Jalen Mills on playing for Bill Belichick: ‘It’s crazy to me’

Author Alex Barth

May 27th, 2021 5:06 PM

When the Patriots’ free agency signings were asked about their first interactions with Bill Belichick, none had a better story than Jalen Mills. The star-struck encounter was highlighted by an excited Mills screaming “this is f***ing Coach Belichick!” in the middle of the Gillette Stadium cafeteria.

Two months later, Mills is still in awe of the six-time Super Bowl winning head coach. After practice on Thursday, Mills was asked if he’s gotten used to working with Belichick.

“No, not yet,” he replied. In fact, he had another story.

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  "I think it was two days ago, we were in walk-through and going over certain defensive calls, and I was working a certain technique, and he was standing right next to me, and he kind of like started coaching me up," Mills recalled. "I was kind of like, in my mind, of course I was taking the coaching but then after when I went to the sideline it was kind of like the same thing I was like, 'This dude, like, Coach Bill is coaching me. It’s crazy to me.'"
  
  For Mills, it meant a little bit more that Belichick took the time amid a whole field of players to chat with him. "At the end of the day, he didn’t have to do that," Mills said. "That’s his job, but he’s a head coach. That’s what he has assistants for. I definitely appreciate it."
  
  Mills says his strategy has been to channel the excitement of working with Belichick into becoming a better player. "I think that’s a great feeling," he explained. "That’s me wanting to give him everything that I have."
  
  As OTAs roll on and turn into training camp, it will be more than just Belichick keeping a close eye on Mills. The 27-year-old projects to play a key role in the Patriots' defense, especially with the retirement of Patrick Chung. All that coaching he's getting from Belichick will certainly be put to the test when the season kicks off in September.

MORE: Cam Newton and Mac Jones throw at Patriots OTAs

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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Author Alex Barth

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Bill Belichick,Jalen Mills,New England Patriots,NFL,patriots