Throughout his short time here in New England, Jakobi Meyers has been a perfect Patriot.
Whether on the field or off of it, Meyers has always been reliable whether it’s Mac Jones counting on him for a big third down catch, or the media looking for some good quotes during a game week. Whenever you need him, Meyers is there.
The soon-to-be free agent had that dependability from the media standpoint rewarded in a surprise ceremony on Wednesday afternoon as he was voted the 2022 Ron Hobson Good Guy Award winner. Previous winners include Matt Slater – who won the first award in 2016 – Devin McCourty, James White, Stephon Gilmore, Cam Newton and Matthew Judon.
Meyers will have his name on a plaque inside the media workroom at Gillette Stadium alongside those guys forever now. On that plaque, it reads as follows: “Ron Hobson was an original beat writer for the Boston Patriots who was instrumental in the team’s relocation to Foxborough in 1971. Known by his readers as ‘The Humble One,’ Hobson retired after 50 years on the beat in 2010. The Ron Hobson Good Guy Award is presented annually by the Patriots press corps to to express their appreciation for a player who respectfully fulfills his media obligations with class and professionalism.”
Meyers didn’t know he was getting the award until he walked into the media workroom after practice on Wednesday and thought he was just taking care of his usual weekly obligations. Then, Meyers was escorted into the room by the Patriots PR staff, where the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan was waiting for him.
Callahan – who led the vote amongst the members of the media a few weeks ago – presented the award to Meyers, citing his willingness to always accommodate media members with whatever they need, whether it’s making time for a one-on-one after a scrum in the locker room or the answering any questions thrown his way during designated times players are supposed to talk at the podium during the week.
“We know it sucks talking to us. Some guys in that locker room would rather have a voluntary colonoscopy rather than chat with us, especially after losses,” said with a grin while presenting the award to Meyers. “But you, win, loss, a random Thursday in the locker room, you’re always happy to…’yeah I got five minutes man,’ or ‘yeah, what’s going on?’ full on press conference scrum, you’ll do five more one-on-ones and we appreciate that. We get that you know when you’re talking to us, you’re really talking to the fans and that’s what this is all about.
“We’re honored to add you to that list. You’re now at the bottom (of the plaque) as the 2022 Ron Hobson Good Guy Award Winner. On behalf of the beat, we thank you so much every day for helping us and speaking to the fans in the process.”
Another member of the Patriots’ PR staff, Stephanie Burnham, had one more surprise for Meyers in the form of a FaceTime call with Meyers’ mom and brother. Meyers’ face lit up with a big smile and a laugh when he saw them as he thanked the room full of TV cameras and reporters several times before heading back to the locker room to warm up after a freezing cold practice inside Gillette Stadium.