Patriots Pick Up Kalispell's Hilliard

On the eve of the NFL season opener, Kalispell native Lex Hilliard signed with the New England Patriots, the team announced yesterday.

The Patriots added Hilliard to its roster, presumably as a fullback, after the Minnesota Vikings cut the former Flathead Brave on Friday. Hilliard signed with the Vikings in March.

In his previous three seasons in the NFL, Hilliard earned a reputation as a strong special teams player. The 28-year-old appeared in 48 games the past three seasons for the Miami Dolphins, compiling four touchdowns and 340 total yards. The Dolphins drafted Hilliard in the sixth round out of Montana, and he earned a roster spot after starting on the practice squad.

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