FOXBORO -- With veteran offensive lineman Dan Koppen released over the weekend, current center Ryan Wendell recalled what he learned from Koppen during his time with the Patriots.
"Koppen's a great guy, a great player, and a great friend of mine," said Wendell before Monday's practice at Gillette Stadium. "And I'm happy to be his friend in the future.
"Being behind Koppen and watching him play for the past several years has been a great learning experience on how to be a pro," added Wendell. "Work ethic, study habits, how to practice. Being a pro was a lot more than about what you do on Sundays."