A year ago in Tampa Bay, it was all about Darrelle Revis.
Making $13 million and brought in as the hired gun to the team's supposedly resurgent defense, all eyes were on the 27-year-old cornerback to boost the unit to the heights he experienced for multiple seasons while with the New York Jets.
Fast forward a year, and Revis is now sporting blue, red and silver as part of a New England Patriots squad known for its team-first mentality, a mantra he'll surely be expected to follow.
In talking with reporters Friday, Revis said that's just fine with him, though he won't stop being the person that got him to where he is today.
"Yeah, I’m being my own guy. I’m going to be me," he said, via WEEI.com. "That’s all I can say. I think coach Belichick lets guys be who they are. That’s fine. I’ll be myself and go with the flow.
"I’m not trying to come in here and step on anybody’s toes."
Whether he likes it or not, the five-time Pro Bowler is bound to step on one or two, with guys like Alfonzo Dennard, Logan Ryan and Kyle Arrington re-assuming position a little lower on the depth chart, especially when taking into account the signing of former Seattle Seahawk Brandon Browner.
Revis is prepared to ease into the process as he gets comfortable in Foxborough, however, and he's more than willing to take some pointers from some Patriots veterans that are well-versed in the team's secondary schemes.
"You have to take a step back — there are guys who have been here for many years," he said. "Devin McCourty, Logan Ryan is a very smart guy. So they’ve been in this system a little bit. I’m just trying to sit back, get feedback from those guys, and go from there.
"As of right now, we’re in OTAs, and this is the time when we can glue together — not just as a secondary, but as a defense. Also as a team as well. We’re all in this together."
For what it's worth, McCourty had similar thoughts about his new teammate when he talked to reporters Thursday, and he said he's excited for the team building to begin.
"I think it's exciting for him to be here," he said. "I think he's focused on getting better as a player, just like the rest of us. I'm excited for the season this year and for the secondary to start bonding and coming a unit."
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