Patriots Kicker Borregales Takes Diggs’ Former No. 8
5 sourcesUpdated Sep 7, 2026
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New England Patriots kicker Andy Borregales has changed his jersey number from No. 36 to No. 8 ahead of the 2026 season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The number has personal significance because it was the first one he wore in football and soccer at age five, before he switched to numbers in the 30s partly to follow his older brother, José. No. 8 became available after Stefon Diggs left New England, and Borregales waited until no other player claimed it before making the change. Borregales had a strong rookie season, converting 27 of 32 field-goal attempts and 53 of 55 extra points while setting a Patriots rookie record with 134 points. Despite a shaky preseason in which he missed three kicks, he enters his second season with an opportunity to establish himself as New England’s long-term kicker.
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Funny how a jersey number just becomes available and it means so much to a guy. Good story, hope he balls out against Seattle.
Preseason struggles are a little concerning heading into the opener, hope it's just nerves and not a real dip in form.
Solid rookie numbers, 27 of 32 isn't easy for a first year kicker. The number switch is a nice personal touch too.
