Annual Event Highlights Thankful Side of the New England Patriots

In the hyper-competitive world of the NFL, where wins and losses dominate headlines, the New England Patriots have long made it a priority to honor their roots and give back to the community that supports them. Each year, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the team hosts its “Patriots Count Their Blessings” event—an annual tradition that transcends football, highlighting the organization’s thankful side and commitment to service. Annual Event Highlights Thankful Side of the New England Patriots isn’t just about a single day of charity; it’s about a decades-long culture of gratitude that unites players, coaches, staff, and fans. From feeding families in need to visiting hospitalized children, from honoring veterans to supporting local schools, the event serves as a reminder that the Patriots are more than a football team—they’re a part of the New England community, and they never take that privilege for granted.

Annual Event Highlights Thankful Side of the New England Patriots kicks off with a signature initiative: the team’s annual turkey and food drive, which has become a cornerstone of the event. This year, the Patriots partnered with the Greater Boston Food Bank to distribute 5,000 turkeys and 25,000 pounds of non-perishable food (including canned goods, stuffing, and cranberry sauce) to families across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Players, coaches, and team staff volunteered their time at distribution centers, loading cars, packing bags, and even posing for photos with families. Quarterback Bailey Zappe, who grew up in a small town in Texas, spoke about the personal meaning of the event. “My mom always taught me to give back, especially during the holidays,” Zappe said. “To see the smiles on kids’ faces when they get their turkey and food—it’s a reminder of why we do this. Football is great, but this is the stuff that lasts.” Head coach Bill Belichick, known for his intense focus on the field, showed a softer side as he helped pack food bags, telling reporters, “This community has supported us for decades. The least we can do is give back, especially to families who are struggling. Gratitude isn’t just a word—it’s action.”

Annual Event Highlights Thankful Side of the New England Patriots extends beyond food drives to include visits to local hospitals, where players and cheerleaders spend time with sick children and their families. This year, a group of 15 Patriots players—including defensive tackle Christian Barmore, tight end Hunter Henry, and cornerback Ronald Darby—visited Boston Children’s Hospital, bringing gifts, signing autographs, and playing games with kids undergoing treatment. Barmore, who has a younger sister who battled illness as a child, said the visits hit close to home. “When you’re a kid in the hospital during the holidays, it’s easy to feel down,” he said. “We’re here to bring a little joy, to let them know they’re not alone. These kids are the real heroes—they’re fighting every day, and it’s an honor to spend time with them.” The players also delivered personalized “Patriots Pride” care packages, filled with team merchandise, art supplies, and gift cards for families. Hospital staff noted that the visits have a lasting impact: “The kids talk about these visits for weeks,” said Sarah Johnson, a child life specialist at Boston Children’s. “It gives them something to look forward to, something to smile about during a tough time. The Patriots don’t just show up—they engage, they listen, and they make these kids feel special.”

Annual Event Highlights Thankful Side of the New England Patriots also includes a special tribute to veterans, a group the Patriots have long honored for their service. This year, the team hosted a “Veterans Appreciation Brunch” at Gillette Stadium, welcoming 200 veterans and their families for a meal, a tour of the stadium, and a meet-and-greet with players. The event featured a presentation by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who thanked veterans for their “sacrifice, courage, and commitment to our country.” Kraft, whose late wife Myra was a passionate supporter of veterans’ causes, announced a \(100,000 donation to the Wounded Warrior Project—bringing the team’s total contributions to veterans’ organizations to over \)5 million since 2000. “Veterans are the backbone of our nation, and we owe them a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay,” Kraft said. “This brunch is just a small way to say ‘thank you’ for everything they’ve done.” The New England Patriots’ commitment to veterans extends beyond the annual event: the team offers free tickets to every home game for veterans, hosts a “Salute to Service” game each season, and partners with local VA hospitals to provide support for veterans transitioning to civilian life. For many veterans, the Patriots’ support is deeply meaningful. “It means a lot to be recognized like this,” said John Smith, a Navy veteran who attended the brunch. “The Patriots don’t just pay lip service to supporting veterans—they show up, year after year, and they make us feel valued.”

Annual Event Highlights Thankful Side of the New England Patriots features a youth football clinic, where current players teach kids ages 8-14 the fundamentals of the game—while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, respect, and giving back. This year’s clinic, held at Gillette Stadium’s practice fields, drew over 300 kids from local youth football leagues. Players led drills on passing, catching, running, and tackling, but they also took time to talk to the kids about gratitude and community service. Linebacker Matthew Judon, who grew up playing youth football in Michigan, told the kids, “Football is a great game, but it’s not just about winning. It’s about being a good teammate, being respectful, and giving back to the people who support you. That’s what the Patriots stand for, and that’s what I want you to remember.” The clinic ended with a “Gratitude Circle,” where each kid shared something they were thankful for—from family and friends to the opportunity to play football. The New England Patriots’ youth clinic isn’t just about developing football skills; it’s about instilling values that will serve the kids well off the field. “We want these kids to grow up to be good people, not just good football players,” said youth football coordinator Joe Andruzzi, a former Patriots player. “By combining football with lessons on gratitude and service, we’re helping them become the next generation of community leaders.”

Annual Event Highlights Thankful Side of the New England Patriots wraps up with a reflection on what the event means for the Patriots organization and the community. For players, coaches, and staff, the event is a chance to step back from the pressures of the NFL season and reconnect with what matters most. “During the season, we’re so focused on wins and losses, on practice and film study,” said Henry. “This event reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than football. We’re part of a community that cares about each other, and that’s a gift.” For the community, the event is a reminder of the Patriots’ commitment to New England— a commitment that goes beyond Super Bowls and championship rings. “The Patriots could easily focus only on football, but they choose to give back, year after year,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who attended the food drive. “This event shows the thankful side of the team, and it inspires all of us to be more generous, more grateful, and more connected to our neighbors.” As the sun set on this year’s event, players and fans gathered on the field at Gillette Stadium, sharing stories, taking photos, and reflecting on the day’s activities. In the end, Annual Event Highlights Thankful Side of the New England Patriots is a story about gratitude—gratitude for community, gratitude for service, and gratitude for the chance to make a difference. For the New England Patriots, this annual event isn’t just a tradition—it’s a way of life.