New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is not everyone’s ideal coach to play for. He can sometimes be seen as a bit abrasive by some. However, star wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster revealed that he sought out the Patriots because of the legendary coach.
Smith-Schuster spent the 2022-23 season with the Kansas City Chiefs where he played a big role on a championship-winning team.
Instead of returning to Kansas City he ultimately decided to join their AFC foe in New England. Smith-Schuster discussed this decision on Tuesday, where he cited a “mutual respect” between him and Belichick for his decision to sign with the Patriots.
“Honestly, Bill (Belichick), man,” Smith-Schuster said via Chris Mason of Masslive.com. “Being at a place where he’s a great head coach, and as far as everything else goes, I just feel like I fit here. When I was in Pittsburgh for five years, we crossed paths multiple times. I respect his game.”
Smith-Schuster acknowledged the stigma around Bill Belichick and the Patriots culture but only had good things to say about his time in New England so far.
“Just being here, honestly I love it,” Smith-Schuster added. “I can’t express more than what I feel. Just being here. Being a part of this team. We have something special here. I feel like it’s going to show. It’s going to show this year.”
The shift from Kansas City to New England will likely be a very drastic one for Smith-Schuster. He put up solid numbers on the Chiefs, but will likely be used as their top receiving option in New England next season.
