The Patriots are entering a new era.
We will discover in time whether this is positive, but running back Antonio Gibson, who joined the Patriots in free agency, spoke highly of his initial meeting with new head coach Jerod Mayo. signed with “When we sat down, we had a good conversation,” Gibson shared on Monday during a video conference with the media. “It was definitely a different vibe coming from a head coach. Just from that one day I met him. This is no knock on Coach (Ron) Rivera, but sitting down with him, it was a different kind of conversation. He didn't even sound like a coach. He spoke as if he was talking to one of the guys.
“I think that's something that could be positive in a locker room, for him to relate and communicate in this manner, understanding both perspectives.”
Mayo, who is 38 years old, is only nine years removed from playing as a linebacker for the Patriots. After three years away from football, he returned to the Patriots as a linebackers coach in 2019. The Patriots included a succession plan in his contract, which allowed them to bypass the typical head-coaching search. They named him as Bill Belichick’s successor shortly after Belichick and the team parted ways.
Belichick, like Rivera, who coached Gibson with the Commanders, probably would have come across as more of a coach than a fellow player.
The way Mayo treated Gibson's daughter also left a strong impression on the experienced running back.
“He also made my daughter feel special,” Gibson said. “He brought her into the office and showed her kindness. I really appreciate that, especially during our first meeting.”
Gibson, aged 25, signed a three-year, $11.25 million contract with the Patriots, featuring $6 million guaranteed and a $3 million signing bonus.
Gibson is a skilled pass catcher and is expected to complement starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson effectively.
Gibson mentioned that he also bonded with Stevenson after joining the team due to their JUCO backgrounds. Stevenson attended Cerritos College before playing for Oklahoma, while Gibson went to East Central Community College before joining Memphis.
The former Commanders running back has had 642 career carries for 2,643 yards with 22 touchdowns in four seasons. He has also made 172 catches for 1,283 yards and seven touchdowns, and has 35 kick returns for 826 yards.
He expressed his excitement for a fresh start in New England after facing challenges with the Commanders over the past two seasons. He had 506 touches in his first two seasons and 308 touches in his final two years.
Antonio Gibson was immediately impressed by Jerod Mayo's personal approach as the new Patriots running back.
