Tag Archives: NFL

NFL Draft Party Presented by Agent Sean Stellato: Sights and Sounds

Ever wonder what it’s like to attend an NFL draft party, complete with NFL players, agents, and staff? Look no further, as I’m going to take you through my experience this past Thursday, when the NFL kicked off the 2018 season with the annual NFL Draft. This event was graciously hosted by Stellato Sports and its founder and NFL agent, Sean Stellato.

Arrival

I arrived in Middleton, MA around 5 PM on Thursday, April 26th, at this gorgeous country club where you could see employees and vendors setting up and getting ready for the arriving guests as you pulled up. Being early, I decided to poke around and get a feel of the place and a realistic perspective of how poor I really am. This place was nice. The lot was flooded with BMWs, Porches, and I even spotted a midnight black Lambo that would stop any car enthusiast in their tracks. Making my way into the clubhouse, I ran into to some folks discussing table placement, buffet arrangements, and where to put bags and coats. Being unfamiliar, I asked this kind gentleman in a suit where I might be able to check in at the media desk for entry. He let me know I was early, but didn’t mind if I wondered the grounds so long as I was back for check-in. No problem. I headed up to the rooftop deck where they were also setting up for the event, but I decided to take in the scenery and snap some beautiful pictures of the course from above. The smell of grass and the sounds of golf balls getting hammered down the green was in a way soothing, and with the sky a pretty blue, it created the perfect backdrop for the party. As time ticked away, and check-in being 6 PM, I went back down stairs to get ready for entry.

Let’s Get This Party Started

As I stood in line to get my wristband, in plain sight and about 50-ft away, was New England Patriots LB Marquis Flowers checking his phone and chatting up a group of kids and fans who were excited to see him. All smiles, Marquis was kind throughout and never wavered when approached. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spot the whitest Benz I think I’ve ever seen pulling up to a parking spot. I mean whiter than white out. Out comes Sean Stellato, NFL agent, party host, and author. When I say this dude was stylin’, he would have given Michael Jackson a run for his money. Also, Sean if you’re reading this, nice shoes that day (picture below). After the “Hello”s and “See you all inside”s, we got our bands, goody bag with gifts (gift cards to eateries, party favors, etc), and headed to our designated areas. I was upstairs on the VIP/Media deck.

Networking/Pre-Draft

After getting upstairs, the rooftop filled quickly. CEOs, Founders, and Owners of things were mostly in attendance, but you had your fair share of the everyday fan. You could hear conversations ranging from “This is nice, good weather”, to “Let me tell you about this new high-tech water my company makes.” There was no short in levels of interaction. Chatting it up with a few big-wigs and becoming friends on LinkedIn, I grabbed a drink from the bar and mosied my way to the number of buffets that were provided. Sushi, cheese and crackers, wine, and a dinner buffet that featured classic Italian cuisine. Meanwhile, event employees were setting up a display for a photo-op with New England Patriot players who were slated to be there, while they also placed the five shining Vince Lombardi trophies from each of New England’s Super Bowl victories on a stand for viewing and pictures.

Once most had a bit to eat and drink, Sean made the announcement that Patriots players Marquis Flowers, Brandon King, and Rob Ninkovich would be attending. He also noted that Tony DeMarco, aka “The Boston Bomber” (58-12 pro record), would be there. Not many people got excited, but I did as this dude is a stone-cold legend around Boston. He even has his own statue! Even so, the crowd started to hover around the display hoping to get their chance to meet and greet with the players, phone in hand already on camera mode.

Then comes out the players and the crowd gets chatty. Some fight to get up close, some yelling from the back, but it was all in good spirit. I happened to be lucky enough to get a “front row seat”, but admittedly found it difficult to have a lengthy conversation with the stars of the show due to them being pulled in all directions. I did manage to get a few pictures and chat it up with both Tony and Sean, who were equally as pleasant and accommodating. My time with Tony lasted longer, which was pretty cool to hear a few of his “war stories” from the ring. Overall, it was neat to shake hands and talk with polarizing figures. With the actual draft beginning at 8 PM, I made my way downstairs ready for the draft to begin.

