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Jerod Mayo

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Article Genealogy
Parent: New England Patriots Hop 4
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Jerod Mayo
NameJerod Mayo
PositionLinebacker
Number51
Birth date23 February 1986
Birth placeHampton, Virginia
Weight lbs250
High schoolKecoughtan High School
CollegeUniversity of Tennessee
Draft year2008
Draft pick10
Draft teamNew England Patriots
Career start2008
Career end2015
Career highlights* Super Bowl champion (Super Bowl XLIX) * NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2008) * First-team All-Pro (2010) * 2× Pro Bowl (2010, 2012)
Stat year2015
Stat label1Total tackles
Stat value1905
Stat label2Sacks
Stat value211.0
Stat label3Forced fumble
Stat label4Fumble recovery
Stat label5Interception
Stat label6Defensive touchdown

Jerod Mayo is an American professional football coach and former player who is the head coach of the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played his entire eight-season career as a linebacker for the New England Patriots, winning Super Bowl XLIX and earning Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors. Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching, serving as the Patriots' linebackers coach and later as the team's defensive coordinator before being named the 15th head coach in franchise history in 2024, succeeding the legendary Bill Belichick.

Early life and education

Jerod Mayo was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, where he attended Kecoughtan High School. He excelled as a multi-sport athlete, earning recognition in both football and basketball. His standout performances on the gridiron attracted significant recruiting attention from major Division I programs. He ultimately committed to the University of Tennessee, playing for the Volunteers under head coach Phillip Fulmer. At Tennessee, Mayo was a defensive leader, earning second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors and developing a reputation as a fierce and intelligent tackler.

Playing career

The New England Patriots selected Jerod Mayo with the 10th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact, starting 16 games and recording 139 tackles to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He became the defensive signal-caller and a cornerstone of the Patriots' defense throughout his career, known for his leadership, football IQ, and sure tackling. His peak seasons came in 2010 and 2012, when he was selected to the Pro Bowl and was named a First-team All-Pro in 2010. He was a key contributor on the Patriots' championship team that won Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks. Persistent injuries, including to his patellar tendon, led to his retirement after the 2015 season.

Coaching career

After retiring, Jerod Mayo remained with the New England Patriots organization, initially working in business roles before joining the coaching staff in 2019 as the linebackers coach. He quickly gained respect for his ability to teach and relate to players, drawing on his extensive experience in the team's defensive system. His role expanded significantly in 2022 when he was formally promoted to defensive coordinator, sharing duties with Steve Belichick, though the Patriots did not officially assign the title. In this capacity, he was instrumental in game planning and play-calling for a unit that consistently ranked among the league's best.

Head coaching tenure

Following the departure of Bill Belichick after the 2023 season, the New England Patriots named Jerod Mayo as head coach in January 2024. His hiring, which fulfilled a succession clause in his prior contract, made him the first African American head coach in the storied history of the franchise. His tenure began with a focus on modernizing the team's culture and approach while maintaining the core principles of discipline and preparation synonymous with the Patriots' dynasty. His first major tasks included navigating the 2024 NFL Draft and installing his new schemes during organized team activities.

Personal life

Jerod Mayo is married and has children. He has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts throughout his career, particularly in the New England region. He co-founded the Mayo Family Foundation, which focuses on supporting youth through education and athletic initiatives. Following his playing days, he also briefly pursued a career in sports broadcasting, providing analysis for the NFL Network and other outlets before fully committing to coaching.

Legacy and impact

As a player, Jerod Mayo is remembered as one of the most productive and intelligent defensive players of the Bill Belichick era with the New England Patriots, a bridge between the early-2000s dynasty and the Super Bowl XLIX championship team. His transition directly from player to head coach for the same franchise is a rare feat in the modern National Football League. His success or failure in the role will significantly impact the legacy of the post-Belichick AFC East and is seen as a pivotal chapter for one of the NFL's most successful organizations.

Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:American football linebackers Category:New England Patriots players Category:American football coaches Category:New England Patriots coaches