Branch said he always expected to be back.
New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch (84) leads the way followed by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and the rest of the team during stretching before practice on the first day of training camp at the NFL football team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday, July 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Deion Branch spoke with the media for the first time since being re-signed for the second time this year. Here are some highlights from his media session:
On if it was hard for him: “It’s just the situation. Every situation is different. It’s part of the business, you understand certain things and this is what happened. But at the same time you know what your goals are, know what’s important, the team knows what’s important. We sit down every time when things like this – whether it’s me or someone else – coach Belichick and the organization is straightforward.”
Does it sting: “Everything is a lot easier when you’re straightforward with the guys.”
Why New England: “This is where I want to be. Someone else may be different. I speak for myself. This is where I want to be, this is where I want to retire. That kind of things a lot more easier. I’m not going to sit here and tell you I’m going to play 10 more years, for a younger guy it may be different.”
On his return: “I’m stepping as if I never left. I’m here to do whatever (offensive coordinator) Josh (McDaniels) need me to do, whatever (quarterback) Tom (Brady) need me to do in the offense.”
On his locker staying intact while he was gone: “I was just hoping. Was it here the whole time? That’s all right. I’m very thankful.”
Did he expect to be back: “Yeah, your expectations – I expected that. But anything can happen. The team has to do what’s best for them. Everything worked out. Everything happens for a reason. … I think it worked out the right way.”