Matthew Judon sends heartfelt final message to Patriots fans

The New England Patriots traded linebacker Matthew Judon last week in a move that made sense for both parties. Even with the trade, there seems to be no ill will from Judon as he gets set to begin his first season with the Atlanta Falcons.

The linebacker certainly played a major part in the Patriots’ defense over the last three seasons, recording 133 tackles and 34 sacks. He was part of the 2021 free-agent spending spree that the Patriots went on under former coach Bill Belichick.

Now, he is set to start a new chapter with the Falcons, who will be able to benefit from his pass-rushing abilities in their own right. The Falcons have worked hard to build their defense this offseason with the headline acquisition being safety Jesse Bates.

Judon made it clear that he has no ill will towards New England or its fans in an interview with CBS Sports Boston.

“I appreciate y’all for all the memories and everything y’all did for me,” said Judon. “It’s not the way that we wanted, and I’m sorry that my last play was an injury that put me out for the rest of the season. But as far as being fans and family, we’ll always be that. I’ll always be a fan of New England and Massachusetts because it done me so well.

“Hopefully, y’all fans of mine wish me success, but I wish y’all nothing but success. And I’ll definitely be back to Foxborough. I’ll definitely be back to the greater Boston area. I just don’t know when.”

It will certainly be different seeing Judon in a Falcons uniform, but change is the norm in the NFL. Players rarely stay in one place forever.