FOXBORO - Kelley Washington is about 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns short of what was supposed to be his coming-out party, his dream season. He tied for last in the NFL with zero catches and zero touchdowns.

But as he sat in front of his locker stall, listening to his iPod, he appeared to be dreaming.

After being interrupted, Washington said, "I have to pinch myself. I really do. I sometimes can't believe I'm here. I can't believe our record. I look around this room at all of the talent we have. It's amazing. I've never been around anything like this in my life."

Washington's NFL life was nothing short of craziness, which means he played for the Cincinnati "Bungles," who had more off-the-field arrests/suspensions (9) than wins (8) in 2006.

A third-round pick out of the University of Tennessee in 2003, he spent four years as a backup receiver with the Bengals, totaling 72 catches and nine touchdown receptions.

"It's definitely a different climate around here," said the 6-3, 215-pound Washington. "It's an attitude. You don't want to mess up here on or off the field. It would be embarrassing. It just seems like everybody around here is a professional, and I'm talking about equipment guys, security guards ... everybody."

Washington was supposed to be the first post-2006 season gift for the antsy, receiver-less Tom Brady.

He was deemed a disappointment by his former team after fours seasons of mediocrity but the Patriots signed him to a 5-year, $22 million contract.

Of course, the contract was laced with some serious loopholes. He was guaranteed only a $300,000 signing bonus and, if he made the team, a salary of $600,000 in 2007.

Another detail of his contract is that he is to receive a $4 million bonus in March. Fat chance that will happen, but that is a discussion for another day.

But his future on the team changed within six weeks of his signing. The Patriots added free agent Donte' Stallworth, a teammate of his at Tennessee. They traded a second-round pick for Wes Welker in a deal with the Dolphins. And then, of course, the draft-day doozie - obtaining Randy Moss from the Raiders for a fourth-round pick.

All of sudden, Washington was fighting for a spot on the team, never mind for a spot in Brady's Rolodex.

"Look at the guys they brought in," said Washington. "I have no problems with any of them. There were no promises. I chose to come here. And then some other guys were available. I am big fans of all of those guys."

With New England icon Troy Brown and Jabar Gaffney holdovers, Washington did the math.

He then signed up for the whatever-you-need-me-to-do-coach position. In Foxboro, that is special teams.

Washington has been a mainstay since the opener against the Jets. He is on all the coverage teams, including kickoffs and punts. On punts, he is the all-important "gunner," which means he usually faces two defenders on the outside while trying to race downfield to tackle the returner.

He finished tied for second on the team in special teams tackles (18) with rookie Brandon Meriweather, four behind leader Pierre Woods, a backup linebacker.

While it's not what the Patriots or Washington originally bargained for 10 months ago, he's doing his small part in this incredible season.

"When we signed him there were expectations (for him as a receiver)," said Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli. "But he's been fine since Day 1. He's become a very important player for us on special teams. We all know the importance of special teams around here. Is it exactly what we had envisioned? No. But Kelley has made the best of it. He's made some big plays for us."

The biggest of which was against the Jets on Week 14, a game the Patriots won 20-10. With New England leading 10-7 in the second quarter, Washington blocked a punt, which was recovered at the 1-yard line. A Laurence Maroney touchdown put the Pats ahead 17-7.

It was the first blocked punt in eight years by a Patriots player.

"Kelley has done a good job for us," said coach Bill Belichick. "That was a big play in that game. He's made other big plays for us."

Believe it or not, that's a compliment from the head coach, who has called Moss a "good" receiver on occasion.

Washington, though, isn't complaining. He understands history is unfolding before his eyes and he is planning to play his bit role or more if the opportunity arises.

"Would I love to be catching balls from Tom Brady? What do you think? Of course I would," said Washington. "I know I can play receiver in this league. I've done it before. But right now, on this team, my role is to play special teams.

"I've been on some teams where guys have complained about their roles," said Washington. "And it hasn't gotten them anywhere. On this team, you do your job. I realize this (16-0 record) isn't normal. That's why I'm enjoying this. I really am. I love being a Patriot."

E-mail Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.

Did you know?

* Kelley Washington was drafted in the 10th round by the Florida Marlins in 1997 and signed a pro contract right out of Sherando High in Stephens City, Va., as a shortstop.

* Washington was an all-state quarterback and defensive back.

* While in the Marlins system, Washington was a roommate with Sox ace Josh Beckett.

* Washington was a teammate of Patriots wideout Donte' Stallworth at the University of Tennessee.

* After his failed baseball career, Washington played two seasons at Tennessee (he was 22 as a freshman), opting for the NFL Draft after his sophomore season.

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Baseball washouts

In addition to Kelley Washington, a slew of other former struggling minor league baseball players switched to football. Here are some well known examples:

Name%Drafted by%Round%Year%Comment

Chris Weinke%Blue Jays%2nd%1990%Won Heisman at age 28; in 7th year in NFL

Drew Henson%Yankees%3rd%1998%Consider can't miss in both sports but missed in both; signed $17-million deal with Yankees

Matt Mauck%Cubs%6th%1997%Led LSU to 2003 national title

Akili Smith%Pirates%7th%1993%Third overall pick by Bengals in '99 was a bust

Quincy Carter%Cubs%2nd%1996%Promising QB had career derailed by drug problems

Josh Booty%Marlins%1st%1994%Threw for 126 TDs in high school, 0 in four years in NFL

Corey Jenkins%Red Sox%1st%1995%Ex-Lowell Spinner played three years in NFL, now in CFL