Draft/After-Party

Once the draft started and all were full and happy, the networking and conversation seemed to remain steady. There were a few still sticking to their marketing pitch and investment strategies, but most wanted to have a good time at that point. Flowers, Jones, and Ninkovich were saying hello and making conversation while ESPN was on the projector screen for viewing at the head of the room. There was a nice speech thanking all of us for coming and enjoying ourselves, which was nice. Pick after pick people chatted and enjoyed themselves and the wonderful reception that followed the pre-party. As the draft grew later in the night, a good portion of folks started to head home for the evening, myself included, as an hour and 40 minute drive was staring me in the face. Leaving shortly after, I relived the events of the evening and how cool of an experience it was.

Recap

This was such a unique experience, and shout out to Boston Sports Extra and Sean Stellato for allowing me to attend. Not only was I able to meet some pretty cool and smart business executives, I was surrounded by the energy and prestige of upper level executives and NFL caliber talent, as well as positive spirits. I met a boxing legend in Tony Demarco, shook hands with NFL players, and took a picture and chatted with a real, big-time NFL agent. I ate 5-star food and got free stuff, not a bad deal. Overall, it was the perfect event to network, grab some free stuff, and just have a low-key good time especially as a football fan. If I were you, I would absolutely recommend to one day attend a draft party if you’re able. Aside from a good time, you never know who you might meet.

Don’t worry, that’s water 😉

Be sure follow my Twitter @JaxBrown725. Leave a comment and share!

Boston Sports Extra Mock Draft 2.0: Pats Get Brady’s Heir?

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Quarterback abundance. Trading a whole city to move up in the draft. Cleveland having the first pick. This 2018 draft has it all, and will definitely go down as one to remember. At least five quarterbacks are expected to be taken in the first round with the draft class being compared to the one in 1983. Mock drafts are mostly horribly wrong, but they are fun to do.

Photo Credit: USA Today

The Patriots have two picks in the first round this year, and there has been a plethora of rumors about them moving up in the draft to select their quarterback of the future. It is impossible to know exactly what Belichick will do come draft day, but let’s try anyways. This is Boston Sports Extra’s second and final mock draft:

1. Cleveland Browns – Baker Mayfield, QB

Yes, I know. Ten million other mock drafts have Sam Darnold as this pick. However, Cleveland has a lot riding on this pick. They have to look at the intangibles here. Mayfield is a born leader with a fiery determination. He has that prove-it mentality and is willing to do whatever it takes. Cleveland could use his command of the offense, and he can be the future of their franchise.

2. Buffalo Bills – Sam Darnold, QB (via mock trade with NYG)

I have read so much on how Dave Gettleman will go with a running back or defensive player here. The Bills have been desperate to trade up, so I’m thinking of a way to satisfy everyone’s needs here. Bills get their man to develop along with AJ McCarron. Stay tuned for the Giants.

3. New York Jets – Josh Rosen, QB (via IND)

The Jets traded THREE second round picks, as well as number six to move up to this spot. They have been linked to Mayfield, but with him off the board they take a proven passer in Mr. Chosen Rosen.

4. Cleveland Browns – Saquon Barkley, RB

They passed on him at number one, but they won’t here. Barkley is a rare talent and can be a humongous spark in this revamped team. Imagine having Mayfield, Barkley, and Landry leading that offense. Kinda scary if you think about it.

5. Denver Broncos – Josh Allen, QB

Elway has had a serious problem trying to find the future quarterback for this team in the draft. Paxton Lynch might have been the biggest waste of a first round pick that I have seen. The Broncos go with the strong-armed quarterback in Allen to develop behind Keenum who, let’s face it, is not a long term plan at quarterback.

6. Indianapolis Colts – Bradley Chubb, DE (via NYJ)

They traded down and still got arguably the best defensive player in this draft. The Colts could go with Quentin Nelson to protect Andrew Luck, but Chubb is too good a prospect to pass up.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Derwin James, S

James is an amazing talent at his position. He’s learned from Pro-Bowlers, Landon Collins and Jalen Ramsey, and he’s ready to make a difference, no matter the team. The Buccaneers would greatly improve their secondary by adding James, who has that certain attitude and skill set they need.

8. Chicago Bears – Quentin Nelson, OG

The Bears have been focused on building around Mitchell Trubisky, and will continue here. With Josh Sitton gone, this seems like the perfect pick. Another option they could go with here is Tremaine Edmunds.

