With a new coaching staff running the New England Patriots in the 2024 season, there's a potential for all new captains this year.
One player looking to earn the captain title from teammates is safety Kyle Dugger, who is entering his fifth season with the franchise and signed a multi-year extension just months ago that will tie him to the team through the 2027 season.
“For sure, for sure,” Dugger said about wanting to be a captain (via. MassLive). “I feel like I want to be more out front leading the way, helping to guide guys and get behind guys. So definitely.”
During New England's first preseason game under head coach Jerod Mayo, Dugger was sent out to midfield, alongside center David Andrews, for the pregame coin toss, an honor that's typically reserved for the captains.
“It meant a lot. It felt really good that Mayo put me up for that,” Dugger said. “Obviously he believes in me as a leader, so it felt really good.”
The 28-year-old has been a staple of the defense since he was drafted in the second round out of Lenoir-Rhyne in 2020. His physicality and leadership stand out, and his absence is notable when he's out with an injury.
There's a strong chance that when the season starts Dugger's peers vote him a captain and that will be a great moment for him.
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