The New England Patriots had a few special guests watching practice Wednesday, but blending in with corporate partners, college coaches, and Aerosmith's Jon Bon Jovi was William Allen – invited on behalf of veteran safety Devin McCourty.
Allen spoke to the team about managing life's up and downs, self-improvement and the power of changing your mindset. It would have been an inspirational visit for anyone, hearing from a man who was sentenced to life in prison without parole at just 21 years old, who then turned his life around to receive a commutation 27 years later.
But for McCourty and the Patriots, without their help, the man before them might have still been confined at the Old Colony Correctional Center.