Coby Tippett looks to further his family’s football legacy in New England
The Tippett family marks a staple around the New England football community. Andre Tippett, a Hall of Fame linebacker who played 11 seasons with the Patriots, established roots in the area through his own career and his continued work in community relations in his post-playing career.
With the family instilled in New England, another Tippett is well on his way to further impacting football in New England. On May 1, Coby Tippett received a minicamp invitation from the Patriots. The program starts May 13 as Tippett begins his path with aspirations of eventually making an NFL roster.
Congratulations @tippett_coby on a well earned opportunity with the @Patriots‼️ #3MoreFeet🐏⚓️🌊 pic.twitter.com/oA4CQjJK2Y
— Rhody Football (@RhodyFootball) May 1, 2022
While playing with an organization with the Patriots’ track record can intimidate young players, Tippett is no stranger to making plays all throughout New England. Dating back to his high school career, Tippett was an anchor in the secondary for Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Mass.
“He was obviously a kid that had very good athleticism and football instincts,” said former Xaverian head coach Charlie Stevenson. “With each progressive year, he continued to accentuate both of those attributes.”
Playing on both offense and defense, Coby’s speed electrified fields on Friday nights for a Hawks team that built a dominant program in the early 2010s. The team won back-to-back state championships in 2014 and 2015.
For teams that advance to the MIAA State Championships, the opportunity to win a title also comes with the chance to play at Gillette Stadium.
“It was a phenomenal performance and I think he validated everyone’s opinion that he was the best player in the state of Massachusetts that year,” Stevenson said.
Tippett’s 2015 performance under the lights capped off a remarkable high school career. In a 44-14 win over Central Catholic, Coby posted a multi-score game on offense before sealing the win with an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown.
“The one play that I remember that day was towards the end of the game, he made a pick six,” Stevenson said. “It was a fitting conclusion for his Xaverian career to return the pick six for a touchdown and come to the sideline having won a championship in Gillette Stadium where hopefully he can show people he can play at another level.”
The championship performance earned Tippett recognition from ESPNBoston as Mr. Football for the 2015 season.
Following his high school career, Tippett played a post-grad year at Cheshire Academy before making the jump to division one football at Towson University in the Colonial Athletic Association. In three seasons with the Tigers, Tippett played in nineteen games over his seasons before posting a breakout season in 2019. In that season, Tippett logged 70 tackles and five interceptions to make the All-CAA third team as a safety.
Following the season, the Sharon, Mass. native found his way back to the New England region when he transferred to the University of Rhode Island. Over two seasons, the defensive back tallied 50 tackles with four interceptions, while also finding the end zone once as a punt returner.
Tippett received accolades for his performance, making the All-CAA second team in 2020. In 2021, Tippett made the All-CAA third team as a safety and the All-CAA first team as a returner.
Tippett’s versatility in multiple facets provides an advantage for him to capitalize on this opportunity with the Patriots. He looks to build on his legacy in the region when minicamp opens in under two weeks.
“His instincts allow him to make those quick, agile movements that you need in football to make those plays,” Stevenson said. “I think he can contribute in the special teams aspects that they do in addition to defense. He’s one of those players, from what I hear, that the Patriots like who have versatility. Hopefully, those things shine through for him, and they’ll find a spot for him.”
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Patriots release full 2022 season schedule
Week 1: @ Miami Dolphins (Sept. 11, 1:00)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 21: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins runs with the ball during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium on August 21, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
After five seasons in a row playing at home to start the season, the Patriots will head on the road for Week 1 in 2022. They’ll open the season against the Miami Dolphins, who have loaded up this offseason with moves highlighted by the addition of wide receiver Tyreek Hill. This also means the Patriots won’t have to make the dreaded late season trip to South Florida.
Week 2: @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Sept. 18, 1:00)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 03: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Week 3: vs. Baltimore Ravens (Sept. 25, 1:00)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 15: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Patriots’ home-opener is a rematch of their marquee win from the 2020 season. Baltimore comes to Gillette Stadium for the first time since losing in a late-season downpour during the COVID season.
Week 4: @ Green Bay Packers (Oct. 2, 4:25)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 02: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to pass during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on January 02, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Vikings 37-10. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
One of the highlight games of this season comes early in the year. The Patriots will begin the month of October on the road, taking on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers at Lambeau Field.
Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions (Oct. 9, 1:00)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 02: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field on January 02, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Patriots stay in the NFC North as they return home in Week 5 to take on the Detroit Lions. This will be their first meeting since the Lions upset the Patriots early in 2018 season under head coach Matt Patricia, who is now back in New England.
Week 6: @ Cleveland Browns (Oct. 16, 1:00)
BEREA, OHIO – MARCH 25: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns is introduced by general manager Andrew Berry (L) and head coach Kevin Stefanski during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Patriots will travel to take on the new-look Browns in Week 6. Will Deshaun Watson be available, or will he be facing a suspension?
Week 7: vs. Chicago Bears (Monday Oct. 24, 8:15)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 20: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on December 20, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
After Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Trey Lance were quickly established as the top three picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, Mac Jones and Justin Fields were linked throughout much of the pre-draft process. They’ll face each other for the first time in primetime, as the Patriots host their first Monday Night Football game in front of fans since 2016.
Week 8: @ New York Jets (Oct. 30, 1:00)
Sep 19, 2021; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) gains yards after the catch as New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) pursues during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
It’ll be two months before the Patriots play their second divisional game. That’ll also be on the road, as they make the short trip south to take on the Jets.
Week 9: vs. Indianapolis Colts (Nov. 6, 1:00)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 05: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Last season, the Patriots’ slide started with their post-bye meeting with the Colts in Indianapolis. This year, they take on the Colts at home leading into the bye.
Week 10: BYE
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 09: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots walks off the field after losing 33-24 to the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
A Week 10 bye is nearly ideal, towards the middle of the 18-week season but on the latter end. It’s certainly an improvement from their Week 14 bye in 2021.
Week 11: vs. New York Jets (Nov. 20, 1:00)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 24: Daniel Ekuale #95 of the New England Patriots rushes against Greg Van Roten #62 of the New York Jets during the game at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
This year’s series with the Jets wraps up relatively quicky. New York comes to Foxborough for the second game between the two teams in late November.
Week 12: @ Minnesota Vikings (Thursday Nov. 24, 8:20)
Sep 26, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time in 10 years, the Patriots will play on Thanksgiving. They’ll visit the Minnesota Vikings for the Turkey Day nightcap. It will be their first time playing at U.S. Bank Stadium since Super Bowl LII, and their first time playing the Vikings in the building. The Patriots haven’t lost to the Vikings since 2000, with five straight wins in the series.
Week 13: vs. Buffalo Bills (Thursday Dec. 1 8:15)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 26: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots runs the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
It’ll be three months before the Patriots and Bills renew their rivalry, but they’ll do so in primetime. This will be the Patriots’ first season with multiple Thursday games since 2017, and their first time ever playing back-to-back Thursday night games.
Week 14: @ Arizona Cardinals (Monday Dec. 12, 8:15)
Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury talks with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in Glendale, Ariz. Sept. 19, 2021. (Michael Chow/The Republic/USA TODAY Network)
A favorable draw? Under Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray, the Cardinals have struggled throughout the second half of the season. Will the Patriots help that trend continue this year?
Week 15: @ Las Vegas Raiders (Dec. 18, 8:20)
Feb 3, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; An image of newly hired Las Vegas Raiders coach Josh McDaniels at Allegiant Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots make their first ever trip to Vegas the week before Christmas. The reunion with Josh McDaniels and a host of other former Patriots players and staffers will take place in primetime.
Week 16: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Saturday Dec. 24, 1:00)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 31: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws the ball during warm-ups before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 31, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Week 17: vs. Miami Dolphins (Jan. 1, 1:00)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 12: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks on from under center against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
There will likely be major postseason implications hanging on this New Year’s Day game. At the same time, each side will likely look much different than the Week 1 matchup.
Week 18: @ Buffalo Bills (Jan. 7 or 8, TBD)
Isaiah McKenzie #19 of the Buffalo Bills runs out of bounds after catching a pass against Joejuan Williams #33 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
If any sort of playoff seeding comes down to the final weekend for the Patriots, they’ll really have to work to earn it. They travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills in the regular season finale. This one is a prime candidate to get flexed.
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