A former star linebacker at Purdue has earned the opportunity to call himself a team captain with the New England Patriots.

The Patriots announced eight team captains for the 2020 NFL season. Former Purdue linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley has been named a first-time team captain with the franchise. Bentley is entering just his third season with New England.

Bentley is no stranger to being a team captain. He was a three-time captain with the Boilermakers during his college career. Now, after just a few short years in New England, he’s proving to be a leader at the NFL level as well.

Last season, Bentley appeared in 16 games for the Patriots, recording 44 tackles and a pass break-up. It was a huge improvement from the 2018 campaign, when he appeared in 3 contests and registered 14 tackles and an interception.

Bentley was a fifth-round selection in 2018 NFL Draft. He’s spent his entire young career in New England.