Thoughts on The 2025 New England Patriots Team Captains

Nervous probably isn't the correct term to use but I suppose you could say I'm apprehensive about the season ahead for Drake. A lot riding on it and there is a lot of pressure on him being "the guy". With that said, him getting the nod for the captaincy is a vote of confidence from the coaching staff and Mike Vrabel, that leads me to believe that he's going to have an excellent year. The guys in the locker room clearly like him and he is a likeable character through his dealings with the media. I'm happy he got it and I can't wait to see how he performs this year. Based purely on vibes and no evidence at all, I feel he is going to have a great year and bring his game along to another level. Fingers crossed.

A perfect pick for captain and one who many would have predicted was given the honor. A nice mix of veteran experience but also significant leadership qualities and by all accounts plenty left in the tank. Strong player who will lead by example instilling relentless energy and work ethic into the younger guys on the team. A guy that has high football IQ and an ability to organize the front seven in high stakes situations. We probably will be relying on the defense to do a lot of the heavy lifting this season so guys like Spillane will have to perform consistently for the team to be having a successful year. 

I think it's fair to say New England hasn't had many great tight ends in recent years, excluding one Rob Gronkowski, of course, and the other guy who I won't mention, but Hunter has been a stalwart of the team post-Brady. He's (outside of Drake) our best player on the offensive side of the ball (that may be up for debate this season but for now I'm happy to stand over that statement) and he has a great relationship with the fans in Foxborough, he was generous with his time after practice during camp to hang around and sign stuff/take pictures with people who were supporting the team, especially younger fans, which means a lot to them. I know some folks think that sportspeople should be obligated to those gestures and that it comes with the territory of being a professional football player but they are people too with obligations and commitments of their won and indeed families. Hunter is a great professional and he is a deserving team captain.

The 2022 Patriots Draft Class is arguable the worst in recent memory (could be a candidate for worst of all time but that's a conversation for another day) but Marcus Jones is a shining light in an otherwise septic selection. The last man standing of said draft, at least as it pertains to still being on the Patriots roster. That seems like a low bar for captain, you might say. Maybe, but I think Jones' ability to be selected as a captain when there is a potential All-Pro or Pro Bowl level player at the position in Christian Gonzalez on the team speaks volumes of his leadership qualities, and of course his ability. He's another highly intelligent player with a great knack for diagnosing what the offense is about to do. 

I saw some people saying they were surprised Landry got picked. A Boston College Eagles star who would be familiar with the region, the city of Boston, and likely the Patriots as a result. It did not surprise me one bit. Vrabel is obviously familiar with him from Tennessee also. A relentless terrier on the edge who boasts tremendous discipline and determination, not to mention his strong work ethic traits. A perfect role-model for younger guys. He is going to excel as a captain. Very excited to watch him this season.