New England Patriots - NESN.com
New England Patriots core special teamer Brenden Schooler routinely displayed his value on kickoffs last season.
And Schooler could get even more of an opportunity to showcase his unique skillset this season.
The NFL made major changes to its kickoff rules last season in an effort to revitalize the play that had been largely taken out of games. The league did see more returns, with it up to a 32.8% rate compared to 21.8% in 2023, according to MassLive’s Chris Mason.
The NFL made another tweak this offseason to incentivize even more kick returns, though. Touchbacks will put the ball on the 35-yard line instead of the 30, like last season. And that subtle change got a stamp of approval from Schooler, who views potentially more returns as an opportunity to make his mark.
“I want to cover every kick when I’m out there because that’s ultimately going to help myself and help the team,” Schooler told reporters following Monday’s organized team activity practice, per MassLive’s Chris Mason. “So selfishly I’m very happy about it. Hopefully we get to cover more kicks this year.”
Schooler has been a key member of New England’s special teams unit ever since joining the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022. But after Matthew Slater retired following the 2023 campaign, all eyes were on Schooler to step up and lead the group.
Schooler certainly delivered. He earned First Team All-Pro honors and was named a Pro Bowler for the first time as well. Schooler totaled 13 tackles as he played 87% of special teams snaps. He also got limited time on defense and recorded two sacks.
Things are setting up for Schooler to be one of the team’s leaders and potentially a Patriots captain this season. For Schooler, he just sees it as following the lead of core Patriots special teamers who came before him.
“I’m definitely trying to take on that role,” Schooler said. “I’m just trying to take all these young guys under my wing, teach them little tips that I have. Cody Davis, Justin Bethel, Matthew Slater, all those guys, they were giving me those tips on the field.”
