FOXBORO -- Players on the Patriots' injured reserve list typically do not speak to the media, but Wednesday was a different circumstance.
It was the day following Purdue super fan Tyler Trent passing away from a rare form of bone cancer and rookie linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley became very close with him during his time at the school. At his locker, Bentley spoke on their relationship and what he meant to anyone who came in contact with him.
"He was a hero. He was a hero to us all," Bentley said. "A captain in many ways, how he lived. He did more in his time than many of us will do in our whole lives. He made an impact in so many peoples' lives and became worldwide. The Scott Van Pelts of the world, TNT and that crew, just being able to get on the national stage and share his story, not just for the glitz and glam but just to get a motivation out to other people who might be struggling. During his toughest times, he was finding ways to make other people better rather than complaining about what he may have been going through, which was the worst time of his life."
Bentley was the first three-time captain in the history of Purdue football.
Rest in Paradise, Forever in my Heart pic.twitter.com/cg30SblTXQ
— Ja'Whaun Bentley (@NVBentley33) January 2, 2019