9. San Francisco 49ers – Roquan Smith, LB

Man, the 49ers just can’t stop winning. They won five straight with Jimmy G. They won the coin flip to get this pick, and they draft an absolute stud with it. Reuben Foster, who had great promise, will be cut if he is found guilty of his charges. That leaves a hole in the roster which Smith can definitely fill.

10. Oakland Raiders – Tremaine Edmunds, LB

Raiders can use all the help on defense they can. Their secondary looks better with Gareon Conley and Rashaan Melvin, so they look to improve their linebacker corps with arguably the best linebacker in the class.

11. Miami Dolphins – Vita Vea, DT

Dolphins have shown interest in drafting a quarterback, but choose to address a 307 pound hole in the defense. Vea is an absolute MONSTER. If you don’t believe me, watch his film against UCLA – or against anyone to be honest. Perfect fit for the Hawaiian who will love the beaches in South Florida.

12. New York Giants – Harold Landry, DE (via mock trade with BUF)

I mentioned how I had a way before how Buffalo and New York can get what they need. Harold Landry is an absolute beast with amazing technique. He can absolutely replace JPP.

13. Washington Redskins – Marcus Davenport, DE

Davenport is an untapped freak of nature. He can complement Jonathan Allen on a defensive line that faces Zeke and Ajayi twice a year.

14. Green Bay Packers – Denzel Ward, CB

Ward is the perfect person to pair with Kevin King to improve the Packers depleted secondary. Another option here could be a pass rusher.

15. Arizona Cardinals – Calvin Ridley, WR

Arizona could go quarterback, but instead choose to develop a wide receiver under the great Larry Fitzgerald. Look for them to draft an offensive linemen in the later rounds to protect their injury-prone quarterback.

16. Baltimore Ravens – Lamar Jackson, QB

Flacco is on the back end of his career, so the Ravens could look to develop an amazing athlete. They addressed the wide receiver position in free agency, but can still go with that here if it’s someone they really love.

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB

The influx of quarterback picks allowed Fitzpatrick to fall. Chargers would definitely not pass him up, and he would be an amazing replacement for Tre Boston.

18. Seattle Seahawks – Mike McGlinchey, OT

Seattle’s reign is over. There are so MANY holes on this team. I think the first option they should go is to protect their quarterback so he doesn’t run like a chicken with his head cut off every play. Look for Seattle to draft cornerback here as another option.

19. Dallas Cowboys – D.J. Moore, WR

Goodbye, Dez Bryant. Hello, D.J. Moore. Dak gets another weapon, so he doesn’t have to rely on Zeke for their offense to be productive. We saw last year how that turned out.

20. Detroit Lions – Da’ron Payne, DT

Lions need help on the interior. Matty P should love the ‘Bama product. Welcome to the House of Payne.

21. Cincinatti Bengals – Will Hernandez, OG

Bengals drafts Hernandez to have a powerful player for Joe Mixon to run behind.

22. New York Giants – Derrius Guice, RB (via mock trade with BUF)

Instead of taking Saquon at No. 2, they trade down and take an end to replace JPP and a running back to give a spark their offense desperately needs. Guice’s 2016 season was remarkable, and he would be rated higher if it wasn’t for his injury plagued 2017.

23. New England Patriots – Rashaan Evans, LB

If Rosen and Mayfield are off the board early, Patriots won’t trade up. Instead they elect to pick an absolute Saban-bred stud in Evans. If you want to know why, then click here.

24. Carolina Panthers – Jaire Alexander, CB

Alexander is not far behind from Ward as a top cornerback. Hip movement is fluid and coverage is excellent. He honestly shouldn’t fall this far.

25. Tennessee Titans – Leighton Vander Esch, LB

Mike Vrabel will love having this extremely athletic linebacker to help the depleted core. ‘Nuff said.

26. Atlanta Falcons – Taven Bryan, DT

I still think Bryan is a perfect fit for Atlanta. His versatility on the line can help a team who lost both Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn.

27. New Orleans Saints – Mike Gesicki, TE

I’m sticking with my pick if Gesicki here. The trio of Thomas, Kamara, and Gesicki is a matchup nightmare. Brees will love having a Jimmy Graham-like target

28. Pittsburgh Steelers – Josh Jackson, CB

Jackson has a lack of experience, but his seven interceptions this year should not go unnoticed. Maybe he can finally help the Steelers beat the Patriots this year (probably not).

29. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dallas Goedert, TE

Defense is definitely not the priority here. If I were the Jaguars, I would go with Mason Rudolph here. However, this is the same team that just gave Bortles a long contract, so I doubt they will listen to me. I don’t think Austin Sefarian- Jenkins is a No. 1 tight end, so Goedert seems like the more likely approach for the Jag.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Connor Williams, OT

Vikings spent big bucks on a flashy, new quarterback and now have to make sure that they can protect him.

31. New England Patriots – Justin Reid, S

Patriots fans are probably scared of drafting this player because he is a Stanford safety, and our last Stanford safety is absolutely terrible (*cough* Jordan Richards). Well, you guys can RELAX. Reid is the real deal- smart, versatile, and great in coverage.

32. Philadephia Eagles – Hayden Hurst, TE

Yeah, I particularly don’t like making a pick here to make this team better (I’m not salty, you are). Anyways, the GM of the Eagles doesn’t think like that. Looking at the Eagles depth chart, they don’t have a lot of holes in the roster. There is not a lot of depth behind Zach Ertz, however. Enter Hurst, a huge catch machine who can create matchup issues for opposing defenses.

So Where’s Brady’s Heir?

Photo Credit: NESN

I do realize what I put in the title. I’m not about clickbait garbage. I do think the Patriots will draft their future quarterback – just not in the first round. Mason Rudolph at No. 43 is a potential prospect. Other later round picks could be Kyle Lauletta, Luke Falk, Logan Woodside, and Alex McGough.

Lamar Jackson Is Ready for the NFL Draft

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Draft Day Is Today

FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 06: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the New England Patriots and Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots run onto the field prior to the game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Today is the day the NFL Draft begins. The day when dreams come true in the face of the NFL. The Patriots have hosted Lamar Jackson a few times among other prospects. The drama surrounding the team can be pushed aside for a while, and real football can be talked about. Bill Belichick is building a team for the future to have an easy transition for Josh McDaniels. What the Patriots are going to do with the 23rd overall pick remains to be unseen, but Lamar Jackson was excited when he met with Bill Belichick.

Lamar Jackson spoke yesterday in Dallas. According to USA Today, Jackson talked about Belichick, saying, “I’ve always seen him so serious. Even when he won the AFC championship, he just passed the trophy like he was so serious about it. So I was like, he’s probably going to be hard or something. But he was cool, laid back. Just wanted to talk and stuff like that, so it was pretty cool for me. We were just talking and having a conversation, and he was trying to help me. And he, like, giggled and started laughing, and I said, ‘Oh snap!’

Lamar Jackson Ready to Begin a Career in the NFL

Lamar Jackson wouldn’t mind being the next Jimmy Garoppolo. Jackson knows Garoppolo learned a lot when he was behind Tom Brady. Jackson also said yesterday, “When Brady said I’m a beast, I’m like, ‘Brady said that!?’” Brady doesn’t really come out too much and talk, but that’s one of the guys I’ve looked up to as well, playing football and just trying to learn to be a quarterback”. Nope, Brady doesn’t, so him approving of Jackson is pretty clear what could be happening tonight, even though Brady shouldn’t have a say.

Jackson also said that McDaniels and Belichick could help him grow more as a quarterback. Like I’ve said all along what’s going to happen. They are drafting a quarterback this draft to groom to be the successor to Tom Brady. At the end of the press conference, Jackson said, “I’m just happy for my name to be on their mind period, It’s cool to me. I’m cool with it in a positive way”.

Lamar Jackson Met Privately with Josh McDaniels

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Will the Patriots Draft Lamar Jackson?

Via Dallas WeeklyNot only did Lamar Jackson meet with the Patriots in Foxborough, he met privately with Josh McDaniels in South Florida according to Sports Illustrated. He also was astonished that he made Belichick laugh when he met him in Foxborough. If you want to read into this, you can. It’s pretty clear what’s going on here. When does it ever come out that McDaniels has ever met privately with a quarterback the Patriots might draft? I’ve never heard that before util now. That pretty much says Josh wants a guy he can develop to be the successor to Tom Brady. Also certain that Belichick wants to leave Josh with a good team when Josh takes over next season.

