"Jerod Mayo is only beginning his fourth season with the Patriots, but he's already making a sizable impact on the community.

The Patriots captain was honored as the 2011 Ron Burton Community Service Award winner, the team announced during the Patriots Charitable Foundation's Kickoff Gala.

Mayo said that when drafted by the Patriots in the first round in 2008, owner Robert Kraft told him to be a good player on the field.

"But they also stressed to me to be good in the community and give back," Mayo said at the dais upon accepting his award. "I feel so fortunate to be at a great place like this. Just to have the role models of these past winners (is great).""