Patriots Break Decades-Long Tradition Before Week 8 Home Game
The New England Patriots moved away from a long-standing franchise custom before Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
For the first time since 2001, Patriots players were introduced individually at Gillette Stadium. Rather than running out together as a team, a tradition developed early under Bill Belichick, the team announced each starting offensive player.
The move allowed quarterback Drake Maye to receive a loud reaction when introduced last. CLNS Media’s Pat Lane captured the moment:
Head coach Mike Vrabel revealed the plan during a pre-game interview on 98.5 The Sports Hub, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
“Something we think our players will appreciate and our fans will appreciate,” Vrabel said.
Former Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest previously claimed they started getting introduced as a team as a symbol of unity following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Adam Vinatieri and Lawyer Milloy, on the other hand, said it began accidentally when the public-address announcer started calling names while players were still in the tunnel.
Either way, the Patriots maintained the tradition to signify their team-first culture. Belichick famously defied the NFL and insisted that they get introduced as a team before Super Bowl XXXVI.
Vrabel opted for a reset on Sunday, allowing fans to cheer individual members of a streaking offense. The Patriots scored 121 points during a four-game winning streak before their Week 8 matchup.
Maye is rapidly morphing into a superstar quarterback with help from wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte. Rookie left tackle Will Campbell has anchored a revamped offensive line that could help the Patriots end the Buffalo Bills’ long reign as AFC East champions.