Over the course of his distinguished career, Bill Belichick crafted a formidable dynasty with the New England Patriots, solidifying his legacy as one of the NFL's all-time great coaches. Under his direction, particularly during the Tom Brady era, the Patriots were consistently in Super Bowl contention. Yet, despite his many triumphs, Belichick recently confessed to a significant mistake, one that may have had a lasting impact on the team's success.
Bill Belichick reflects on the missed opportunity that changed Patriots’s QB search
The mistake Bill Belichick referred to goes back to the 2018 season, a year that, despite ending in a Super Bowl win, was filled with behind-the-scenes tension and questionable decisions. One of the most criticized moves was his decision to sideline cornerback Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII. The unexpected benching sparked confusion among players and fans alike, and Belichick now admits it may have disrupted the team's chemistry.
In a forthcoming book, Bill Belichick reflects on some of the choices he wishes he could revisit one of the most debated being his decision to pass on Lamar Jackson during the 2018 NFL Draft .
With the 31st overall pick, the Patriots had a prime opportunity to secure a future star. Instead, they selected running back Sony Michel, while Jackson was scooped up immediately afterward by the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, Jackson has emerged as one of the league’s most explosive quarterbacks, reshaping the Ravens’ offense with his mobility and earning an MVP title along the way.
Although Michel made valuable contributions most notably helping the Patriots win their last Super Bowl in the Tom Brady era his long-term impact hasn’t matched Jackson’s game-changing presence. In hindsight, Belichick admits the decision stands out even more sharply, especially given New England's ongoing search for a dependable quarterback after Brady’s exit.
Since Brady’s departure, the Patriots have gone through multiple quarterbacks, none of whom have managed to bring lasting stability. Although the rise of Drake Maye has sparked optimism for what’s ahead, there’s still a strong belief that Lamar Jackson could have been the ideal solution to their quarterback struggles.
Despite all of Belichick’s accomplishments over the years, passing on Jackson remains a what-if moment, one that might have completely altered the course of the Patriots’ journey in the post-Brady era.
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As Belichick reflects on his legacy, it's clear that even the most brilliant minds can second-guess their past decisions. While his career is filled with unmatched achievements, the choice to overlook Lamar Jackson in 2018 serves as a reminder that every draft pick can shape a franchise’s future for better or worse. For Patriots fans, it remains a lingering “what could have been” in the story of life after Brady.
Bill Belichick reflects on the missed opportunity that changed Patriots’s QB search
The mistake Bill Belichick referred to goes back to the 2018 season, a year that, despite ending in a Super Bowl win, was filled with behind-the-scenes tension and questionable decisions. One of the most criticized moves was his decision to sideline cornerback Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII. The unexpected benching sparked confusion among players and fans alike, and Belichick now admits it may have disrupted the team's chemistry.
In a forthcoming book, Bill Belichick reflects on some of the choices he wishes he could revisit one of the most debated being his decision to pass on Lamar Jackson during the 2018 NFL Draft .
NEWS: Former #Patriots HC Bill Belichick admitted that not drafting Lamar Jackson in 2018 was a major mistake.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 10, 2025
Belichick took running back Sony Michel one pick before Jackson was selected with the 32nd overall pick — turning into a 2x #NFL MVP.
(Via The Art of Winning) pic.twitter.com/f4ieXCUAGz
With the 31st overall pick, the Patriots had a prime opportunity to secure a future star. Instead, they selected running back Sony Michel, while Jackson was scooped up immediately afterward by the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, Jackson has emerged as one of the league’s most explosive quarterbacks, reshaping the Ravens’ offense with his mobility and earning an MVP title along the way.
Although Michel made valuable contributions most notably helping the Patriots win their last Super Bowl in the Tom Brady era his long-term impact hasn’t matched Jackson’s game-changing presence. In hindsight, Belichick admits the decision stands out even more sharply, especially given New England's ongoing search for a dependable quarterback after Brady’s exit.
Since Brady’s departure, the Patriots have gone through multiple quarterbacks, none of whom have managed to bring lasting stability. Although the rise of Drake Maye has sparked optimism for what’s ahead, there’s still a strong belief that Lamar Jackson could have been the ideal solution to their quarterback struggles.
Despite all of Belichick’s accomplishments over the years, passing on Jackson remains a what-if moment, one that might have completely altered the course of the Patriots’ journey in the post-Brady era.
Also Read: “I don’t care, and it never ends”: Josh Berry sounds off on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce obsession
As Belichick reflects on his legacy, it's clear that even the most brilliant minds can second-guess their past decisions. While his career is filled with unmatched achievements, the choice to overlook Lamar Jackson in 2018 serves as a reminder that every draft pick can shape a franchise’s future for better or worse. For Patriots fans, it remains a lingering “what could have been” in the story of life after Brady.
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