With the New England Patriots having the reputation of being a strict and rigorous organization, new acquisition Kendrick Bourne thought that’s exactly how the organization is going to be. Instead, his assumptions were quickly proven untrue.
After an initial meeting last week with the organization, the broad recipient found out that New England can still be a bit of fun. Bourne, who signed a one-year deal with the organization, calmed his concerns after the initial meeting with the organization.
The wide receiver got 49 passes for 667 yards last year and two touchdowns for the 49ers.
“I thought when I first entered the building, I thought it would all be captured to see how it was going to feel, everyone was looking at me, coaches were meeting, but it was a whole misconception,” Bourne said. “They were relaxed in there. They were relaxed and had fun. They know what they want it to look like. They know they want their organization to be serious, excellence. But behind closed doors it is relaxed. This is fun. There was laughter in there. I stumbled. I thought it was going to be just me. … ”
‘But when Bill (Belichick) first came into the building, he was very cool. (Owner) Robert Kraft was super nice. I just had a very different view of the Patriots in my head. It was a happy medium. You can be a joker, be cool, but we work hard here. It weighs heavier than the silliness, the hard work. I got the happy medium. Turn it off a bit, I can relax. I know when to turn it on. ‘OK, it’s time to be serious, time to work. We have to win this match, or we have to knock out this workout or this weight room workout or whatever it may be. ‘… Misconception by me. I’m excited to be here. ”
Since the Patriots need significant production from the wide receiver position, Bourne is a part of it. Now he can relax a little, knowing that the Patriots might have fun after all.