A number of former players have been showing up as guests at Patriots spring practices this year. However, there are two that have regularly been in attendance – wide receiver Aaron Dobson and running back LeGarrette Blount.

As it turns out, the two are back for more than just a reunion. Like the players on the field, they’re here to learn.

• Prior to Monday’s Minicamp practice, Bill Belichick was asked about regularly having his two former players in attendance. “They’re here as part of the Bill Walsh Fellowship,” Belichick explained. “I’m glad to have them, it’s great to have them here.”

  The Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, established by the NFL in 1987, aims at helping minority coaches from the high school level on up, as well as former NFL players, gain coaching experience early in their careers. “The program’s objective is to use NFL clubs’ training camps, offseason workout programs and minicamps to give talented coaches opportunities to observe, participate, gain experience, [and] ultimately gain a full-time NFL coaching position,” according to the NFL operations website.

  In the past the Patriots have added coaches through the program. That includes current assistant offensive line coach Billy Yates, assistant wide receivers coach Ross Douglas, and defensive assistant V’Angelo Bentley.

• Belichick says that LeGarrette Blount and Aaron Dobson are attending practice as a part of the Bill Walsh fellowship. A little bit about the fellowship below. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/qQWkH9JTZe

  — Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) June 12, 2023

• For Dobson, this will be an intro as he heads into his first full-time coaching job this fall. Back in March, the Marshall football program announced Dobson will be joining the staff as an offensive analyst.

  Dobson played at Marshall from 2009-2012. The West Virginia native was drafted by the Patriots in the second round in 2013, and played three seasons for the Patriots before being released. He also spent time with the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals.

• #PlayOfTheDay (2011): Marshall's Aaron Dobson (@aarondobson17) makes a ridiculous one-handed catch over the ECU defender. pic.twitter.com/EaJEOYH9kB

  — Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) June 1, 2020

• As for Blount, he doesn’t currently (publicly) have any coaching roles lined up. Still, this experience should help him get his foot in the door (on top of the fact that he was a great player) if and when he wants to explore that option.

  “They’re here to learn, observe, and they’re doing that,” Belichick said of Dobson and Blount on Monday. “So, I’m happy to help them with their coaching careers.”

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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