"I'm Here Because I Believe" — Austin Hooper Pledges Unshakable Loyalty to the Patriots

In a league where loyalty is often fleeting and contracts define commitment more than character, Austin Hooper is making one thing crystal clear — his heart belongs to the New England Patriots.

Coming off a season where expectations were high but results were mixed, the veteran tight end is doubling down on his dedication to the franchise. “My loyalty is here. I believe in this team, this locker room, and this mission. I’m all in — not just for the season, but for the fight that comes with wearing this Patriots jersey,” Hooper said in a powerful statement released this week.

For a player who has seen multiple locker rooms and worn more than one uniform, Hooper's declaration hits different. It’s not just about performance — it’s about purpose. He’s not here to chase stats or play the free agency game. He’s here to help rebuild the Patriots identity from the inside out — through discipline, unity, and trust.

Head coach Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels have praised Hooper’s leadership and presence, citing his work ethic and influence on the younger players, including rookie QB Drake Maye.

In a time when the team is re-establishing its culture post-Belichick, Hooper’s unwavering stance is more than words — it’s a tone-setter. It tells the locker room: this is the standard, this is the buy-in, and this is what it takes to wear Patriots blue.

And as Foxborough looks ahead to a new era, Austin Hooper is proving that loyalty still matters — and that belief is the first step to greatness.