


FOXBORO — Jerod Mayo has just two training camp practices under his belt as the Patriots’ head coach.
But by the way his players speak about him, he’s earned a whole lot more.
Namely, buy-in.
“He puts an emphasis on relationships, and I think that helps the team culture,” Patriots offensive tackle Calvin Anderson said Thursday. “I don’t know how other head coaches are, but Mayo walks around knowing his guys. So you walk around, you feel like you have a personal relationship with him. It makes it so much easier to buy in.”
Mayo has also turned up the volume at practice, playing music from start to finish. He’s installed a players lounge, where rookies and veterans alike can play pool and other games. He’s redecorated inside, replacing old Patriot mantras like “Do Your Job,” and installed a new, more relaxed vibe.
Not that Mayo isn’t demanding. Second-year defensive lineman Keion White said the chief reason for his buy-in is Mayo treating players like adults, expecting their best at all times. Patrriots tight end Hunter Henry also recently named Mayo’s leadership as the chief reason he’s encouraged for the season ahead, when his team is widely expected to rank among the worst in the AFC. Henry is previously on the record saying he likes tough coaching.
Players are months away from seeing how Mayo’s leadership will affect the results of wins and losses, but for now, they’re enjoying the process.
Patriots running back Antonio Gibson remained on the Non-Football Injury list through Thursday’s practice despite appearing in uniform and participating in stretching. He did not practice with the team and is expected back “relatively soon,” per coach Jerod Mayo. … Quarterback Drake Maye is expected to speak with reporters for the first time this summer after Friday’s practice. … Weather forecasts for Friday’s practice are calling for mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70s, with 0% chance of precipitation.