Jerod Mayo has a unique way of keeping Christian Barmore involved with Patriots

Barmore isn't in the Patriots lineup, but he's keeping Friday afternoon's light in Foxborough in a different role.

Christian Barmore’s status for the 2024 season remains up in the air, but whether he makes an impact on the field for the Patriots or not, Jerod Mayo is making sure he still has a solid connection to the team.

Barmore, known around the team as a bit of a comedian, has been tasked with bringing a lighter atmosphere to Friday afternoons in Foxborough. Mayo calls it “Friday Funny.”

“Friday Funny” takes place during New England’s defensive meeting each Friday. Barmore is tasked with playing a video to generate some laughs for his fellow defensive teammates, as the Patriots complete final preparations before game day.

Unfortunately for Barmore — and even more, his teammates — the defensive lineman isn’t all that great at his new job yet.

“Friday Funnies have been trash man,” defensive tackle Davon Godchaux told MassLive’s Chris Mason. “Barmore has been doing a bad job … just not funny.”

Regardless of the improvements Barmore needs to make, his active role in team activities is still a bonus for New England’s defense. The budding defensive star is battling blood clots currently, and may not play this season, so it would be understandably more difficult to keep his involvement high.

“I think it’s important for a guy like [Barmore] to be in the building,” Mayo said. “One thing about the idle mind, if you’re just sitting at home all the time, that’s nothing but trouble.”

breakout season in 2023, recording 8.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 64 total tackles, all while only starting in six games for New England. He was expected to be an everyday starter and defensive anchor for the Patriots in 2024 prior to his health scare.

While New England waits patiently for its defensive lineman’s return, it appears the team will also be waiting patiently for some better jokes during Friday Funnies.