Christian Gonzalez is Healthy and Excited To Go

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez met with the media on Tuesday. He discussed several topics, including his jersey switch for the upcoming season. Gonzalez also talked about playing against Patriots rookie Ja’Lynn Polk and getting prepared for his second season in the NFL. But the most important issue Gonzalez addressed yesterday was his health.

“I’m good. Healthy, excited to go,” said Gonzalez. Focused on just getting better. Coming in every day and just keep getting back to work.”

The Patriots drafted Christian Gonzalez in the first round (No. 17 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was a Week 1 starter for the Patriots in 2023. On a struggling team, he was a bright spot. Through four games Gonzalez recorded 17 tackles (14 solo), a sack, and an interception. His performance earned him NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month.

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Christian Gonzalez suffered a torn labrum in New England’s fourth game of the season. He remained sidelined for the duration of the 2023 season. His promising first season in the NFL was over after four games.

Making Bill Belichick Proud

The man who drafted Christian Gonzalez last year is gone, but the cornerback made Bill Belichick proud in his press conference. In addition to wearing a hoodie with cutoff sleeves, his comments were straight out of the Belichick media playbook.

After stating he was healthy, Gonzalez was asked if being healthy meant he was cleared for full participation in practices.

“I can’t give you that answer,” he responded. “I’m not the doctor.”

Gonzalez hit with a familiar Belichician refrain when asked about the injury to his shoulder last season.

“It is what it is. It’s football.”

As for his advice to the incoming rookie class, Gonzalez sounded like his old coach once more.

“Take it day by day. It’s a long year.”

Ja’Lynn Polk

Gonzalez attended Oregon, a former Pac-12 rival of Washington, where New England rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk went to school. He was asked if he had any impressions about Polk.

“He’s a great receiver. Excited for him to come up here and get to work and show what he can do.”

He was asked if he remembered a touchdown Polk scored against Oregon when Gonzelez was there in 2022. Not only did the cornerback remember the play, he remembered the coverage (Cover-4) and he knew who wasn’t to blame on the Ducks defense. “It wasn’t on me,” he added.