Colvin hasn't entirely tasted fruits of labor

FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots who have been to the Pro Bowl get a pineapple listed in their biographies in the media guide.

There won't be a pineapple next to linebacker Rosevelt Colvin's name next season.

''That's something that's really out of my control," said Colvin, who has a team-high 6 1/2 sacks. ''All I can control is my effort and my hard work and what I do on and off the field. Making the Pro Bowl, that's a bonus. I think anybody who has the opportunity to go says the same thing. It's something that's beneficial to you and it goes to show that you've worked hard. Obviously, I didn't work hard enough. Got to get back to the drawing board."

Colvin has never made the Pro Bowl, despite back-to-back seasons (2001-02) in which he had 10 1/2 sacks playing with the Chicago Bears. Colvin was overshadowed by star middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, who would be double-teamed, freeing Colvin to make plays.

Colvin was the Patriots' big free agent signing prior to the 2003 season, but his season was cut short by a serious hip injury in the second week against Philadelphia. Colvin's career was in jeopardy, but he rebounded after an arduous rehabilitation.

He was a situational player last season, appearing in 16 games but making only one start (he had 5 sacks and 1 forced fumble).

With the reshuffling of the linebacking corps after Tedy Bruschi's stroke (and subsequent return) and Ted Johnson's retirement, Colvin became the starting outside linebacker and has responded with a performance reminiscent of his prime years with the Bears.

''I think everybody has a chance [of making the Pro Bowl] if you go out there and perform," said Colvin. ''I wasn't the guy they felt was deserving so that's not going to change who I am."

But like his teammates, Colvin is focusing on the next opponent -- the 3-11 Jets Monday night -- not the Pro Bowl.

''They've improved vastly from the last time we played them," said Colvin. ''They're doing things different. They have different guys playing. Obviously, they're making adjustments to make things work. So we have to go out there and prepare for different things they can throw at us. And, hopefully, we'll come out on top."

Chrebet is done

Veteran Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet told reporters yesterday at the Jets' training site in Hempstead, N.Y., his career is over after sustaining a concussion Nov. 6 against the San Diego Chargers.

''I'm not going to get back on the field. I think everybody's aware of that," Chrebet said. ''But I'm just thankful and want to let the right people know I appreciate everything they've done for me."

Chrebet played 11 seasons with the Jets and caught 580 passes, second to Don Maynard's team-high 627. Chrebet had post-concussion syndrome and missed the final eight games last season. A tough possession receiver who came up with the clutch catch, Chrebet was often compared with the Patriots' Troy Brown.

In their thoughts

Like the rest of the league, the Patriots were stunned by the death of Tony Dungy's 18-year-old son, James, who was found dead of an apparent suicide in his apartment near Tampa early yesterday morning. ''It's tragic and unfortunate," said coach Bill Belichick. Said Bruschi: ''On behalf of the organization and team, our sympathy goes out to Tony and his family. Our hearts are with him and our prayers are with him. I have so much respect and admiration for Tony Dungy that I can't put into words what I feel for him right now. My condolences to him and his family in this very tough time." . . . Michael Stone created a buzz around the locker room with some hip-hop clothing that was making the rounds. Stone owns a hip-hop store in Memphis . . . All Patriots players were at practice yesterday at the Dana Farber Fieldhouse. Matt Light, who was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, was not available during the session open to the media. The Patriots have a roster opening, and have tried out linebackers Tommy Hendricks and Mike Maslowski in recent weeks. Maslowski's agent, Joe Linta, hopes to reconnect with the Patriots next week. Linta also represents recently acquired offensive lineman Ross Tucker. Linta said Tucker, after three days of being a Patriot, told him, ''Joe, they really get it here.' "