Interview: Gronkowski and Edelman
Before Super Bowl LVIII, I sat down virtually with Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman. The interview was a highlight of my career so far. By talking to these two former Patriots, I was able to assist NBC Sports Boston by writing four unique stories. Here’s a sample and link to each:
QB or receiver? Gronk outlines ideal draft move for Pats with No. 3 pick
The 2024 NFL Draft is still over two months away, but the Patriots' preparations are well underway.
New England, holding the third overall selection, is slated to pick the highest it has since drafting Drew Bledsoe at No. 1 overall in 1993.
After a 4-13 season, there are clearly plenty of holes on the roster. Most would consider offense to be the most pressing need with uncertainty at quarterback, wide receiver, tight end and offensive line.
With those positions in mind, there are plenty of top prospects to consider at No. 3. Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, in an interview with NBCU Local, shared why he thinks the team has to select a quarterback -- but only if they are smitten with him.
How Edelman expects Brady to evolve in first season as a broadcaster
This past NFL season was the first without Tom Brady since 1999.
But he'll be back in 2024... as a broadcaster.
The 46-year-old Brady finally appears to be done playing football as retiring last year. This coming season, he'll join Kevin Burkhardt in the booth for FOX Sports as the company's lead analyst.
Brady, who joined FOX on a reported 10-year, $375 million deal, took last season off in order to "take some time to really learn." With FOX, he'll become co-workers with several former Patriots teammates -- including Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski.
Edelman, in an interview with NBCU Local, shared what he expects from Brady as a broadcaster next season.
Why Gronk thinks a year off from coaching will be ‘great' for Belichick
With all eight head coaching vacancies filled, it appears that Bill Belichick will be left without a job in 2024.
The former Patriots head coach had discussions with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders, but ultimately wasn't hired by either franchise.
Belichick, who has coached in the NFL in some capacity since 1975, is now in an unfamiliar spot. According to his former tight end Rob Gronkowski, a year away from the sidelines could actually be a positive thing for the 71-year-old Belichick.
Edelman believes Mayo's ‘ability to relate' will set him apart as a head coach
The Patriots have a new leader for the first time since 2000 -- and it's a familiar face.
New head coach Jerod Mayo has been tied to the organization since 2008, when he was drafted in the first round. After eight seasons playing for the team, he spent a few years as an on-air personality for NBC Sports Boston's Patriots coverage. Then, from 2019 to 2023, he was an assistant coach under Bill Belichick.
So while Mayo will have increased responsibilities in 2024 and beyond, he won't have to spend any time getting familiar with the organization, community and fanbase -- like most new coaches have to do.
Mayo quickly tried to distance himself from Belichick in his introduction press conference. He's revamping the Patriots' coaching staff, including the addition of offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer from other teams with no ties to Belichick's tree.
Mayo has a unique connection with former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman -- first as his teammate from 2009 to 2015, then as one of his coaches from 2019 to 2020. In an interview with NBCU Local, Edelman explained how Mayo is going to connect with players differently than Belichick did.