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"Old soul."

Linebacker Jerod Mayo was given that uncommon nickname almost as soon as he joined the New England Patriots as a first-round draft choice in 2008.

It has been a perfect fit since.

"When he was a rookie, he didn't play like a rookie. He didn't act like a rookie," Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork said. "He was intelligent on and off the field. You name it, he had what it takes."

Mayo, selected 10th overall out of Tennessee, joined cornerback Mike Haynes (1976) as the...

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