FOXBORO — The AFC Championship Game might have gone differently if the Patriots hadn’t added a former Jets defensive tackle to their practice squad in mid-October.

Signing defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III to the practice squad on Oct. 16 didn’t generate many headlines at the time, but the transaction paid off big time last Sunday when Taylor blocked Broncos kicker Will Lutz’s 45-yard field goal attempt with 4:46 left in the fourth quarter of the title bout. If Taylor didn’t get a hand on that ball, the game would have been tied 10-10, and the Patriots might not be heading to Super Bowl LX.

Head coach Mike Vrabel has had nothing but positive things to say about Taylor since he signed with the Patriots.

The 23-year-old defensive tackle first entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Miami with the Jets in 2024. He played in 14 games as a rookie but was cut Oct. 14. The Patriots have elevated him from the practice squad for six games now, including all three playoff wins.

“Great attitude from day one,” Vrabel said earlier this month. “Came in and worked hard (in practice) and showed up, and then had a conversation and said that as soon as you can learn what to do, where to go and how to run the defense – we’ve decided he was ready, and then he took advantage of his opportunity. So, the first was getting recognized in practice, and then was learning what to do kind of midstream there. Maybe took him a week or so to do that where we felt comfortable bringing him up.”

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Taylor has generated seven pressures in 104 total defensive snaps with the Patriots this season as a rotational backup defensive tackle behind Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, passing multiple players on the defensive depth chart since his signing.

Learn more about Taylor on and off the field in the latest installment of our New Patriots Q&A series.

What’s your first football memory?

The first time I ever played football, I got knocked off my feet because I was new to the game. It was my first time getting hit, and yeah, I got knocked off my feet. But the second time after that, I did it to bro. After that, I just fell in love with the game.

How old were you?

I was probably like seven. First time ever touching shoulder pads. We were doing hamburger drills, lined it up, and he lifted me off my feet.

What position were you playing?

I started off as a three-tech (defensive tackle). My cousin was actually running the team at the time, and he told me I was a big player, so he stuck me out at three-tech. He basically taught me how to play three-tech growing up.

What’s your top high school football memory?

We were playing in the semifinals. I burst into the backfield and picked the ball out of the quarterback’s hand on a toss. I tried to run and ended up stumbling, but it was still a pretty good play.

New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III warms up before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

What’s your top college football memory?

Catching an interception. Me and my boy (Akheem) Mesidor were both rushing, and he bent the edge and slapped the ball out of the quarterback’s hand. The ball flew right into my hands. I caught it and ran it a little bit, but I got caught. It was still pretty fire.

What made Miami so special for you?

Really just the culture. I love the heat, for real. I love being at home. Why not put on for the city? I was born there, raised there, played football there. So why not play for my hometown?

What would you be doing if you weren’t a football player?

Probably be a gamer or something. I’ve got a PC, a lot of monitors — I’d probably be streaming and gaming, for real.

What’s your top game?

I like (NBA)2K. I’m a 2K player — pretty try-hard on that. I’ll play a little Fortnite, some Call of Duty, but really 2K.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?

I watched a lot of Aaron Donald. I loved his quickness getting off the ball. I watched his college highlights throughout my own college career, trying to figure out how he gets off the ball so fast and disrupts plays.

Do you have a favorite movie?

Favorite movie? I’d say “The Sandlot.”

Who’s your favorite musical artist right now?

Sonder.

Who have you been closest with on the team so far?

My boy (Khyiris) Tonga. We’ve grew a good bond since I’ve been here. Tonga’s been open hands to me. We do walkthroughs together, do everything together so we’re on the same account. Me and T, we’re pretty locked in.

Who’s the funniest player on the team?

B-More (Christian Barmore). For sure B-More. His outbursts be throwing me. He be trolling for sure, but he good people.

What have you liked most about the New England region so far?

It’s pretty cold here. It’s a lot colder compared to Miami, but it’s a mellow town. It’s off the way. All I really have to worry about is football. I like that type of environment — fewer distractions. It’s a good spot.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I know how to dance. I’m a Florida boy, so we all know how to dance down there. If some Lil Uzi Vert comes on or something, I’ll get to it.

Is there a topic you know more about than anyone else in the locker room?

Probably gaming. Probably 2K. I could teach that like the back of my hand.