WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Like Tom Brady before him, Mac Jones was named a Patriots captain ahead of his second season as New England's starting quarterback.
Bill Belichick broke the news Wednesday morning before the Patriots' first (and controversial) practice at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Jones will be one of New England's six captains, joining center David Andrews, special teamer Matthew Slater, linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley, defensive lineman Deatrich Wise and safety Devin McCourty. Wise, like Jones, is a first-time captain.
Seconds after Belichick made the announcement, Jones met with reporters and offered his thoughts on being voted a team captain.
"I think it's really cool," he said. "I think I have a lot of work to do. I want to become an even better leader. I think we have great guys around us that make everything better. Great coaches, great organization and we've just got to build. I'm going to learn from the older guys like I did when I first got here and continue to do that. Hopefully, some of the younger guys can come to me, whether that be issues and things they want to get fixed, or things that they're struggling with.
"I'll be happy to help anybody on our team."
Honestly, it would've been a bit of a surprise had Jones not been named a captain. Teammates raved about the sophomore quarterback's improved leadership all offseason, and Jones was a more commanding and vocal presence from spring practices through the end of training camp.
Ultimately, earning the respect of his teammates was Jones' primary goal -- not earning captainship.
"I mean, titles are titles," he said. "I think really good leaders lead no matter what. If they're the No. 1 guy or not, it doesn't matter, they're good leaders. I think it's great. But you have to be yourself and that's what’s important to me, is just being myself. I'm plenty good enough and I just need to continue to grow and try to figure out how I can get better as a player, as a leader, and a person and all that stuff.
"So, it comes with time and experience and learning lessons."
Jones and the Patriots will practice for two more days in West Palm Beach, Fla., before visiting the Miami Dolphins on Sunday for the season opener.
