There are several players with local ties that began their football careers on fields around Central Mass. that are starting training camp with NFL teams this week. Jennifer Toland took a look at 12 former local high school and college stars giving it their all for a shot on living the ultimate dream.
Anderson, who helped lead Holy Cross to four straight Patriot League championships, joined the Bengals' practice squad in October 2025. He spent most of his first two pro seasons (2023, 2024) on the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. Anderson played in four games for the Colts, primarily as a special teams contributor. Anderson was a two-time All-Patriot League first-team honoree.
Coker, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Panthers in June, emerged as a vital part of the Panthers' offense his first two seasons in the NFL. ****** er missed the first six games of 2025 with a quadriceps injury before coming back to make 33 catches for 394 yards and 3 touchdowns and help Carolina win the NFC South ****** le for the first time in a decade. In the Panthers' wild-card playoff game loss to the Los Angeles Rams, ****** er had nine receptions for 134 yards and a TD. ****** er is Holy Cross' all-time leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Crippen, who grew up in Northborough and attended Milton Academy and IMG Academy, was a member of the University of Michigan's 2024 national ****** le team. As a graduate student in 2025, Crippen started all 13 games at center and was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. The Steelers signed the 6-foot-4, 309-pound Crippen as an undrafted free agent after his successful tryout at the team's rookie minicamp in May.
Gray, a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, enters his sixth season with the Chiefs. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion. Gray, who had 21 receptions for 178 yards last season, is expected to continue in his backup role to Travis Kelce in 2026. Gray had his most productive season in 2024, when he caught 40 passes for 437 yards and 5 touchdowns, all career highs.
#anderson #panthers #games
Anderson, who helped lead Holy Cross to four straight Patriot League championships, joined the Bengals' practice squad in October 2025. He spent most of his first two pro seasons (2023, 2024) on the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. Anderson played in four games for the Colts, primarily as a special teams contributor. Anderson was a two-time All-Patriot League first-team honoree.
Coker, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Panthers in June, emerged as a vital part of the Panthers' offense his first two seasons in the NFL. ****** er missed the first six games of 2025 with a quadriceps injury before coming back to make 33 catches for 394 yards and 3 touchdowns and help Carolina win the NFC South ****** le for the first time in a decade. In the Panthers' wild-card playoff game loss to the Los Angeles Rams, ****** er had nine receptions for 134 yards and a TD. ****** er is Holy Cross' all-time leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Crippen, who grew up in Northborough and attended Milton Academy and IMG Academy, was a member of the University of Michigan's 2024 national ****** le team. As a graduate student in 2025, Crippen started all 13 games at center and was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. The Steelers signed the 6-foot-4, 309-pound Crippen as an undrafted free agent after his successful tryout at the team's rookie minicamp in May.
Gray, a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, enters his sixth season with the Chiefs. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion. Gray, who had 21 receptions for 178 yards last season, is expected to continue in his backup role to Travis Kelce in 2026. Gray had his most productive season in 2024, when he caught 40 passes for 437 yards and 5 touchdowns, all career highs.
#anderson #panthers #games
3 months ago