Read Between the Lines

The NFL Draft is Thursday and the word around the draft is the Patriots are interested in Lamar Jackson. The picks the Patriots have are the 23rd, 31st, 43rd, and 63rd. Tom Brady’s future realistically has about two years, then he’s done. He doesn’t want a contract extension or play until 45. He even approves if the Patriots get Lamar Jackson. I’ve said this already: a year with Bill, Brady, and Josh. Then Jackson will have a year with Brady and Josh, and then Jackson will have a new team and a new coach.

Remember What Josh Told the Boston Globe

FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots (R) talks with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2016, in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)The Patriots really made sure they got out that Josh McDaniels worked out with Jackson privately. Remember what McDaniels told Jim McBride from the Boston Globe?

“I wasn’t 100 percent sure what the future was. I just hadn’t had any clarity on that. So, where did I fit in? Were there any plans? I just didn’t have much clarity on what my role was here moving forward. Look, I’m privileged to have the opportunity to do that and when they kind of crystallized that — ‘Hey, here’s what we see going forward and here’s how we would like you to fit into it’ — it gave me a reason to stop and say, ‘All right, what’s the best decision for me?’ And certainly, it was difficult. But I made the decision on my own, nobody pushed me into it.’’

In other words, once he found out he was the next head coach it was clear where he needed to be. Which explains why McDaniels worked out Lamar Jackson privately in Florida.

Jimmy Garoppolo Has Learned from the Best

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Jimmy Garoppolo Taking the Patriot Way with Him

Via SFGateDespite the drama in New England, Jimmy Garoppolo has gone to San Francisco to be their next franchise quarterback. You can tell Garoppolo has taken a lot from his time with the Patriots and being under Tom Brady. Jimmy Garoppolo is also a two time Super Bowl Champion and knows what it takes to win. Garoppolo should’ve been the next guy in New England. However, football fans will see him shine in San Francisco.

Jimmy Garoppolo Sounded like Tom Brady Yesterday

Via Daily SnarkGaroppolo talked yesterday and really sounded like Tom Brady. Garoppolo gathered teammates on Saturday for extra work, saying, “We had our first one this weekend. It’s just something that I like to do. It kinds of gets us away from the coaches and everything, and allows me to talk to the receivers about specific things, or the tight ends or running backs. We try to get everyone out there that we can. I understand people have things that they have to get to. But we had a great showing this Saturday. It was good. Just to be on the same page with those guys, talking through route concepts and how they see it versus how I see it, it just gets us on the same page.”

Garoppolo also said, “You’ve got to take care of their legs. They’ve got us working pretty hard during the week, so you’ve got to be careful with that. But those guys, our receivers, tight ends and running backs came back in great shape. The conditioning part of it, it always makes my job easier when I can throw forever because those guys are willing to run. It’s nice to have that luxury.”

Garoppolo Is Ready for the Upcoming Season

Via Chat SportsGaroppolo said he didn’t learn that from Tom Brady and was really starting getting teammates together in high school for a side practice. Garoppolo’s expectations going forward are having a great OTA, then minicamp, then having a great training camp. Some Patriots habits are hard to break, according to Jim Trotter of the NFL Network. One thing’s for certain- it will be fun watching Garoppolo this season. Also, it’s a break from the Patriots drama.

Relax– Tom Brady Will Play in 2018

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A report out of ESPN this morning says Tom Brady has not being fully committed to playing in 2018. We saw at the end of ‘Tom VS Time’. He just wants to spend more time with his family. However, he’s not going to the voluntary workouts, but he’s missed them before so it shouldn’t be a big deal. Listen, Tom Brady’s career is coming to an end; not just right now. He’s playing out his contract and then hanging it up. The reason he’s upset is that he can’t bring Guerrero in the locker room. There are people around him that want him to retire. Gisele and his family want him to retire, and maybe some of his friends do also.

The Patriots will be drafting a quarterback next week. He will be groomed by Tom, Belichick, and McDaniels for one season. Then Tom and Josh in 2019. In 2020 the new quarterback, whoever that is, will be the starter, and Brady will be solely focused on his brand. Josh will be the head coach, and who knows, maybe even Robert will hand the team to Johnathan Kraft. Remember Johnathan Kraft didn’t hire Belichick. He’s not Bill’s guy, so it’s pretty obvious what’s going on.

