Dietrich Wise Jr., a defensive end for the New England Patriots, plays football by day and is now part-owner of a professional sports franchise by night.
A press release on Tuesday announced that Wise has purchased a stake in the Beaumont Renegades, an American Indoor Football (AIF) expansion franchise.
“Football wasn't invented in Texas, but it has been part of the state's cultural DNA for more than a century. And Beaumont, in particular, is widely known as the pro football capital of the world. ” Wise said in a press release. “I’m excited to join such a great group of owners and be a part of the Renegades story. Together, we look forward to helping our players achieve their dreams of playing professional football while , we will continue to bring something special to the community.”
December 17, 2023. Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA. New England Patriots defensive end Dietrich Wise Jr., 91, reacts after being sacked in the second half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium.
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The AIF is a spring soccer league that just resumed for the third time in its history. There are currently seven teams in the league: the Amarillo Venom, Cedar Rapids River Kings, Columbus Lions, Corpus Christi Tritons, Flint River Gators, Harrisburg Stampede, and Mississippi Raiders.
However, starting in 2025, the league will expand from seven teams to nine, and Wise's Renegades will be one of those franchises.
A former fourth-round pick out of Arkansas in the 2017 NFL Draft, Wise is a native of Carrollton, Texas, and played football at Hebron High School before becoming a Razorback and later a member of the Patriots. Wise's former base is more than a four-hour drive from Beaumont, the soon-to-be home of the Renegades.
Wise appeared in 16 games for the Patriots last season, recording 54 tackles, three for a loss, 4.5 sacks and six quarterback hits. The veteran defensive end and one-time Super Bowl champion becomes the second active NFL player to own stock in a pro football team.
