A Patriots quarterback get-together

Author Alex Barth

July 6th, 2023 11:47 AM

It’s not uncommon to see retired Patriots players stay around the team facility. For instance, Devin McCourty was in attendance for some of the Patriots’ spring practices last month after announcing his retirement earlier this year.

That’s not the only time McCourty has spent around the team apparently. On Thursday morning McCourty shared a post to Instagram of highlights from his first summer as a former NFL player. Included in the vacation photos with his kids was one other image that certainly caught the attention of Patriots fans.

It’s not clear what event that is, and whether it’s a Patriots team event or something else, but that is indeed current Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and former Patriots quarterback, the recently retired Tom Brady.

This isn’t the first time Jones and Brady have met. They shared a postgame moment on the field at Gillette Stadium after Brady’s Buccaneers beat the Patriots his his return to Gillette Stadium in 2021.

Still, the duo has not publicly interacted beyond that. With Brady now retired, could that change? Brady is already scheduled to return to Gillette Stadium this season, where he will be honored during the team’s season opener.

Meanwhile, Jones is entering a crucial year when it comes to his long-term standing in New England as Brady’s potential replacement. Although Jones’ rookie contract is guaranteed through the 2024 season, the team must decide next spring whether or not to pick up his fifth-year option for 2025. That checkpoint has generally been the decision-point for teams around the league when deciding whether or not to commit to a first-year quarterback.

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As for Brady, rumors of a potential second un-retirement are becoming fewer and further between. This time, it seems like the 45-year-old seven-time Super Bowl champion is done for good.

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].

Read more…

Patriots cornerback shares his thoughts on the NFL's gambling policy

• Ever since current Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for sports betting for betting on sports last spring, the issue of NFL players betting on sports has been a contentious topic. While the latest CBA

  Reminder that these are the main six gambling rules that NFL players must abide by. #Titans starting OT Nicholas Petit-Frere broke rule No. 2, per @AdamSchefter, so he’ll be suspended the first six games of the season.#Colts play at Tennessee in Week 5. pic.twitter.com/ShENC2kdpa

  — James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 29, 2023?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">created some more flexibility, many players have still criticized the policies.

  In the wake of these recent suspensions, players have once again shared their thoughts. That includes Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones, who took to Twitter Thursday night.

  “I understand rules are rules, But (sic) I can risk my life so that my team wins but I can’t risk 1k on my team winning,” he tweeted, followed by the shrug emoji.

• I understand rules are rules, But I can risk my life so that my team wins but I can’t risk 1k on my team winning 🤷🏾‍♂️

  — J Jones (@justjjones) June 29, 2023

• Jones also replied to fans replying to his tweet, further explaining some of his thoughts – including on players betting on their own games. “If you don’t give maximum effort you lose you job more than any bet,”

  If you don’t give maximum effort you lose you job more than any bet. This isnt boxing you can’t get 92 players on a Sunday to not show maximum effort.

  — J Jones (@justjjones) June 30, 2023?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he said to one user.” This isnt boxing you can’t get 92 players on a Sunday to not show maximum effort.

  In another reply, Jones clarified he doesn’t bet on sports himself but still sees an issue with the policy. “I don’t bet on sports the ROI isn’t that great,”

  I don’t bet on sports the ROI isn’t that great. I’m only arguing logic

  — J Jones (@justjjones) June 29, 2023?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he explained. “I’m only arguing logic.”

  Overall,

  Updated list of player gambling suspensions the last 2 years:
  
  At least 1 year (bets on NFL):
  - WR Calvin Ridley
  - CB Isaiah Rodgers
  - LB Rashod Berry
  - DT Demetrius Taylor
  - S CJ Moore
  - WR Quintez Cephus
  - DE Shaka Toney
  
  6 games (non-NFL bets but done at work):
  - OT Nicholas…

  — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 29, 2023?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 players have now been suspended by the NFL for some for of gambling infraction in the last two years. This conversation likely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon either, especially as more states legalize sports betting.

• 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

Category:

• Patriots
• News
• The Sports Hub

Tags:

2023 Patriots Offseason,devin mccourty,Mac Jones,New England Patriots,NFL,Tom Brady