That taught me how to work harder. I learned all about mental toughness on the practice field. If things weren't working out for me in high school, in college, early in my pro career, my solution was always to work harder and internalize. That way, whenever I got an opportunity, I was always prepared. See, there are a lot of guys who are all talk. They say they want to work harder and be the best, but they never pay the price. I love paying the price.

Every quarterback can throw a ball; every running back can run; every receiver is fast; but that mental toughness that you talk about translates into competitiveness.

Football is unconditional love.

It's easy when you have receivers that are open all the time and an offensive line that never lets anyone touch you. It makes it fun to play.

Sometimes some of the toughest things you deal with end up being the best things because you realize the people that you can rely on, that love you and support you through it.

I think I have a certain respect for people, you know. And I guess a lot of times I expect that respect to go both ways.

In Boston, they love their sports celebrities. And it's great.