Michael Bennett Gushes Over Bill Belichick After Extended Absence

Veteran pass rusher Michael Bennett was excused from the New England Patriots' first three practices of training camp for what the organization labeled as "personal reasons."

And after making his debut with the franchise for their fourth practice session, the three-time Pro Bowler had nothing but acclaim and praise for head coach Bill Belichick for permitting his delayed arrival.

“I had a personal reason,” Bennett told reports outside Gillette Stadium on Sunday. “I didn’t retire. Everybody said I retired. I was laughing at home. I didn’t retire. No, I just had a family issue that I had to go take care of. I was lucky Coach Belichick — it’s nice when you have a coach that sees you as a human, sees you as a human being, not just a number and you’re able to go talk to him, tell him what’s going on, and you’re able to go take care of it. That just makes you want to play harder for a coach — when he believes in you and lets you take care of your family first."

Wow.

It's no wonder everybody and their mother takes pay cuts to play for the Patriots in the latter stages of their careers.

Bennett has a demanding task ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign, as New England will likely lean on the 33-year-old defensive end to replicate the production of Trey Flowers, who is now in Detroit.

And we wouldn't necessarily put it against him. In Bennett's lone season with the Eagles last year, he compiled 30 quarterback hits, 15 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks.

Just picture the numbers he could flaunt in Belichick's system with another proverbial chip on his shoulder. Get ready, Foxborough.