One of the many takeaways from Jerod Mayo’s first press conference as head coach of the New England Patriots was his unique nickname for team owner Robert Kraft.
During a press conference at Gillette Stadium, Mayo repeatedly referred to Kraft as “Young Lightning” and “Thunderbolt”.
He explained that the 82-year-old was given this nickname because of his “young mind”.On WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” Monday, Mayo explored the history of the “Young Lightning” nickname. “Young Thunder wore suits and sneakers,” he said. “And I always thought it was funny and I thought, ‘You’re so young.’ One day he sat me down and said, “Do you know why I’m wearing sneakers?” I said no.” And he said, “So.” “If I do that, I can be like the younger generation,” he said.“I thought it was special. You see, it’s easier to go to a guy in a suit, tie and sneakers than it is to go to a guy in loafers or church shoes.
Some Air Force Ones appear to be conversation starters. Kraft’s love affair with sneakers began shortly after the death of his wife, Myra, in 2011. As he recently explained to NBC10 Boston, Myra’s death has caused him to focus more on his physical and emotional well-being.”I had a different outlook on life,” Kraft said. “I lost my beloved wife, Myra, and burying her made me look at life differently.
I learned that wearing comfortable sneakers can improve your quality of life.”Kraft later partnered with Nike to release the Patriots Air Force 1 Ultra Flyknit Low in September, the ninth iteration of the Kraft-inspired shoe. Since I love sneakers no matter what, I started an accidental fashion trend.”I think so.
People felt comfortable seeing me do that,” Kraft told NBC10 Boston.Kraft hired Mayo to replace Bill Belichick a day after parting ways with the legendary coach. Mayo has been on the Patriots staff since 2019 as a linebacker, and while he has no previous head coaching experience, Kraft is confident in his ability to move the organization forward. “I think we have a very special person today who understands how to lead young people,” Kraft said of Mayo during his introductory news conference. “I mean, the world is different than it was 20 years ago, even 10 years ago.
We strive to create a culture in every company where people want to stay there for a long time. I think Jerod has chemistry with the makeup and it’s real.
