Q: How's the acclimation process going?
RW: It's a process. I'm just trying to get accustomed to learning my environment, learning all my teammates and staff, and the biggest thing is learning the playbook.
Q: How did all of this come about? Were you surprised to get the call?
RW: It's part of the process of being a free agent. You receive phone calls. You do what you think is best for yourself, your family and whatnot, and it all plays out.
Q: Did you ever think this day would come when you would end up being a Patriot instead of a Colt?
RW: I didn't think I would do anything. My main thing is just that I want to play football, and this is the best opportunity for me.
Q: Why is it one of the best opportunities for you?
RW: I want to win, point blank.
Q: Have you had a chance to talk to any of your new teammates yet?
RW: Yeah, I've talked to quite a few of them. Some of them I know from around the way in the offseason, and everybody has welcomed me with open arms. Everything has been great so far.
Q: What kind of relationship do you have with Bill Belichick?
RW: Respect, you've got to respect what he's done in this league over the years. Even though I was on the opposite side, you see that from afar, and that's what you want. You want to be part of that. You want to learn how to put that into your repertoire. The Pro Bowls, the games, the day after the games – it was always mutual respect, and he's one of the best at it.
Q: Did Belichick's comments about you maybe being one of the best route runners in the league make you think that this would be a good place for you?
RW: That's just the way it goes. If that's what he said about me, I'm on the other side saying he's one of the best to ever do it in the coaching form. Like I said earlier, it's just one of those things where you're a free agent and you get calls sporadically. You just sit down and put your head together and talk to your agent, and you figure out what's best for you.
Q: Were any of the other calls ever serious?
RW: Yeah, there were a lot of serious calls from some good teams, but like I said, I felt like this was the best place. I'm excited about the transition. I've got so much work ahead of me. I'm sitting at my locker now cramming. It's been some years since I had to cram, so this is something new for me. I'm looking forward to the journey.
Q: Are you anxious to get that going? Is it a little like renewed passion?
RW: Yeah, I knew I was going to be behind the eight ball. I was sitting at home in Miami and just constantly getting that itch. The longer I waited, the harder it was going to be, so I think it's right on time. I've got to go back to school and try to figure all this out.
Q: What are your impressions of the playbook? Is it comparable to any of the other ones you've ever worked with before?
RW: Nope. No comparison, so that makes it even worse. But like I said, I'm excited about the opportunity. I'm excited about the challenge, and like I said, all the guys have welcomed me with open arms. It should be sweet.
Q: What is your message to Colts fans that might have a tough time digesting the fact that you're a Patriot now?
RW: No time for that right now.
Q: Do you have anything to prove to yourself or anyone else at this point in your career?
RW: Not necessarily. I just want to finish healthy, finish strong. Last year, the whole year I played injured from week one to the end. I know what I can do, I know what I'm capable of, and I'm just grateful for this opportunity, that the New England Patriots organization has welcomed me in.
Q: How do you feel about Tom Brady as your quarterback?
RW: I'm excited, I really am. Again, he's one of the best to ever do it. Tom has definitely welcomed me here. It's outstanding. Not everybody can say they've had this journey that I've had, so I'm excited about it. I'm looking forward to it.
Q: Did you leave the Colts on good terms? Are you looking forward to playing them in week six?
RW: I believe I left on good terms. As far as week six, I don't even see that right now. Right now, I'm worrying about today, getting better, like I said, trying to figure out this playbook, trying to figure out my way around this maze. When that time comes, it comes.
Q: How different is it going to be to wear a different number?
RW: It'll be alright. I would assume you make the number, but it's a new place, new journey, new path, new number.
Q: What number?
RW: I don't know yet. I think I'm going to figure that out once you guys leave, but we'll see. I'm not sure exactly yet.
Q: You might be able to offer Rob Gronkowski a little something for 87.
RW: No, he can have it. He can have it. Eighty-seven is over with.
Q: Have you had a chance to talk to Tom Brady? What has he shared with you?
RW: Yeah, I talked to him briefly because I've been so busy studying, but I talked to him. He was excited to have me here. He's looking forward to us partnering up. I told him, "Man, I know I'm a little behind. I'm going to do my best to catch up, and during practice whenever you want to go to the side and do something extra, I'm all for it."
Q: Who are the guys that you know from the offseason and things like that?
RW: A lot of guys I've played against – [Devin] McCourty and [Jerod] Mayo and Mook [Antonio Johnson]. Mookie was on the Colts team with me. [Travaris] Cadet – I did some work with him in the offseason, so there are some guys here and there. I've been hearing [about] a lot of these guys hurting us in the past, so I'm just glad to have them as teammates, and hopefully I can contribute the best way I can.
Q: How much do you feel you have left? You obviously wouldn't be here if you thought you didn't have anything left.
RW: I'm glad you said that. I think I have enough to play. Like you said, if I didn't think I had anything left, I wouldn't be here. One thing I don't do is worry about what other people say. If I didn't play at all, if I decided to retire, they still would have something to say. I can't do anything about that. The only thing I can do is let my work speak for itself. I know what I can do. I know what I can bring to the table. I've just got to get caught up and get on the same page with everybody, and I'll be able to show what I can do. Whoever those naysayers are, just watch me work.
Q: Do you think that the role here will take care of itself?
RW: Yeah, absolutely. All of that is on my shoulders. How fast I can catch up, how quick I can learn – it'll all take care of itself. Right now it's just taking it one day at a time. They're throwing everything at me right now and seeing what sticks. Hey, it's homework for me, so that's all I can do.
Q: Was there any point in the offseason where you thought you were going to retire?
RW: No, not at all. I've been training since May. I've always had that feeling that I was going to play. It was just finding out what the best situation was for myself. Like I said, I had some options, but I feel like I made the right decision.
Q: How many seasons do you think you have left?
RW: I'm just taking it one day at a time. Right now, it's worrying about this season, worrying about today, getting better today, seeing how much I can do today out there with the team, and we'll go from there.
