As he strode into the locker room after practice, Michael Floyd passed by a few media members as he approached his locker. There, with his back to the room, he hung up his helmet and shoulder pads and quickly changed into a cleaner shirt.
When he turned around, a crowd of reporters, cameras, and microphones had formed a semi-circle around him.
Floyd's eyes popped and he smiled.
"Whoa! So this is what it's like to be a Patriot?"
It was a genuine, light-hearted moment, but the veteran pass catcher understood the serious reason why everyone was there to speak with him.
"I just want to start off," Floyd began when the recording devices started rolling, "by saying I understand what happened last week was last week. I'm excited for my opportunity here and being a Patriot with a great group of guys, great group of coaches and an organization that just treats people well."
Floyd was referring, of course, to his arrest in Arizona on drunk driving charges, which precipitated his release from the Cardinals and subsequent signing by the Patriots.
"I'm trying not to think about it… All I can do is learn from that and move forward," he continued, adding that he's trying to focus his attention and energy on preparing to play as soon as possible for his new team.
"In life, everyone makes mistakes," the 27-year-old acknowledged. "I think by now it's about learning from mistakes. I think I couldn't be in a better position right now with this team. The guys that they have around here, just keeping me focused and working hard."
Videos of Floyd's arrest and its aftermath, which were released by police in Scottsdale this week, have gotten a considerable amount of media attention, but Floyd claimed he hadn't watched them. However, he said he promised the Patriots he won't repeat the behavior that led to his arrest because he understands he only has a certain amount of chances left in his career.
"Mistakes can't happen. I'm just glad, and I'm excited I'm a Patriot and I'm here. I'm in a good place right now mentally. These guys brought me in as family and I'm excited to be here."
Brissett's back
Yesterday, we told you that rookie Jacoby Brissett was activated from injured reserve. Today, the QB opened up about his prolonged absence following a thumb injury in Week 3 that eventually required surgery.
"It's just something I had to deal with for one game. Glad I had the surgery," he chuckled.
Brissett admitted that, even though, he's been practicing for the past three weeks (the window allowed by the NFL before teams can decide to activate players off IR), he's still readjusting to the daily routine.
"It's a process. I hadn't done anything in two months. I'm still trying to get back in the rhythm."
During his two months on IR, Brissett traveled with the Patriots to a couple of road games, which he characterized as "a good opportunity" to continue learning the system while he was inactive on the field. It was also an indication, it seemed, that he was in the long-term plans for this season. And now that he's back on the active roster, he sees it as a vote of confidence in his abilities and potential to develop into an even better player.
"Definitely. It's an honor to be part of this organization and be back out there practicing."
Practice Report
Linebacker/co-captain Dont'a Hightower, named this week as a Pro Bowler, did not practice because of his nagging knee issue. He was limited in his participation on Wednesday.
The only other Patriot not able to take part was wide receiver Danny Amendola (right ankle).
