Former New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork agreed with Ty Law’s take on new-age players, as the Jack Jones-Bill Belichick report continues to make waves.
Law indicated Belichick may not command as much respect as in previous years, due to players making more money.
Wilfork agreed with the sentiment, as Patriots legends continue to weigh in. The defensive tackle played for 13 seasons with New England and made five Pro Bowl teams, along with winning two Super Bowls. He recorded 561 career tackles and 16 quarterback sacks during his time with the team, which was at the peak of its success at a time when Belichick was on top of his game.
He stated his opinion on Wednesday night’s airing of NBC Sports Boston’s Early Edition Show, as transcribed by NESN.com’s Dakota Randall.
“These guys don’t respect the game and don’t respect coaches the way we used to,” said Wilfork. “I’ve never seen anybody talk back to Bill. As a leader and as a captain, of course we’ll have conversations on things that we might not like, but that’s behind closed doors, and it’s not us challenging Bill. It’s trying to get a better understanding of what’s going on. But as far as talking back to a coach — no, you don’t do that.
“But this new era of football, these kids feel entitled. It started in college. You’ve got all this mess going on in college — you’re taken care of as a college player, and then you get to the league, and now all of a sudden you want the same treatment. But you have to realize, the (NFL), it ain’t college. You have to prove yourself at this level.”
"These guys don't respect the game and don't respect coaches the way we used to. I've never seen anyone talk back to Bill [Belichick]."
Vince Wilfork calls out the "entitled" attitude of some of the younger players in the NFL 👀 pic.twitter.com/PY8BmbRtnu
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) January 12, 2023
Multiple Patriots legends have weighed in on this topic with it making headlines.
The report was a microcosm of a frustrating season for New England, especially after they missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. The Patriots will have some big decisions to make as the 2023 offseason begins.
