Patriots’ Christian Barmore is finally back to his old self after nightmare blood clot setback

October 30, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

FOXBOROUGH – Life changed for Christian Barmore.

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Coming off a breakout 2023 season, the Patriots defensive tackle was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. This happened three months after the team gave him a four-year contract extension worth up to $92 million.

The medical diagnosis set Barmore back.

In 2024, he returned to play four games only to have recurring symptoms. The tough year force Barmore to make drastic changes. Two years later, the 27-year-old says his new lifestyle has him finally feeling like his old self.

Through six games this season, Barmore has three sacks and it’s the most he’s had since his pre-blood clot diagnosis.

“I feel like I’m back to my normal self,” Barmore said. “I don’t like talking about that blood clot (expletive) because ain’t nobody expect that (expletive) to happen. But, I’m back to myself. I feel better than ever, you know what I’m saying? I feel like I’m just moving better, my weight’s been better, my mobility been better. So it’s just like every day I get better at everything I do. I feel better than I was last year for sure.”

A second-round pick in 2021, Barmore looked like a future Pro Bowler in 2023. That season, he finished with a career-high 8.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits and 13 tackles for loss. That led the organization to giving him a sizeable contract extension.

Following the diagnosis, Barmore’s production waned. He made one sack in 2024 where he played in four games. Last season, the defensive tackle was limited almost every week. This was part of the Patriots’ plan for him as he adjusted to being on blood thinners. Barmore played in all 17 games, but finished with 2 sacks and 11 quarterback hits.

Last year, Barmore started implementing new changes. The defensive tackle focused on his weight, nutrition and mobility. Barmore’s diet consists of protein, carbs and vegetables. Although he admits he still hates broccoli, his body feels better.

He’s also dedicated himself to the gym. Although the blood clot diagnosis was a nightmare, the new changes have been good for him.

“Yeah, man, it helps out,” Barmore said. “I just be in the gym consistency and especially on off days and days, you don’t want to. Especially if your body’ sore. If you got a routine, that’s what you do, especially if you don’t want to do it. The days you don’t want to do it, you gotta do it. I feel like that’s a big part of your career, taking care of your body and making yourself feel good.”

After making just 2 sacks last season, Barmore gas been more productive to start his season. He has 2 sacks in the last two games and his 3 total sacks are the most he’s had since his career-year in 2023.

Barmore said he appreciates the Patriots new gym inside the brand-new New Balance Athletics Center. When he’s in there, he likes to stare out the large windows at the team’s practice field.

Of course, the new weight room isn’t why he’s in there in the first place.

“I don’t care. New. Old. It could be in Alaska, as long as it’s got a gym, I love it,” Barmore said. “I feel good. I feel real good.”

Patriots’ Christian Barmore is finally back to his old self after nightmare blood clot setback

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