New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon. Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots defensive star has spat with local radio hosts

By Sam Minton | Last updated Aug 7, 2024 11:56 PM ET

A New England Patriots star isn't making any friends among local media members.

Pass-rusher Matthew Judon is currently searching for a new contract. Judon has said that he has aspirations of ending his career in New England and is hopeful a deal can be reached.

“I told y'all I wanted to stay here for the remainder of my career, so obviously that would equal more,” Judon said. “But, I’ve only got one year left. I think with more years would come more money. That’s usually how a contract works."

Judon's comments caught the attention of local radio host Andy Gresh as well as Gresh's co-host and former Patriots tight end Christian Fauria. In a video posted to X, the radio hosts expressed their dissatisfaction at Judon's comments.

Matthew Judon spoke to the media following Day 10 of Training Camp today, and probably made things a little worse for himself @TheRealGresh & @christianfauria were fired up by his comments

https://t.co/7mqy4oBU2D pic.twitter.com/deQnbUvQi5
— The Gresh & Fauria Show (@GreshFauriaWEEI) August 5, 2024

Judon wasn't pleased with the criticism and took to the social media app to respond.

I said when was aren’t in pads but besides me staying hours on hours to sign and throw the ball around with the fan how about yall come talk to me. And this me tweeting. You fucks just sit down and talk https://t.co/diGGr79RCA
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) August 7, 2024

Well, Fauria and Gresh continued to do that. On Wednesday Gresh replied to Judon's response saying that the Patriots pass-rusher is upset that fan's are not rallying around him.

“Matt Judon is upset that people aren’t rallying around him,” Gresh told Fauria, per WEEI. “The fans are not circling around screaming, ‘By God, we need Judon.’ There’s no riots in the streets. I hate to say this to Matthew Judon. You are not Willie McGinest. You’re not."

Judon has every right to express his dismay at the radio hosts. In all honesty, he might have even won over more fans.

But it doesn't take away from the fact that Judon is a distraction to the team. While he is likely winning fans over, the Patriots might not feel the same way.

Judon is 31 years old and is at the end of his prime or already past it. New England should continue to focus on young talents such as Ja'Whaun Bentley and Josh Uche.

So while this spat with media members might have changed how Patriots fans view Judon, it won't change the fact that his days in New England should be numbered.

Sam Minton

Sam Minton has been covering sports since 2016. He has worked for various outlets including Sports Illustrated, Heavy, and Fansided. Along with writing for Yardbarker, he serves as the Site Manager of The Blazing Musket covering the New England Revolution.

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