While the New England Patriots held two mandatory minicamp sessions on the practice fields outside of Gillette Stadium and a day of community service as well, one of their players was handling some business away from the gridiron.
On Wednesday, Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. officially joined an ownership group that is launching an expansion franchise, the Beaumont Renegades, in the National Arena League. Wise's ownership group also includes sports agent Same Gordon and former Arena Football player Derron Griffin.
“While football wasn’t invented in Texas, for more than a century, it has been part of the state’s cultural DNA. And Beaumont particularly is widely known as the pro football capital of the world,” Wise said in a press release “I’m excited to join such an incredible group of owners and become a part of the Renegades story. Together, we’re going to bring something very special to the community, while helping our players’ dreams of playing professional football come true."
Wise's father, Deatrich Wise Sr., played (1992-95) and coached (1994-95 and 1999-2001) arena football before the younger Wise, and his brother, Daniel, entered the NFL.
“I can’t wait,” Wise said. “I grew up watching a lot of indoor football as a child. Players slamming up against and falling over the wall, making big hits and great catches, diving into the crowd to celebrate with the fans. Those moments helped grow my love for the game.”
The Renegades will officially join the league in 2025 and will be coached by Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones.
