Story byKYLE HIGHTOWERFri, December 5, 2025 at 1:46 AM UTC·4 min readFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — If there’s an unsung reason the New England Patriots have entered their bye week with the NFL's best record following back-to-back 4-13 seasons, it may be as simple as them enjoying being around one another. While teams around the league dole out platitudes about brotherhood, these Patriots (11-2) are remarkably close, on and off the field. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhether it’s been quarterback Drake Maye and rookie left tackle Will Campbell sitting courtside at a Celtics game or having dinner together in Boston’s North End, the weekly dinners shared by the offensive line, or the ways coach Mike Vrabel has given attention to individual players, the bonds of this roster are noticeable.“This is probably the tightest group of guys I’ve been around in my four years,” offensive lineman Vederian Lowe said. Creating those connections was not a given after an offseason that saw only 27 holdovers from last season make this season’s initial 53-man roster. At his introductory news conference in January, Vrabel said he wanted to put the players and their needs at the forefront as he began building the team’s culture. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe has backed it up at the end of every game, when he shakes hands with the opposing coach, then sprints to the tunnel to ensure he’s at the locker room door to greet each player. Some get a handshake or a “Nice job.” Others receive a longer embrace and maybe a few words in their ear. It’s varied by design.“I understand I’m going to have a different relationship with some players than I do others,” Vrabel said.
