His tenure as head coach of the New England Patriots is in its infancy, but we can already see the differences between Jerod Mayo and Bill Belichick as CEO.
Through the first three days of training camp, we saw two different impromptu press conferences from veteran defensive linemen who want new contracts. We also heard rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk tell us about a brand new players’ lounge – something that’s been missing from the team’s facility for years despite how common areas like these have become league-wide.
Mayo was asked about both the brand new lounge and his players’ newfound empowerment to air grievances during his media availability before practice on Friday.
On the new players’ lounge at Gillette Stadium:
“Look, this is their place and that is their lounge and that is their locker room. I think it’s important that you have those spaces. One thing I’ve noticed over the past, let’s say five years, is a lot of times when guys get …