Mike Reiss
@mikereiss
Patriots reporter for ESPN.
CB Christian Gonzalez arrives and answers an initial question on his contract status, and Robert Kraft’s remarks on the team’s offer.
Scene setter: FB Reggie Gilliam, in his first season with the Patriots after playing six years for the Bills, is the last player on the field after practice as he stays late to sign autographs.
From the media tent: WR Pop Douglas shares his 2026 motto — Putting in the pain.
With Doug Kyed having daughter Olivia by his side Monday, Olivia gets the first question this morning … and asks Mike Vrabel about Taylor Swift :)
“I love wall-to-wall ball.” - WR Mack Hollins, on what he enjoys about training camp
From the media tent: Safety Kevin Byard III says WR Kayshon Boutte has caught his attention as a deep-ball threat after making downfield catches each of the first two first days of camp.
From the media tent: DT Christian Barmore shares that he receives a text each game day from Patriots Hall of Famer Vince Wilfork that helps motivate him.
Scene setter: Mack Hollins (13) and A.J. Brown (1) work early in practice on a Julian Edelman-type reflex drill … and Hollins emerges victorious.
Scene setter: The Patriots highlight historic plays in franchise history at training camp.
Robert Kraft on Christian Gonzalez: Patriots love him, made him offer as highest-paid CB, richest contract in franchise history, and hope he is with us for a long time.
Scene setter: A.J. Brown with Robert and Dana Kraft upon arrival at the “Pawtriots” event before the start of the first practice of training camp.
Scene setter: Drake Maye’s arrival and a feel for the packed crowd on the first day of Patriots practice. Beautiful morning in New England.
Mike Vrabel arrives and fields an initial question from @kguregian.bsky.social on how teams losing in the Super Bowl respond the following season.
TE Hunter Henry, who turns 32 in December, enters his 11th NFL season. “I feel young, man. I work really hard. Body feels good,” he said. “I’m excited for the challenge ahead, personally. … “If you’re not motivated every year, you’re not going to make it in this league long.”
“Hunger is at an all-time high.” - Patriots LB Robert Spillane, referencing making it to the Super Bowl and falling short
Out with the old … in with the new. (While media guides are now digital as well, this dinosaur still values the print version greatly.)
Question (via Shae Cornette on First Take): Since we last saw the Patriots in the Super Bowl, it’s been a bit of a tumultuous offseason for your head coach, Mike Vrabel. What’s it been like navigating that in the offseason? Robert Kraft:
Drake Maye, at his FlexWork Sports camp, on A.J. Brown: Already some chemistry there — just have to throw it near him and he’ll make a play.
At his Flex Work sports camp this morning, Patriots QB Drake Maye previews his return for training camp next week, and his motivation after a Super Bowl loss.
Patriots safety Kevin Byard, with Panthers snapper J.J. Jansen, on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Wednesday:
Rookie spotlight: Texas Christian LB Namdi Obiazor (sixth round, No. 212) spent the majority of spring practices with the third unit on defense, working behind starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, and more experienced backups K.J. Britt and Chad Muma.