Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington left the University of Tennessee a year apart, each sharing dreams of big accomplishments in the NFL.

Teammates again with the New England Patriots, they're sharing the same table during media obligations here this week.

Far from stars on this particular edition of the Patriots, Stallworth and Washington are supporting cast members who could make a difference against the Giants on Sunday in Super Bowl XLII.

"When you play for an organization like the Patriots, you put your ego aside and play unselfish ball and that is what is so special about playing for this organization,'' said Washington, one of New England's best special teams players. "They find what you are good at and what your niche is and you go out there and play.

"Whatever it takes. I think everyone here, me and Donte' included, is willing to do whatever it takes to win.''

Washington has faced the rockier road to this point. After a heralded freshman year at Tennessee, he elected to enter the draft after an injury-plagued sophomore season. The Bengals selected him in the third round, but injuries limited him to 44 games (and only six starts) in four seasons with Cincinnati.

He signed with the Patriots on March 13, the same day the Patriots signed Stallworth, who had 233 catches and 28 touchdowns in four seasons with the Saints and one with the Eagles.

Although the Patriots had already traded with the Dolphins for receiver Wes Welker, Washington and Stallworth entertained thoughts of being a go-to guy for quarterback Tom Brady.

Then the Patriots landed five-time Pro Bowl selection Randy Moss in a trade and suddenly New England was loaded at receiver.

While Stallworth became Brady's third option behind Moss and Welker, Washington has yet to catch a pass as a Patriot.

Different roles

Welker caught 112 passes and Moss caught a record 23 touchdown passes during the regular season, while Stallworth contributed 46 catches for 697 yards and three touchdowns.

"You never know who can be the guy to make the play and Tom Brady is always going to find the open guy,'' said Stallworth, the 13th overall pick of the 2002 draft. "If a team wants to take away one thing from our offense, we have other options to go to and guys have to get open and do their jobs. I just want to do my part."

Washington, meanwhile, plays on a number of special teams.

He made a big play in the AFC Championship game against the Chargers when he leaped at the goal line trying to down a punt, flipped the ball back and saw it downed at the 4. The Chargers threw an interception and the Patriots responded with a touchdown two plays later to take a 14-6 lead en route to a 21-12 victory.

"Every time Kelley has had a chance to play he's done a good job,'' Patriots coach Bill Belichick said this week.

Washington isn't content to be a special teams player the rest of his career, but for now he isn't complaining.

"That is going to happen at some point and time,'' Washington said of bigger role. "But right now I am going to work as hard as I can to be the best special teams player on the field, to be noticed as the best special teams player in the league.''

The Squirrel and Nicco

While it's tough to dispute their commitment as team players, Stallworth and Washington have unique sides reserved for Sundays.

He hasn't been able to put it on display lately but Washington still takes pride in a "The Squirrel," a dance he performed after touchdowns with the Bengals. He plans to dust it off if he gets into the end zone against the Giants.

"I'm ready,'' he said.

Stallworth openly admits he has a football alter ego who goes by the name of Nicco. A psychology major at Tennessee, Stallworth said his off-field personality doesn't allow him to be aggressive enough on the field so he transforms into Nicco.

"I can't play because I am too introverted," he said. "He is more of the extroverted guy, the crazy person that is cussing everybody out on the field. ... Whenever I play football I turn into another person.''

No word on what Belichick thinks of Nicco.

"He is a character, I'll say that,'' veteran Patriots receiver Troy Brown said of Stallworth. "But he is one of those guys who is happy to be doing his job and doing what he is asked to do. He is probably not playing as much as he wants to, but when they call his number he gets the job done and that is all you can ask from a guy.

"Kelley is the same way. He has come in here and done a darn good job of what they've asked him to do.''

Future possibilities

Stallworth and Washington could end up elsewhere next season.

Washington is due an option bonus of $4 million this spring to extend his deal. Stallworth essentially signed a one-year deal, reportedly with an $8 million option bonus that would turn it into a multiyear contract. Considering the success of Moss and Walker, the Patriots would seem unlikely to exercise the option.

The Titans offered Stallworth a contract last March, but he turned it down to join New England "because of an opportunity like this."

"With the Titans it would have been a good opportunity for me to get back to where I played college football," he said. "I have a lot of respect for the Titans' organization and their head coach, but me and all my dreams and everything about being in this game right here, this is why I came here.''

Asked if would be interested in joining the Titans if the opportunity arises this offseason, Stallworth wouldn't go there or discuss anything about his future.

After all, it's not the Patriot Way.

"My future is Sunday,'' he said. "According to coach Belichick, my future is the next meeting. But all of that will eventually play out. Right now I am having a great time, getting ready to play in Super Bowl

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