Officials in Newark, N.J., have decided to name a new synthetic grass football and soccer field after Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett, whose family moved to Newark from Birmingham, Ala., when Tippett was 7. Tippett, who is the only Football Hall of Famer to come from Newark, was once cut from the varsity football team at Barringer High School there. But he later starred in football, wrestling and track, and took Barringer to the 1978 state championship game.

"Andre Tippett's story is an example for all our young children. When Andre was cut from the high school football team during his freshman year, he rededicated himself to practice and training and became one of the greatest players in NFL history," said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo. "More importantly, Andre puts the same energy and enthusiasm into all areas of his life as he does into playing football. This determination has brought him success in his personal life, as a world-class martial artist and as a respected community leader."