FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Last year at this time, tight end Jonnu Smith would have sat down in front of a small camera for a virtual interview after training camp practice. Just a man in a screen.
This year, Smith walked to the in-person interview area after the New England Patriots' first practice Wednesday, lifted his right fist in the air, tugged at his No. 81 jersey, and flashed the widest smile to adoring fans who stuck around to see him and called out his name. Just a man and some screams.
"It's a different kind of energy out here in Foxborough," Smith said.