FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots linebacker Tracy White made it sound like there's no place he'd rather be than New England.
White, an eight-year veteran who is entering free agency, hoped like crazy he could return to the Patriots.
"Being here, I learned a lot," White said. "Out of the [previous] seven years that I've been in the league, I learned more here than the past seven years. I hope to be back here next year."
White finished second on the Patriots with 18 special teams tackles and was a valuable member of Scott O'Brien's units. With the emphasis Bill Belichick places on special teams, it would be surprising if he parted ways with White, who was acquired from the Eagles in a Sept. 5 trade.
White said he didn't expect to hear from the Patriots until the middle of February, but he was genuine about one thing: If they want him back, he'll be in New England.
"The style of coaching, it's top of the line right here," said White, who has also played for the Seahawks, Jaguars and Packers. "I've been on a lot of teams, and it's totally different. This is the top of the food chain. I'd like to be here."
