As soon as Thursday's training camp practice ended, Brenden Schooler went straight to the fan tent where the New England Patriots Foundation hosts guests.
"I look forward to it every year," Schooler said after greeting each and every one of the Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes from the Summer Games.
"Whenever I get to come over here after practice to see these guys it makes my day better no matter what happened on the field. Hanging out with them and seeing them smile and joke around with me is a lot of fun."
Schooler got halfway through the group before he heard a familiar face.
"Brenden, do you remember me," asked an athlete named Daniel, wearing a No. 41 Schooler jersey.
Of course he remembered Daniel, Schooler assured.
"Daniel and I met about three years ago now doing a bunch of work with the YMCA integrative program, and I get to do a Thanksgiving and Christmas party with them," Schooler said.
"And then he's just out here every year at training camp, so we've formed a good friendship. Those guys hold a special place in my heart. I love what the Special Olympics do, because these kids can be overlooked at times because of the challenges they face but they're people just like us who deserve the same kind of attention. Anytime I can give back to them and pour into that community is no sweat off my back."
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and wide receiver Mack Hollins also spent significant time visiting with the Special Olympians.
Though he is with a new team this year having signed with New England in free agency, work with the Special Olympics remains a constant.
"I've been working with the Special Olympics for almost my whole life," Hollins said.
"I had Special Olympics athletes as neighbors and went to their events growing up, and one of my best friends in college has a brother who was a Special Olympics athlete. When I got to my third year (in the NFL) and the Super Bowl was in Miami I got to work with them on radio row. It really blossomed from there and I was honored to be named a global ambassador a few years ago."
Since arriving in New England this season, Hollins has gotten involved with the community and participated with the Patriots Foundation's initiatives.
While volunteering has become increasingly important to Hollins with each year he spends in the NFL, working with the Special Olympics is among his favorite ways to give back.
"Being part of that inclusion revolution has been nothing but special, and more for me than I feel like for anyone else," Hollins said. "I really enjoy being around the athletes and the people who are connected to it. It's just one big family."
