Overview
- The Patriots announced the six captains on Tuesday, naming quarterback Drake Maye, tight end Hunter Henry, cornerback Marcus Jones, linebacker Robert Spillane, offensive tackle Morgan Moses and safety Kevin Byard III.
- Kevin Byard and Morgan Moses are the new additions to the captain group after signing with the team and earning teammate support during the offseason, with Byard bringing recent league-leading interception production and prior captain experience.
- Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the selections were determined by a player vote, meaning the choices reflect peer endorsement rather than a coach-only decision.
- Two 2025 captains — Harold Landry III and Brenden Schooler — were left off the list because they begin the season on the physically unable to perform and non-football injury lists, respectively, creating openings for the new leaders.
- Christian Gonzalez’s omission drew fan attention given Vrabel’s public challenge for him to expand his leadership, and the vote leaves room for him to earn a formal captain role as he gains more locker-room presence.