Leadership void
If there’s another key aspect that Klein could fill for the Bills, it’s in leadership. On defensive, Alexander was the team’s captain and leader off the field. Buffalo is also losing Frank Gore ahead of the 2020 season, so Klein’s leadership is something McDermott would love about the linebacker.
In fact, Klein’s been a team captain everywhere he’s been from college to the Panthers and with the Saints. It might be inevitable that he wears that ‘C’ with the Bills.
His leadership with the Saints was felt almost immediately as well. ESPN spoke to him and he explained being a leader during his first training camp with the Saints in 2017.
“I think it’s important, obviously, if you’re gonna be put in the middle of the defense, you have to be ready to lead. And you have to have a full understanding of the defense. So yeah, that was a goal of mine to come in and not just to bark orders and be that guy, but to earn the respect of my teammates and coaches,” Klein said.
“I think for me, being a leader is more showing by example,” Klein added. “So I try to do my best whether it’s on the field or off the field — to show that I’m all-in and I’m ready to work for this team.”
Oh, yes. McDermott loves this guy. Bet on it.
AJ Klein punches the ball out and the @Saints recover the Witten fumble!
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Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/21uBLUVrMB pic.twitter.com/3DZ7Kkosr6— NFL (@NFL) September 30, 2019