Hank Poteat, a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL), began his professional career when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Born on August 30, 1977, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Poteat attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he played college football and honed his skills as a defensive back. His college career set the stage for his entry into the NFL, where he would spend nearly a decade contributing to various teams.
Poteat's early years with the Steelers saw him primarily in a backup role, but he was also utilized as a punt returner. His versatility on special teams was an asset, and he demonstrated his ability to adapt to different roles on the field. During his time with the Steelers, Poteat gained valuable experience and developed his defensive skills, although he did not secure a permanent starting position.
In 2003, Poteat's journey took him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he continued to play as a cornerback. His tenure with the Buccaneers was brief, and he soon found himself moving to the New England Patriots in 2004. It was with the Patriots that Poteat experienced the pinnacle of his career, becoming part of a team that won Super Bowl XXXIX. Although not a starter, his role as a backup cornerback and special teams player contributed to the depth and strength of the Patriots' defense.
Poteat's time with the Patriots was marked by multiple stints, as he was released and re-signed by the team several times. This period highlighted the transient nature of his career, as he moved between teams while maintaining his professional presence in the league. After his time with the Patriots, Poteat joined the New York Jets in 2006, where he reunited with former Patriots defensive coordinator Eric Mangini, who was then the head coach of the Jets.
With the Jets, Poteat found more stability and playing time, appearing in numerous games over three seasons. His experience and knowledge of the game were valuable to the Jets' secondary, and he provided depth to their defensive lineup. Poteat's ability to step in when needed and perform reliably was appreciated by his coaches and teammates.
In 2009, Poteat signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he played under head coach Eric Mangini once again. His final season in the NFL saw him continue to contribute as a veteran presence in the Browns' secondary. After the 2009 season, Poteat retired from professional football, concluding a career that spanned multiple teams and roles.
Throughout his NFL journey, Hank Poteat demonstrated adaptability and perseverance. His career, characterized by movement across several teams, reflected the challenges and opportunities faced by many professional athletes.
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