Former Patriots Center Dan Koppen Finds New Success as Co-Founder of LineSider Brewery
Former New England Patriots center, Dan Koppen, who played a crucial role in the team’s historical 2007 season, has found a new path to success as the co-founder of LineSider Brewery.
Koppen, despite initially preferring basketball to football in high school, went on to shine as a three-year starter at center for Boston College. His talent and dedication earned him All-Big East Second-Team honors three times and eventually led to his selection by the Patriots in the 2003 NFL Draft.
During his time with the Patriots from 2003 to 2010, Koppen started in an impressive 119 games, playing a vital role in blocking for legendary quarterback Tom Brady in three Super Bowls. Although the 2007 Patriots had an undefeated regular season, they were unable to secure the Super Bowl victory, falling to the New York Giants.
Despite facing a setback in 2011 due to a fractured ankle that ruled him out for the season, Koppen’s determination remained unwavering. He joined the Denver Broncos the following season, becoming the only player to have snapped for both Tom Brady and Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.
Koppen spoke about the contrasting personalities of the two quarterbacks, explaining that Brady is more laid-back while Manning has a more coach-like attitude. However, he noted that both quarterbacks shared the same desire for a solid offensive line, emphasizing the importance of having reliable players to protect them.
Unfortunately, Koppen’s career came to an end in 2013 when he suffered a torn ACL during training camp with the Broncos. Following his retirement, Koppen explored other avenues, including broadcasting and coaching high school football.
In 2018, Koppen decided to pursue his hobby of home brewing and co-founded LineSider Brewery in Rhode Island with a friend who was also a home brewer. The duo spent several years planning and perfecting their beer recipes before officially opening the brewery.
Despite Koppen’s achievements and the success of LineSider Brewery, there is one notable absence – Tom Brady has yet to pay a visit. Koppen jokingly mentioned that after their years of playing together, Brady owed it to him to try one of his beers. Whether Brady will eventually make a trip to the brewery remains uncertain, but now that he has retired from the NFL, there may be a chance in the future.
Dan Koppen’s transition from professional football player to successful brewery co-founder showcases his resilience and ability to adapt to new challenges. With LineSider Brewery gaining popularity, Koppen’s post-football career is certainly one to be admired.
