BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State Football alum A.J. Howard has a chance to win a Super Bowl ring.
Howard, a safety who completed his App State career in 2017, joined the New England Patriots' practice squad on Jan. 8. He has been a member of the Patriots' organization throughout their playoff run, which concludes Sunday with a Super Bowl matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Atlanta.
A native of nearby Hamilton, Ga., Howard initially made the Arizona Cardinals' 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie out of App State. Waived the following day, he joined the New York Giants' practice squad in late October and remained with the Giants until their season ended Dec.