New England Player Promotions

Acquiring Autographs in Person

• Be courteous and polite when acquiring an autograph.  Remember to thank the player.
• Remember that players are people too.  Feel free to talk to them:  ask them a question or tell them what your favorite play that they were involved in is.
• If acquiring a free autograph at an event like Training Camp, don't be pushy.  Defer to little kids and don't ask for multiple items to be signed.
• Know who the player is!  I remember being at training camp one year when linebacker Billy Yates was signing autographs.  He had to stop and introduce himself because people kept saying, "Hey Vince!" thinking that he was Vince Wilfork!                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
  

Purchasing Autographs and Authenticity

• It's important to ensure that an autograph is authentic.  The only sure way to know this is to have an item signed in front of you.  The next best thing, however, is to only purchase autographs from reputable sellers who care about maintaining the integrity of the autograph industry.
• Compare an autograph that you are thinking about purchasing to other sources that you know are genuine.  No two people write exactly the same.
• That being said, remember that no one person will ever write exactly the same way twice.  Look for unique features and identifying characteristics.
• Also remember that a persons autograph may change over time.  Athletes often modify their autographs over time as they sign more often.  Imagine writing your name several hundred times even once!  Many players will do this several times a year and may simplify their autograph.  Mike Vrabel is an example of this scenario as his autograph has changed somewhat dramatically over recent years.

 Pats Training Camp 2007 Foxboro, MA

Autographs Through the Mail

• Many people have had success acquiring autographs through the mail.  This is a hit-or-miss proposition, but it may be worth a shot!
• Don't send anything particularly valuable through the mail as you may not get it back.  Cards are an excellent choice to send because of their low cost and small size.
• Include a self-adressed stamped envelope for the player to return your item.
• Write the player a brief note telling him why you are a fan.
• Be sure to thank the player in advance.

Try writing to Patriots players at the following adress:

One Patriot Place

Foxborough, MA 02035