Springfield native Ron Brace signed by Washington Redskins

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - The Washington Redskins have signed nose tackle Ron Brace , a native of Springfield.

The team announced Thursday the addition of the 26-year-old Brace, who spent the last four seasons mostly as a backup with the New England Patriots.

The Patriots selected Brace in the second round of the 2009 draft from Boston College. He played in 39 games, including seven starts.

Last season, the 6-foot-3, 330-pound Brace played in 10 games, all as a reserve, before he was released on Dec. 29.

Brace spent the early years of his childhood in Springfield, and moved to the Worcester area in middle school. His family returned to Springfield after he graduated from high school.

In his time with the team, Brace worked with the Patriots to bring financial aid to his hometown following the June 1, 2011 tornado.