Training Camp Begins For New England [VIDEO]

The New England Patriots began their Super Bowl 51 title defense with the start of training camp on Thursday morning.

The Pats players reported to Gillette Stadium last afternoon, but the practices officially started on Thursday from Foxborough.  90 players hit the practice field for fans watching in attendance, including Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Julian Edelman.

Wait for it...TB12 pic.twitter.com/tNrHA0GCYK

— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) July 27, 2017

New England did add two players to the training camp roster over the past 24 hours as receiver Andrew Hawkins retired from football on Wednesday and they had an extra roster spot open.  The Pats brought in WR Tony Washington and defensive lineman Caleb Kidder.

Washington played two games with the Jaguars a year ago, while Kidder is a rookie from the University of Montana.

In addition to the team going through practice drills, Bill Belichick also met with the media to talk about the start of the season.  New England will practice again on Friday and Saturday morning this week at 9:15 a.m., and will be back for more workouts next week.

The 2017 NFL season will begin in six weeks as the Patriots will host the Kansas City Chiefs from Gillette Stadium.