Thousands in Foxboro for Day One of camp

FOXBORO — The fans got to Gillette Stadium early on Thursday morning.  And when the gates opened at 8:00 am they stormed the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium and filled up every inch of space on the ground and in the air.  Once the stands were filled, fans lined the ramps heading up to Gillette Stadium to get a view down over the practice fields

“I mean, nothing surprises you with our fans. How many people were here? It’s a lot. It’s certainly more than we had at my college games, so that’s pretty cool. We always feel and love the support that we get here in this community', said Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman.

"We have great fan support.  They are out here each and every year supporting us. They make it fun. It's definitely exciting", said Super Bowl hero James White.   Reminded that this is only day one of training camp White said, "They'll be out here every day!"

For veteran Patriots players they have experienced this scene at training camp before but for many of the new first time Patriots this environment is pretty crazy.

"This is definitely the most fans I've seen at a training camp practice", said new linebacker David Harris.  Harris signed with the Patriots this offseason after ten years with the Jets.

New cornerback Stephon Gilmore was similarly impressed with the fans turnout.

“It’s a fun environment, a lot of people out, great teammates. There is a lot of cheering, so it’s fun out here. It makes it more fun”, said Gilmore.

The one player most Patriots fans came to see was, of course Tom Brady.  Fans cheered loudly at pretty much everything Brady did on Thursday and that's no surprise to Rob Gronkowski.

"If I were in the stands I would cheer too. What he's done for this organization, for all the fans it's just unbelievable.  I think every time he gets out on the field he deserves a standing ovation from the fans. I would be one in the crowd doing it too!", said Gronk.

Patriots training camp continues through the weekend and beyond.  Practices start at approximately 9:15 each day.  Gates open at 8:00 AM.

Cox Media Group