Bill Belichick Reveals Huge Mistake He Made With Patriots

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 2:32 PM ET

The New England Patriots were one of the most dominant dynasties of all-time in the NFL under legendary head coach Bill Belichick.

Just like the Kansas Chiefs today, the Patriots were always considered a front-runner to win it all. With Belichick leading the way, everyone knew that they were always going to have an elite game plan against any opponent they faced.

Now, with Belichick set to coach his first season in college football with the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2025 season, he has revealed one of his biggest NFL mistakes in a new book that is coming out soon.

As shared by Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, one of those mistakes had to do with the Patriots passing on the opportunity to draft Lamar Jackson.

"Where the book falls short is chapter 10, 'Mistakes,'" Volin wrote. "Belichick does admit to a few—[including] not drafting Lamar Jackson in 2018."

Instead of drafting Jackson, New England chose to use its No. 31 overall pick on running back Sony Michel. Jackson went to the Baltimore Ravens with the very next pick at No. 32 overall.

Following the departure of Tom Brady, the Patriots have gone through years of subpar quarterback play. Drake Maye seems to have finally given New England its needed answer, but having Jackson would have been the quicker fix.

Michel went on to play a big part of the Patriots' final Super Bowl win of that era, but Jackson clearly has gone on to become one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Belichick has not made too many big mistakes throughout his career. However, passing on Jackson has to be among the biggest.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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