The last six years, Darrelle Revis wouldn’t have been able to walk into the Patriots’ stadium to such a warm reception.
But now that he’s with the Buccaneers instead of the Jets, it’s easier for them to express their respect for one of the top cornerbacks in the game.
For a guy who once called Patriots coach Bill Belichick “ignorant” and spoke of Tom Brady’s “disrespect,” he was all smiles Tuesday, and even got a visit from Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
“The New York Jets-Patriots, that’s a crazy rivalry, it really is,” Revis said, via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. “It’s almost like a hatred. But now I’m a Buccaneer, and this is something new for me, being in training camp with another team. So I’m just taking it in stride. . . .
“It was funny, because Mr. Kraft came up to me and said some encouraging words, some good words. So it just shows how much respect you have with another team, when you’re not on that side of the [rivalry].”
Revis did invididual drills, but stayed out of the team portion of the Buccaneers’ joint practice with the Patriots. While there’s still some question about his availability in the preseason, Revis insisted he’d be well enough for the regular season.
“Trust me, I’ll be fine,” he said. “I’m back to my old self. I’m getting there. It’s just the confidence and trying to get that knee drive and breaking on balls.”
If he’s breaking on balls against the Patriots in Week Three, he probably won’t draw as warm a response from his old foes from New England, however.