After a long history of concussions, outside linebacker Shea McClellin was released by the Patriots in March and now is coaching linebackers at Mountain View High School in Meridian, Idaho.
Speaking to ESPN's Mike Reiss, McClellin reflected on his two seasons in New England.
"It was awesome, first year we won the Super Bowl, can't complain about that," said McClellin. "Just meeting all the guys in the locker room, that's going to be the biggest thing I'm going to miss, that's for sure. It's a great locker room culture in New England. Everyone is so close there, it's just something special. You can just tell because it transfers to the field."
McClellin started last year on injured reserve due to a concussion, but then when he attempted to come back in the middle of the year the symptoms returned, thus ending his season all together.
"It's difficult whenever you get an injury that holds you out, when you kind of feel like you're good and then find out you're not. It's always tough," he said. "I think it was just over time, it wasn't just one thing. I've had five documented concussions, and probably more than that which aren't documented. It was just residual effects that I couldn't overcome, which is unfortunate. But sometimes that's the way it plays out and you just have to deal with it."
McClellin added: "I was feeling good, but unfortunately had more residual effects from concussions. It's something they can't clear you for. That's the way it is nowadays, they're tough on concussion things. It's difficult, but I got through it. One thing I'd say, they handled it like they should have. I'm not upset with them, they're not upset with me, it's just the way it is. They handled it perfectly."
The Boise State product isn't officially retiring, but he's prepared to have played his last game.
"I'm still staying ready, still working out. I've learned to never say never, there's always a chance that I could still play again, but for now all my focus is on coaching high school," McClellin said.
