BREAKING NEWS:Former Patriots Quarterback Criticizes Team on Departure: “Not the Same Franchise Anymore”
In a surprising yet candid farewell, former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer has taken aim at the organization he once called home, offering sharp criticism as he parts ways with the franchise. While known for his journeyman career and team-first mentality, Hoyer’s latest remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some current and former players: the Patriots are no longer the gold standard of the NFL they once were.
“I’ll always be grateful for my time in New England — the memories, the relationships, and the championships I was part of,” Hoyer said in a recent interview. “But let’s be honest — it’s not the same franchise anymore.”
Hoyer, who served multiple stints with the Patriots between 2009 and 2022, including as a backup to Tom Brady and later a mentor to younger quarterbacks like Mac Jones, didn’t mince words about the direction the team has taken since Brady’s departure in 2020. According to Hoyer, the post-Brady Patriots have struggled to maintain the discipline, leadership, and offensive identity that once made them perennial contenders.
“After Tom left, it felt like the soul of the team left with him. And I’m not just talking about talent — I’m talking about the culture,” Hoyer explained. “You can’t build the same kind of success with rotating quarterbacks, shaky coaching decisions, and no clear long-term plan.”
Though careful not to directly blame head coach Bill Belichick, Hoyer’s comments suggest frustration with the coaching staff’s approach to offensive development in recent years. He pointed to the team’s failure to properly develop young quarterbacks and the confusing leadership structure — with a defensive coordinator calling offensive plays in 2022 — as signs of disarray.
“There were moments I thought, ‘This isn’t the Patriot Way. This is just chaos,’” Hoyer added.
His remarks come amid a period of significant transition for the Patriots. The team has failed to make the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, and Belichick’s once-unquestioned authority has increasingly come under scrutiny. New front-office hires and changes to the coaching staff this offseason have only added to speculation about the future direction of the franchise.
While some fans may view Hoyer’s comments as sour grapes, others see them as a rare window into a team that once set the league’s standard but now finds itself adrift.
“New England used to be where you went to win. Now? It’s where you go to rebuild — or fade out quietly,” Hoyer concluded.
Whether his critique will spark broader conversations within the organization remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the aura of invincibility surrounding the Patriots continues to fade — even in the eyes of those who once wore the jersey.
