Patriots' Christian Barmore overcomes blood clots to reach Super Bowl 60

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Patriots' Christian Barmore overcomes blood clots to reach Super Bowl 60

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Wed, Feb 4, 2026 ·

3 min read

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SAN JOSE, Calif. – Christian Barmore didn't have many doubts, even if life told a different story.

Over the previous two seasons, the defensive tackle was part of two 4-win Patriots teams. In 2024, he dealt with a scary medical situation when it was discovered that he had blood clots in his lungs.

That situation could've ended his life, never mind his football career.

Still, Barmore believed and didn't doubt that he'd be a part of a championship run with the Patriots . That confidence was tested, but the 26-year-old said he never lost hope.

"It's about being patient, I ain't going to lie," Barmore said. "Yeah (I believed), because how hard everybody's been working on this team and how hard the defense has been working and the offense has been doing their thing. I think we're closer than any group in the league. We're really close to each other. We all talk to each other like family. We have each other's back, the whole team."

A second-round pick in 2021, Barmore made an immediate impact for the Patriots as a pass-rushing interior defensive lineman. In 2023, he was dominant for the defense, finishing with a career-high 8.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits.

That led the Patriots to sign Barmore to a 4-year, $92 million contract extension during the 2024 offseason. Three months later, however, his life changed when he was diagnosed with blood clots.

Last season, Barmore played in only four games due to the diagnosis. This season, he played in every game for the Patriots under a new chapter with Mike Vrabel.

Barmore had to alter some minor things in his life due to the condition. Doctors prescribed him Eliquis, which is a blood thinner to help prevent blood clots. He also had the occasional rest day during the week when needed.

After going through that situation, Barmore said it's special that he'll soon play in Super Bowl 60.

"I'm grateful to God. All glory to God," Barmore said. "Had the mentality to never give up. I had the mentality not to quit. I knew that my story wasn't done yet. I had to get myself together, get myself fixed up, and beat the blood clots."

Barmore's return to the field wasn't without some problems. He was due to be arraigned on a domestic violence charge in Attleboro District Court on Feb. 3. However, that proceeding was delayed to March 9 after the Patriots won the AFC Championship.

On the field, Barmore has played a big role in the Patriots' defensive dominance during this playoff run. He had a quarterback hit in the AFC divisional round and then added a sack in the conference title game.

Now, with the blood clots in the rearview mirror, Barmore is happy to be on a Patriots team that's one win away from a championship.

"Oh man, it's amazing. All glory to god. I can't wait," Barmore said. "I can't wait to play in the Super Bowl."

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