Safety Brandon Meriweather held a 12-minute press conference after being introduced to the media today by chairman/CEO Robert Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft. Meriweather arrived in town on Thursday morning and had a favorable impression of Gillette Stadium, calling it “second to none.”
Some of the highlights from the press conference:
Meriweather said he plans to lean on the team’s veterans, specifically former University of Miami teammate Vince Wilfork, to show him the ropes. “I’m going to try to learn as much as I can from them,” he said, also mentioning the names Rodney Harrison, Tom Brady and Tedy Bruschi, calling them “future Hall of Famers.”
Meriweather talked about the pride he takes in being a complete defensive back. “I try not to label myself as a corner, as a safety or anything,” he said.
When asked if playing quarterback in high school helps him on the field, he said: “I would like to say yes, but I don’t think so, because I was an option quarterback. I think I threw maybe two passes in three years. I was pretty much a running quarterback. As for me being Tom Brady, no, that’s not possible.”
Asked how the Patriots were effective in finding out more about who he was, he said: “The fact Coach Belichick came down. I think Coach Belichick has a great feel for people. I think just by talking to him, I could tell he was a smart guy who could feel out people well. Thanks to him, I’m here.”
Meriweather was asked if he was nervous about the challenge ahead. “Nervous? That’s a big word. I don’t think you worry about that. You’re anxious.”
Meriweather said his last shoulder surgery was two years ago. He acknowledged many NFL teams checked into his past history with shoulder injuries. “Everybody took a close look at it, they sent all their doctors in, took X-rays, and everything was good,” he said.
