Patriots Kicker Andy Borregales Embraces Roots with No. 8 Jersey Switch

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — As the New England Patriots gear up for their 2026 season opener, a familiar digit has found a new home. With less than a week until kickoff, the No. 8 jersey — previously worn by star wide receiver Stefon Diggs during his lone season in New England — remained unclaimed. For second-year kicker Andy Borregales, that vacancy was an opportunity to reconnect with his football origins.

A Nod to Childhood

Borregales, who spent his rookie campaign wearing No. 36, made the switch to No. 8 this week, a number that holds deep personal significance. "It was the first number I ever wore when I started playing football at five years old," Borregales told reporters in the Patriots locker room on Sunday. "I kind of waited until the end; if anyone was going to get it, go get it. I saw that it was still available, so I was like, 'I might as well just try to get it,' and here we are."

The 23-year-old wore No. 8 through middle school before adopting his older brother José's No. 30 when José departed for high school. That began a trend of kicking in the 30s, continuing at the University of Miami and into the NFL. But now, Borregales is returning to his roots, embracing a number that carries both nostalgia and a new chapter in Foxborough.

Following in Big Footsteps

The No. 8 jersey was a significant part of the Patriots' 2025 campaign, as Diggs led the team in receiving before his release in March. Diggs has since joined the Washington Commanders, leaving the number available. Borregales, who made 31 of 38 field goals and 60 of 62 extra points as a sixth-round rookie, is mindful of the legacy he inherits. "I had a great relationship with him," Borregales said of Diggs. "I hope he's doing good in Washington, and I do believe he's going to be doing good. He was a great guy. He was a good locker room guy."

For the Patriots, Borregales' reliability was a cornerstone of their special teams success. His new number change comes on the heels of a solid summer, though not without a hiccup — he missed three kicks in the preseason opener against the Colts. However, he rebounded with perfect performances in the following two exhibition games, silencing early doubts.

Confidence from the Coaching Staff

Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer has unwavering faith in his young kicker. "Oh, he's ready to go. I don't have any doubts in Andy not being ready to go," Springer said. "He's a very mature athlete as a kicker and he prepares that way. He never gets too high or too low. I've seen that a million times here, whether it's a good game, bad game, good practice, bad practice, he learns from it, he studies it and he comes back better the next day."

As the Patriots open their 2026 campaign, all eyes will be on Borregales to see if the new number brings a fresh spark. For a kicker who thrives on consistency, the change is more than cosmetic — it's a tribute to the journey that brought him to this point. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this move underscores the importance of personal motivation in the high-stakes world of professional football. With the season fast approaching, Borregales is poised to make No. 8 his own, one kick at a time.