Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/23/17
From Press Release and Staff Report
He is the newest hero for the New England Patriots’ football dynasty and the talk of both the lacrosse and football world.
Chris Hogan
Chris Hogan was the star of the Patriots’ 36-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game, racking up a franchise postseason record 180 yards on nine receptions while scoring two of New England’s three passing touchdowns.
Hogan, a three-year starter for the Penn State lacrosse team in 2008-10, is also HEADstrong Foundation’s NFL Player Ambassador and has been involved in many key initiates for the Foundation. If you looked closely – or at least more closely than he was covered by the Pittsburgh Steelers – you may have noticed Hogan was wearing HEADstrong bracelets on his wrists in Sunday’s win.
Hogan and the Patriots will face the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI on Sunday, Feb. 5 in Houston. Fox will televise the Super Bowl at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Hogan played in 43 career games, amassing 57 career goals and 14 assists for 71 career points at Penn State. After a strong freshman campaign, Hogan’s sophomore season was cut short due to injury and he was granted a medical redshirt. Hogan returned for his junior season in what would prove to be his strongest statistical year of collegiate lacrosse, leading the team with 29 goals and earning first team All-ECAC honors in 2009. The Wyckoff, New Jersey, native finished his Penn State career with 15 goals and nine assists in his final season, garnering second-team All-CAA recognition.
Hogan completed his bachelor’s degree in communications arts and sciences, graduating from Penn State in May 2010.
Following his graduation, Hogan used his final year of eligibility as a wide receiver and defensive back for Monmouth University in his home state of New Jersey. Hogan played in 11 games during the 2010 season. On offense, he totaled 12 receptions for 147 yards and three touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Hogan logged a team-high three interceptions and made 28 tackles.
Following his time at Monmouth, Hogan had stints on the San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants and Miami Dolphins’ practice squads before earning a spot on the Buffalo Bills’ active roster on Dec. 18, 2012. Hogan hauled in six touchdown catches in 48 games played for the Bills before signing with the Patriots last spring.
Hogan has 955 receiving yards on 51 receptions this season (regular season and postseason combined), while logging six touchdowns. All three are career-bests.
Hogan was named the Nicholas Colleluori Relentless Spirit winner at the annual HEADstrong Gala last spring, but he was unable to attend the banquet after just signing a 3-year, $12-million dollar contract with the Pats the day before.
Too bad the Eagles didn’t sign Hogan. Didn’t somebody say they needed a few good wide receivers?
Hogan donates money to HEADstrong for every catch, yard and TD he gets.
“Chris has been an amazing steward for us and a wonderful champion who understands the higher purpose,” said HEADstrong CMO Pat Colleluori. “Chris is probably by far one of the most disciplined and dynamic athletes I have ever met. He is a genuine good person and to be honest he reminds me very much of Nick.
“He is not one to hawk the spotlight and not the type of person that is a flamboyant receiver. He leaves his mark on the field.”
Hogan played with Penn State in the second Nick Colleluori Classic in 2008 at Ridley High and forged a relationship with the Colleluori family.
“Here is a guy who in his entire college career had 7 receptions and 117 yards,” said Colleluori. “To think about the advertsities and challenges he has overcame … obviously his lacrosse connection truly means a lot to him.”