“He’s, I’d say, really the guy that the team probably revolves around more than any other player,” Belichick said of the 28-year-old defensive captain. “Not that there aren’t other players that are instrumental in that, but I think he touches pretty much everybody — not just the defensive players, but all the guys. Not just the older guys, but the younger guys.
“When he was captain in his second year, he had a relationship with the older guys. Now he’s a more veteran player but still pretty attached to the younger guys, like Jamie Collins, [Dont’a] Hightower, guys like that, in addition to players not at his position. He’s got great work ethic, great presence on the football field, great personality: I’d say in a very good way professional, but also has good rapport with all the players and the coaches. I think he’s as well-respected as any player in the locker room. One of the best overall team leaders, players — kind of a glue, chemistry guy.”
