New England Patriots wide receiver Demario “Pop” Douglas had a career day in the wake of his uncle’s tragic death.
Demario Douglas Shines After Tragedy
Patriots WR Pop Douglas told me his uncle got shot & killed last night. Today, he had his best NFL game: 100 yards & TD
“This whole morning, my mood was different, I couldn’t hold my tears… He was here with me today, 1st day in Heaven he was working.”
Emotional 1-on-1 w/ Pop: pic.twitter.com/Ba9INIatum
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) November 2, 2025
Douglas was playing with a heavy heart in Week 9. Douglas’ uncle, Brett Conway, was shot and killed on Saturday night.
To honor his uncle, Douglas played the game of his life. Douglas hauled in four receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown in the Patriots’ 24-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Douglas had the words “WOP Forever” and “LL UNC” written on his eye black as a tribute to his uncle.
After the game, Douglas shared what his uncle meant to him and how the news affected his process heading into the game.
“Yesterday, my uncle got shot, well, killed last night,” Douglas said via Cameron Wolfe. “This whole morning, my mood was different. Man, I couldn’t hold my tears. … Every time somebody said ‘keep your head up,’ my eyes kept watering up. I just know he was here with me today. First day in, you know, in Heaven — he was working. I’m blessed.”
Terrell Jennings, Douglas’ high school teammate and Patriots running back, knew Conway and also played his heart out to honor the fallen uncle. Jennings finished with 35 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries.
Patriots Continue to Roll in 2025
FINAL: The @Patriots are 7-2! pic.twitter.com/WmsaMivXpX
— NFL (@NFL) November 2, 2025
It’s been a dream season for the Patriots in 2025. After a disappointing 4-13 record in 2024, the Patriots have jumped out to a 7-2 start in 2025. New England is first in the AFC East and in the driver’s seat for a playoff berth.
The Patriots held off a late Atlanta Falcons comeback on Sunday to win 24-23. Quarterback Drake Maye finished 19 of 29 for 259 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
After the Patriots jumped out to a 24-14 lead to start the fourth quarter, the Falcons scored the next nine points. However, kicker Parker Romo missed a potential tying extra point for the Falcons, and the Patriots held on for the 24-23 win.
At 7-2, the Patriots are second in the AFC behind the Indianapolis Colts, who are 7-2 and have an AFC win percentage tiebreaker.
New England has the head-to-head win over the 6-2 Buffalo Bills. The Patriots host the Bills on Dec. 14 in what will likely determine the AFC East champion.
New England’s schedule is extremely favorable the rest of the way. As of Nov. 3, the Patriots have two games remaining against teams with winning records: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Bills.
The Patriots travel to Tampa to play the Bucs (6-2) in Week 10.
