Patriots' Christian Barmore Ready to Move on From Health Crisis in 2024

Yahoo

10 hours ago

Patriots' Christian Barmore Ready to Move on From Health Crisis in 2024 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
New England Patriots' defensive end Christian Barmore was a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and had developed a strong, productive first three years in the league.
Advertisement
However, in 2024, his season was nearly cut short by injury. Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots during training camp last season and was unable to practice again until Nov. 14.
Barmore returned to the field on Nov. 17 and played in four games in 2024 before the Patriots placed him on reserve/non-football injury because of recurring symptoms that required further evaluation due to his blood clots.
"That stuff I went through, man, I would never ever want nobody to go through that," Barmore said during the Patriots' mandatory minicamp this year (h/t al.com). "You know, like I said earlier, like, that stuff, imagine somebody stopping you from breathing, and literally, like, stopping you, like, literally. Like, now I can breathe again. Now, you know, lungs opened up. So what's up?"
Now, coming into 2025, Barmore has been given the "green light by the Patriots' medical staff to fully participate in all offseason programs.
Advertisement
Barmore's 2024 season was one with many challenges, but he's just thankful to have weathered the adversity and be in a position to get back on the football field.
"It's a blessing of God, man," Barmore said. "He never gave up on me. Just kept working hard, you know, and I kept my faith in God."
When Barmore is healthy, he's proven he can be a force. He displayed it at the college level with Alabama, and he demonstrated the ability to transfer it to the professional level with the Patriots.
Barmore won the National Championship with the Crimson Tide in 2020 and collected 37 tackles, 10 TFLs, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles that season.
Advertisement
Once with the Patriots, Barmore improved each season. The Patriots' defensive tackle broke out in 2023 before injuries halted another year of development in 2024.
Barmore set career highs with 64 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, 14 TFLs, and 8.5 sacks in 2023. He also defended six passes and forced a fumble.
Now, Barmore is ready to go out there and prove that he still has the fire and production he demonstrated in 2023.
New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) reacts after a sack during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
New head coach Mike Vrabel is introducing a new defensive scheme to New England in 2025, one that emphasizes a three-man line, which should benefit Barmore.
"I love it," Barmore said. "Really love it. And it just, you know, psychs me every time, man."
Advertisement
Beside Barmore on the defensive line will be the Patriots' significant offseason addition, Milton Williams. The two big boys in the middle have the potential to become one of the best interior defensive units in the league, and Barmore is not shying away from that confidence.
"Milton's dominant, and you know, for me, it's just, like: How are we going to just come and roll and take over the game? That's our goal," Barmore said. "How the D-line going to take over? You know, the game won up front, so that's our goal every time we're on the field."
The Patriots' defensive line could be a breakout special in 2025. But as training camp comes up around the corner, Barmore is just excited to be back on the field playing football again.
Related: Patriots Defender Predicted to Get New Contract Next
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.