Michael Bennett is suddenly a member of the New England Patriots after the Philadelphia Eagles traded him last week, and his reaction to joining the most hated franchise in sports was probably the same one any player in his position would have.
In a Q&A with Megan O’Brien of Patriots.com, Bennett was very honest about the way he used to feel toward his New England counterparts before he joined them, specifically Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
“I used to hate the Patriots,” Bennett admitted. “I hated it because they would win so much. I hated it because Tom Brady’s hair was long. I hated that (Bill) Belichick wore sweaters, but now I love it. I love Tom Brady’s hair. I love being a Patriot, obviously, because it’s all about winning.”
Bennett said he hated the Patriots “even more” when his brother Martellus played for them.
“He loved it, but the fact that he loved it made me hate it,” Michael said. “I was the brother that was the world champ and he took that from me. Now I gotta get it back.”
We’ve heard a lot of talk over the past few years about how the culture in New England isn’t enjoyable enough for players, but most of that criticism comes from the outside. Patriots players have openly challenged that reputation as they continue to rule the NFL, and Bennett will now get a chance to see for himself what it’s like to play for the six-time Super Bowl champions.
