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Former Patriots player Ron Brace dies at 29

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Former New England Patriots player Ron Brace has died, a family member confirms to WWLP. He was 29 years old.

He was drafted in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Boston College and played nearly 40 games for the Patriots as a defensive tackle. Statistics show he recorded 39 tackles and forced a fumble.

WWLP cameras were in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield the night that Ron Brace’s phone rang, and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was on the other end to tell him that he was drafted and would become a Patriot.

“It wasn’t nerve-racking until around pick 30. From then on, that’s when it was a little nerve-racking. Just waiting to hear the phone ring. But I’m glad it rang at all. It’s a really good feeling,” said Brace.

Brace grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, and moved to Worcester in the 6th grade, and then moved back to the Springfield after high school.

It’s not clear what caused his death.Note: The video above is a report on Brace being drafted by the New England Patriots.