Michael Bennett hopes to follow in his heroes lead with Patriots

FOXBORO – Tuesday’s practice at Gillette Stadium represented a dream come true for Michael Bennett.

The 33-year-old grew up in Houston, but it didn’t take him long to admire the Patriots and their many defensive standouts. His favorite player was defensive lineman Richard Seymour, but ask him about the Pats and he’ll list off dozens of players ranging all throughout this team’s dynasty.

That’s why Tuesday was so surreal. The day marked [...]

FOXBORO – Tuesday’s practice at Gillette Stadium represented a dream come true for Michael Bennett.

The 33-year-old grew up in Houston, but it didn’t take him long to admire the Patriots and their many defensive standouts. His favorite player was defensive lineman Richard Seymour, but ask him about the Pats and he’ll list off dozens of players ranging all throughout this team’s dynasty.

That’s why Tuesday was so surreal. The day marked the start of minicamp in Foxboro, but also Bennett’s first practice with the Patriots. It was the first time he put on that helmet and stepped into the same locker room his heroes once sat in.

“I used to love watching Richard Seymour, Ty Warren – just so many great players here,” Bennett said. “I just liked watching them. The opportunity to get a chance to play here, follow those guys, it’s just amazing. There’s always been a lot of great d-linemen whether it were Vince (Wilfork). I’m just happy to be here.

“I just watched those guys. Those guys were really good – whether it was Andre Carter, whether it was Willie McGinnest. Just a lot of good defenders out here – Tedy Bruschi, Ty Law. The list just goes on. Growing up, Richard Seymour was one of my favorite players. To think that I get to walk in the locker room where he played in, to think I get to sit in the same place, it’s just an honor for me to even think about that.”

If all goes well, Bennett could soon join that list of talented defensive players to play in Foxboro.

Acquired in March, in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, Bennett was the Patriots marquee acquisition this offseason. He also represents the replacement for Trey Flowers, who signed a massive deal with the Detroit Lions in free agency.

The 11-year veteran has long been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. A three-time Pro Bowler, Bennett finished with nine sacks, 30 quarterback hits and 15 tackles for loss with the Eagles last season. Those marks would’ve led the Patriots. His 30 quarterback hits were the fourth most in the NFL behind Aaron Donald, Fletcher Cox and Yannick Ngakoue. Over the last three seasons, Bennett has 73 quarterback hits. Only Donald has more.

Bennett came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He found success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2012. Then in Seattle, Bennett turned into one of the best defensive ends in the league, making three straight Pro Bowls from 2015-2017. He spent one season in Philly and admits he was surprised when the Eagles traded him.

“I was caught off guard, but at the same time I got a chance to talk to Bill (Belichick) and learn the expectations,” Bennett said. “I thought it was a good opportunity to play on a team that’s always competing on things. It was a great opportunity.”

Bennett also happens to be the second member of his family to come to the Patriots. His younger brother, tight end Martellus Bennett, played in Foxboro, winning a Super Bowl in 2016 and for part of the 2017 seasons.

As far as how he fits with the Patriots, Bennett will more than likely start at defensive end. On Tuesday, he was with the rest of the starting defense during full-team drills. The day represented his first practice because he lives in Hawaii and doesn’t attend OTAs. He said it was a good Day 1.

“Everything is good. Got great coaches, great players around. Definitely high standards out here,” Bennett said. “That’s what I’m used to as far as teams. It’s good to be out here and the opportunity to play with so many great players on defense as far as (Dont’a) Hightower and just everybody is just really good.”

During the day’s session, he fit in well with his new teammates and said it was easy to see why the Patriots have long been one of the best teams in the NFL.

“I’m not surprised by any part of this process because when I was a young kid I used to always like to watch the Patriots play on defense,” Bennett said. “Now, I’ve got a chance to be here. It just feels really good.”