The fifth-year defender was named a defensive captain in light of Ja’Whaun Bentley moving to injured resereve.
Kyle Dugger wanted to take over a more prominent leadership role for the New England Patriots after signing a four-year, $58 million contract extension in the offseason. Now, he finally has the title to reflect those ambitions..
As head coach Jerod Mayo announced on Wednesday, Dugger has been elevated to captain in light of linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley moving to injured reserve. Bentley had been one of six captains before suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2.
With his teammate reportedly out for the remainder of the 2024 season, Dugger was asked to fill his shoes. The 28-year-old himself, however, sees his role differently.
“I feel like as far as what I’m supposed to do is what I’ve been doing: leading by example. I don’t really look at it as I’m trying to replace Ja’Whaun. He’s still a captain,” Dugger told reporters in the Gillette Stadium locker room on Wednesday.
“I don’t really look at it as shoes to fill, but just doing what I’ve been doing, leading by example, and showing these guys what to do.”
For Dugger, it all starts with consistency and work ethic.
“Consistency is the biggest thing,” he said. “I’ve just been trying to show discipline in terms of everyday work habits — taking notes, watching film, in the weight room, taking care of your body, things like that. It doesn’t ever really stop. It’s an everyday grind.”
Dugger joined the Patriots as a second-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, and over the next few seasons developed into an integral part of the team’s defense. While initially an understudy of sorts to Devin McCourty, he was elevated into a more prominent role following the veteran’s retirement in 2023.
Together with fellow safety Jabrill Peppers, who himself was voted a first-time captain earlier this year, Dugger has taken command of the Patriots backfield. With Bentley now out indefinitely, he also has officially become part of the defensive leaders alongside Peppers and defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr.
“It was a big honor. It meant a lot knowing that the guys felt that way about me,” he explained before adding that “it feels good, but we’re just trying to win games at the end of the day.”
At 1-2, the Patriots have had a hard time doing that so far this season. Dugger will have an active hand in the team’s efforts to change this, and return to its winning ways starting against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.