In his first interview with the Denver media, former Patriots running back Laurence Maroney said he understood the criticism he received in New England because he was a first-round pick, but also added that he’s excited for the “fresh start” he’ll get with the Broncos.

“[The fans and the media] definitely criticized me a lot, but it’s OK. I was a first-rounder so I felt like they were looking at me in a bigger light than everybody else. But it’s one of those things, it’s over with now. That was then and I’m here with the Broncos and now I’m focusing on my future here,” Maroney told reporters Friday.

“Don’t get me wrong, there is always some stuff I could have done different or wanted to do different or wished I could have done if I had the chances to do, but I didn’t have those chances. But now I’m just focusing on my future here in Denver and being the best player I can be for them.”

Maroney, who rushed for 2,430 yards in four seasons with the Patriots, was dealt to Denver for a fourth-round pick earlier this week. He joins a backfield that includes starter Knowshon Moreno and No. 2 back Correll Buckhalter. He said it’s too early to know exactly what sort of role he’ll have with the Broncos, but was just excited about the opportunity for a new beginning.

“I’m not going to say I needed it, but it is always helpful to have a fresh start, a clean slate and start over from the beginning,” said Maroney, who reportedly won’t be on the field this weekend. “All I want to do is come out here and help and do anything possible to help the team win.

“I’d love for this to be a long-term thing. It’s one of those things where you know Denver is going to run the ball and it’s one of them things with ‘Buck’ and ‘Know’, I’m not coming in there trying to take anybody’s plays away or anybody’s shine, I just want to come in and fit in and help the team win, just be part of a winning team.”