A few familiar faces were first in line for the opening day of Patriots training camp on Wednesday morning.
Dressed in New England jerseys, and holding four of the large, tri-fold poster boards they've become synonymous for, their energy wasn't lacking despite any sleep deprivation.
"We got here at 9 p.m. last night – Tuesday." said Cameron Carreiro. "We camped out right here, just these chairs and the boys. We do this every year."
It's true, they have camped out for years now, and thanks to that effort, they always secure prime real estate in the end zone of the practice fields. The spot is perfect to help pull off their main objective, which is to serve as the fan base's unofficial welcome committee for Patriots newcomers.
Each poster is made for a different Patriots rookie or free agent, and every year, it helps them meet dozens of athletes.
For some players, it's their first time seeing their name on a fan-made sign.
"I have a passion to make players feel welcome to the city so I focus on doing the rookies and the new players who we've signed," Carreiro said.
"I'm trying to just welcome them to the city with open arms and show them that the Patriots fan base is here for them."
Carreiro and his seven friends -- Jacob Daponte, Julian Davila, Christopher Molina, Darwin Moreta, Dennis Marrow, Eli Cochran and Dylan Fournier – all make the drive from Rhode Island. They hail from East Providence, Pawtucket, and Barrington.
For the first day of camp, they showed Stefon Diggs, Milton Williams, Andy Borregales, and Joshua Farmer love – each poster filled with photos of the player, kind messages, and even pictures of their pets from social media.
Daponte even made an early trip to the Patriots Pro Shop to purchase a No. 92 Farmer jersey.
To say the young men are excited for the season would be an understatement.
"I'm excited for Mike Vrabel," said Carreiro. "The way the culture is for the Patriots (with him). I am hoping for a better year overall, great energy with the players, and positivity with the fan base. I can't wait to see what Mike Vrabel brings to the team with him as coach."
Daponte didn't leave it at that, though.
"And the playoffs," Daponte added. "We hope for the players, too!"
