The New England Patriots found themselves tightening their 53-man roster after sending WR Kendrick Bourne to the injury reserve, joining the ACL injury club. But fear not, the squad’s got a new face on board! And that’s none other than Alex Austin. This rookie dynamo burst onto the NFL scene as a seventh-round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills earlier this year. Hailing from Oregon State, he made his mark in all three preseason showdowns, bagging eight tackles in his dual role as an outside cornerback and special teams ace.

The Bills decided to part ways with him just before the roster cutdown deadline in late August, sending him on a whirlwind journey. First, the Houston Texans snapped him up off waivers, where he spent a couple of weeks on the practice squad before hitting free agency on Nov. 1. Talk about bouncing through franchises in one season—Austin’s been playing musical chairs while the rest of the league plays football. Yet, in the midst of this whirlwind, there’s a thread connecting Austin to the Patriots. A historical tie lies in the mix. What could it be?

A legacy unveiled: Alex Austin’s emotional journey in the Patriots’ family tree

Austin Alex has found his NFL home at Foxborough, running with the New England Patriots. It’s a heartwarming touchdown for him, as he gets to carry on the family legacy–well, kind of. Why? Former linebacker Willie McGinest is more than just a close family friend; he’s practically family. Yep, that makes Uncle Willie McGinest a part of the Austin crew.

NFL detective Mike Reiss spilled the beans on ‘X’ social media platform, dropping a video captioned, “CB @kinnggalex, new Patriot recruit, spills about his special connection to the franchise — his “uncle” is @WillieMcGinest.”

Read More: Dolphins vs Chiefs: Meet the 20-Year-Old American Soccer Star Who Plays for Frankfurt, the German City Hosting the International NFL Game

The video? It’s a locker room chat with Austin, where he breaks it down, saying, “He’s my uncle, I am his nephew… that’s my dawg man.“ When asked about his memories of McGinest as a player, Austin didn’t hold back, “It’s crazy cuz back them I was younger watching them play, now I am in the NFL and seeing the accolades he had, he was a great, big time Hall of Fame material.“

Gridiron reconnections: Austin’s NFL journey and nostalgic links

According to Christopher Price, Austin and the current Patriots’ cornerback, Jack Jones go way back, having been teammates in their youth football days. But that’s not all. Austin’s got more connections than a fantasy football league. He even kicked it with former Patriot Ty Law during Super Bowl LIII when the Pats were dishing out a 13-3 beat down to the Los Angeles Rams. Looks like Austin’s not just joining the Patriots; he’s practically taking a stroll down memory lane!

Watch This Story: “As the Real as They Come”: Maxx Crosby Backs Antonio Pierce for Raiders Success Following Josh McDaniels Sacking