Patriots’ Mac Jones Gives Advice to Jordan Love About Replacing Aaron Rodgers

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones understands what Green Bay Packers starter Jordan Love is going through this summer in terms of replacing a living icon at the top of the depth chart. “I think Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback to ever play in the NFL,” Jones told reporters Wednesday afternoon, as shared by Chris Mason of MassLive.com.

“So to follow (after) him, it’s just trying to chase the standard that he set every day. Honestly, we’re definitely two different players. That’s the only advice I’d have: Just continue to grow and be yourself, right? That’s all you can do. Put your best foot forward and compete. But yeah, it’s definitely big shoes to fill.”

Of course, the two scenarios are not the same. After Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March of that year, the Patriots went to Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, and Brian Hoyer for the 2020 season. The Patriots then selected Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Meanwhile, Love joined the Packers as a first-round draft pick in 2020 and spent the most of his first three pro seasons as a backup behind Aaron Rodgers before being moved to the New York Jets. Jones admitted on Wednesday that he’s still trying to figure out how he “can set the standard that (Brady) had already set” in his 20 seasons with the Patriots.

“For us, it’s just, every year is a new year,” Jones added. “You’ve gotta go out and earn it. He did that every year. And I’m going to continue to do that as well.”

Jones and Love are not guaranteed roster slots, let alone starting gigs, with their present employers beyond the current season. How they manage that reality will determine if they can follow in the footsteps of two all-time greats.

The Packers will play the Patriots in a preseason game this Saturday evening.