Defensive tackle selected 13th overall by the New England Patriots in the 2003 NFL draft. He earned two Super Bowl rings with the team, first beating the Carolina Panthers and then the Philadelphia Eagles.
He was a First-team All-Big 12 selection in 2001 while playing at Texas A&M.
He was an All-Pro selection in 2007 and awarded the New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award that same year.
He was born in Bryan, Texas and raised by his single mother and maternal grandparents.
He was named to the New England Patriots All-2000s Team along with defensive end Richard Seymour.