New Patriots era features same loyalty of years' past
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
For over two decades, New England’s football franchise lived by a mantra coined “The Patriot Way” – one that was always up for interpretation but was always understood at the same time. To be a Patriot meant one thing for certain, and that was to be a winner. And the Pats did a lot of winning, to the tune of six Super Bowl championships.
Gone are the days of Tom Brady commandeering the offense and Bill Belichick devising the plan for victory. Does that mean “The Patriot Way” is history?
Not so fast.
New Patriots era features same loyalty of years' past
While it may look a little different under new head coach Jerod Mayo and rookie quarterback Drake Maye, players like Joshua Uche and Rhamondre Stevenson have made it clear that Foxboro is their desired home.
Stevenson put pen to paper on Thursday, agreeing to a four-year extension worth $36 million. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the extension includes $17 million guaranteed, an $8 million signing bonus, and $12 million in incentives.
Stevenson had said at minicamp that he and the Patriots were "pretty close" to reaching a deal, and he made his love for Boston known at an official press conference back in April where he said he "loves the organization" and expressed his desire to be in New England for years to come. Now he's locked in to Foxboro for the foreseeable future.
At an official press conference back in April, Uche shared a similar sentiment when he said: “There is no place I would rather be.” Uche bet on himself and New England by signing a one-year, $3 million contract with $2.3 million in guarantees this offseason.
So what does the future hold for Mayo, Uche, Stevenson, and the new “Patriot Way?” Only time will tell. Hopefully, for the sake of the Pats and their fans, it entails a lot more winning.
One thing, however, holds as true as it has for 20+ years: loyalty runs deep within the walls at One Patriot Place.
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