Patriots
“Jerod Mayo was the Tom Brady of the defensive side of the ball, getting everyone lined up.”
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo showed an uncanny trait during his playing days that may translate to his new job, according to former Patriots tight-end Rob Gronkowski.
During a recent episode of “Games With Names,” Julian Edelman asked Gronkowski what he saw in Mayo back in 2011 that suggested he could one day become a head coach.
“Jerod Mayo was just a phenomenon on the football field with lining every one up and also in the meeting rooms as well,” Gronkowski said. “He knew where every player needed to be during any situation that occurred on the defensive side of the ball.”
His knowledge of where defensive players were supposed to be is similar to Brady’s knowledge of where offensive players are supposed to be, Gronkowski said.
“Jerod Mayo was the Tom Brady of the defensive side of the ball, getting everyone lined up,” said Gronkowski.
Edelman said he used to rely on Mayo for tips.
“I always had to look at Jerod,” Edelman said. “I knew what I had to do but I would always ask to get the approval from Jerod because if Jerod said that, you knew it was right. He got everyone lined up. He was the man.”
Gronkowski said he wouldn’t be surprised if Mayo’s skill-set ends up helping him in his new role as Patriots coach.
“He knew how to read offenses,” Gronkowski said. “He knew when to call out plays and he was always correct when he was calling the play out or else he was just making the whole defense aware when that play was going to be called that they were looking out for or what type of run was going to be run at the offensive side of the ball.
“He was just always alert,” Gronkowski said. “You could always tell that was going to translate into the next phase of his life … it’s not all about how physical you are on the field, how talented you are. If you know where to be on the football field that can make you a better player because you are already in position to make the play.”
Mayo is entering his first season as head coach after spending the past five as a linebackers coach.
He was a two-time Pro Bowler during his playing days, and led the NFL in tackles in 2010.
Sign up for Patriots updates🏈
Get breaking news and analysis delivered to your inbox during football season.
