Back in the mid-80s (86, I believe), I went to a photo/autograph day on the field at Foxboro during the preseason. Tables were set up around the edges of the field and a player or two sat at each table. You could go up to each table, ask for an autograph and even sit on their side of the table and get your picture taken with them. I've got pics of either my brother or me sitting with Grogan, Tippett, Eason, Craig James, Mosi, Trevor Matich and Tony Collins. Collins was by far the most enthusiastic during the pics, showing a big toothy smile while the rest were pretty much emotionless...probably tired of a zillion pics.
Do the Pats even do something like this nowadays? I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't, now with the autograph hounds out to make a buck and the players wanting their piece...something that was much more subdued back then. If they don't, it's a shame because it was a highlight of my teenage years of Pats fandom.
Regards,
Chris
P.S. Another thing I took away from that visit: The artificial turf was like a cement floor coated with a thin layer of rubber. Had a slight bounce, but clearly did not hide the hardness underneath. No wonder players hate astroturf. Also, the crown on the field was significant. TV didn't do it justice.