FOXBOROUGH – Hunter Henry and Jabrill Peppers were all smiles when they each sat down at a table inside the Gillette Stadium media work room on Tuesday afternoon.

The Patriots officially began voluntary offseason workouts on Monday and both guys were eager to get things going.

Peppers is entering his third year with the team and has become an unquestioned leader of the locker room. Henry re-signed after serving as a captain last season and will be entering his fourth year in Foxborough.

Both guys were asked for their thoughts on the new HC of the NEP and both spoke glowingly of Mayo and their pervious relationships with him.

“I’ve always loved Jerod. I bounced some things off of him the last few years, we’ve had a great relationship,” said Henry. “I’ve always admired him. I didn’t get a lot of hands on experience with him with him being on defense, but loved his energy. Just loved his persona and what he brought to the building every single day. So, I’m excited to see that as it blossoms with him as the head coach.”

“We spent a lot of time with Coach Mayo,” added Peppers. “Even my first year here, I felt like he could be a head coach, just by how he commanded the room, his attention to detail, how he got the best out of his guys. I think one of the greatest qualities a head coach can have is his knowledge of the game, how he teaches it. Everyone learns differently, so you have to be good across the board so all players are conveyed the right information.

“And, he’s a leader of men. He knows how to get the best out of you. Playful guy, but when it’s time to work, it’s time to work. I saw it early and I’m just happy we didn’t lose him.”

Henry was also asked about the fact that he signed so quickly with New England even before free agency began. Simply put, he wanted to be part of the solution and has fallen in love with the whole Patriots experience, something this team desperately needs right now.

“I just wanted to be here,” he said with a smile. “I’m excited. I love this locker room, love this area, love this fan base, love this organization. And, I’ll just keep reiterating…like, I wanted to be a part of this and didn’t like how last year went, how the last two years have been and want to be part of that change.”

Not only is Peppers now the physical tone-setter for New England, but he’s one of the most important guys in the locker room. The veteran safety is another that’s enjoyed his Patriots experience and believes the team has the right guys in the building to help Mayo have a successful first season.

“I feel like our locker room is a pretty good locker room,” said Peppers. “The leadership from the top to the bottom, the young guys come in ready to work. Knowing what to expect, the tradition, guys do a great job of bringing guys along. Even when I was new here, they did a great job bringing me along and I’m just returning the favor.”

While the vibes were less egg shell-ish for players and Peppers said a lot of the signage (Do Your Job, etc.) around the stadium was no longer there, he made sure to acknowledge Belichick and the success that was had here for so long, even if the Mayo era may end up being more enjoyable for the players.

“At the end of the day, it’s a business. I’m thankful for Bill,” he said. “That’s a guy I have a lot of admiration and respect for. He gave me a chance coming off an ACL when really, no one else did. I will always be forever indebted to Bill, but at the end of the day it’s a business. Mayo is a great coach and so is Bill. I don’t like to make comparisons because that’s the thief of joy, but what (Belichick) did worked. It was a dynasty here. Like all things, change is good, so I’m excited to see what Mayo and his guys can do.

“I’ll go out there and play my ass off for them.”