One week after his animated conversations with head coach Jerod Mayo caused concern among the Patriots' faithful, Matt Judon addressed the matter with reporters for the first time on Monday.
In short, he didn't say much. But as Judon wore a red hoodie with "GO PATS" emblazoned across the chest, the Patriots pass rusher did recap what happened on that day, which began with Judon choosing to sit out of practice (and instead sit on a turned-over garbage can to watch his teammates work through the session), and ended with a displeased Judon walking inside the facility.
"We had a conversation. I didn't want to be a distraction to the team, so I went inside," Judon said of his interaction with Mayo. "I wasn't participating in those drills that day. So I went inside, then I got a message so I came back to talk to the GM. … Then I went back inside. Sorry I'm animated and talk with my hands. Imma start talking like this and not be so animated."
Judon's had plenty of time to cool off, collect his thoughts and craft them into a palatable explanation that wouldn't ruffle feathers. We'll never know exactly what was said between the edge rusher, Mayo and de facto general manager Eliot Wolf. But Judon did return to practice last week and has remained on the field, noting Monday that he does not want to leave the Patriots, despite the ongoing contract dispute.
"I want to stay here for the remainder of my career," Judon said, via team reporter Alexandra Francisco. "I only have one year left (on my contract). It's not up to me."
Judon wouldn't offer much in the way of comments on the ongoing contract talks, directing reporters to speak with Patriots leadership. He also explained why he decided to return to the practice field even with the contract remaining unresolved.
"I gotta play. This ain't nothing about practice," Judon said. "I gotta do what I'm contracted and obligated to do so I don't lose my money."
The good news is that Judon is back on the practice field. As for the rest, Patriots fans will just have to wait with the hopes the team and Judon can find common ground.
