super Bowl ring from the Washington Redskins 31 years after stepping in as a replacement during a player strike.
Karras doubled what his family already has with his two Super Bowl victories in Foxboro. He has also been embraced by fans and says he is in their corner 100 percent as well.
“To have two [rings] is very special,” Karras said to Prime Time Sports Talk. “I’m a big fan of the fans out here in New England, I think we have some of the most knowledgeable and involved fans and we the Patriots the last 20 years have been able to put on a really good show and I think you never really get treated like this anywhere and it’s really awesome to be in New England and to be a part of this team and community.”
Karras is not one of the young guys on the block anymore. Though he is grateful to be back with the same team, his role is not set in stone.
“I’m fortunate to be going into my fourth year all here,” Karras said. “It’s a special thing to play in the NFL, it’s a very volatile business, year to year you’ve got to bring it every day, to be fortunate to be here going into year four as always I’m gonna fight my way and hopefully find a role for myself on this team.”
Through the other members of the offensive line like Shaq Mason and All-Pro Marcus Cannon as well as long-time offensive line coach Dante Scharnecchia, Karras has learned quite a bit. But one word sticks out in the sea of lessons learned in meeting rooms.
“Consistency. Being a consistent player,” Karras said. “I’ve learned so much about football from them and coach Schar, from coach [Bill] Belichick, I just feel very fortunate and blessed to have walked into that o-lineman room and found a job there.”
Karras had the utmost praise for the line coach who has been with the team on and off since 1982.
“I love him and respect him very deeply,” Karras said. “I just want to do my best and growing in this system and in this program, your football I.Q. goes way up and I love going to work everyday and learning from the best.”
The AFC East now has three quarterbacks taken with top 10 picks in 2018 in Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen. While Karras will be given a part of the responsibility to guard the oldest active quarterback who turns 42 in August.
“You have to give a lot of credit to Tom [Brady] and the way he takes cares of himself, he’s such a professional,” Karras said. “It’s awesome, it’s an awesome responsibility and the stakes are high but that’s what you want, that’s why you come to play, you want to play for the high stakes and with everything on the line.”
Winning the Super Bowl comes with great things like a big ring and a parade. But the downside is that it will be a bit harder with every team trying to dethrone them.
“People are gunning for us and it’s gonna be another competitive year in the AFC East,” Karras said. “I’m looking forward to it and as always we have to bring our very best every day and every week as an offensive line.”
Karras knows that he will not be playing forever and hopes to be remembered for his legacy as much off the field as on the gridiron.
“[I want to be remembered] as a fierce competitor, a winner,” Karras said. “Off the field, a guy who’s just nice to the community, helped out, and just as a normal guy who got to play at the highest level.”
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