Josh Simmons and Omarr Norman-Lott have responded to criticism from HC Andy for arriving late.

Foxborough, Massachusetts – In a season where the New England Patriots are soaring under Mike Vrabel, not every story is bathed in glory. Amid the spotlight of a playoff race is a deeply emotional situation surrounding young cornerback Alex Austin — a player once seen as a big part of the future. Knowing his contract is expiring and his chances of staying are almost zero, Austin made a move that left all of Patriots Nation speechless. Austin entered the 2025 season hoping to become a piece of the defensive core, especially after Christian Gonzalez went down with injury. But a rough first two weeks caused him to lose his spot faster than expected. When Gonzalez returned, Austin’s opportunities vanished completely, leaving him with only rare special-teams snaps. Then another injury landed him on injured reserve — seemingly slamming the final door shut. Yet instead of giving up or looking for an early exit, Austin chose the opposite path. According to team sources, he proactively met with the coaching staff and offered to take a massive pay cut — and even accept a demotion to the practice squad — just for one more shot. In a private conversation, Austin said with emotion: “I know I haven’t done enough, but I believe I can still contribute. Just one more chance, no matter how small — I’ll grab it with both hands.” Those words quickly spread through the locker room, moving many teammates. Not everyone is willing to sacrifice like that just to stay in an environment as brutally competitive as New England. But for Austin, this isn’t just a team. It’s where he found maturity, discipline, and lessons he isn’t ready to walk away from. Even knowing the odds are slim, he still wants to prove he belongs. Alex Austin’s future remains undecided, but his story has already left a powerful mark in the Patriots locker room. As the team charges toward the playoffs with high expectations, Austin’s actions remind everyone that football isn’t just about flashy performances — it’s also about people fighting for their dreams until the very last second. New England may part ways with him, but that spirit will never be forgotten.