Pats taking in altitude at Air Force
Air Force Academy, Colo. — The tunnel leading down to the Falcon Stadium football field is dotted with warnings that a "lack of acclimation to altitudes above 6,000 feet has proven to cause serious illness."
Just before reaching the field, there's an overhang with a sign that warns about a "lack of oxygen " at 6,621 feet above sea level.
Meant more for intimidation than information, the signs still serve as a stark reminder of the Rocky Mountain's lung-piercing thin air. Which is exactly why Bill Belichick decided to keep his team in Colorado after the Patriots (7-2) destroyed the Broncos 41-16 Sunday night.
Up next for Tom Brady & Co. is a trip to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium (elevation 7,200 feet) to face the Oakland Raiders (4-5) on Sunday. So, rather than head home, the Patriots bused an hour south to train at altitude this week.
"You can feel it for sure," said tight end Rob Gronkowski, noting his skin was dry. "A lot of people are getting their nose super dry, their mouth super dry. So, I'm just glad to be here to prepare for what Mexico City will be, at the same altitude. So, it's good training and I'm glad we're doing it."
Belichick also brought his team to the Academy for its attitude.
They heard about survival training from cadets who had to hunt wildlife in the mountains; they listened to Falcons football coach Troy Calhoun talk about molding the next generation of military leaders; and they got to see paratroopers cap off Wednesday's workout on the Falcons practice fields.
"Which was super cool," Gronkowski said.
Belichick was first introduced to military and football formations as a youngster at the Naval Academy, where his father, Steve, had a 33-year run as a football coach and scout for the Midshipmen.
"I have a lot of respect for all the service academies — but Navy first," Belichick said. "But a lot of respect here. These guys do a great job . ... This is a great, great institution. The discipline, the leadership they have here. I hope some of it rubs off on me this week."
Gronkowski said this week has been a training camp-like bonding experience for the Patriots, who have toured some of the sites on the sprawling mountainous installation.
"It's good to have an understanding of where you are and what happens at an institution like the Air Force Academy," Belichick said. "We only have one guy that can really relate to that."
That's long snapper Joe Cardona, who attended the Naval Academy and knows firsthand the rigors of a military institution.
This week he's harkening back to his college days as the Patriots bond with one another.
"Being together as a team is great. You're surrounded by each other and it's great for building the team, and I can't think of a better way to do it than at the Air Force Academy," Cardona said. "Well, maybe at the Naval Academy. But it's great to be here."
Tom Brady's usual Wednesday news conference was pushed back to Friday, but he's been looking forward to this Mexico trip since the Super Bowl.
"It will be a great experience for our team," Brady said when word got out last winter that the Patriots would head south of the border this year. "I've always enjoyed it. For our team, we've gone to London (twice), and I've loved those experiences. They've been great bonding trips for our team."