Former Oregon Ducks cornerback Christian Gonzalez is standing up for his former head coach following the end of his second season with the New England Patriots.

It became clear after the 2023 season and the firing of longtime coach Bill Belichick that Jerod Mayo was Robert Kraft's handpicked successor to the coaching throne. Mayo had played with the Patriots from 2008 to 2015.

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Jerod Mayo was only given one season to prove he could handle being the head coach of the New England Patriots, and one of the team’s star players seems to think that was unfair.

After one season, the New England Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo, paving the way for Mike Vrabel to rejoin the franchise, where he played from 2001 to 2008. Mayo, who also played with the Pats from 2008 to 2015, struggled in what was viewed as a rebuilding year and compiled a 4-13 record.

New England Patriots All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez believes Jerod Mayo was done dirty, but at the same time, he understands the business side of football. When appearing on the “Frat Rules” podcast, Gonzalez shared his thoughts on the Patriots firing Mayo after only one season with the team.