On Wednesday, the Patriots made a very tough cut to their roster, as they decided to part ways with defensive tackle Kyle Love after it was announced that he has Type-II diabetes. Love was released on a Non-Football Injury designation.
Love's agent, Richard Kopelman, had this to say to ESPN Boston regarding the Patriots' decision:
"We have been informed by the New England Patriots that Kyle Love will be released NFI (Non-Football Injury/Illness)," Kopelman told ESPNBoston.com. "This comes on the heels of Kyle having been diagnosed within the past two weeks with Type-2 diabetes. Naturally, we are disappointed that the Patriots decided to part ways with Kyle, especially in light of the fact that a number of elite professional athletes with diabetes - both Type-1, which is known to be far more difficult to manage than Type-2 diabetes - have had very successful careers in professional football, hockey, baseball and basketball.
"Prior to the diagnosis, Kyle recently experienced unexplained weight loss, but since being diagnosed and having altered his diet, Kyle has regained most of the weight he lost, is in good health, and was not limited in any way during offseason workouts in which he was engaged up until being told he would be released.
"Having consulted with leading authorities on the effects of Type-2 diabetes, we have every reason to believe that Kyle will, in the immediate future, be at 100 percent, and will be prepared to participate in training camp in a couple of months. As Kyle said, 'there is no way something like this is going to stand between me and a long and successful NFL career.'"
Since signing with the Patriots as an Undrafted Rookie Free Agent in 2010, Love has become a very solid player for them. In his three NFL seasons, he's seen action in 41 games and has started 26 of them; compiling 5.5 sacks and 36 tackles. Last season, Love split time with recently released Brandon Deaderick, as both saw action as the team's defensive tackle opposite Vince Wilfork.
The more I read into this, I have to side with the team on this roster move. While I think of Love as a very underrated player and a valuable contributor to the team, his health would certainly be at risk going forward. I'm sure that the Patriots had heavy hearts when they told Love of the news, but they know that this is the best move for them going forward.
Here's to several years of good health and football for Mini-V. And for more hits like this one: