Image courtesy of the New England Patriots
By Sophia Sargent
NEFJ Contributor
FOXBOROUGH – Coming into the Patriots’ season, change is the theme, not only with the coaching staff, but across the roster as well. With New England set to open the year at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, the big question is how this new team will perform with so many new faces?
One notable storyline that will thrust one of those young players into the spotlight early is the injury cornerback Christian Gonzalez is dealing with. Gonzalez isn’t going to be suiting up, creating an opportunity for a lesser-known but fast-rising name, D.J. James.
James, 24, played college football at both Oregon and Auburn before being drafted in the sixth round in 2024. After spending last season on the Patriots’ practice squad, he entered training camp this summer with something to prove and left having shown remarkable growth.
I caught up with James in the locker room to talk about his mindset going into week one.
“They gave me a lot of opportunities to showcase myself, so I was pleased to have that,” James said when talking about training camp. “It was fun getting good work from my teammates on both sides of the ball — guys like Diggs, Boutte, and Mack Hollins gave me a lot of great reps throughout camp.”
When asked what motivates him, he kept it simple.
“Really just my mindset. The last name on the back of my jersey. Knowing I’ve got a family back home watching me and supporting me.”
Before Gonzalez was officially ruled out on Friday, James also touched on the idea of more time if the Pats’ All-Pro corner didn’t play.
“I’m not sure. But if that time comes, I’ll be ready. I’m preparing like I’m going to start the game,” he said.
So, how does a younger player who may have a lot more eyes on him – locally and nationally – mentally lock in for a big spot like the one he’ll face on Sunday?
“Just being where my feet are. I’m enjoying every moment — from the crowd to each play. I’m just having fun.”
Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams also had high praise for James heading into the season when he met the media on Friday.
“Tough kid, competitive, you know you watch him and Mack Collins go at it at practice sometimes, and you say, you know this kid is standing up to him, battling, and that’s what you like, the competitive nature…really that’s what we want to see in Dj, and Marcus, and everybody that’s out there playing for us.
“Not just corner, but up front guys. We want competitive guys that are willing to challenge people and that put pressure on offense. You know, a lot of times people will sit back and let the offense apply pressure but that’s not what we want to do.”