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Rhamondre Stevenson mixes up Bill Belichick with Matthew Judon in awkward in-game interview
"I wasn’t talking about Mayo. I was talking about your defensive teammate.”
Ah, the infamous in-game sideline interview.
It’s an undertaking usually only reserved for preseason NFL football — mostly due to the limited insight gleaned from athletes focused on a game still underway, and the propensity for awkward situations to spill out onto a broadcast.
Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was the latest player to feel the sting of said interview during Thursday’s preseason loss to the Eagles at Gillette Stadium.
While speaking with WBZ’s Steve Burton in the third quarter, Stevenson was asked to comment on the departure of veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon — who was traded to the Falcons on Wednesday night.
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However, Burton was vague in his questioning with Stevenson — prompting the running back to instead start talking about Bill Belichick, who “parted ways” with the Patriots earlier this year.
“I gotta ask you about the guy who just left,” Burton said. “How much are they gonna miss him? And who’s gonna step up in his place?”
“I miss Bill,” Stevenson replied. “That was one of my favorite coaches. But, you know, Mayo, he’s a great leader. He knows what he’s doing with us. I’m excited for Mayo and I think we can get it done with him.”
“I wasn’t talking about Mayo,” Burton said. “I was talking about your defensive teammate.”
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“Oh, Judon,” Stevenson said.
Even though Stevenson picked up on who Burton was talking about, there was still one more awkward moment as Burton discussed Judon’s new home with the Falcons.
“He’s moving on to better places,” Burton said of Judon, before quickly amending his comment and noting: “At least a different place.”
“Different place, excited for him,” Stevenson responded. “I still know he has a couple more years in him. I’m excited for him.”
It was an uncomfortable end to Stevenson’s night, with the 26-year-old back finishing with 18 rushing yards off of six carries against the Eagles.
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