
With Tom Brady suffering a season-ending knee injury in the opening game, the Patriots had to turn over the reins to unproven backup Matt Cassel, who responded by leading the team to an 11-5 season. After the season, the Patriots put the franchise tag on Cassel, and now it appears they have traded him to the Chiefs. But just who is Matt Cassel? We take a look back at his roots, and his unique journey to the NFL.
(Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

