Stephen Spach was born the son of Patricia and George Spach on July 18, 1982 in Clovis, Calif. ... Has six brothers and four sisters ... Named four-time Academic All-WAC... Attended Clovis (Calif.) High where he starred in football and basketball... The eighth of 11 kids in his family... Musician who can play guitar and bass... Earned degree in commercial recreation and administration from Fresno State ... Stephen is married to Katey.

Stephen Spach was signed by the Patriots as a veteran free agent on December 13, 2007... Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Spring of 2005... Released by the Eagles (9/2/06)... Signed by the Minnesota Vikings (1/9/07)... Released by the Vikings (9/2/07).

2007 (3/0, 1/0): Signed as a free agent on Dec. 13, 2007 ... Saw his first action in a Patriots' uniform in a reserve role at tight end in the Patriots' win over the New York Jets (12/16) ... Played in reserve at tight end and on special teams return units in the Patriots' win over the San Diego Chargers (1/20) in the AFC Championship Game.

2006 (0/0 - Minnesota): Released by the Minnesota Vikings following training camp (9/2).

2005 (13/1 - Philadelphia): Played in 13 games in his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles... Totaled 7 receptions for 42 yards ... Made first career start against the New York Giants on Dec. 11.

Tallied 38 career catches at Fresno State for 376 yards and six touchdown receptions in 39 games... Capped off his senior season with the game-winning touchdown reception in the Bulldogs' win over Virignia in the MPC Computers Bowl.

• Stephen and teammate Logan Mankins have crossed paths more than a couple of times on their way to the Patriots. Aside from playing together in New England last year, Spach was also a teammate of Mankins' at Fresno State. Spach and Mankins were also teammates for one year at Mariposa High in California.
• One of Stephen's hobbies is music and he plays both guitar and bass.