It’s no accident the Patriots are the best organization in sports. The owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady, have all had a hand in creating an environment conducive to bringing out the best of each individual on staff, regardless of their position. Craig Ramsey, a 20 year old junior at Gordon, is a member of that staff. As an assistant equipment manager, just about everything you see the players wear on game day was put in their locker the day before by Ramsey. Far from star-struck, Ramsey understands he’s there to do a job. With that attitude, he fits right in.
“The misconception is that I’m just taking laps around the locker room giving high fives,” Ramsey said. “People forget that it still is a job. It’s hard work. Everyones there to do a job.”
Everyone understands what they’re doing is vital for the overall success of the organization.Robert Kraft ensures that everyone feels appreciated. He’s the quintessential example of how a boss should carry themselves.
“Bob Kraft is a genius first of all,” Ramsey said. “He has a real good relationship with all his staff and workers. He’s really cordial with everyone. Shaking hands with a billionaire is something I never thought I’d do in my lifetime. But he’ll always ask how you’re doing and make sure you’re alright.”
So-called experts always wonder how the Patriots get the best out of players with controversial pasts like Corey Dillon, Randy Moss, and now Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth. Simply put, it’s easy to perform when you feel respected by your boss.
“The organization treats everyone well and that’s all a part of the Patriot Way,” Ramsey said. “It falls all the way down to the equipment managers and ball boys.”
Ramsey is already adept at conducting himself as Belichick does with the media. In post-game interviews, the head coach always emphasizes the importance of everyone doing their specific job. If Brady has a good game throwing the ball, Belichick is quick to credit the offensive line. If the secondary snagged a few interceptions, he’ll note that wouldn’t have been possible without the pass rush. Each part has to be working cohesively in order for the machine to function as a whole.
Being around the team gives Craig a chance to watch Tom Brady put in work.
“He demands perfection from himself,” Ramsey said. “And that spills over into everyone else. Even in practice if he makes a play that he felt should have been a touchdown but was only a first down, he’ll be visibly upset. He comes every day ready to work.”
When a leader expects so much from himself, everyone else has to fall in line. Maybe they don’t have that same motivation, but they know they can’t let down number 12.
Ramsey clearly impressed the Head of Equipment in his interview as he was hired on the spot. Less mature individuals would have struggled to come to work with a business first approach. To Ramsey, that work ethic is second nature. He does not plan to pursue a career with the team, but the values engrained in him from being around the Patriots will make him a high caliber asset wherever he goes in life.
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