Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers' Pat Freiermuth has 'heard stories' about Patriots HC Bill Belichick, wouldn't play for him

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/12/23

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, a Newburyport, Massachusetts native, may have grown up a New England Patriots fan, but he'd never want to play for the organization.

Freiermuth's reasoning has nothing to do with the Steelers' rivalry with the Patriots but everything to do with its iconic head coach, Bill Belichick.

Responding to a hypothetical question on Aditi Kinkhabwala's podcast "Off The Field" about head coaches he'd like to play for other than Mike Tomlin, Freiermuth said, "I wouldn't want to play for Coach Belichick."

"I've heard some stories," Freiermuth said. "I'm good not playing for him."

#Steelers TE Pat Friermuth talked to @AKinkhabwala on her podcast and was asked about playing for other coaches.

"I wouldn't want to play for Belichick, heard some stories, and I'm good not playing for him."

"Sean McDermott for the Bills. They run things the right way." pic.twitter.com/D66bBdLtpQ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 12, 2023

Freiermuth didn't clarify his statement about Belichick but did show some love to another AFC rival.

While Freiermuth wouldn't want to suit up for Belichick, he said he would play for Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott and had glowing things to say about the organization.

"If I were to cheer for a team other than the Steelers, it would have to be the Bills," Freiermuth said. "They're good guys to compete against. It seems like they run things the right way organizationally, and I think they put their players in the best position to win."

A new head coach isn't likely to be a worry for Freiermuth. The Steelers have a legendary head coach, and the 24-year-old still has two years remaining on his rookie deal.

Freiermuth didn't find the end zone this season as much as he did during his rookie campaign, scoring only twice after posting seven touchdowns last year. However, the former Penn State standout still showed massive improvements.

In 16 games, Freiermuth recorded career-highs in receptions (63), receiving yards (732), and yards per reception (11.6).

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