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For over a decade, Julian Edelman played under the guidance of Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots. Recently, however, attention has shifted from Belichick’s impressive coaching legacy to his personal life, particularly his relationship with Jordon Hudson.
The 24-year-old Hudson has faced criticism following an appearance during Belichick’s interview with CBS News Sunday Morning. This interview aimed to promote Belichick’s new book, titled The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football, but became a point of contention when Hudson appeared to exert influence during the conversation.
In response to the unfolding drama, Edelman has voiced support for his former coach, urging him to prioritize football over distractions.
During a recent segment on FOX Sports’ The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Edelman reflected on his time with the Patriots, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus amidst distractions. He recounted, “The No. 1 thing we used to talk about all the time in New England was distractions. Let’s not make distractions. The game’s already as hard as it is. To prepare for it, to play, to coach.”
He continued to point out that Hudson’s involvement in the narrative surrounding Belichick has resulted in an unfair public perception of the coach.
Moreover, Edelman remarked, “Anytime we do behind-the-scenes this, that, you’ve got someone that represents you, they’re gonna jump in. But now that it’s gained and it’s snowballed to what it’s become right now, where we’re talking about it three weeks later, it’s become a distraction. We gotta practice what we preach here.”
Cowherd added his perspective, suggesting a balanced view of the situation. He stated, “They’re both benefiting from this, her professionally and him somewhat professionally. So, I don’t like to be too judgey on this stuff.”
While Edelman partially concurred with Cowherd’s sentiments, he accentuated the prolonged scrutiny on Belichick’s personal life. He said, “I don’t either, but once again we’re talking about this three weeks later… it’s on this, it’s on that. It’s getting to a point where we gotta start worrying about the ACC, (and Clemson coach) Dabo Swinney. We shouldn’t be talking about our girlfriend. And that’s how coach would say to us, so that’s the truth.”
He concluded, “When it comes down to running a football organization and playing football, let’s make the main thing the main thing.”
In another setting, the Dudes on Dudes podcast, Edelman elaborated on how some analysts might lack the necessary perspective when discussing Belichick’s situation. He commented, “People are giving an unfair reality of what’s going on. Because she was jumping into that conversation during the interview just like any PR person would jump in when there is an unnecessary question that they probably didn’t go over in the pre-production meeting.”
This viral interview has not been the first instance illustrating Hudson’s influence within Belichick’s professional landscape. Critics have claimed that Hudson’s involvement contributed to North Carolina missing out on appearing in HBO’s Hard Knocks. Reports from The Athletic suggest Hudson played a significant role in preventing the UNC-focused docuseries from proceeding, as she supposedly desired to be deeply involved in the project.
Belichick, at the age of 73, has been linked to Hudson since 2023. After the CBS interview, he shared that their relationship began when they met on a flight in 2021.
The spotlight on Belichick’s personal life raises questions about how it affects his professional commitments. Many fans and analysts express hope that he will navigate this turbulent period without allowing it to undermine his long-standing reputation as one of NFL’s greatest coaches.
Though Edelman appreciates Hudson’s role in Belichick’s life, he implores that the focus should shift back to football. The dialogue surrounding the coach’s personal affairs has been extensive, but Edelman reminds everyone of the paramount importance of the game.
