Former Jayhawk Rivera Signs Future Contract with New England

Feb. 8, 2012

FOXBORO, Mass. – Former Kansas linebacker Mike Rivera has signed a future contract with the New England Patriots and will remain with the team through the offseason.

Rivera, a 6-foot-2, 253-pound linebacker from Shawnee Mission, Kan., joined the Patriots’ practice squad on Nov. 9 and spent the remainder of the season with New England. He was cut by the Miami Dolphins following training camp this year. He has spent time on the Tennessee Titans’ (2009) and Green Bay Packers’ (2010) practice squads during his pro career. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chicago Bears before the 2009 season.

Rivera was a three-year starter at Kansas from 2006-08 and a three-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team selection. He amassed 300 tackles in his KU career with 6.5 sacks, an interception and seven fumble recoveries, helping the Jayhawks win the 2008 Orange Bowl and the 2008 Insight Bowl.