As the New England Patriots gear up for the 2023 NFL season, a buzz surrounds their promising rookie cornerback, Christian Gonzalez. Drafted in the first round, Gonzalez is already making headlines, having been named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. The young athlete's rapid rise has caught the attention of many, but perhaps none more so than former Patriot and five-time Pro Bowler, Stephon Gilmore.
Gilmore, who spent 13 seasons perfecting his craft in the NFL, sees a lot of himself in the young cornerback. The two initially connected at the Sports Academy and have built a rapport that's proving invaluable for Gonzalez. "It's his demeanor and how he carries himself on the field -- he doesn't say much but he's a team player. One thing I know he can do is really cover man to man and shut guys down. That's one thing I definitely like about him," says Gilmore.
Indeed, Gilmore's influence on Gonzalez has been notable. After watching Gonzalez get drafted, Gilmore reached out to Patriots' defensive backs coach Mike Pellegrino, confident in the rookie's potential. "I texted Mike Pellegrino and said, 'He's going to be good,'" Gilmore recalled. This mentorship has not gone unnoticed by Gonzalez, who speaks highly of his interactions with the seasoned cornerback. "It's real cool to be able to talk to him any time. He's one of the best to ever do it," said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez's journey hasn't been without its challenges. In Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, he suffered a torn labrum, a setback that could test the resilience of any rookie. Interestingly, Gonzalez grew up just outside of Dallas, adding a personal layer to that unfortunate injury. Nevertheless, his potential remains a focal point as he is expected to start opposite nine-year veteran Jonathan Jones, with Marcus Jones likely covering the slot. As Stephon Gilmore, who currently remains a free agent, puts it, "I tell him all the time, 'I wish I would have known what I know now in year 5 or 4.' But if I can teach a guy like him, in his second year, the sky is the limit for him."
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, in his first year at the helm, adds another interesting dimension to Gonzalez's development. Mayo, the fifth head coach in Patriots' history who previously played professional football and the first to have played for the Patriots, brings a unique perspective to his coaching role. "He's one of those guys who is just going to do his job -- not a rah-rah guy or a big talker," said Mayo about Gonzalez. He also noted the rookie's impressive physical abilities, saying, "Sometimes I yell at him because I don't think he's trying but at the same time you look at the numbers and he's running 22 miles per hour and it's like, 'Man, this guy is a gazelle.' We'll be leaning on him."
As the Patriots prepare to kick off their preseason with a game against the Carolina Panthers, all eyes will be on how well this new constellation of talent gels on the field. Key matchups against strong teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, and San Francisco 49ers will undoubtedly test the mettle of Gonzalez and the entire Patriots roster.
Yet, for all the focus on the new season, there is a palpable sense that the mentorship between Gilmore and Gonzalez could be a game-changer. "I see a lot of myself in him. The thing about playing corner is the mind game. If you get the mind right; I think he has all the ability to be whatever he wants to be," Gilmore stated, underscoring the mental and strategic aspects crucial to success at cornerback.
For Gilmore himself, the current free agent status seems to be a time for reflection and readiness. "I'm just taking advantage of the time with my family, but staying ready for my opportunity. Being patient and enjoying life right now," he mentioned.
Under the guidance of a seasoned coach like Jerod Mayo, who emphasizes professionalism and accountability, and with the wisdom imparted by veterans like Stephon Gilmore, the Patriots' rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez appears to be on a promising path. "I hate when people say 'player's coach.' I truly believe in being demanding without being demeaning. For me, it's striking the balance to treating these guys as professionals but also holding them accountable to everything they talked about on Day 1 of the spring," Mayo said of his coaching philosophy.
As the season unfolds, the narrative of Gonzalez and the Patriots will be one to watch, rich with mentorship, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.