Bill Belichick’s long-standing disdain for the New York Jets is no secret; his latest comments only fuel the fire. In a recent Let’s Go podcast episode, the legendary NFL coach took a not-so-subtle jab at the struggling franchise while discussing how teams find quarterbacks.
Legendary Head Coach Bill Belichick Takes Shot at New York Jets on ‘Let’s Go’ Podcast
“How do you find a quarterback,” Let’s Go podcast host Jim Gray flatly asked Belichick.
Belichick didn’t skip a beat with his answer, providing the names of two former Jets quarterbacks to illustrate his point. “Well, you might take a look at the ones that the Jets have released. Geno Smith and Sam Darnold, they’ve done pretty well,” he said.
Much to the delight of New England Patriots fans, Belichick’s remark went viral, reigniting one of the NFL’s most bitter rivalries. Whether Belichick intended it as a shot at the struggling Jets, the dismissive scoff and smirk on his face said it all.
Bill Belichick will never not troll the Jets when given the chance.
“How do you find an NFL quarterback?” he was asked on the latest ‘Let’s Go!’ pod.
BB: “Well, you might take a look at the ones that the Jets have released. Geno Smith and Sam Darnold, they’ve done pretty well.” pic.twitter.com/m46H72mPKx
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) February 20, 2025
“I think there are quarterbacks like that — you know, [Baker] Mayfield is an example, Geno Smith’s an example, Sam Darnold’s an example, even Russell Wilson this year — guys that nobody really wanted, and they’ve played pretty well,” Belichick continued.
“I think that teams will evaluate those opportunities as well. And, honestly, the cost on those players is a lot less than some of the guys who are making in the 50-million-dollar range.”
Revisiting Belichick’s Trade from Jets to Patriots in 2000
Belichick’s animosity toward the Jets dates back decades, stemming from his infamous decision to resign as New York’s head coach in 2000 — after just one day on the job.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft sent a letter to Bill Parcells, then Jets director of football operations, stating his intent to speak with Belichick about the opportunity to coach the Patriots.
When all was said and done, a monumental trade went down: New England received Belichick, a 2001 fifth-round pick and a 2002 seventh-round pick, and New York received a 2000 first-round pick (No. 16 overall), a 2001 fourth-round pick, and a 2001 seventh-round pick.
The rest is history. Belichick took over the struggling Patriots and built a dynasty with quarterback Tom Brady. Since then, Belichick has repeatedly dominated New York on the field, rarely missing an opportunity to throw shade at the Jets franchise.
Belichick’s latest comments, whether a calculated dig or honest football analysis, prove that his grudge against the Jets did not dull after he mutually parted ways from New England in 2024.
The future Hall of Fame head coach was hired by the North Carolina Tar Heels in December 2024.
