Conley, Lindstrom: BC Prepared Us For Pros

Offensive lineman Jack Conley had just concluded the 14th practice of New England Patriots training camp on Aug. 11 and was reflecting on something Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien would sometimes say last year.

"That might work right now in practice, but it's not going to work on Sundays in the NFL."

Conley can now definitively say that O'Brien was on-point with his message.

Conley, whose 60 career games played at BC is tied for the most in program history, has consistently punched the clock since signing with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 9. He hasn't missed a practice. He appeared in his first NFL preseason game Aug. 8, playing 25 offensive snaps and three on the field-goal protection unit in the Patriots' 48-18 win over the Washington Commanders.

Now he can speak from first-hand experience, and Conley's appreciation for what he was taught at BC – which was already high entering the NFL – has only grown.

"Coach O'Brien, past coaches, and position coaches – [such as OL coach Matt] Applebaum – it's really a full-staff effort to prepare us for where we are now," he said. "Physically, it's a very similar schedule, so you understand what you're going to go through physically … It's kind of a constant challenge, which I thought was very interesting and cool. It keeps you thinking."

The 6-foot-7, 333-pound Conley projects as a longshot to earn a roster spot but could be a prime candidate to continue his development on the practice squad. He had options with other NFL teams as a free agent, but said he chose the Patriots, in part, because of the presence of former BC assistant Doug Marrone as OL coach.

"Everything they preach in their ethics and team identity is everything I kind of try to live by every day. And I grew up a Patriots fan, so that was kind of a no-brainer," he said, in reference to his hometown of New Canaan, Connecticut.

"I'm grateful to be here and have an opportunity to earn a role. And I'm thankful for BC for everything they've done for me. I was there for a long time – six years. They developed me both as a person and player to be where I am now. It's a special place."

Part of what has made Conley's time with the Patriots special is the presence of former BC teammate Alec Lindstrom, who signed one week into training camp on July 30. It has been commonplace to see the two walk off the practice field together and visit family, with Lindstrom, of course, hailing from Dudley, Mass.

"It's awesome. I spent three years with Jack; he was a younger guy when I was there, and we became really good friends," Lindstrom said. "When Jack was coming up at BC, I was showing him the ropes a little bit and teaching him how to practice and everything. Now, coming here late, Jack is helping me out – with the calls; if I don't know something, I'm asking him. So it's kind of a full-circle moment."

Asked his favorite memory at BC, Lindstrom reflected on how many offensive linemen would meet at Buff's Pub on the Newton/Watertown line every Thursday night -- a group including Conley, Ben Petrula and Tyler Vrabel, among others.

"We're a really good group of friends, talk every day. We'd hang out, eat some wings, veg out, and talk about ball, talk about life," he said.

Those bonds haven't faded since leaving BC, with Lindstrom – who has also been with the Cowboys, Jets and Rams since 2022 -- saying he's been welcomed by O'Brien and the current staff to visit any time.

"When I was a free agent, I was around, just checking out practice and hanging out. The welcome I've gotten from them, 'hey, come any time, watch, help the guys out' has been great," he said. "When you think about BC, you think about a hard-nosed blue-collar program, and Coach O'Brien is doing a good job getting on those guys and making them work hard and getting the best out of them."

Conley also remains close to the program and is looking forward to the 2025 season which begins Aug. 30 at home against Fordham (2 p.m. ET).

"I'm excited to watch them play. I think they have a really good group; some guys have things they want to prove," he said. "I think it's going to be a fun year."

Conley, Lindstrom: BC Prepared Us For Pros

Players Mentioned

Jack Conley

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