Kyle Van Noy Reveals He Wasn't Pleased With Trade to Patriots When it Happened
By Michael Luciano
There's no other way to describe Kyle Van Noy's tenure with the Detroit Lions other than calling it an abject failure.
A second-round pick, No. 40 overall in the 2014 NFL draft, Van Noy accumulated just 36 tackles in 30 games. Upon being traded to the New England Patriots, however, he emerged as a key component of a defense that has won two Super Bowls in three years.
Believe it or not, Van Noy was originally not pleased with departing the Lions, who have been a clown show ever since Bobby Layne was traded, for one of the best organizations in football.
Why, you ask? Overcrowding.
Kyle Van Noy wasn't thrilled with trade to Patriots initially https://t.co/Fst9MBnGiH
— The Patriots Wire (@Patriots_Wire) August 7, 2019
"I was mad because I felt like finally I’d got a breakthrough [in Detroit]," Van Noy said. "I’m finally starting. I had my chance. I was doing good things. I wasn’t doing amazing, but I felt like I was progressing and then I got traded to a team that had, (Rob) Ninkovich, Jabaal Sheard, Jamie Collins, (Dont’a) Hightower, Shea McClellin. Where am I going to fit? I felt like I was going back to the bench."
Like he always does, Bill Belichick managed to see the talent in the former BYU star, and made him his starting outside linebacker.
Bill Belichick on keys to Kyle Van Noy’s success with the Patriots:
— Binge Sports (@BingeSports) August 5, 2019
“Kyle’s a versatile player. He fits well into our scheme. He’s smart, he’s instinctive... He’s made a lot of big plays for us since we got him. I’m glad we have him. He’s done a great job.” pic.twitter.com/2nIFiVIssV
Since then Van Noy has become one of the best at his position and a two-time champion. I bet he doesn't mind being traded now.