Patriots RB Antonio Gibson gives HC Jerod Mayo a recruiting pitch that his competitors can’t touch
It is an entirely new dynamic in New England heading into the 2024 season, and running back Antonio Gibson is excited about it. He especially noticed how different things are with the coaching staff, starting with Jerod Mayo. Gibson signed with the Patriots right as free agency began, and he has already made the trip […]
It is an entirely new dynamic in New England heading into the 2024 season, and running back Antonio Gibson is excited about it. He especially noticed how different things are with the coaching staff, starting with Jerod Mayo.
Gibson signed with the Patriots right as free agency began, and he has already made the trip to Gillette Stadium, having met with Mayo.
"And coach, sat down with him. We've had a good conversation. Definitely a different vibe from a head coach," Gibson told the media. "Just from the one day I met him, nothing against Coach Rivera, he just sat down and it was just having like a different conversation.
"He didn't even sound like, not to put him under, but he didn't sound like a coach. It sounded like he was talking to one of the guys. I feel that's something that might be a positive thing in the locker room for him to be able to relate and communicate like that and kind of understanding both sides of it.
For the past 24 seasons in New England, the Patriots have had one way of doing things. And that was Bill Belichick's way. But now with Mayo, things were expected to change, and it has already proven to be drastic.
But this could be what the team needs to get back on track. At least Gibson seems to think that might be the case.
Besides Gibson, Mayo has also made a great first impression on the new running back's family.
"He showed my daughter a hell of a time. Brought them to the office and just treated her with love," Gibson added. "I appreciate that for sure. Especially the first time."
Gibson spent the first four years with the Washington Commanders. However, the past two seasons have seen a decrease for Gibson, but his first two years with the Commanders were impressive. And in 2021, he finished with 258 carries for 1,037 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He also had 294 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns that year.
Last season specifically, he rushed for 265 yards on 65 carries with a touchdown along with 389 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 48 catches.
