NESN logo Log in
It’s not every day that your childhood idol shouts at you on Twitter, but for Chasen Hines, that’s exactly what he got on Sunday.
The New England Patriots recruited the LSU guard in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Hines had a growing passion for baseball. He wore number 34 and looked up at MLB Hall of Famer David Ortiz.
“He’s the main reason I’ve always loved baseball and I’ve always had a passion for him. He’s really been after him,” said Hines, according to Nick O’Malley of MassLive.
However, Hines’ size and athleticism made him more suitable for football. He took his skills to LSU, where his teammates called him “Big Papa,” and now he’s taking the next step by being recruited to the Patriots.
“Congratulations and welcome to New England? Big Pope? ”Ortiz wrote on Twitter.
Hines has been compared to Shaq Mason, and he and fellow Cole Strange will prepare to become key contributors to the Patriots in 2022.
