The Patriots signed Monty Beisel as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason after he spent four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. The 6-foot-3-inch, 238-pound linebacker was originally drafted by Kansas City in the fourth round (107th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. He broke into the Chiefs' starting lineup last season and finished third on the team with a career high 64 tackles and 2.5 sacks. The Kansas State product has proven to be a versatile performer in his first five seasons as a pro, seeing time at inside linebacker, outside linebacker, defensive end and on special teams coverage units. In his first season as a Patriots, Beisel saw significant time at inside linebacker, finishing the 2005 season with 47 tackles (30 solo, 17 assists) and 1 sack.

Beisel sat down with us to look at his life on and off the football field.

FAVORITES
What was your favorite subject in school when you were growing up? I would have to say Math. I like problem solving.

Who is your favorite comedian? George Carlin, both past and present. He is hilarious.

Where is your favorite vacation spot? Definitely Hawaii. My wife and I have gone there every year we have been married.

Who is your favorite athlete to watch? Lance Armstrong.He is one of the greatest athletes of our time.

What is your favorite meal after a long practice? It's between chicken breast and broccoli or a protein shake. It depends on the time.

What is your favorite homemade meal? I have two favorites, my wife's enchiladas and my mom's three-bean casserole.

What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid? Scooby Doo. I used to watch it every day.

OFF THE FIELDWhen you were growing up, who was the player you pretended to be while playing in backyard football games? Monte Weathers, who was a Pittsburg State Gorillas running back. He wore number 31. My father was a graduate assistant there when I was in third grade.

Who is the worst dressed player in this locker room? Logan Mankins. You've got to like him. He's a good ole' farm boy. How about that mustache?

Of the community activities you have been involved with, which one touched you the most? Working with the Special Olympics. All the kids involved have such big hearts.

What is one thing that fans probably don't know about you? They don't know that I love to do abstract painting as a hobby. I consider myself artistic.

Who is the one player on this football team that can always make you laugh? Dan Klecko. He is the master of movie lines.

What is the toughest thing about you that your wife has to put up with? Where do I start? This is only supposed to be a one-page article. Thank God she loves me.

What is something that annoys you? People's bad driving habits.My father was a driver's education teacher, so I have an excuse.

ON THE FIELDThis is your first year with the Patriots. What makes the organization so successful? The people here. The organization has great people in all aspects.

Which player or coach have you learned the most from in your career? My father, who was my high school coach.

When did you realize you had a legitimate shot at playing in the NFL? In college, because I played with some great players at Kansas State.

Which NFL stadium is the toughest for a visitor to play in? I would say Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The fans there are out of their mind.

THIS OR THATIntercept a pass or sack the quarterback? Intercept a pass and take it to the house.

Better conditions for football: rain or snow? Neither. If it were my choice, I would play indoors.

Go to the movie theater or watch the DVD? I enjoy the big screen, so I would say movie theater.

Cook a meal or call for a delivery? Neither. My wife and I eat out a lot; probably too much.

Which game would you rather attend: Celtics or Red Sox? Red Sox. I grew up playing a ton of baseball. It was my favorite sport growing up.

JUST FOR FUN
If they were casting for the reality show The Bachelor at Gillette Stadium, which of your teammates would they choose? Either Tim Dwight or Tom Brady. I will go with Dwight and that is my final answer.

If you could have a cameo on any TV show, what would it be? Entourage. It's the best series on TV.

If you were trapped on a deserted island, which one of your teammates would you most like to have by your side? Tom Brady, because I know that if Tom went missing somebody would definitely come find him.

If you could play alongside any football player in the history of the game, who would it be? Dick Butkus.