Former Gators RB and Olympic silver medal-winning sprinter Jeff Demps went through his first NFL practice Wednesday at One Buc Place.

Though Tampa Bay had hoped Demps would be wearing a Buccaneers jersey, he was a member of the Patriots, having signed a three-year deal with them Friday. The Bucs were considered among the finalists, according to agent Daniel Rose, but Demps said it wasn’t a tough decision.

“Once I talked to the Patriots, I kind of got the feeling that’s where I wanted to be,” Demps said. “Everything was family based. (I felt) like I was already part of the team.”

Demps was one of the last Patriots off the field, catching extra balls and working on a side field. He said it was the first time he touched a football since Jan. 1, the Gators bowl game, and admitted the toughest transition will be getting back into football shape.

- JOE SMITH

joesmith@tampabay.com