"In New England, I learned so much about football"

The former New England Patriots defenseman Chris Long, who won the Super Bowl with the team in 2016, retired this weekend. Players such as Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman and others have all expressed their admiration and support for Long, the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2018, with whom they have built a great friendship in his only season. New England.

Long talked about his stay in New England, especially Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, in the Monday morning edition of Peter King's Football in America.

"In New England, I learned a lot about football," Long said. "I've always thought that I was a smart player, even though I'd never thought of anything other than six inches in front of my face." In New England, I had to learn many schematic concepts. In my football career, no one has asked me to do as much as Bill Belichick. I'm maybe 3-technical, or a linebacker, or a linebacker who falls into the blanket more than ever, or who plays inside more than ever.

"I will always remember how much I learned to watch Bill in practice. He can coach any position and any coach in the league, "added Long. "He can walk on the ground, stop the drills and train each position at the highest level. And the quality of the guys. Strong men. The right kind of people. "

He echoed this respect for Tom Brady.

"Tom Brady has blown me away. Who is the most famous athlete of our generation: Tom Brady? James? Messi? Ronaldo? Serena Williams? Maybe I do not have enough contact to know how the biggest stars are doing. But Brady is a normal guy. When I arrived, here is Tom. "Hey Chris, I'm Tom, nice to meet you." Well, yes, I know you are Tom. Many people want to hate him for all their success, and I understand how you can dislike the Patriots, but I do not understand how you can dislike Tom. "

Long, 34, retired with two rings from the Super Bowl, beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl LII while playing with the Philadelphia Eagles. He will not soon forget the return of the Patriots 28-3 to Atlanta.

"This Super Bowl versus Atlanta … when we were very late, I think," I've been waiting all my life to be here and it's a nightmare. It's the worst nightmare I've ever had, "said Long. "If we had lost that night, I would most likely have been able to remove a bitter man. But winning me has breathed life. "

Long played eleven seasons in the NFL, including the first eight of his career with the St. Louis Rams, before signing a one-year contract with the Patriots in 2016. After his only season at Gillette Stadium, Long He went to Philadelphia where he played two years. He was a # 2 pick in the 2008 NFL Project.

Long won the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his work for social justice and for building freshwater wells in East Africa through his founding "Waterboys".

Check out all the history on NBC Sports.