How Acquired: Signed by the Patriots as a free agent July 23, 2001. Waived by the team before the 2001 season where he spent time on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad until the Patriots resigned him on December 12, 2001.

Scouting Report: Athletic player who knows how to get position. Uses experience from wrestling to gain leverage on opponents... works well in space able to pull and kick out block on screens or trap plays... not a dominating straight-ahead blocker has the ability to hold his position well... solid pass protector.

Pro Career:

2001-Present: New England
2004: Started on the offensive line which paved the way for Corey Dillon to break the team's single season rushing record. Managed 14 starts in 2004, and 16 in 2005. 2003: Was on injury list all season. Moved from PUP to IR in November. 2002: Started 1 game, was injured and placed on injured reserve 2001: Signed as a free agent, was released during preseason, then reacquired to finish the season with New England. Inactive all season.

College: Cal State Bakersfield
Was a wrestler at Cal State, played no football. Notable moments were wrestling against Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams and WWF wrestler Brock Lesnar. Won his second NCAA Division I title and the Dan Hodge Award. Neal also won the U.S. Freestyle Championship, the Pan-American Games title and the World Championships .

Personal: Born Stephen Matthew Neal October 9, 1976, the son of Jack and Illys Neal in San Diego, CA. Participated in five sports at San Diego High School; wrestling, football, swimming, tennis and track and field. Married to to wife Jodee and has one child. Was a physical education major at CSUB.