Q: What was the conversation with Jerod like about the comments on WEEI?
JT: That’s between me and Jerod, and that’s going to be internal. We definitely talked, and we’re taking care of it.
Q: What did you mean by the comments?
JT: It’s just frustrations. It’s not the outcome that we wanted, and it’s not the production that we want to put out there. I’m always going to defend my guys. And that’s who I am and that’s who I’m going to be for however many years the man above blesses me with. I’m always going to defend my peoples.
Q: Do you understand why fans took it the way that they did?
JT: It is what it is. How did they take it?
Q: Negatively. Fans were upset. They were pretty mad about it.
JT: We're all frustrated. From what I'm hearing. I understand why they can be frustrated. But that being said, there shouldn't be anybody more frustrated than the guys who are out there busting their butt. So I'm not here to listen to outside noise and especially during the game. You know, if they're fans, be fans. Be like — you know — support us. They've supported us throughout worst seasons, but don't be a critic. I'm not going to your job and telling you how you're doing your job. I’m not that type of person. If you're being a true fan, and that's what I'm saying. Like, support. We need the support that y'all been giving us since Day 1. I'm not trying to tell anybody to change up on what they want to do. So that's not what my — that's not what I'm trying to get at. I'm just trying to say, like, I'm going to defend my guys, whether it's a player, whether it's a coach or someone who's out here busting their butt, that's who I am.
Q: What’s it been like playing for Jerod?
JT: Since he's been my coach has been nothing but great, like he's consistent, and that's who he is. Mayo doesn't —and I always talk about this is his energy. He comes in, whether we're winning or losing, whether we're having a good time or not. He's he's going to be consistent on who he is, and that's what I respect out of Mayo.
Q: Is it fair to give up on Mayo after one season?
JT: Rome wasn’t built in one day. If we want to compare, then if that's what we want to compare it, like production, I talked about it earlier, was with the Lions, and there's plenty other teams out there that can do it, and I hope to God that we're one of those teams that can show it soon. But the Lions. What were they th first year under Dan?
Q: 3-13-1.
JT: What were they the second year?
Q: Closer to .500.
JT: No, they were still in a losing season. (editor's note - they were 9-8)
Now what are they? This year, now what are they? They’re damn near — everybody’s talking about Super Bowl. And I’m not, again, I’m not comparing us to nobody. But there’s evidence that show that **** can change. And so internally, when I say that guys have to look in the mirror, myself included, that’s where it starts. So when we look ourselves in the mirror, we recognize what we need to fix, come Buffalo, that’s what we’re trying to show. And after Buffalo, we have a whole offseason to reflect. Whatever happens, happens. That’s above my pay grade. If I get the opportunity to come back here, I'm gonna make sure that I bust my balls, to do exactly what we're trying to do. And that’s win. So, to anybody who was offended, that’s not who I am. What I am is a guy who is going to defend his brothers. Anybody who is my co-worker or comes to this facility, I’m going to have their back. I’m sure if somebody who is listening right now, if somebody came into their house and did the same thing and talked about their family and people they worked with, they’ll act some type of way too. That’s it. So if that clears up a lot of stuff, and if people still don’t like it, then whatever. It is what it is.
Q: What kind of reaction do you expect Sunday?
JT: I’m not trying to get a reaction. I’m trying to show that we are frustrated too. I don’t like being a loser; I ****ing hate to lose. I’m frustrated, too. I’m not trying to poke buttons and stuff against the fans. I’m just going to be real. I’m going to say what I’m saying — I’m defending my own. That’s it. Ar you guys gonna let somebody come talk to y’all peoples like that? No, so if that clears it up, then that clears it up. It is what it is, man. I’m not trying to step on toes. What I said is what I said. I apologize to anybody whose feelings got hurt. But I’m going to defend my own.
