Brady says right things
QB on ‘great’ terms with Bill
FOXBORO — Tom Brady seemed like he was having a good time the past few days, being with his teammates, taking part in the Patriots’ three-day minicamp.
Even with Bill Belichick making players do laps and run the back hill, Brady had fun. How do we know? The GOAT said so.
Brady spoke with reporters following practice yesterday, the final day of the minicamp. He fielded questions for about four minutes. He didn’t reveal too much, but in short said the past three days were terrific, his relationship with Belichick was great and he’s not thinking about retirement. Period.
“You know, it’s just a good process for me. It’s been fun to be out here with my teammates and I’m excited about the year,” he said. “Every year there’s some different challenges. This is good. It’s been a good three days.”
Naturally, he was asked about his absence from OTAs and if his commitment to football had changed.
Brady didn’t go into great detail, but tried to allay fears.
“It’s obviously important for everybody,” he said of the offseason program, which he skipped entirely. “Our coaches do a great job getting us ready. You know, just some personal reasons for me. But I’m here now and focused on what I need to do, as I always am, and like I said, I’m looking forward to this year.”
Brady also was asked about his relationship with Belichick, which is believed to be a bit on the frosty side.
“It’s great and we’ve always had a great relationship,” the quarterback said. “You know, I’ve been here for a long time. I love this team. I love this organization. I love playing quarterback for him. I loved it last year. I’m having a lot of fun now, so that’s obviously what’s most important to me.”
Brady, who is the 16th highest paid quarterback in the NFL, was asked if his contract was a factor in him staying away.
“I’ve never talked about my contract. I’ve never, you know, brought up money, I think, for a lot of reasons that I’ve said over the years,” he said. “Those things are very personal.”
The Patriots quarterback, who will turn 41 before the season starts, wouldn’t give any indication if he would be on hand next week when the Patriots continue with OTA work.
Brady just said he’s still working toward being the best quarterback he can be when the season starts.
“I always try to figure out different things I need to do in the offseason to prepare myself to be the best I can be,” he said. “I obviously evaluate last season and things I can do better. I don’t think this offseason was any different for me. I thought about the things I need to do and focus on those things so I can be the best I can be once training camp comes.”
Gillislee hard at work
Running back Mike Gillislee is battling to keep a spot on the roster. He said he feels better than he did at this time last year, when he was fighting through an injury.
“I’m just picking up the playbook and just trying to play faster and just getting better every day,” he said. “Last year I was on the sideline with an injury and this year I’m good and I’m running around and I’m healthy.”
Gillislee thinks highly of first-round draft pick Sony Michel.
“He’s a great guy and a great player and he has a lot of talent,” Gillislee said. “He is a smart football player and it is good to have him in the room.”
Gillislee also knows Michel might make him expendable. His reaction when the Pats drafted the former Georgia running back?
“I just knew I have to bring a little bit more to the table,” said Gillislee, “because more competition has come to the table.”
Britt sits out
Wide receiver Kenny Britt, who appeared to tweak a hamstring on Tuesday, missed his second straight practice.
Malcolm Mitchell, who missed all of minicamp and hasn’t been present at any of the OTAs viewed by the media, was seen on the back practice field working with players rehabbing from injury.
Thoughts of Martin
Patriots owner Robert Kraft took to the podium at the close of minicamp to offer some words of support for former NESN videographer John Martin.
Martin, a five-time Emmy Award winner during his 19 years at NESN, is battling ALS.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with John Martin and his entire family,” Kraft said. “We appreciate everything he’s done reporting on our franchise, the Red Sox, the Bruins and the Celts. His lovely wife and two daughters are going through a rough time, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Kraft sported a Cafe Martin hat, proceeds of which help support Martin and his family. Those looking to help the cause can purchase a hat or donate to Martin’s GoFundMe page . . . .
Red Sox special assistant Tony La Russa was at practice.
“We’ve been friends for a long time,” said Belichick. “It’s always good to see Tony.”
Belichick was expected to be a guest of La Russa at the Red Sox game against the Detroit Tigers last night at Fenway Park.