No More Fights: Patriots' Mayo Enforces New Rule
Throughout the NFL, joint practices have become battlegrounds as players from different teams clash, often leading to fights. Recognizing the disruptions these altercations cause, New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has introduced a controversial new rule aimed at curbing the violence as the Patriots prepare for a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mayo’s directive is as clear as it is strict: any starter who engages in a fight during joint practices will be required to play the entire preseason game. In contrast, non-starters who get into altercations will find themselves benched for the entire game. "My message to the players: if you get in a fight out here, if you're a starter, you're going to play the whole preseason game. If you're not a starter, you won't play at all. That's kind of my mindset with that," Mayo stated.
This firm stance comes ahead of the Patriots and Eagles' practice session on Tuesday, which is expected to be intense given the August heat and the proximity of roster cuts. Following the practice, the two teams are set to face off at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, marking Week 2 of the preseason and serving as a litmus test for Mayo’s new rule.
Jerod Mayo, who spent eight seasons as a Patriots player before stepping into the coaching role, brings a unique perspective to his decision. In his playing days, Mayo appreciated joint practices for breaking up the monotony of training camp and fostering team camaraderie. "It really helps you build that camaraderie amongst the group because out here, when you're going against each other, it gets a little stale sometimes. It's always good to go against another team," Mayo reflected.
However, his current priority is to simulate the real-game consequences of fighting. In official NFL games, players who engage in fights face fines or even ejection. Mayo wants his team to internalize these stakes during practice sessions to ensure that training remains productive and free from unnecessary distractions. "Look, you don't fight in a real game. If you fight in a real game, you get fined; you get kicked out. It's the same thing here," Mayo emphasized.
The upcoming practice will not only test Mayo's rules but also serve as a crucial moment for players from both teams vying to secure their spots on the roster. As tensions rise in the humid August air, the pressure to perform will be palpable.
For Mayo, the objective is clear: maintain a disciplined, focused environment where players can improve and prepare without the threat of altercation. His new rule is a bold step in that direction, setting the tone for how seriously the Patriots regard their practice ethics.
All eyes will be on Tuesday’s practice and Thursday's preseason game to see how the Patriots respond to these new guidelines. If successful, Mayo’s approach could set a precedent for other teams across the league dealing with similar issues during joint practices.
As the Patriots and Eagles gear up for what promises to be a revealing week, Mayo’s leadership and strict enforcement may very well shape not only his team’s discipline but potentially influence practices league-wide. In a sport where discipline and focus are paramount, Mayo’s no-nonsense approach could be just what the Patriots need to rise above the fray.