Mac Jones and Cam Newton join forces in latest criticism of Bill Belichick

Since departing the Patriots after 24 seasons earlier this year, Bill Belichick has found himself a favorite topic in the media for various reasons.

Much of the last few years has revolved around his alleged deteriorating relationship with team owner Robert Kraft, as well as tension behind the scenes with his coaching staff and the players.

Plenty of negative articles have been published containing the latest gossip and attempts at exposing the longtime head coach for his tough coaching and stubborn mentality, but a lot of that has changed in recent weeks.

Most conversations recently have been about his new, unexpected career ventures since no team hired him for the 2024 season. Belichick will still be all over football television, though, with scheduled appearances on Eli and Peyton Manning's Monday Night Football "Manningcast," weekly segments on ESPN's The "Pat McAfee Show," and the latest being the CW's "Inside The NFL."

Unfortunately, though, that's not been all the news surrounding Belichick.

The legendary coach has been in the news recently for his dating life, as he is allegedly dating a 24-year-old former cheerleader. The usual very private Belichick is now the subject of much scrutiny for different reasons than usual, prompting criticism from a few former players he coached during his Patriots tenure.

Mac Jones and Cam Newton share their thoughts on the latest Bill Belichick drama

It's no secret that Cam Newton and Mac Jones each had tumultuous runs with the Patriots, for similar but different reasons.

Newton has made his issues from the lone season publicly known, expressing his frustration with Belichick while also being sure to share his admiration. Jones has remained mostly mum since he was traded to the Jaguars earlier this year, keeping his responses about his time in New England short yet sweet.

But when the two quarterbacks met on the ESPY's red carpet earlier this week, all bets were off. Newton took a swing for a potential viral soundbite by asking Jones' opinion about Belichick's dating life.

Jones was clearly attempting to stick to his routine of avoiding saying anything too harsh, but both players got slight jabs in about their former coach.

Newton: “What are we doing? Do we approve?”

Jones: “I need your opinion first.”

Newton: “I’m like... No, I don’t approve. I’m not even gonna lie. But just to see him what he’s doing now is like [makes bewildered face].”

Jones: “Hey bro, good for him, right? It is what it is.”

Given the circumstances and the current gossip surrounding Belichick, it's unsurprising that Newton would want to ask Jones about the situation. But it also doesn't hurt that both have unsettled feelings about him, so discussing a juicier topic is more enticing.

It is interesting to see the difference in how they conduct themselves, though, as Newton has become more of a figure in the media unafraid to share his genuine opinion, whereas Jones wants to remain more tight-lipped and uncontroversial.

It would be even more interesting to hear how Jones really feels and what he has to say about his time with the Patriots, as that continues to be a hot topic amongst the fans. It will likely always be debatable about how his career went from a first-round draft pick to looking like a bust in three years, so hearing his side would be fascinating.

More Patriots coverage: