Cornerback Marquice Cole used to be a member of the New England Patriots. But after he was released by New England in December, Cole signed with the Denver Broncos earlier this week.
Some would say the timing is awfully convenient as the Broncos get set to host the Patriots for the AFC Championship on Sunday.
But at least one member of the Patriots isn’t holding a grudge on a perceived lack of loyalty by Cole to his former teammates with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Cole will make $42,000 this week with the Broncos and Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib says Cole should take the money.
“That’s my dog, man,” Talib said, via Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. “Good luck, Quice. Cash that check, baby. Get that check, baby. Got to pay the bills, man.”
The operative term with Cole being “former” teammate. The Patriots released him. Cole apparently chose to not clean out his locker in hopes of returning to the Patriots. He’d been released by New England four times this season but always managed to find his way back.
But when another team had a spot open and came calling, Cole was under no obligation to say no over loyalty to his former team. That loyalty is lost when you’ve been fired. With a Broncos win, Cole (as long as the Broncos don’t release him) will get a chance to play in a Super Bowl and pick up yet another paycheck. Both are better options than not getting paid and watching the games from a couch.