SALT LAKE CITY — Former BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy enjoyed a resurgence of his pro career with the New England Patriots since being traded to the organization midway through the 2016 season.
That helped land Van Noy, an unrestricted free agent, a four-year, $51 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, as reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport on Monday.
On Wednesday morning, Van Noy turned to Twitter to share his thanks for the Patriots organization and its fans.
“It has been an honor, a privilege and a blessing to have represented the New England Patriots organization for the past three and a half seasons,” Van Noy wrote. “I am so fortunate that coach (Bill) Belichick brought me in and gave me a chance to contribute and leave my mark.
“Thank you to (Patriots owner) Mr. (Robert) Kraft, Coach, Nick, the Patriots staff and teammates for helping me grow as a player and as a person. I leave with two rings, but hundreds of memories that I will cherish forever.”
Van Noy’s deal with Miami can become official once the new NFL league year begins at 2 p.m. MDT Wednesday and the free agency period opens.
He had 56 tackles and a career-best 6.5 sacks to go with three forced fumbles and three pass deflections for New England last season. Van Noy, who won two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots and played in a third Super Bowl, had a career-high 92 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2018.
While in New England, Van Noy and his wife, Marissa, championed efforts to assist foster youth and others in need through the Van Noy Valor Foundation.
“You all welcomed me with open arms and that won’t be forgotten,” Van Noy wrote. “Pats Nation is more than a fan base; you have become family.”