Patriots Kicker Andy Borregales Reacts to Capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Andy Borregales’ weekend took an unexpected turn early Saturday morning when his wife woke him with stunning news: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured during a U.S. military operation in Caracas. Still half asleep, the Patriots rookie kicker initially struggled to process what he was hearing before seeing the reports for himself. The news came just hours before Borregales would play a role in New England’s 38–10 win over the Dolphins.

Born in Caracas, Borregales left Venezuela with his family before his second birthday as they fled the authoritarian government then led by Hugo Chávez, whose policies were later continued by Maduro. While Borregales avoided commenting on the political or legal implications of Maduro’s capture, he expressed hope that the moment could signal meaningful change for a country that has endured decades of hardship. He emphasized that his reaction reflected the feelings of many Venezuelans who were forced to leave their homeland in search of stability and opportunity.

Borregales described widespread celebrations among Venezuelans in South Florida, where he grew up and later starred at the University of Miami. He recounted scenes of expatriates gathering, cheering, and playing music, reflecting a shared sense of relief and optimism. For many, he said, the moment resonated deeply because their departure from Venezuela was not by choice, but a necessity to build a better future.

Now in his first NFL season with the Patriots, Borregales has found strong support from fans in New England, particularly within Latino and Hispanic communities. He said people from across Latin America and even Spain have reached out, celebrating his success as something they can connect with culturally. That sense of shared pride has made his transition to the NFL especially meaningful.

Although Borregales has not returned to Venezuela since leaving as a toddler, the news renewed his desire to one day visit the country of his birth. With only two close relatives still living there, both of whom were unharmed during the military operation, he remains hopeful that conditions will improve enough for him to experience firsthand the place his parents once called home.