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Jerod Mayo Talks Mankins, His Own Patriots Mortality On Toucher & Rich

BOSTON (CBS) - Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo came on 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich Friday to talk about Logan Mankins, his own Patriots mortality and much more.

The excitement from last season's dramatic, come-from-behind victory over the Saints in Week 6 was short lived, because fans soon found out that captain Jerod Mayo tore his pectoral muscle on a play and was placed on injured reserve.

The seventh-year pro is on the mend and has been kept out of all the preseason games as a precautionary measure.

While he didn't make the trip to New York for Thursday night's finale against the Giants, he still watched and liked what he saw.

"I still support my teammates. Every guy on that roster, they went out and played tough yesterday."

After Mayo ribbed Fred for not watching the entire game and paying attention to lesser known players in the fourth quarter, Fred shot back, "What do you care what happens at that point? You got your place on the team."

Mayo responded, "Hopefully. You never know nowadays."

This led into a discussion about the recently traded Logan Mankins, the five-time All Pro left guard sent to Tampa Bay in exchange for tight end Tim Wright and a 2015 fourth round pick.

"It's tough obviously, but at the end of the day it's still a business. We do a lot of things together in the locker room as teammates. We're like brothers in there. It's hard to lose anyone. But at the same time, coach is trying to do what's best for the team. If that's what he feels is necessary then we have to roll with it. We still have to go out there and play good football because this is our job at the end of the day. Our guys know that, and we're moving on," said Mayo.

Fred expounded upon that, and wonders if Mayo -- just 28 years old -- ever thinks a similar situation could play out with him and the team.

"Obviously. We all have a certain amount of time to play in this league. Whether it's your body that gets you out of this league, a salary problem, or you just get cut because of performance," said Mayo. "We all know that the NFL stands for 'Not For Long.' You have to enjoy it. I still enjoy playing the game. I think a lot of our guys enjoy playing the game. We have to cherish every moment and go out there and give everything that we have."

Jerod Mayo is signed through 2017 and carries a cap charge of $7.3 million in 2014, that escalates to north of $10 million in 2015 and 2016.

As previously stated, Mayo did not play in the preseason. But he's been practicing hard and is chomping at the bit to get back out there, which should happen in the regular season opener.

"I would have liked to play in a game or two, but unfortunately that didn't happen. I'll be ready to go Week 1 and go out there and perform well."

The 5th Annual Mayo Bowl is taking place Monday September 8 at Kings in Dedham. All proceeds from this event will benefit Boston Medical Center. For more information click here.

Listen below for the full interview:

Jerod Mayo Interview

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