Patriots QB Joe Milton III Issues Three-Word Personal Reminder After Dazzling In Preseason

The New England Patriots, now in their post-Bill Belichick era, may have found a diamond in the rough in rookie quarterback Joe Milton III.

Nabbed by the Patriots in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, Milton had an impressive debut in their preseason win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday. He was inserted in the final quarter and finished 4-of-6 for 54 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown.

While many came to see the Patriots' more celebrated rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, who was drafted third overall, it was Milton who earned praises from fans. Maye finished 2-of-3 for 19 yards.

After the game, Milton gave an honest assessment of himself.

"Can't get complacent," Milton said in the press conference, as shared by CLNS Media on X.

"There are a lot of things in the offense that I need to learn," Milton added. "Just being hard on myself, that's the only way I got this far."

Milton, who starred at Tennessee, made an immediate impact against the Panthers with his scrambling. New Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was impressed, saying the former ACC Player of the Year exceeded his expectations.

But at 21 years old, the learning curve is still high for Milton—and he knows it.

"I feel like I still have a lot of work to do," Milton said. "I got to keep studying. No matter how the game went tonight. Just being able to wipe it off, get it in the books, and get ready for the next one."

Up next for the Patriots in the preseason are the Philadelphia Eagles on August 15.

Related: Joe Milton III Finds JaQuae Jackson for First Career Touchdown in Preseason Opener