Focus is on family as Patriots gather for pictures on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Patriots eschewed a final walkthrough on Saturday in favor of pictures on the field at U.S. Bank Stadium with family and friends.

"The families go through so much. They sacrifice so much for all of us and the time that we spend away and the strain that a season puts on them," coach Bill Belichick told the pool reporter. "So it's great to have them all here and it's great to give them an opportunity to be with their sons, daughters, husbands and to bring their family in and take pictures on the field and just kind of enjoy the day.

“It's a nice event for everybody -- the players and families, and the team picture with the kids. Everybody will look back on this."

Per the report, family and friends spent time hanging out on the field before a team picture was taken. There was also a picture with all the families. The children, most wearing their fathers’ jerseys, scattered in front of the bleachers. Receiver Chris Hogan cradled his young twins, one in each arm, and cornerback Stephon Gilmore did the same with his two kids.

"This afternoon is a normal Saturday for us,” Belichick said. “So it would either be traveling if we were on the road, or if we were home the players would have the afternoon off to relax, get a massage, just catch up on whatever. Then we meet tonight and play tomorrow. We're on as much of a normal routine as we can be on."