‘I am a Patriot’: Anfernee Jennings wants to stay with New England, despite trade rumors
As trade rumors swirl and cutdown day approaches, Jennings took time to do some good in Mattapan.
Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings had the music pumping at Almont Park in Mattapan as kids tossed footballs around, got haircuts, and grabbed new backpacks with school supplies and an autographed photo inside.
Jennings brought some of his teammates along with him to enjoy the fun and spend time in the community. Fellow outside linebackers Keion White and K’Lavon Chaisson were among those who stopped by.
Jennings took pictures, signed autographs, and even stopped to tie a child’s shoe when he spotted it was untied.
Attention to detail matters, even on a sunny Saturday.
“Obviously, being able to give away free stuff is a blessing. I’m not from here, so Boston has really become a second home,” Jennings said. “I really appreciate being able to do this, and the community accepting me doing this.”
Jennings came from humble beginnings in Dadeville, Alabama, a small city that he said reminds him of Mattapan. He appreciated when people gave back to his community, and now he’s in a position to help others here in Boston.
He gave away around 200 backpacks, spent some time running on the field with the kids, and provided lunch for them.
“It means a whole lot for the kids,” Mattapan Patriots president Mick Brunache said. “With Mattapan being an under-resourced neighborhood, having these kids being able to see an NFL player can just have a regular day with them is inspirational.”
“That’s what we’re trying to give these kids. We’re trying to sell them hope. We’re trying to give them faith and help them keep it consistent. This means a whole lot.”
For Jennings, giving back is part of staying focused during an uncertain time. The Patriots are a few days away from Tuesday’s deadline to trim the roster to 53 players.
Jennings found himself playing later than expected during New England’s preseason games, and has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate.
He says he wants to stay in New England. He has played his entire career with the Patriots, who drafted him in 2020.
He’s also aware that sometimes players don’t get their way when it comes down to roster decisions.
“I’m spending a lot of time with my family and controlling what I can control,” Jennings said. “Like, I am a Patriot. I want to be here. But, I understand the business and I really haven’t even thought that much about it. I’m just controlling what I can control and trying to get ready for Game 1.”
Jennings said he believes his preseason has gone well. He posted three sacks against the Vikings while playing deep into the second half.
“That was what it was. I’m just trying to control what I can control whether it was that day or the whole training camp,” Jennings said. “I went in, I feel like I did my job, and at the end of the day I feel like I try to do whatever I can to help the team win. That’s about all I can do.”
Jennings was asked what a successful season would look like for him. After back-to-back 4-13 seasons, there was just one goal that immediately stood out.
“Winning. I just want to do what I need to do to help the team win,” Jennings said. “I just want to win. Obviously, we have personal goals, but our ultimate goal is to win.”
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