New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai has sparked controversy by delivering a scathing critique of the team’s fanbase, as the Patriots approach the conclusion of one of their worst seasons in recent history. With a record of 3-13 heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills, frustration is running high among fans and players alike.
During an appearance on The Gregg Hill Show Friday morning, Tavai defended under-fire head coach Jerod Mayo, who is navigating his first season at the helm following Bill Belichick’s departure. Rather than criticizing the coaching staff or players, Tavai turned his ire toward the fans for their perceived lack of understanding and harsh criticism.
“I definitely told a fan to quiet down in a non-polite way,” Tavai admitted, referencing an incident during the team’s 40-7 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. “There’s a reason why they’re fans. Everybody can say what they think we should be doing, but in the long run, they are not qualified to be doing what Mayo is doing.”
Tavai didn’t stop there, adding, “They’re fans. I appreciate them at times, but sometimes they just need to know their place. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
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The Patriots’ season has been a disaster by every measure, and Sunday’s game against the Bills could determine whether they secure the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. While fans might be tempted to root for a loss to lock in that position, Mayo and his team remain committed to playing for a win.
“I’ve never been part of a team—whether as a player or coach—going into a game not wanting to win,” Mayo said during a press conference. “That’s not going to change today, and that’s my message to the team.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Mayo announced that rookie quarterback Drake Maye would start against the Bills, a decision that drew mixed reactions from fans. With the Patriots in rebuilding mode, some supporters see the potential No. 1 pick as a crucial opportunity for the future, while others question the team’s lack of immediate progress.
Tavai, who joined the Patriots in 2021 after being drafted by the Detroit Lions, pointed to his former team as an example of long-term rebuilding success.
“The Lions, four years ago when Dan Campbell took over, what was their record?” Tavai asked. “These past two years, I’m not trying to compare, but that’s a goal we’re trying to develop here, in this new regime.”
He continued, “That’s the mission—to get to how the Lions are improving. That’s the type of team we see ourselves as—a playoff contender. Unfortunately, that’s not this year.”
The Patriots’ struggles have not only highlighted the challenges of transitioning from Belichick’s storied tenure but also the growing pains of a new coaching staff and young roster. Mayo’s leadership is under scrutiny, and Tavai’s comments about fans have only added to the tension surrounding the organization.
As the Patriots prepare to face the playoff-bound Bills, who are likely to rest quarterback Josh Allen for part of the game, the spotlight remains on a franchise seeking a clear path forward.
Whether Mayo can turn things around or whether further changes are in store remains to be seen, but for now, the discord between the team and its fans reflects the broader uncertainty engulfing the New England Patriots.
