Many players and agents "decry the Patriots' tight-fisted approach to roster building," but there are "many side benefits that are unique" to the team, according to Ben Volin of the BOSTON GLOBE. From a visibility standpoint, there is "no greater team to play for than the Patriots." They play the "maximum five national TV games every season" and also "make the playoffs and compete for Super Bowls year in and year out." Players can "become a recognizable star simply by playing" alongside QB Tom Brady. For example, WR Danny Amendola "landed a cover on Men's Health magazine in September." Volin: "He's not showing off his six-pack abs in airports across the country if he plays for Jacksonville or Buffalo or Oakland." Patriots WR Julian Edelman has his own JE11 brand, "scored a cameo in the 'Entourage' movie, and has lately joined Brady in his national UGG campaign." Patriots S Devin McCourty has endorsements with Visa, Pepsi and Palmer's Lotion, while TE Rob Gronkowski has "made so much money from Dunkin' Donuts, Nike, the Madden 17 cover, and many more that he says he lives off his endorsement money and puts all of his football money into savings and investments" (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/6).
THE GOOD GUYS: In Boston, Mark Shanahan noted the Patriots, with help from Make-A-Wish groups in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, last week helped organize a meet-and-greet with several Patriots players. A group of six kids from across the country "got a behind-the-scenes look at Gillette Stadium," met Owner Robert Kraft and Edelman and "played catch with Brady" (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/5).
