Patriots

Jerod Mayo humorously confirmed report of Patriots extending Jabrill Peppers’ contract

"He really embodies everything that we want on the field."

Jabrill Peppers during Patriots training camp. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

July 26, 2024

After decades of predictability during Patriots‘ press conferences, Jerod Mayo is already offering a departure from the previous model set by 24 years of Bill Belichick.

Mayo, in the midst of his first training camp as Patriots head coach, took the opportunity on Friday to confirm a report from ESPN’s Field Yates that the Patriots were completing a contract extension for safety Jabrill Peppers.

Asked if he could “confirm” Yates’s report during his press conference prior to the day’s training camp practice session, Mayo — having just swatted a bee — hesitated before humorously explaining his thought process out loud.

“Yeah…I can confirm it,” Mayo replied. “I’m the head coach. I can confirm it.”

The informal response represented an interaction with the media that would’ve been far less likely under Belichick, who built a reputation over the years for — among other things — not confirming reports in Mayo’s off-the-cuff style.

Along with a bit of humor, however, Mayo also added context for his thoughts on Peppers’s role with the team.

“I will say this: I’ll confirm it, but I am very happy for Peppers and for his family, and also for our team and our organization,” said Mayo. “He really embodies everything that we want on the field. He’s very selfless. He’s out there flying around all the time. It’s good to get that deal done.”

Peppers, 28, arrived in New England in 2022 as a free agent. A former first-round round pick by the Browns in 2017, he adds more than just leadership.

As Mayo explained with what already appears to be his characteristically earnest style, Peppers brings a high degree of commitment and passion to the team.

“I love it. I will be honest, when he first got here, it was a little bit much for me,” he acknowledged of Peppers. “But I do appreciate it. He brings that passion. He brings that energy each and every day. He’s one of our best communicators on defense along with [Kyle Dugger]. I feel very good about that safety room as a whole.”