Barkevious Mingo comes to the New England Patriots from West Monroe, Louisiana by way of LSU by way of the Cleveland Browns. Mingo, who goes by KeKe (pronounced Key Key), won the 400-meter state title in high school. He’s fast, with a high football IQ, a quality Patriots head coach Bill Belichick likes a lot. Mingo’s career with the Browns wasn’t what Cleveland expected out of the 6th overall pick in the 2013 draft, but then Browns fans haven’t seen as much of Mingo as they hoped to. He had a good start, was well-liked, but couldn’t ultimately find his place in the lineup. Guys with that background have thrived in New England before.
Mingo has demonstrated a willingness to do what it takes. He’s gained at least 20 pounds this year, trying to reverse his reputation as quick but undersized for the NFL linebacker position. Mingo gained the weight the old-fashioned way, he ate and worked out, according to Cleveland.com. What kind of program did Mingo choose? He went to work with world class body builder and trainer Vickie Gates — and between workouts Mingo consumed 5,892 calories a day. That’s about 37 bowls of New England clam chowder (at about 160 calories each). 37 chowder bowls and lots of Super Bowls pedigree — that’s what Mingo will find waiting in New England.
Vickie Gates:
