"Of all the players that I’ve talked to and we’ve interviewed this year and even through the years ... Tyrone is amongst the most impressive," Belichick said when asked about McKenzie. "Maturity, intelligence, what he’s done with the opportunities that he’s had or that he’s had to overcome, how he’s approached them, how he’s dealt with them, how he’s made the most of them. It hasn’t been easy.

"Yet, he’s continued to excel, jump over hurdles and overcome obstacles that I think would have derailed a lot of other people and/or football players. I think he’s a very impressive, mature, humble young man."