Bryce Stanfield was a picture of perfect health, athletic prowess, and academic promise.
After a successful high school career, he committed to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina as a defensive lineman. Stanfield spent each year making the most of every opportunity alongside New England Patriots long snapper Julian Ashby.
Together, they would take the practice and game fields determined to improve with every snap, but off the field they shared a common interest to strive for something more.
Along with their names being side-by-side on Furman's roster, they could also be found on All-Academic Teams and Honor Rolls in each of their years spent together. When not on the field or in the classroom, it was in the community they could be found working with the local youth or supporting local hospitals.
On February 9, 2024, during his junior year at Furman, Bryce passed away due to undetected and unforeseen complications with blood clots. The tragedy brought the Furman and Greenville communities closer together, charged by Bryce's legacy of compassion, consistency, and leadership on Ashby and everyone around him.
"He was an incredible player and great student," said Ashby. "You could always count on him to have a smile coming into the weight room or out to practice."
Bryce's infectious zest for life left an impact that Ashby carries in his heart and will soon wear on his feet. The seventh-round selection in the 2025 Draft is one of four Patriots rookies to participate in the National Football League's 'My Cause My Cleats' initiative.