New England Patriots RB LeGarrette Blount Feeling Fresh as he Hits 30

Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi
Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi /
facebooktwitterreddit

New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount says he feels just as good as he nears 30 years old as he did when he entered the league.

Maybe 39-year-old Tom Brady is rubbing off on him, but New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount has found his youth again as he approaches his 30th birthday.

In his eight NFL season, Blount is just 131 yards away from a 1,000-yard season.  He is also close to breaking the team’s rushing touchdown record set by Curtis Martin.  At a position that caters more to the younger guys, Blount’s accomplishments this season can be attributed to how well he takes care of himself.  He says he feels just as fresh as he did when he entered the league.

More from New England Patriots

"“I feel the same as I did when I started,” Blount said Wednesday.  “I feel good, don’t feel any different.”"

He looks good too.  While he is not as an explosive running back as an Adrian Peterson, once he breaks into the open field, he is as tough to take down as any running back in the league.  So, what has contributed to his longevity at the running back position?

"“You have a lot of veterans that come around this league,” Blount said. “You learn different things from different guys, and they tend to leave a pretty good impression on you if they’re good guys…I’ve been around Cadillac Williams. I’ve been around Earnest Graham. I’ve been around Ronde Barber. Obviously, I’ve been around Tom (Brady), and they always say the key thing to stay in this league a long time is to make sure you stay healthy. As long as you stay healthy, you’re going to be good.”"

Related Story: Patriots Gridiron News: LeGarrette Blount Focused on Winning

Blount has also had the luxury of avoiding injury.  He did suffer a season-ending hip injury a year ago, but beyond that has been relatively healthy.  Given the fact that the Patriots didn’t expect as much as Blount has giving them this season, the big man will celebrate his big 3-0 knowing that he is doing at his age, what many running backs haven’t lasted long enough to do.

"“It’s just really about taking care of your body,” Blount said. “And obviously, it’s a blessing if you get a chance to play this long in the league.”"

Next: New England Patriots Week 13 Predictions: Auto-Pilot Game

LeGarrette Blount would love to celebrate his birthday by hitting that 1,000-yard mark this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.