New England Patriots Links 7/17/12 - Warren 'Blessed' Being in NFL 11 Years, Credits Mental Toughness

Cliff Olsen (The Gainesville Sun) Former Gator Warren speaks out on camp, pro career.

"Pretty fortunate [to have endured the grind of more than 10 NFL seasons], but I attribute a lot of that to just being blessed and protected, but also to what was built and instilled in me here at Union County," Warren said. "We harp on building mental and physical toughness. Where it's something that a guy might miss a game for, I might not miss a game for."

"I have had a few nice injuries. It's just the fact to having the mental (toughness) to block it out and the pain tolerance to go out there and go," Warren said. "From high ankle sprains, torn cartilage, fingers, hyper extended elbows, separated shoulders, there has been injuries but it's about the mental toughness and being able to be reliable and counted upon."

While there is no guarantee as to how long Warren's career will last, he is looking forward to training camp and a 12th year in the league.

"As many years as possible, it is a blessing to be in the NFL for 11 years," Warren said. "As long as I can go, as long as a coach and a team or an organization can see me being productive and helping their organization, then I am willing to go out and put in the work and the effort and to come out and play."

Will Brinson (CBS Sports) Winners and losers from 2012 franchise tag deadline.

Winner: The Patriot Way. Just when you think the Patriots might show some loyalty ... you're wrong again. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean the Pats did the wrong thing by not giving Wes Welker more guaranteed money. It simply means that they did the business-like thing with Welker by not giving him more guaranteed money. New England has a long history of not handing out big contracts to older veterans, and it's served them well. If Welker has a big season in 2012 -- or perhaps a "normal" 110-catch, 1,200-yard, six-touchdown season if you prefer -- he's as good as gone.

TEAM TALK

• Paul Perillo analyzes the roster position-by-position: Defensive back.
• Andy Hart gives stock ratings to each player on the Patriots offensive line.

LOCAL LINKS

• Jeff Howe reports that the saga with Wes Welker and the Patriots will continue into next spring, if not longer.
• Christopher Price explains what's next for Wes Welker and the Patriots.
• Shalise Manza Young says Wes Welker will play for the Patriots in 2012, but what happens beyond that is anyone's guess.
• Jim Donaldson lists a multitude of reasons we should not feel sorry for Wes Welker.
• Field Yates notes the Patriots are one of 11 teams with 10 projected starters for 2012 who are due to hit free agency by 2013 or 2014.
• Mike Reiss discusses an ESPN Insider piece that has the Patriots ranked as the top team with the best talent under the age of 25.
• Glen Farley makes the case that the Buffalo Bills are the top threat to New England in the AFC East.
• Jeff Howe notes DL Brandon Deaderick hosted his first football camp in his native Elizabethtown, KY, and it was free for the 200 participants.
• Mike Rodak analyzes players on the roster bubble and where they may potentially fit in 2012: DT Gerard Warren.
• Greg A. Bedard posts a review of the Patriots inside linebackers and defensive line heading into training camp.
• Field Yates scouts the Patriots roster: Specialists.
• Mike Reiss gives us a peek ahead to the Patriots' 2013 opponents.
• Mike Rodak notes the Patriots rank 6th on Forbes annual list of the world's most valuable sports franchises.

NATIONAL NEWS

• James Walker (ESPN) Welker latest poster child of 'Patriot Way'.
• Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) Welker learns harsh lesson as Pats answer peace gesture with no contract.
• Jason La Canfora (CBS Sports) Who got paid and who didn't is the product of teams' needs and outlooks.
• Eric Edholm (Pro Football Weekly) Biggest regrets: These 2012 moves will be rued. #5. Patriots not signing Welker now.
• Bill Barnwell (Grantland) Playing tag: It's time to break down the six groups of franchise players in the NFL and determine who fits where.
• Clifton Brown (Sporting News) Franchise maneuvers: Not everyone happy.
• John Clayton (ESPN) Some teams face big free-agent calls in the next couple of years.
• James Walker (ESPN) Pre-camp grades: New England Patriots.
• Staff Report (Pro Football Weekly) AFC East training-camp reports.
• Total Access (NFL.com) AFC East camp questions: Jets WR Santonio Holmes says the Patriots defense did nothing to improve this offseason. (5.22 min. video)
• Kurt Badenhausen (Forbes) Manchester United tops the world's 50 most valuable sports teams.
• Cyd Zeigler Jr. (Outsports) Rob Gronkowski would be 'cool' with a gay teammate.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Gronkowski reluctantly gives interview on gay players in pro sports.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Doubt grows that Darrelle Revis will show up to Jets' training camp.