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Knowing He’ll Likely Be Gone After the Season, Young Patriots Star Moves Everyone to Tears by Asking for a Pay Cut and Practice-Squad Demotion Just for One More Chance to Stay in Foxborough

Foxborough, Massachusetts – In a season where the New England Patriots are soaring under Mike Vrabel, not every story is bathed in glory. Amid the spotlight of a playoff race is a deeply emotional situation surrounding young cornerback Alex Austin — a player once seen as a big part of the future. Knowing his contract is expiring and his chances of staying are almost zero, Austin made a move that left all of Patriots Nation speechless.

Cornerback Alex Austin returns to Patriots on 1-year deal - 98.5 The Sports  Hub - Boston's Home For Sports

Austin entered the 2025 season hoping to become a piece of the defensive core, especially after Christian Gonzalez went down with injury. But a rough first two weeks caused him to lose his spot faster than expected. When Gonzalez returned, Austin’s opportunities vanished completely, leaving him with only rare special-teams snaps. Then another injury landed him on injured reserve — seemingly slamming the final door shut.

Yet instead of giving up or looking for an early exit, Austin chose the opposite path. According to team sources, he proactively met with the coaching staff and offered to take a massive pay cut — and even accept a demotion to the practice squad — just for one more shot. In a private conversation, Austin said with emotion: “I know I haven’t done enough, but I believe I can still contribute. Just one more chance, no matter how small — I’ll grab it with both hands.”

Those words quickly spread through the locker room, moving many teammates. Not everyone is willing to sacrifice like that just to stay in an environment as brutally competitive as New England. But for Austin, this isn’t just a team. It’s where he found maturity, discipline, and lessons he isn’t ready to walk away from. Even knowing the odds are slim, he still wants to prove he belongs.

Alex Austin’s future remains undecided, but his story has already left a powerful mark in the Patriots locker room. As the team charges toward the playoffs with high expectations, Austin’s actions remind everyone that football isn’t just about flashy performances — it’s also about people fighting for their dreams until the very last second. New England may part ways with him, but that spirit will never be forgotten.

TIME CHANGE: 49ers vs. Seahawks Game Under Weather Monitoring – Updated Game Information
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks this Saturday night, attention has quietly shifted from the field to the skies. A developing weather system moving through Northern California is expected to impact the Santa Clara region during the final weekend of the regular season, placing this Week 18 NFC West showdown under close monitoring. According to regional forecasts and weather services tracking the system, conditions in and around Santa Clara could include periods of rain, gusty winds, and cooler evening temperatures. While no severe storm warnings are currently in place, forecasters caution that shifting conditions could still affect travel, stadium operations, and fan attendance at Levi’s Stadium. Meteorologists note that slick roadways, variable winds, and changing evening conditions could present logistical challenges for fans and staff surrounding the 49ers–Seahawks matchup. Fans planning to attend the game are encouraged to monitor local forecasts closely and allow extra time for travel as conditions evolve throughout the day. At this time, the NFL has not announced any official schedule changes. However, league officials are actively monitoring the situation, and a short kickoff adjustment remains possible should weather conditions deteriorate closer to game time. Any potential delay would be considered strictly as a safety precaution for players, stadium personnel, and fans. Game Information (Subject to Weather Monitoring) Week: Week 18 – 2025 NFL Season Matchup: Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026 Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET (weather monitoring ongoing) Location: Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California Broadcast (U.S.): ABC & ESPN (simulcast, Saturday Night Football) Streaming: NFL+, ESPN app/website, Fubo International Viewing: NFL Game Pass (International) Broadcast coverage will remain flexible if necessary. Fans are encouraged to follow official 49ers channels, NFL announcements, and local news outlets for real-time updates regarding any potential kickoff adjustments. Pregame programming may also be affected depending on how conditions develop throughout the day. Weather analysts continue to track the system closely, emphasizing preparedness for those attending the game in person. Officials from both the 49ers and Seahawks are coordinating with league and stadium personnel to ensure all contingencies are addressed should conditions change rapidly. For now, all Week 18 preparations remain in place. Despite the weather uncertainty, the game remains scheduled for its primetime Saturday night window — a matchup that will decide the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC, carrying home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a first-round bye. As of this update, kickoff remains set for 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET on ABC and ESPN, though the situation remains fluid as weather conditions continue to move through the region. Fans are advised to stay informed, plan accordingly, and prioritize safety as the regular season reaches its dramatic conclusion.