In a heartfelt farewell message shared on social media, former New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones expressed gratitude towards the team and its loyal fanbase for their unwavering support throughout his three-year stint in Foxboro. Jones, who was recently traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round draft pick, reflected on his time with the Patriots with fondness and appreciation.
“The last three seasons with the New England Patriots are years I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Jones penned in a statement accompanied by a graphic on X. “I will always be grateful for my time in New England and for the opportunity to kickstart my NFL career.”
Drafted by the Patriots out of Alabama as the No. 15 pick in the 2021 draft, Jones swiftly seized the starting quarterback role from Cam Newton in his rookie season, earning accolades including a Pro Bowl nod. His impressive debut saw him tallying 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Addressing Patriots owner Mr. Kraft and the entire Kraft family, Jones expressed heartfelt gratitude for enabling him to fulfill his NFL dreams. He also extended appreciation to head coach Bill Belichick, the coaching staff, and the various support personnel for their unwavering guidance and assistance throughout his tenure.
However, despite a promising start, Jones faced challenges in his sophomore year, struggling to replicate his rookie success. Despite his best efforts, he recorded diminished statistics with 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Acknowledging the camaraderie shared with his teammates, Jones emphasized the honor of playing alongside them and expressed gratitude towards the fans for their consistent support. He acknowledged the privilege of being part of the esteemed Patriots organization and conveyed enduring affection for the New England community.
Jones’ tenure with the Patriots faced a setback in his final season as the team grappled with a 2-9 start, leading to his benching in favor of Bailey Zappe. While his struggles prompted scrutiny, the debate lingers on whether they stemmed solely from his performance or were exacerbated by team dynamics.
Looking ahead, Jones expressed enthusiasm about joining the Jacksonville Jaguars, describing it as a homecoming. While he may initially slot behind fellow 2016 draft pick Trevor Lawrence on the depth chart, Jones remains poised to seize opportunities and showcase his talents should circumstances permit.
In bidding adieu to the Patriots faithful, Jones embraced the new chapter with optimism, exclaiming, “Thank you to the Jacksonville Jaguars organization for the opportunity. Let’s go!”
As Jones embarks on a new journey with the Jaguars, the NFL community eagerly awaits his contributions, affirming his resilience and determination to excel in his quarterback role.
