Marcus jones, a new england patriots cornerback, punt returner, and one-time first-team all-pro marcus jones is excited to work under new head coach jerod mayo, who officially replaced bill belichick in january. According to karen guregian of masslive, jones said about mayo during the new edition of the “eye on foxborough” podcast, “i know us as a group, we’re ready to hit the ground running, especially with a man we trust.” During the interview, jones praised belichick, but the 25-year-old noted how mayo, who will turn 38 years old on friday, differs from the 71-year-old who led new england to six super bowl titles but then saw the club miss the playoffs three times in the last four seasons.
Jones described mayo’s work style as “he makes it fun.” “because of his personality when you’re walking around, he just has an infectiousness to him.” During a tenure that spanned 2000 to this past january, mayo is no stranger to belichick or the so-called “patriot way,” which is embraced by the living legend. The former linebacker, who played under belichick from 2008 to 2015, became new england’s inside linebackers coach in 2019 and was rumored to have known as belichick’s replacement as a result of the 2008 season. Jones said about mayo, “that’s what i meant by the trust aspect.” “he’s been a part of the organization and in our shoes as well.” He knows the hard work and dedication required in an environment like this.
Having someone who has been through it before helps a lot, because the confidence is just there.” Many have questioned patriots owner robert kraft’s choice of mayo over a well-known commodity, such as former tennessee titans head coach mike vrabel. Vrabel, who won three super bowl rings for new england from 2001 to 2008, has a fondness for the team and, like mayo, knows all about the “patriot way.” Nobody “wants to be the one who replaces the other,” according to a popular sports adage, with the second being a larger-than-life figure like belichick.
Mayo seems to have fans in the new england locker room, but he’ll need to prove that he can outcoach opponents this fall to convince fans that kraft made the right call.
