Bill Belichick with high praise for Jerod Mayo, says team revolves around him

Photo by Katie Shannon, nePatriotsLife.com

The Patriots went most of the season without their captain, Jerod Mayo last season, and apparently they missed more than just what he brings on the field.

Bill Belichick had high praise for Mayo this morning, putting him on the level of the Tedy Bruschis of the world. The coach said that Mayo isn't only important to the defense, but to the offense.

whoa RT @JumboHart: BB on Mayo "really the guy the team revolves around more than any other ...Not just the defensive guys." Wow #Patriots

— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) July 25, 2014

That is pretty big coming from Belichick, who is usually pretty mum when commenting on individual players. Mayo has always had a soft spot in his heart though, and his teammates even call him "Bill Jr" because of the close relationship he has with the coach.

Bill Belichick on LB Jerod Mayo: "One of best team leaders and glue guys I have been around."

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 25, 2014