FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots first-round draft choice Malcom Brown arrived in town May 7. In one respect, it's a long way from his Texas home. In another respect, it sort of feels like home to him.
“Foxborough is a great place to be. Quiet. Country," Brown told reporters Wednesday morning after the traditional photo with owner Robert Kraft and president Jonathan Kraft. "You know I’m from the country, so I’ll adapt to this real well.”
Foxborough, a town of around 17,000 residents, is located just more than 20 miles southwest of Boston and just less than 20 miles northeast of Providence. Compared to the city life, it does have a "country" type of a feel.
For Brown, who has yet to sign a contract, it's an ideal, low-key setting as he focuses on the start of his professional career.
"I just really want to work hard and become the best player I can be," he said, which was the primary theme of his 10-minute interview. "Wherever that may lead me, that's where it will lead."
Brown's remarks were toned down when compared to the night he was drafted, as he had declared that the Patriots had just selected a player who will turn out to be the best pick in team history. It's possible Brown had someone from the organization (Bill Belichick, perhaps) inform him such bluster isn't part of the team's usual script.
“There has been a lot going on with all that, but I can’t focus on that now," Brown said, repeating his intention to work hard.
As for the player whom many would call the team's best draft pick, quarterback Tom Brady, the two have met.
“I walked up to Tom and shook his hand," Brown reported, "and we just went to work.”
Photo: Up close with Patriots top pick Malcom Brown. pic.twitter.com/aSSt6gpqwf
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 27, 2015