FOXBORO – The New England Patriots begin each new season with the annual Patriots Premiere at Gillette Stadium, culminating in the team’s presentation of the Ron Burton Community Service Award. On Wednesday night, standout safety and special teams player Brenden Schooler became the 22nd Patriots player to take home the prestigious award.

The award is given each year to a player who demonstrates an outstanding level of community service, which was always a priority for the late, great Ron Burton. Not only was he the first player drafted by the Patriots, but Burton was always recognized and celebrated for his involvement outside of football.

As good as Schooler has been on special teams since joining the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022, he has been just as good in the community. When Patriots owner Robert Kraft presented Schooler with the award on Wednesday — joined by Burton’s family, including WBZ-TV’s Steve and Paul Burton — he emphasized Schooler’s enthusiasm for participating in as many community events as possible. He also talked about the strong relationships Schooler has built with all the people he meets at the events, especially young cancer patients during hospital visits.

“Since Brenden arrived in New England, he has volunteered in every possible community initiative we support,” Kraft said. “Brenden’s most impressive community quality is the depth of relationships he builds with the people he meets. He frequently stays in touch with many of the young cancer patients he met during his hospital visits and is always very personable and engaged when volunteering for our community events. He has been a special Patriots ambassador and has made a positive impact on the lives of others. We look forward to many more years of his contributions, both on and off the field.”

“It’s just about being a good person and using your platform,” Schooler told WBZ-TV’s Steve Burton. “I just need to be able to influence somebody in a positive way, that’s all I need.”

Previous recipients of the Ron Burton Community Service Award are Jonathan Jones (2023), Deatrich Wise Jr. (2022), Lawrence Guy (2021), David Andrews (2020), Kyle Van Noy (2019), Joe Cardona (2018), Jordan Richards (2017), Rob Gronkowski (2016), Nate Solder (2015), Devin McCourty (2014), Matthew Slater (2013), Zoltan Mesko (2012), Jerod Mayo (2011), Vince Wilfork (2010), Kevin Faulk (2009 ), Larry Izzo (2008), Ty Warren (2007), Jarvis Green (2006), Matt Light (2005), Troy Brown (2004) and Joe Andruzzi (2003).