Jerod Mayo has proven he can be a leader on the Patriots defense, and last week, he showed he can be a leader on the lanes as well.
According to Boston.com, the New England linebacker hosted the inaugural "Mayo Bowl" celebrity charity bowling tournament at Kings Dedham at Legacy Place on March 25. Proceeds from the event benefited Pitching in for Kids, Inc., a dynamic nonprofit that strives to provide specifically earmarked grants designed to help children in New England.
Mayo, a former first-round pick out of Tennessee, has replaced Tedy Bruschi on New England's defense, and it's clear that he tries to follow Bruschi’s example both on and off the field.
"You know, I try to model my career after Tedy Bruschi as far as in the community and things he does," Mayo told the Globe. "He's made a major impact here. Even though he's not playing anymore, he's still living here, so that's something I want to do. Anytime you're able to give back to the community, that's a major thing."
Bruschi, who retired from the NFL just prior to the 2009 season, likes what he sees in Mayo.
"I saw him progress from a rookie to a second-year player and now he's making himself known to the community here," Bruschi said. "It's nice to see because he's one of the signature players on that defense and he's doing a good job."
Many current Patriots participated as well, including Julian Edelman, Gary Guyton, Pierre Woods, Brandon Meriweather and defensive-line coach Pepper Johnson. Troy Brown and Christian Fauria were among the former Pats players to attend the event.
Johnson, for one, was bowled over by the event.
"There's nothing like the unity, there's nothing like friendship, there's nothing like support in the game of football, period," Johnson said. "Hey, I had a bowling tournament and had an outing for my guys [years ago] and it was nothing like this. It was no red carpet. It was a bunch of guys going out and bowling with a DJ.’"
