Bill Belichick offers a statement on the passing of Myra H. Kraft.
"On behalf of the entire Patriots football operation, we mourn the passing of Myra Kraft. As much support as her quiet but unmistakable presence provided us in the competitive arena and as much as I personally will miss her warm embraces before and after each game, Myra shined brightest in a much broader arena. In the humanitarian arena, her generosity through philanthropy was admired and appreciated by all. She made a permanent impression on hundreds of coaches, players, staff and our families as a model of grace, strength and giving. Myra's vision and example will impact and remain very much with our team forever."
Mike Reiss reminisces with Former Patriot Ellis Hobbs.
His fondest memories from four seasons (2005-2008) in New England? "The 18-0 season, even though it ended bad," Hobbs answered. "Every time we beat a team, in the locker room, Tedy Bru[schi] would play the song ‘Another one bites the dust’. Then we would go from that to Orange Juice [Jones] and ‘I saw you walking in the rain.’ I don’t know why, but those two songs stick with me. Those were some great times."
Former teammates Brandon Meriweather and Jerod Mayo have been guests at the camp this week. "It’s funny, I haven’t seen these guys in a while, but we constantly keep up with one another. I see them on the Twitter, and things like that," Hobbs said. "It’s weird, because you created this bond with these guys, and then it was kind of torn away because of business. But we picked up where we left off. We’re giving hugs, slapping each other 5, and it’s all genuine. It’s because there is a mutual respect and a real brotherhood there."
Hobbs was asked which Patriots players he keeps in contact with on a regular basis. "The whole squad," he said. "Mayo. Ty Warren, I was just at his football camp. Richard Seymour, I text him constantly. I just saw Vince [Wilfork]. Pierre Woods. Deion Branch. Artrell Hawkins, believe it or not. Kevin Faulk. Benjamin Watson. The list can go on and on. This is real life beyond the football."
REMEMBERING MYRA KRAFT
- Patriots Today - Remembering Myra Kraft (1.15 min. video)
- NFLN: Wife of Patriots owner Kraft passes away. (1.47 min. video)
- The New England Patriots offer a Myra H. Kraft biography and service information.
- Mike Reiss shares his thoughts on Myra Kraft, the "First Lady of Football" in New England.
- Mike Reiss writes Myra Kraft brought compassion and generosity to football's cutthroat world.
- Mike Reiss shares the immediate reactions from Twitter, on the passing of Myra Kraft.
- Christopher Price talks about the indelible imprint Myra Kraft leaves on the Patriots franchise.
- Karen Guregian says Myra Kraft was a difference-maker who had a tremendous impact in the local community with her charitable and philanthropic efforts.
- Tom E. Curran writes about how Myra Kraft was beloved by the Patriots and the community.
- Dan Shaughnessy calls Myra Kraft "the conscience and soul" of the Patriots.
LOCAL LINKS
- Christopher Price thinks it now appears that both NFL players and owners are close to an agreement on a new deal.
- Ron Borges reports the $320 million the players are pursuing was bargained away by both sides in the last CBA in the event of that uncapped year.
- Tom E. Curran says, "don't tell me about the labor pains. Just show me the baby."
- WEEI highlight's Heath Evans' guest appearance on the Mut & Merloni show.
- Jerry Thornton offers some parallels with Potter as something to think about for Boston fans.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Chris Chase (Yahoo! Sports) Brandon Meriweather trains like he's in 'Rocky IV'.
- NFL Live (ESPN) The Patriots' biggest needs. (2.10 min. video)
- Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Best, worst fits for Asomugha, Holmes, other free agents.
- Kerry J. Byrne (Cold Hard Football Facts) Harrison is wrong: Roethlisberger, Manning are equals.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Peyton Manning didn't appear on Colts' injury report despite neck ailments.
- Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Eliminating two-a-days: good or bad for the NFL?
- Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Why position coaches will be key in camp.
- Jeff Fedotin (Nat'l Football Post) Bring back 'Primetime,' please.
- The Gamer Blog (ESPN) 'Madden 12' team ratings: AFC East.
- Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Crime and no punishment: Tampering is NFL's open secret.
- Chad Reuter (CBS Sports) Plenty of talent left among undrafted class.
- Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) A stretch? Players fear layoff could put strain on bodies.
- Adam Rank (NFL.com) Putting a man on the moon makes these NFL situations harder to accept.
- Peter King (SI) Access made covering Giants in Parcells era particularly memorable.
LABOR LUNACY
- Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) Most critical day in NFL talks is here.
- Clark Judge (CBS Sports) League worried players might put last-minute halt to deal.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) ESPN reports conflict on whether named plaintiffs sought benefits.
- Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) The hangup: players still asking for cash. Looking at you, Mankins and Jackson.
- Jason Cole (Yahoo! Sports) NFL players own worst enemies.
- Jim Trotter (SI) Players not ready for formal vote due to $320 million issue.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Approval of CBA by players should be a no-brainer.
- Gregg Rosenthal (ProFootballTalk) Trying to explain the delay in player vote.
- Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) A game of chicken.
- Nancy Gay (Fox Sports) Owners could still vote Thursday.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Jeff Pash says both sides should be able to vote Thursday.
- Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) NFL, players - finally - appear near paydirt.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Report: CBA more "tenuous" than widely believed.
- Clifton Brown (Sporting News) Rush to resolution: Delayed vote doesn't appear to be red flag.
- Gregg Rosenthal (ProFootballTalk) New CBA expected to protect veterans from being cap casualties.
- Jack Bechta (Nat'l FootballPost) Will chaos rule the day? Agents, GMs and head coaches have been equally kept in the dark.
- AP Report (SI) Retirees sue NFL, say league hid information on concussions.