Jerod Mayo NFL Defensive ROY

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Before the 2008 season began, New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo said he wanted to be the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. His wish came true today as he won the award presented by the Associated Press. Jerod came to the Patriots as a first round Draft pick back in April and aside from his natural talent, he was fortunate to have good teaching, learning from veteran linebackers like Mike Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi. Obviously he made the most of his opportunities because he led the Pats in tackles (128) this season:

“I knew when they first called my name at the Draft I was going to an organization that knew how to win. They knew how to prepare for games and things like that. So I pretty much came in trying to learn as much as I could. My main focus coming here (was) I wanted to win the Super Bowl as a rookie. I thank the AP for the award, but I would trade it in for a Super Bowl any day.”

Jerod may have exceeded his high expectations, but that’s typically what players who win the Rookie of the Year award do. The Patriots knew they needed to get some young talent at the linebacker position and a better choice they could not have made. Jerod was only the second Patriot to win the award, joining Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Mike Haynes who won in 1976. I believe he’ll be a special talent in New England for a long time.

Source: Patriots.com, Photo: Newscom