Not much will change for Hunter Henry as team captain of the Patriots
Patriots
Henry is one of six Patriots captains named for 2023.
Hunter Henry begins his third year as team captain with the Patriots. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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The Patriots announced their 2023 team captains on Friday, and only one member was new to the leadership group: Hunter Henry. Still, the tight end says little will change for him in his new role.
“I’m just going to stay who I am and just try to be as consistent as possible,” Henry told reporters on Friday. “Maybe talk a little more, maybe a little louder. But at the same time, I feel like that’s who I was anyway.”
Although Henry is new to the Patriots’ captaincy group this season, it’s not the first time he’s taken on a leadership role. The Los Angeles Chargers named him team captain for the first time in 2020. The following offseason, Henry signed with New England.
Henry is now in third grade as a Patriot and sees the progress he has made from day one to today.
“I feel like I’ve grown a lot, this place has challenged me in a lot of ways,” Henry said. “When I first got here, I think I was maybe a little uncomfortable [New England] pushed me to step out of my comfort zone in many ways, and it was for the better.”
The benefits of his time as a Patriot and living in the area also affect Henry’s personal life.
“I have had two children here in Boston and New England, so this place will always be a special place for me to raise my family,” Henry said. “I have grown tremendously both on and off the field.”
Henry joins Mac Jones, David Andrews, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Matthew Slater to complete the group of captains. On Friday, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick praised the six players selected for their hard work over the offseason.
“I think it’s a really good group, I’m proud of the guys the team picked,” Belichick said.
When asked specifically about Henry, Belichick praised the tight end’s attitude and work ethic.
“He is one of our best players, a reliable player, smart, makes a lot of good decisions and is experienced,” Belichick said. “Everything is pretty good, on and off the field. Very respected.”
Henry is entering his eighth year in the NFL. In his first season with the Patriots in 2021, he has A total of nine touchdowns, the best of his career. Although his production dipped in 2022, he still managed over 500 yards. The last time Henry failed to reach 500 receiving yards was 2016, his rookie season.
This year, New England added Mike Gesicki to form a tandem with Henry and bolster Mac Jones’ offensive weapons.
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