FOXBORO, Mass. — Alfonzo Dennard met with the media for the first time this offseason Friday, and he did his best to avoid any talk of his recent arrest.
“I’m focused on football right now,” Dennard said when asked about his July 11 arrest on Suspicion of DUI. “I’m not trying to talk about that right now. I’m just happy to be back on the field. It’s a great opportunity.”
The arrest came less than five months after the Patriots cornerback was convicted of a 2012 assault on a police officer and sentenced to one month in prison. The team stuck with Dennard through the initial trial and continues to back him through his most recent accusation, which could result in a suspension by the league.
Dennard seemed grateful to be back on the field with his teammates and wouldn’t give into any speculation about his future.
“I’m still on the team, right now. So, that’s all I’m worried about right now,” Dennard said. “I’m just worried about the present, and the present right now is being on the field and trying to help my team win and do as much as I can.”
Dennard had a good practice Friday, coming on the field in nickel situations and playing as the second outside cornerback opposite Aqib Talib. He kept tight coverage for most of the day, but his most memorable moment was likely getting posterized by wide receiver Kamar Aiken, who jumped over top of Dennard to haul in a pass from Tom Brady.
As it stands, Dennard looks like the No. 3 cornerback on the Patriots’ roster right now, behind Talib and Kyle Arrington, which might be disappointing considering how well he ended last season. But, given his uncertainty on the roster a few weeks ago, he seems happy just to be here.
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