The New England Patriots moved away from a long-standing franchise custom before Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

For the first time since 2001, Patriots players were introduced individually at Gillette Stadium. Rather than running out together as a team, a tradition developed early under Bill Belichick, the team announced each starting offensive player.

The move allowed quarterback Drake Maye to receive a loud reaction when introduced last. CLNS Media’s Pat Lane captured the moment :

Head coach Mike Vrabel revealed the plan during a pre-game interview on 98.5 The Sports Hub, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss .

“Something we think our players will appreciate and our fans will appreciate,” Vrabel said.

Former Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest previously claimed they started getti

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