Mac Jones is taking a lot of excitement into the offseason for the New England Patriots.
He produced a successful rookie season at quarterback as he set numerous franchise records, including most touchdown passes (22) by a rookie. Jones pushed the Patriots to a 10-7 record and an AFC playoff berth in 2021. New England did not achieve its ultimate goal, but it has a signal-caller capable of getting it there. Bill Belichick and his staff must focus on drafting wide receivers in April — especially after Jones’ performance in his first NFL Pro Bowl.
RELATED: The NFL world reacts to Mac Jones’ “Griddy” during the Pro Bowl
He won the “Thread the Needle” event in the skills challenge and tossed a touchdown pass in the exhibition to finish a 95-yard drive. Jones helped AFC to a 41-35 victory over NFC. He had the moment that went viral on social media as Jones ran to the end zone and did the “Griddy” dance. The “Griddy” is a popular dance that started in New Orleans, La.
Mac Jones hitting the griddy 🤣 pic.twitter.com/DiVw8AiJIi
— Ryan Spagnoli (@Ryan_Spags) February 6, 2022
Justin Jefferson, an LSU Tiger alum, brought the dance to the National Football League.
Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase have perfected the moves, but Jones added flair to it at the Pro Bowl. Jefferson had nothing but respect for Jones’ boldness to hit the move. He complimented him on his Griddy via the Pat McAfee Show.
“Mac Jones had a little swag to his griddy” 😂😂 ~@JJettas2#PMSinLA pic.twitter.com/NjjZbAj5jA
— 🅿️at McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 10, 2022
“I loved the Mac Jones griddy,” Jefferson said. “He ran 70 yards, and that was a first time for him, so I know that was tough for him. The fact that he ran down there and hit the griddy in front of the stands after he did that, I felt like I should have done it. I liked how he did it. He did it better than a lot of others. He added a little swag to it.”
Jones received compliments for his moves, he has a personality that Patriots fans want to see more of, and he is ready for next season. New England has a quarterback that will continue to rise, and all it needs are pieces around him.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
