Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib spent a season and a half in New England (2012-13), his career getting a jump start after the Patriots acquired him from the Buccaneers. He touched on that time in a piece on ESPN.com that highlights how he's transitioned from "wild-horse rider" to team leader.
"One thing I have to say about that establishment over there: They’re very professional,” Talib said. “You go there for one season and you’re professionalism will go up a plus-2. If you’re at seven, you’ll be a nine.
“That definitely helped my professionalism as far as preparation for the game, how to handle the media, my behavior on the field -- everything. I really learned how to be a professional over there. I went there a seven and came out a nine. I’m working on being a 10.”
Starting with Talib midway through 2012, the Patriots have had a good run at the left cornerback spot -- Talib, Darrelle Revis and now Malcolm Butler. As Talib prepares for Super Bowl 50, it's no surprise that he reflected on his time in New England as a key part of his "football journey."