Via Boston Herald

All Things Come to an End

The dynasty of 18 years is coming to an end. We will hear all day about how Brady isn’t committed, when in fact it’s Belichick who is retiring at the end of the season. A Patriots beat reporter has yet to say that Belichick is hanging it up after this season. I was told by an insider at Patriot Place. You can believe me or not, but it does make sense that Belichick is walking away.

I’m not certain if Tom Brady knows Belichick is retiring at the end of the season. Which is probably why he is also holding this grudge against Belichick. All Belichick is concerned about is one, getting his team ready for 2018, and two, have a smooth transition when McDaniels takes over next season.

Julian Edelman Feels Neutral

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Julian Edelman Is on Both Sides of the Fence

Photo by John Wilcox.Julian Edelman, according to an insider at Patriot Place, isn’t totally with the Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski revolt. Edelman is neutral and will still attend the workouts enough just to collect his $500,000 and still go to TB12. Like it was previously stated, Edelman is the highest paid player on the team that attends the voluntary workouts. So why not show up just enough to get paid? He has to go to a percentage of the workouts. He can still go to TB12. Tom E. Curran has reported that Tom Brady may have started a revolt with the players. Between Danny Amendola and his comments, all the way to Dion Lewis, it’s a clear sign Brady started a chain reaction.

To give Edelman credit he’s coming off an injury and hoping to come back stronger than ever. Last week’s Instagram post was a side for Tom Brady being at TB12 working with Guerrero. Today he is at the practice and took sides with Belichick. Remember- he’s thinking about how much money he’s going to make. Every single Patriot when they leave used to say nice things about playing for the Patriots, until now.

Nate Solder and Danny Amendola Quotes

Via Getty Images

Nate Solder: “It can be a tough environment. It’s very businesslike, and at times it can be cold. Everything in New England is predicated on performance. It’s a place where people sometimes treat you differently based on how you practiced that day or how you answered a question in a meeting. One day, you could walk around the facility feeling like a Pro Bowler — the next, like you’re about to get cut.”

Danny Amendola said “It’s not easy, that’s for sure. He’s an a–h— sometimes. There were a lot of things I didn’t like about playing for him, but I must say, the things I didn’t like were all in regards to getting the team better, and I respected him,” he said. “I didn’t like practicing in the snow, I didn’t like practicing in the rain, but that was going to make us a better football team and that was going to make me a better football player.”

Did Tom Brady start a chain reaction with the players? I think he did, but for Julian Edelman he’s on both sides of it. If you want to have fun, go to a 4-12 team. If you want to win Super Bowl Championships, then the Patriots are the right team for you.

Julian Edelman Participating in Offseason Workouts

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Julian Edelman Attends Workouts

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) scores a touchdown Denver Broncos strong safety Mike Adams (20) and defensive end Shaun Phillips (90) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Julian Edelman is coming off an ACL injury. He was spotted at the voluntary offseason workouts today. Unlike Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, who will not be attending the workouts, Edelman is. It’s a smart idea after coming off an injury like that he should get to a good start. Even though Edelman gets treatment from Alex Guerrero, it’s still a good idea to be at the workout. Last week Edelman posted on Instagram that he was getting treatment at TB12.

For Tom Brady, it’s great Edelman is getting to an early start. Amendola is gone, so Edelman really is Brady’s number one go-to receiver again. According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Edelman can earn a $500,000 workout bonus this season, which is the highest on the team. Edelman must attend a certain percentage of the offseason voluntary workouts in order to receive the money. In his career, Edelman has scored 24 touchdowns and has 4,540 yards.

Edelman Will Make a Huge Bonus by Participating in the Workout

The other players’ workout bonus according to Mike Reiss includes Rob Gronkowski and Cordarrelle Patterson, who will make $250,000 each. Lawrence Guy makes $200,000, Stephen Gostkowski makes $100,000, and Patrick Chung makes $85,000. Edelman coming back to full health in 2018 is huge for the Patriots offense. Edelman is one of 14 NFL players with at least 1,000 postseason receiving yards, and his 1,024 postseason receiving yards is ranked 13th in NFL history. He needs 39 postseason yards to move into the top ten.

Edelman wrote on Twitter in February, “Incredibly proud of this team. I’ve seen how much hard work these guys put in day in and day out. The chips didn’t fall our way this time, but the preparation and training for the 2018 season starts now. We’ll be back”. Julian Edelman also was working with Brady last week inside the Patriots practice facility.

