Bailey Zappe’s Dramatic Return to Gillette Stadium
A former fan favorite is set to make his emotional return to New England, but this time as a member of the Cleveland Browns. Bailey Zappe, who once ignited the crowd at Gillette Stadium, will step onto the field once again after being released by the Patriots last season.
From Beloved Backup to Browns Backup
The familiar chants of “Zap-pe! Zap-pe! Zap-pe!” echoed through the stadium during the 2022 season, a testament to Zappe’s brief but impactful tenure with the Patriots. Now, as a third-string quarterback for the Browns, he’s on the brink of rekindling that excitement amidst a tumultuous quarterback landscape.
Zappe was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, following a record-breaking career at Western Kentucky. Initially, he served as the team’s third-string quarterback, but fate intervened when Mac Jones sprained his ankle against the Baltimore Ravens. Soon after, Brian Hoyer’s concussion thrust Zappe into the starting role, and he quickly became a fan sensation.
A Rollercoaster Career with the Patriots
During his time under center, Zappe showcased his potential, narrowly losing to the Green Bay Packers in a thrilling overtime battle, and notching victories against the Detroit Lions and, ironically, the Browns. However, when Jones returned, Zappe found himself once again in a backup role, only to reclaim the starting position later in the season amid struggles from the Patriots’ offense.
Reflecting on his development, Zappe acknowledged the importance of consistency. “For me personally, I think it’s important for me to put a full game together,” he stated. His journey culminated in a dramatic finish to the 2023 season, with a memorable Christmas Eve win against the Denver Broncos and a snowy loss to the New York Jets—marking the end of Bill Belichick’s illustrious coaching tenure.
The Transition to Cleveland
Following his release from the Patriots after the 2023 season, the quarterback initially found himself on the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Zappe’s journey took another turn when he signed with the Browns. He made a start for Cleveland before entering free agency, only to find himself back with the Browns again in March.
Despite the competition from rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, Zappe’s experience may provide stability to a team in search of depth. As the Browns prepare for their matchup against the Patriots in Week 8, questions loom about whether Zappe will see the field.
A Nostalgic Homecoming?
Fans may still hold onto their Zappe jerseys, reminiscing about the excitement he brought to the field. However, as Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel noted, “it’s interesting, but it’s not important” unless Zappe is called upon to start, just as he did during his two seasons in New England.
Zappe’s return to Gillette Stadium promises to be a moment filled with nostalgia, and perhaps, the chance for a surprising twist in his ongoing football saga. As he prepares for what could be a pivotal moment in his career, the stage is set for a potential Zappe ending—one that could leave fans both cheering and reminiscing about the past.
