Ironically, the "old news" and ensuing four-game suspension earlier this season, said Talib, ended up being the "best thing" that ever happened to his football career.Three weeks into the suspension, he became a Patriot.
Recalling the day, he smiled from ear to ear.
"I had heard about the Patriots and the way they do things, all that stuff," said Talib. "You know what? It's true. This is heaven. This is football heaven."
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"I love him. Everybody here loves him," said Patriots safety Patrick Chung. "He has fit in really well. He has a lot of confidence. He can cover. He can tackle. I couldn't say enough good things about Aqib. He's the real deal."
Apparently, the feelings are more than mutual.
"As soon as you walk in the building you notice it," said Talib. "It's all about team here. Everybody is a professional. I have never experienced anything like this. I see the owner, Mr. (Robert) Kraft every day. That's amazing, man. Coach Belichick treats everybody like a man, with respect. He's a cool guy."
Talib could go on. And he did.
"I am a Patriot," said Talib. "It feels like I was meant to be here ... The coaches here are so good, too. It's all about football. It's one day at a time. It's the perfect place to play football. I don't know what else to say."
Even coach Bill Belichick, a man of few words, sings Talib's praises.
"There's no doubt that Aqib has helped our secondary," he said. "He's a very smart and confident player who works hard. He has a good attitude and he fits in well. I've enjoyed coaching him."
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"I don't want to talk about the future," said Talib. "I'm only focused on today. And when I come here tomorrow, I'll be focused on tomorrow ... But if you ask me if this is where I want to be? Of course, I do. Every player should play here."