On May 3, 2013, Sudfeld signed with the New England Patriots. Sudfeld's size and catching ability led at least one Patriots reporter to call Sudfeld a "baby Gronk,"[6] referring to New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. During the Patriots' second preseason game, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sudfeld scored on a two-point conversion from Tom Brady and on a 22-yard touchdown from Ryan Mallett. On October 3, 2013, Sudfeld was released from the Patriots, after lackluster performances, where Sudfeld made no receptions.[7]
New York Jets
Sudfeld was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on October 4, 2013.[8] He caught 5 passes for 63 yards on the season. Sudfeld suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in minicamp and was waived on June 15, 2015.[9] He cleared waivers a day later and was placed on the injured reserve list.[10] On September 3, 2016, Sudfeld was released by the Jets as part of final roster cuts.[11]
Sudfeld has a twin brother named Matt, who is director of strategic development of a humanitarian organization that was started by his grandparents.[13] He also has two sisters: Juliana, who played volleyball for Wheaton College in Illinois,[14] and Sarah, who played basketball for The King's College in New York City.[15] His younger brother Nate is a quarterback for the Detroit Lions.[16]
^McManus, Jane (October 4, 2013). "Jets claim TE Zach Sudfeld". ESPN New York. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved October 5, 2013.