Joe Milton III Reflects on Time with Patriots

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III shared his thoughts on his brief experience with the New England Patriots, expressing that he “felt disrespected” during that time.

In an interview on WEEI Radio before the LX Super Bowl, Milton discussed his feelings when Drake Maye was named starter over Jacoby Brissett last season. He felt that despite performing well in practice, he couldn’t understand why he wasn’t moving up the depth chart.

“How I play the game is the same as how I practice. For example, my laces aren’t tied. I’m running over your defense and throwing the ball over your heads,” Milton explained. He recounted a significant play against the Patriots where he threw a deep ball that nearly stranded Christian Gonzalez. “While the ball was in the air, I looked at then-head coach Jerod Mayo and Elliott Wolf. They just watched it, and it was completed, leading to a touchdown.” He felt it was a turning point.

“I think it would have been different if Jacoby was the starter, and Drake was the backup, with me as the emergency quarterback. But elevating Drake to starter left Jacoby in a tough spot. He had his position, but he wasn’t getting reps. It was just me and Drake practicing, while Jacoby remained at No. 2. I couldn’t help but feel that was disrespectful,” Milton shared.

During the 2024 preseason, Milton’s performance had fans excited, but he ended up making just one appearance that season, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown. The Patriots finished with a 4-13 record, resulting in Mayo’s firing and Mike Vrabel stepping in as the new head coach. Now, New England is on the verge of winning its seventh Super Bowl.

After the offseason, Milton was traded to the Cowboys. He played in four games, throwing for 183 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, unfortunately missing the playoffs with Dallas.