Pasco High grad signs on with NFL’s New England Patriots

Pasco High grad Sebastian Gutierrez was signed this week to play on the New England Patriots’ practice squad.

Gutierrez, an offensive lineman, finished his collegiate career with Minot State in North Dakota last fall.

He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos last spring, and he made it almost all the way through training camp before being cut on Aug. 29.

Gutierrez went back to Bismarck to keep in shape, work in a local pizza shop, and wait for that next NFL call.

That came Wednesday from the Patriots.

Each NFL team has a practice squad that consists of about 14 players, and they are contracted to make $11,500 a week.

Players on the practice squad work with the main team during the week at practices, but they don’t suit up for games unless they are activated to the main team.

With injuries that occur in the NFL, it’s a definite route to eventually play in the league.

Jeff Morrow is former sports editor for the Tri-City Herald.