So now that we've had a chance to thaw out a bit (I still can't believe it's May 28 and I was wearing a winter coat!) from a chilly late-spring practice, here's a bit more on the circus that was Tom Brady's Return to the Field...

* Pats' PR maven Stacey James put the total number of media in attendance at over 75 (edit: Stacey just told me the total count was 96, unheard of for a shorts-and-shirts practice), as all manner of reporter, TV personality, cameramen, photographers, sound guys and bloggers descended on the fields behind Gillette Stadium. They began arriving at the stadium before 9 a.m. for the session which began at 11 a.m., and in all, we nearly outnumbered the players.

* The session lasted about 90 minutes, with all players in helmets, jerseys and shorts/sweatpants. Consensus was that there were 76 of the 91 guys currently on the roster in attendance. Those missing were: NT Vince Wilfork, DE Ty Warren, DE Jarvis Green, LB Jerod Mayo, LB Tedy Bruschi, RB Sammy Morris, DB Brandon Meriweather, S Ray Ventrone, CB Mike Richardson, OL Mark LeVoir, OL Al Johnson, WRs Tyree Barnes, Shun White and Brandon Tate and LB Tyrone McKenzie.

Wilfork's absence could be because of the lack of discussion on a contract extension; the 2009 season is the final one of the six-year rookie deal he signed in 2004. Though OTA sessions are voluntary, numerous players have stayed away from their respective OTAs as a way of sending a message about contract status.

* Tom Brady looked a bit rusty, and said as much during his post-practice press conference. There is a slight hitch in his step when he runs, but that could be because of the brace he is wearing on that left knee.

* As the end of the practice neared, the 16 videocameras assembled at the bottom of the bleachers (for those who have attended training camp at Gillette, it was the set of bleachers nearest to the stadium, typically where VIPs sit for training camp sessions), and reporters formed a semi-circle around a small riser. Brady was supposed to stand on the riser to make it easier for the cameras to get a good shot of his face, though he opted not to.

As Brady approached the crowd, he joked, "I gotta tell you guys, I've really been looking forward to this." But he answered questions for over 20 minutes, ranging from his knee of course to whether he and new wife Gisele Bundchen are expecting, as has been reported in recent days.

"My body feels really good. My arm feels good. I'm not completing as many passes as I want, but we haven't been out here very long. It's just about getting better every day, and if you can do that, then you can make continuous improvements over weeks and months, and you'll be a better player," Brady said.

For the record, Brady said "one is enough" when it comes to children, referring to son Jack. (Take it for what it's worth, but at a February charity appearance, Brady said he and Bundchen weren't engaged; the two were married a month later. Personally, if they are, great, if they aren't, great, just passing along info...)

Laurence Maroney, standing about 25 yards away and looking at the crush of cameras, microphones and people, marveled at the attention the quarterback was receiving and wondered what anyone was asking him for so long.