No matter the activity, Patriots players can't resist a good competition – especially if it's for a cause. Current and former Patriots showed their support for recently retired Jerod Mayo and his seventh annual Mayo Bowl on Oct. 3 at Kings in Dedham, Mass.

Tedy Bruschi, Troy Brown, Joe Andruzzi, Dont'a Hightower, Duron Harmon, Brandon King, AJ Derby, Rob Ninkovich, David Andrews, Elandon Roberts, Marcus Cannon, Joe Cardona, Jonathan Freeny, Geneo Grissom and Chris Barker all hit the lanes to support Jerod's event.

The annual fundraiser benefits Boston Medical Center [BMC]. Jerod and his wife Chantel made a pledge when they began to raise $1.5 million for BMC, and* *they crossed that threshold Monday night.

"We're going to break that goal tonight," Jerod said before the event. "We're so excited about that."

Even though Jerod said goodbye to football earlier this year, his Patriots teammates still turned out in great numbers to don bowling shoes and have fun for a cause. The fact that so many former teammates showed up to support the Mayo Bowl came as no shock to Chantel.

"I'm not even really surprised by it because he's really close with the guys. He kind of hangs around the stadium sometimes and helps everybody out," she said. "We knew that they would support us because it's not even about us. It's more about the cause, and they're always about the cause."

One such teammate was Duron Harmon, who said he was ready to take first place in the game. Duron said he was happy to be able to have a great time with his teammates while helping make a difference.

"Any time you can get together and have fun for a great cause is good," Duron said. "You're accomplishing something so I'm just glad I can be a part of it. It's always good to see Jerod and be around him."

Before the players and guests started bowling strikes, CEO and President of BMC Kate Walsh announced that Jerod's involvement with the hospital would go far beyond his annual fundraiser. She announced that Jerod would now sit on the hospital's Board of Directors.

"You all know BMC holds a special place in my heart," Jerod said. "BMC is a hospital where they don't deny people at the front door and that has always rang true with me and my wife, and we're trying to instill those values in our children today … We know that BMC is a staple in the our community and has been for a long time." 

For pictures from the seventh annual Mayo Bowl, check out the gallery below.

FUN GALLERY