Rob Gronkowski: Boycotting Medical Treatments

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More Patriots Drama…

Via UMass Blogs

Not only is Rob Gronkowski not participating in offseason workouts. He’s also boycotting traditional medical treatments. It seems Gronkowski would rather get all of his treatments at the TB12 center with Alex Guerrero. This is another shot at Bill Belichick. Deion Sanders sent out a tweet on April 13th stating that professional sports are a business first. Gronkowski retweeted that tweet. For Gronkowski to skip the voluntary workouts is one thing, but to completely boycott his medical treatments is a bigger issue.

https://twitter.com/DeionSanders/status/984859969865551872

This whole offseason for the Patriots has been nothing but drama and things leaking out about the team. We’ve been told the Patriots are different from everybody else, that they don’t let anything get to them. In reality they are just like every other organization. Belichick has been running the Patriots this way for 18 years. He isn’t known to pay his players. Gronkowski wants to get paid, and the only reason he’ll play this season is that Tom Brady is the quarterback. If Brady wasn’t the quarterback you’d be seeing him in Hollywood.

Gronkowski Wants to Get Paid

Belichick doesn’t have time to play these games, which is why he held the press conference on Friday. All this chatter and talk about the two biggest players on the team. All Belichick is doing is trying to build a team so he can be successful this year and Josh can take over in the future.

People won’t move past the Malcolm Butler benching in the Super Bowl two months after the game. Everyone is more into the benching of Butler than the Eagles actually winning the game. Is Gronk taking it too far and feeding the media with things to talk about? Maybe, but he is definitely making a statement boycotting traditional medical treatment.

Danny Amendola: “Patriots’ Offer Wasn’t Even Close”

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Danny Amendola Speaks About Leaving the Patriots

Via Boston HeraldMike Reiss had a one-on-one exclusive with former Patriot Danny Amendola. In the interview Amendola stated how playing for Bill Belichick is hard, and also the Patriots’ offer wasn’t even close. Last season, Danny Amendola was Tom Brady’s go-to receiver because Julian Edelman was out for the season. Danny was really a great factor in the playoffs, getting the nickname Danny ‘Playoff’ Amendola. In the interview, Amendola also talked about the Malcolm Butler being benched in the Super Bowl. Amendola and the rest of the team thinks Butler’s presence would’ve changed the outcome of the game.

Amendola’s words to Mike Reiss were starting with talking about his contract. “When free agency broke, I came to the realization that he wasn’t going to really come close to any of the other offers I had. I had to make a decision for my family and go down to Miami and continue my career there.” Amendola signed a two-year, $12 million deal. That includes an $8.25 million in bonuses and guarantees. It’s also not easy playing for Belichick who learned from Bill Parcells.

Bill Belichick Can Be an A-hole

Via Clutch PointsAmendola said “It’s not easy, that’s for sure. He’s an a–h— sometimes. There were a lot of things I didn’t like about playing for him, but I must say, the things I didn’t like were all in regards to getting the team better, and I respected him. I didn’t like practicing in the snow, I didn’t like practicing in the rain, but that was going to make us a better football team and that was going to make me a better football player. It wasn’t easy, and he’d be the first to admit, at the [Super Bowl] ring ceremony, that it wasn’t easy playing for him. The silver lining was that we were at the ring ceremony.”

The Malcolm Butler Benching Didn’t Sit Well with the Players

Via SI.comThe take about Malcolm Butler from Amendola is pretty much what every player on that team is thinking. Nobody liked the benching. Amendola said “Yeah, I did, honestly. Nobody really got an explanation for it. He’s a brother of ours. He was a brother of ours that year. And I hate to see a guy who worked so hard throughout the season not get a chance to play in the biggest game of the year and really get no explanation for it. With that said, I don’t know how the business aspect went into that decision. I don’t know how the personal aspect went into that decision between him and Bill. But as a friend, I would have loved to see him on the field that day.”

So there you have it. Players are upset Butler didn’t play in the most important game of the season. If Butler didn’t miss the team plane and had a good week in practice, he would’ve played.

All in all what Amendola said about Belichick is accurate. He runs a tight ship and wants his players to follow. You don’t like the rules in his mind you can leave and go to a 4-12 team. Meanwhile, he’s got championships to back up his toughness.