At least 40 players were in attendance on Monday at Gillette Stadium for the Patriots’ first day of voluntary offseason workouts, which is a “great attendance” figure, according to a source.
Vince Wilfork, who just signed a five-year contract extension, was among the team’s stars who attended the workout. Linebacker Jerod Mayo, safety Brandon Meriweather and running back Laurence Maroney were a few others who attended the workout. Quarterback Tom Brady, wide receiver Randy Moss and linebacker Adalius Thomas were among those not in attendance. Wide receiver Wes Welker, who is recovering from knee and shoulder surgeries, was also missing.
These camps are typically attended by younger players, and veteran absences aren’t out of the ordinary. Yet, after Wilfork said last week he wanted to help the team improve its leadership, it comes across as a positive sign that he was among the large group of players who showed up to Gillette. Players often rave about how these offseason workouts go a long way toward the team-building process.
Monday’s workouts focused on cardio and weightlifting, and the players were in and out of the facility within a few hours. The workouts will steadily progress throughout the offseason and leading up into minicamp. If players want to be compensated for the workouts, they must show up for four workouts in a given week.
