Patriots’ Kyle Dugger Had On-Brand Reaction To Becoming Captain

Kyle Dugger isn't the "rah-rah" type.

The Patriots have become well aware of that over the course of his career, watching the 28-year-old lead by example more than with his words. Thus, New England likely wasn't surprised to hear his reaction to being named captain Wednesday.

"It was a big honor. It meant a lot knowing that the guys felt that way about me," Dugger said, per Pats Pulpit. "It feels good, but we're just trying to win games at the end of the day.

"I feel like as far as what I'm supposed to do is what I've been doing: leading by example. I don't really look at it as I'm trying to replace Ja'Whaun (Bentley). He's still a captain. I don't really look at it as shoes to fill, but just doing what I've been doing, leading by example and showing these guys what to do."

Dugger was elevated to the new role under unfortunate circumstances, as Bentley was placed on injured reserve with what is expected to be a season-ending pectoral injury. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo believes in having his captains remain active contributors, which prompted him to name Dugger captian alongside Bentley, Jacoby Brissett, David Andrews, Jabrill Peppers, Joe Cardona and Deatrich Wise Jr.

"I had a conversation with Bentley, obviously not being in the build every single day right now as he goes through the rehab process. I did ask him. I said, 'To me, it's important that we still have leadership and representation for that side of the ball,'" Mayo told reporters at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. "When we did the vote for captains, and once again this is voted on by their peers, it was very close. It was very close."

Dugger has grown to become incredibly important to New England, displaying a level of versatility that makes him indispensable to the club's defense. The Patriots will need him to continue producing on the field, but now it's time for the soft-spoken safety to add a new wrinkle to his already key role.

"I've just been trying to show discipline in terms of everyday work habits -- taking notes, watching film, in the weight room, taking care of your body, things like that," Dugger said. "It doesn't ever really stop. It's an everyday grind."