Three-time Patriots Super Bowl champion Ty Law mingles with fans at Seabrook casino

SEABROOK – The New England Patriots dynasty is a defining era of Boston sports, and Ty Law’s interception for a touchdown against the heavily-favored St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI was a defining moment of that era.

On Friday night, Law connected with Patriots fans once again, at The Brook, to promote his newest business venture, Corvus Vodka, and do a question-and-answer session and fan meet-and-greet.

“It’s about the people for me,” said Law, a first-round draft choice of the Patriots in 1995, 23rd overall, out of the University of Michigan. “I like being around people. To meet different people on a day-to-day basis is a gift. I’m really enjoying it.”

The five-time Pro Bowler, and three-time Super Bowl champion was met with the applause and appreciation befitting a local hero, with even New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu in attendance.

“We want to keep Ty loving New Hampshire, and New Hampshire obviously loves him," Sununu said. "The Brook is a great venue for an event like this. They do a great job with these things. I am happy to be here and be a part of it.”

Law, now 50, spent the first 10 years of his career with the New England Patriots before playing his final five years with the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos. He retired after the 2009 season, was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2014, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Law is the latest Boston sports celebrity to welcome fans at The Brook, joining Zdeno Chara, Robert Parish , Tim Wakefield, and Tedy Bruschi .

Area fans flock to The Brook to meet Law

Mark Daigle, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, said having the chance to meet Law was special to him, especially after losing his father, with whom he bonded with over Patriots football.

“This is the biggest thrill,” said Daigle. “When Ty got that pick-six in the Super Bowl, and the Patriots won that game (20-17), my dad was bawling, and I was bawling. So, to meet Ty, this is just incredible.”

Bill Leva, of Hampton, and his friend Peter Kachavos said having the chance to meet Law brought back incredible memories.

“Everybody remembers the interception return for a touchdown against the Rams,” Leva said. “But for me, the thing that made him one of my favorite players was the 2003 AFC Championship game when he picked off (Indianapolis Colts quarterback) Peyton Manning three times.”

Leva said when Kachavos told him about Law’s upcoming appearance at The Brook, it was a no-brainer to attend. Kavachos was actually meeting Law for the second time. He brought a photo from their first meeting, which Law signed.

“This is pretty special,” Kachavos said. “(Law) is a class act, and he's a key part of the New England dynasty so this is great, being a New England sports fan."

Jane McNeal, of Newburyport, said not only did she appreciate how friendly and outgoing Law was with the fans, but she also appreciated The Brook for hosting the event.

“This is just one of those great things to do at The Brook,” McNeal said. “(Law) took time with everyone, and he couldn’t have been nicer.”

Law loves interacting with Patriots fans

Law said he was happy to be so well received by his fans.

“It’s been great, especially since I can’t run, can’t jump, can’t do any of that anymore,” Law said. “It’s good when they remember you when you were at your peak and were able to play at a high level. That’s why I never turn down fans for autographs or anything like that. I think it’s a blessing they still remember me. I’m still humbled by that.”

Law reflects on missing Super Bowl MVP, Tom Brady’s evolution

Law pushed aside the idea that he, with his touchdown and eight tackles, should have been the MVP of Super Bowl XXXLVI, adding he would have if the NFL hadn’t introduced fan voting to the process that year. He said his name topped the MVP vote list prior to the fan vote. Instead, Tom Brady, who completed 16 of 27 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown, was named Super Bowl MVP.

“I don’t look for more credit,” he said. “I think real football people know I had a significant play. But Tom Brady is going to get most of the attention, and rightfully so. In my era, we were more of a defensive-led team, but to see that guy blossom into the greatest football player who’s ever lived was amazing. I’m glad I got to share some of that success with him.”

Law said he knew there was something different about Brady early on, with the way Brady practiced, and the way he wasn’t intimidated by the Patriots defensive leaders. Brady replaced an injured Drew Bledsoe early in the 2001 season. Most thought it would be a short-lived starting gig until Bledsoe was able to return. Brady had other ideas.

“He said, ‘I’m not giving it back,’” Law said. “That’s when I knew he was different. That’s why I always give kudos to Bill Belichick. He made the call. If it was anybody else, they would’ve had (Bledsoe) back out there as soon as he (was healthy).”

Law said Bledsoe’s recently-signed $100 million contract would have swayed most team leaders to return him to the starting lineup immediately, but Belichick didn’t let that factor into his decision.

“Belichick stuck to his guns and said this is our guy," Law said. "The rest is history. For (Brady), to accomplish what he has accomplished – more than any other team, as an individual – that makes him not only the greatest quarterback, but the greatest football player of all time.”

Law is excited for Patriots future under Mayo

Although Law had moved on from the Patriots prior to Jerod Mayo’s rookie year in 2008, Law said he and the new Patriots head coach have been good friends since spending a week in Israel together in 2019 on a trip with Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Now, Law is excited to see what Mayo brings to the team as the new head coach, but also cautioned patience to fans.

“Jerod is incredible, so the fact that he got this opportunity is great,” Law said. “It’s tough though. It's like any quarterback (replacing) Tom Brady, you have another head coach (replacing) the greatest of all time in Bill Belichick. But if anyone is built for it, it’s Jerod Mayo. I look forward to big things from him.”

He said fans can’t expect the Patriots to be immediate Super Bowl contenders, but feels like adding Mayo as coach definitely points the team in the right direction.

“Just know it’s not going to be overnight,” Law told fans. “You gotta be patient with him. He's going to be great. He’s got a great mind for it, and being a former player, he has a perspective on things that makes him a good person for the job."

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Three-time Patriots Super Bowl champion Ty Law mingles with fans at Seabrook casino