Colts' contingent of ex-Patriots not expecting warm reception upon return to New England
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) scores a touchdown as Indianapolis Colts free safety Darius Butler (20) defends during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) (The Associated Press)
Adam Vinatieri knows what to expect when he returns to New England.
It's been eight years since the Colts kicker last put on a Patriots uniform, and he's still bound to hear a cascade of boos.
Vinatieri won't be the only Indianapolis player getting that reaction in Saturday night's AFC playoff game. Indy (12-5) is returning to New England (12-4) with four ex-Patriots. One is former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch and the other three played at Boston College.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The only ex-Colt on the Patriots' roster is receiver Austin Collie.
Backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who played prep and college ball in the Boston area, insists the fans' reaction is not personal — and is more likely a sign of respect.