Rob Ninkovich clearly wasn’t a fan of Mac Jones during his time with the Patriots. The former linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion didn’t hold back his criticism of the former New England quarterback on a recent episode of the “Dan and Ninko Show” podcast, where he praised rookie Drake Maye while taking shots at Jones.
“Look at Mac Jones down in Jacksonville right now. He’s doing the Griddy all over the place,” Ninkovich said, referring to Jones securing a backup role behind Trevor Lawrence after a solid preseason. When co-host Dan O’Brien mentioned that Jones reportedly doesn’t like Ninkovich, the ex-Patriot didn’t hesitate to dish out some harsh words. “It didn’t work out. They needed a change,” Ninkovich remarked, contrasting the demeanor of Jones and Maye, the new QB in New England.
Ninkovich even mimicked Jones’ post-game press conference responses from his three seasons with the Patriots. “I couldn’t keep listening to, ‘Yeah, I’ve got to keep working, get better, and it wasn’t my best, but I’ll be better.’ Over and over again,” Ninkovich said. He then jabbed, “I’d rather hear Drake Maye talk than listen to, ‘Yeah, my modeling career didn’t work out, so now I’m back down here in Jacksonville.’”
While the history between Ninkovich and Jones is unclear, it’s evident that Ninkovich is relieved the Patriots are starting the 2024 season with a new QB lineup featuring Maye and Brissett.
