Mac Jones enters New England Patriots training camp with an opportunity to rebound after a challenging 2022 season. If he takes a step forward, it will help improve his standing with the coaching staff and locker room after a turbulent year. However, Jones’ reputation among his peers around the league remains negative.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide star was accused of “dirty play” by a Cincinnati Bengals player in 2022. It came just a season after multiple NFL players criticized Jones, then a rookie, for his dirty tactics used against Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns while they were on the ground.
- Mac Jones stats (2022): 14-11 TD-INT, 65.2% completion rate, 6.8 yards per attempt
Related: Insider explains rift between mac Jones, Bill Belichick
A majority of the public criticisms Jones has received came from young NFL players, with long-time veterans staying out of the discourse. Now, the Patriots quarterback is under fire from Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
Campbell, entering his age-37 season, was talking to reporters about the state of defensive line play in the NFL today and how the emphasis on safety impacts how he hits quarterbacks. During that discussion, Campbell mentioned Andrew Luck, Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes as some of the nicest quarterbacks he’s faced.
When the six-time Pro Bowl selection was asked about which quarterbacks could be the meanest or talk trash the most after being hit, Campbell mentioned Jones and Philip Rivers. However, the veteran defensive lineman explained that Rivers was a good trash talker whereas Jones can just come off as disrespectful.
“Philip Rivers was a good trash talker, but he was never disrespectful, Mac Jones actually, he was kind of disrespectful. I’m like, ‘Hold on, man.’ (It was) just trash talk to the highest level. It was like, ‘You don’t trash talk me.’”
Calais Campbell on New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (H/T ESPN)
While Jones will surely be defended by some of his teammates, the frequency of criticism from players around the league speaks volumes. Typically, NFL players would keep personal things out of the public spotlight and Jones’s negative reputation would only be known around the league.
Related: Bill Belichick ‘agitated’ by Mac Jones seeking outside help
Jones likely won’t change who he is, meaning the trash-talking and actions deemed as “dirty” will likely continue. If that’s the case, though, NFL players will likely want to see him back it up with stellar play or the criticism of his behavior will continue.