Jerod Mayo News: Pro Sports Daily

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January 1

Boston Herald

"The Patriots broke from their norm by selecting a linebacker in the first round of the 2008 draft. The commonly held belief was that the club avoided selecting linebackers that high because Bill Belichick’s defensive system is too complicated to learn quickly. Mayo proved otherwise. Taken with the 10th overall pick in April, Mayo not only got a handle on the defense, but he thrived in it, leading the team with 137 tackles from his all-important position at inside linebacker. Yesterday, his reward was being named the near-unanimous Associated Press 2008 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. “It means a lot . . . it’s a great honor,” Mayo said during a conference call. “I look at it more as a ..."

Jerod Mayo no wallflower

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December 7

Boston Herald

"Jerod Mayo has played a lot more meaningful football than most had imagined for a rookie linebacker, especially considering the nuances of the Patriots’ complex system. The rookie has led the team in tackles from the opening week, hitting his stride with the 20-tackle effort in Week 10 against the Jets. Lately, his name hasn’t been mentioned as much in the play-by-play. Might he have hit that proverbial rookie wall? After all, at Tennessee, his college season would be over by now, save for prepping for a possible bowl appearance. Asked about it Friday, Mayo said he’s been told about it and warned about it happening, but doesn’t believe he’s reached that point. “To be honest, I feel good, ..."

Big production by Jerod Mayo

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November 15

Boston Herald

"The number jumps off the stat sheet: 20 tackles. The number represents a career high in a 10-game career that’s already looking like it has the chance to be something truly special. Patriots rookie inside linebacker Jerod Mayo was all over the Gillette Stadium field in Thursday night’s 34-31 overtime loss to the New York Jets, with 16 solo stops and four assists. He crashed the line in the running game, registered tackles in the open field and made plays down the field. Mayo was everywhere. “Jerod has been pretty active in all of the games,” coach Bill Belichick said. “He’s instinctive. He has a nose for where the ball is, he gets to it and he’s a good tackler. He doesn’t miss many. He has ..."

Mayo makes a mark

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November 14

Boston Globe

"Jerod Mayo turned around from his locker last night to find a herd of cameras and microphones, about the biggest compliment a rookie linebacker can receive following a loss in which he was not the goat. But Mayo politely declined all requests for comment, citing the Patriots' (loosely followed) rule that rookies can't speak following games. He could be forgiven considering he did all his talking on the field. Mayo, a first-round pick (10th overall) out of Tennessee, recorded a game-high 20 tackles (16 solo, 4 assisted) as the Patriots' defense did its job in helping the team overcome an 18-point deficit, but it wasn't enough as New England fell in overtime to the rival Jets, 34-31, at ..."

Avoid spoiling Jerod Mayo

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November 2

Boston Herald

"Patriots defensive coodinator Dean Pees joked with reporters Friday that Jerod Mayo shouldn’t be told he was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for October. Part of Pees meant it, because coaches are always trying to keep the kids in line. Pees doesn’t want Mayo to think he’s made it before his time. Catching up with Mayo Friday, there was no need for Pees to worry. The young linebacker said he could answer just one question, because he was off to a meeting. And even then, he was still incredibly humble. “It’s nice to get the recognition,” Mayo said, “but I just thank the guys in front of me, and the coaches that put me in a position to make plays.” Mayo leads the team in tackles with ..."

Mayo is not being held back

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September 10

Boston Globe

"The Patriots rotated their defensive personnel throughout Sunday's season opener against the Chiefs, but one player never retreated to the sideline. Surprisingly, it was rookie Jerod Mayo. The 10th overall selection in the NFL draft went wire to wire at the weak-side inside linebacker spot in the 3-4 alignment while also staying on the field in sub packages. He finished with six solo tackles and received positive reviews from coach Bill Belichick. By unofficial count, he was the only defender to play every snap. "He was out there for just about all of it," Belichick said. "Jerod has done a good job for us all the way through, and while there is always room for improvement, I thought he did ..."

Jerod Mayo an early film star: Pats LB has grasp on subject

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August 12

Boston Herald

columnist Karen Guregian

"In the early hours of the morning, Jerod Mayo has been spotted in the linebacker’s room at Gillette Stadium, poring over tape, doing whatever he can to get a handle on a defense that’s baffled many rookies before him. He has been studying Bill Belichick’s complicated 3-4 alignment, trying to learn, trying to speed up the process, trying to live up to the expecations of being the 10th pick in the draft. A film junkie? That’s not exactly a news flash to John Chavis, the defensive coordinator/linebackers coach at the University of Tennessee, where Mayo played his college ball. Chavis never had to kick Mayo out of the film room to get him to go to class or catch a few hours sleep. It wasn’t ..."

Jerod Mayo nays turn to yeas

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August 4

Boston Herald

"Slowly but surely, Jerod Mayo seems to be getting it. The rookie linebacker with a reputation for embracing film work is clearly learning his lessons. He has taken reps with the first defense during the last couple of days, and every time he steps on the field, he provides another glimpse into what a talent he can be. Last week, he highlighted his speed by staying stride for stride with Kevin Faulk on a pass down the sideline. It’s the kind of matchup the Patriots attempt to exploit against pretty much every linebacker in the league, but Mayo had Faulk blanketed and the pass sailed out of bounds. During Saturday’s practice, Mayo showcased his explosiveness by blowing up Laurence Maroney ..."

Pats reach deal with Mayo

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July 24

Boston Globe

"The Patriots have reached a deal with first-round pick Jerod Mayo, according to a league source. The rookie inside linebacker, drafted with the 10th pick overall in April's draft, will be at the second of the team's two scheduled practices today, the opening day of training camp. Mayo will not be on the field for the first practice, which is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. this morning. The second practice is set for 5:30 p.m. We will follow up with details of the deal when they become available."