Reggie Wayne describes why he picked jersey No. 15

CHARLOTTE -- Veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne has worn No. 87 throughout his football career, but after signing a one-year contract with the New England Patriots on Tuesday, he talked about how his time in 87 was over. That number, of course, is donned by tight end Rob Gronkowski in New England.

On Friday night, Wayne described why No. 15 is the right fit for him.

“It’s my 15th season and 8 plus 7 equals 15. I’m a little better than you thought I was; see how I put all that together?" Wayne cracked. "That’s the reason for the 15.”
Wayne drew a large crowd of reporters in the locker room after the Patriots' 17-16 victory over the Panthers, a game in which he played 20 snaps and had one ball thrown in his direction (he couldn't bring it in).

He talked about how refreshing it was for him to get back to playing football and "seeing all the stuff I’ve been wanting to see for months.” He said he's doing better than he thought he would in terms of learning the playbook, but still feels there's a long road ahead as he "knew from afar that this playbook wasn’t simple."

Quarterback Tom Brady has been a big help to him.

“I’m just glad that in spite of all that stuff [he's dealing with], he’s able to pull me to the side and help me out; trying to get me to understand the lingo, the way things go around here," Wayne said, adding that it feels like he's a rookie again. "That’s my teammate and I’m willing to do whatever I can to help.

"What I know of Tom, I know that he’ll take care of his business, whatever that is. He’s a professional. He knows what to do. Things happen. Everybody is going to have some bumps in the road here and there, but I’m sure he knows what to do and how to take care of that."

A few other soundbites from Wayne:

Playing 20 snaps after signing on Tuesday. “It’s a little shock to the body -- you go from on the beach chilling to playing football. ... I worked out every day, but there’s no way you can assimilate a football practice in your workouts at home. ... It felt good to be back with teammates, cheering me on, hearing the sounds of the helmets and things.”

Being one of the first players on the field and appreciating the moment. "That’s something I always did. I’m being appreciative. I’m thankful. I’m blessed. I’ve been doing this for 15 years. Those years go fast. You try not to take anything for granted. Anything can be your last play. See some of the faces come in and out of this league, to be able to do it this long, I’m thankful for that. What you saw me doing was a normal routine. It won’t ever change.”

Adjusting to his new surroundings at age 36. "It adds a little spice to your life a little bit. It’s a challenge. Everybody loves a challenge. I accept it. I’m seeing how the brain works at 36 years old. So far so good. I guess you can’t put me in the hospital just yet. I’m all right.”


(espn.com)