Bobby Carpenter ( American football ) Robert J . Carpenter III ( born August 1 , 1983 in Lancaster , Ohio ) is an American football linebacker , for the New England Patriots . He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State . Carpenter has also played for the St . Louis Rams , Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions . Early years . Carpenter attended Lancaster High School in Lancaster , Ohio . In addition to being a football standout , Carpenter was also a member of the swim team . During his senior year , Carpenter was selected as All - Ohio first team ( football ) , and also went to the District Finals in swimming . College career . In 50 games at Ohio State , Carpenter started 26 times . He registered 191 tackles ( 121 solos ) with 14 . 5 sacks and 23 . 5 for losses . He forced two fumbles , deflected seven passes and had three interceptions . In 2002 , Carpenter played in every game as a true freshman at Ohio State in 2002 and led the team with twelve tackles ( 8 solos ) . He appeared in every game , starting three contests , at strong - side outside linebacker in 2003 . He totaled 37 tackles ( 24 solos ) with 4 . 5 sacks , 6 . 5 stops for losses and a pair of forced fumbles . He was a full - time starter in 2004 , lining up at strong - side linebacker . He finished second on the team with 93 tackles ( 46 solos ) and registered two sacks with 6 . 5 stops behind the line of scrimmage . Carpenter also deflected three passes and intercepted three others . As a senior in 2005 , Carpenter started first eleven games of the 2005 season He finished fifth on the squad with 49 tackles and second on the team with eight sacks and 10 . 5 stops for losses , earning second - team All - Big Ten Conference honors . In the final game he fractured his right fibula and was unable to play in the Fiesta Bowl . Professional career . Dallas Cowboys . Carpenter was the Dallas Cowboys ' 1st round pick , 18th overall , in the 2006 draft . Over his four year stint he failed to establish a starting role , racking up 96 tackles during his Cowboys career . During a 2008 episode of NFL ' s Hard Knocks , Carpenter was continuously beaten in a pads and shorts practice by Cowboys right tackle Marc Colombo . During that episode Colombo referred to Carpenter as " Barbie Carpenter " also making fun of his shoulder length blonde hair and his lack of toughness . Carpenter in 2009 was the starting nickel linebacker . St . Louis Rams . Carpenter was traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the St . Louis Rams for offensive tackle Alex Barron on May 10 , 2010 . Miami Dolphins . On September 6 , 2010 , the Miami Dolphins signed Bobby Carpenter as a free agent reuniting him with Bill Parcells who drafted him with the Dallas Cowboys . He was waived on October 18 . Detroit Lions . Carpenter was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions on October 20 , 2010 . On October 2 , 2011 he returned an interception for a touchdown which sparked a come - from - behind victory against his former team , the Dallas Cowboys . New England Patriots . On April 5 , 2012 , Carpenter was signed as a free agent by the New England Patriots . On October 2nd , 2012 the New England Patriots resigned Carpenter for insurance of an injured Dont ' a Hightower . Personal . Carpenter is the son of former Houston Oilers , New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams running back Rob Carpenter . Bobby and his father both played for Bill Parcells . Bobby has three younger brothers : Jonathan , Georgie & Nathan .