Former New Orleans Saints DT Anthony Hargrove signs with Packers

Former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Anthony Hargove has signed with the Green Bay Packers after a one-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks.

The Packers deploy a 3-4 scheme, which means Hargove is likely to be kicked outside as defensive end versus assuming the role of nose tackle.

Currently BJ. Raji is the starter at nose for the Packers.

Hargove’s story is well known — violent childhood raised by a drug addict mother — which eventually led to her death by the time he was nine years old.

He was adopted by his Aunt and raised, he played college football at Georgia Tech.

He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2004 draft, he lasted only two and a quarter seasons as a Ram.

Hargrove was traded to the Buffalo Bills in October of 2006, and his stay there was even shorter as he appeared in only 22 games while accounting for 2.5 sacks.

After two failed drug test the NFL finally suspended Hargrove for the entirety of the 2008 season.

It was during this time that Hargrove sought out treatment for his drug addictions, rehabbing at a clinic in North Miami Beach.

Prior to the 2009 season he and his agent sent out a video to all 32 NFL teams seeking a return to football.

New Orleans decided to give him a shot signing him in March of 2009.

He spent training camp with the team and was signed to the 52 man roster as a defensive tackle, a move that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams thought was more suited to his skill-set versus defensive end.

As it turns out Hargrove would have one of his best overall seasons as defensive tackle with the Saints, helping the team achieve their first Superbowl victory while totaling 42 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 pass deflections and one forced fumble.

After re-signing with the Saints for the 2010 season Hargrove battled a knee injury that severely impacted his production and playing time. He appeared in only fourteen games making 21 tackles and one sack.

New Orleans made Hargrove an offer to return to the team, but they were outbid by the Philadelphia Eagles for his services.

After the Eagles acquired Cullen Jenkins they cut Hargrove, and he went on to sign with the Seahawks.

The Saints awarded him with the Ed Block Courage Award after the 2009 season, when he re-entered the league fresh from rehab and helped the Saints win their first ever Superbowl championship.

Hargrove has 19.5 sacks and 223 tackles in eight seasons with the St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks.