Former Patriots tight end Kyle Brady blocked for new Patriots running back Fred Taylor for eight seasons when both played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
When Brady first heard that Taylor was released, one of his first thoughts was "I bet the Patriots show an interest; he's their type of guy, and they do a great job getting the most out of guys at that point in their career."
Brady spent some time recapping his thoughts on what the Patriots are getting in Taylor, and here were three points that stood out:
1) He still has something left in the tank. "In his prime, I don't know if there was anyone more explosive in the league. It might sound biased, because I played with him, but I watched a lot of film on players in the 13 years I played and his strengths, as far as pure game-breaking explosiveness, there just weren't many like him -- he could hit another gear in a hurry. Maybe he doesn't have that top gear at this point, but if he's in good health, he still has a gear in there not every guy has, especially for a guy his size."
2) Consummate locker-room guy. "I really enjoyed playing with Fred. I played with him for eight years, which is as long as I played with anyone in my entire football career. He is a classy guy off the field. When you look back on it, a guy like him is one of the reasons you miss the game, when you're sitting around and thinking of the guys that you particularly enjoyed playing with and being around. In hindsight, once you're out, you realize how much more you should have savored it. Fred is one of those guys I think of. It was an honor to play with him, because of what he did on the field, and the way he was off it."
3) The play will do the talking. "He's a pretty quiet guy for the most part. He grew to be a bit more vocal in the locker room as the years went by, but he was someone who was more about letting his actions do the talking. In a new place, I think you'll see him go about his work and business and seek to earn the respect of the guys through his actions and what he does, as opposed to what is said."
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I am a die hard Patriot's fan who now lives in Jacksonville. I did an internship with the Pats in 86 as an assistant strength coach during training camp and was asked back in 87. They were then and will always be the classiest team in the NFL for the way I was treated by the players, coaches and ownership. I did a small volunteer stint with the Jaguars, also. I got to know Fred Taylor first as a neighbor and then with the team. This guy is the best. He keeps himself in phenominal shape and is a team first player. The Pats made a great move. By the way I go to know Kyle Brady too. He is a class AAA person. Matt K