Don’t try and tell Patriots coach Ivan Fears he’s not having fun
Ivan Fears had some strong words for those who don’t believe the Patriots “have fun” playing football.
Dec 2, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears celebrates a win over the Minnesota Vikings at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Stew Milne-USA TODAY SportsBy Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Friday saw Bill Belichick joking about plexiglass, the revelation that the Patriots played Family Feud over video calls in the offseason, and Cam Newton smiling through his entire introductory press conference. A real tough one for members of the "the Patriots don't have fun" crowd.
And that's all before Ivan Spears spoke.
Hired as the wide receivers coach in 1999 (he moved to his current job of running backs coach in 2002), Fears has been with the Patriots longer than just about anybody, including Bill Belichick.
Asked how his generally light-hearted demeanor plays against the outside notion that Foxborough is not "a fun" place to work, Fears unloaded.
"I say to each his own," Fears started. "I guess I wouldn't be here for 20 plus years if I wasn't enjoying it."
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
"I want to find a way to win. That's not going to be easy," the 65-year old continued. "Sometimes you got to go a little bit harder in practice. Sometimes you got to go a little harder in meetings, sometimes you gotta work just a little bit harder to define that edge that's going to give you the difference. Now, if you don't think that's fun, I mean, what are we doing? "
Fears then turned his attention to those on the outside who may criticize the way the Patriots go about their business.
"Its no fun, there's no joy in anybody's buildings, if you're not finding a way to freaking win. Let's be honest. Who's having fun then? When your name's in the newspaper, they're talking about replacing your butt? Who's having fun then? No, no, no, no."
Feb 3, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New England Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears arrives before Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Rams 13-3 to win an NFL record-tying sixth championship. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Now in his third decade with the Patriots, Fears doesn't plan on leaving any time soon.
"I think I like my way," he said. "I've enjoyed this role, and I'm going to enjoy it until Bills says, 'Your ass is out of here'. Excuse my language. That's the way it goes. So I'm having fun."
And to everyone else?
"I'm sorry for the guys that don't [have fun], the guys that think we work too hard."
You can see Fears' full rant below:
Alex BarthWriter
Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.
