Changes are abound in New England and for many, it's hard to keep up.
For Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson, the amount of change within the franchise requires a need for clarification in conversation. That was on display in a hilarious — but understandable — mix-up in an interview with Stevenson during the Patriots' second preseason game.
In the wake of the trade that sent four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon from New England to Atlanta, Stevenson seemingly forgot about his now-former teammate when asked about "the guy who just left."
Here's how the hilarious exchange unfolded.
MORE: Falcons acquire star pass rusher Matthew Judon from Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson interview video
During the third quarter of New England's preseason loss to Philadelphia, Stevenson took time for an interview with CBS Boston's Steve Burton.
"I gotta ask you about the guy who just left," Burton said of Judon before taking a dramatic pause. "How much are they gonna miss him? And who's going to step up in his place?"
It didn't take long for viewers to realize Stevenson misinterpreted the question.
"Yeah, I miss Bill [Belichick]. That was one of my favorite coaches," Stevenson began. "But [Jerod] Mayo is a great leader, he knows what he's doing with us. Yeah, I'm excited for Mayo and I think we can get it done with him."
After Burton immediately clarified who he was asking about, Stevenson had a lightbulb moment.
"Oh, Judon! … [I'm] excited for him, I still know he has a couple more years in him so I'm excited for him."
A slight mix-up with the Q&A 😅 pic.twitter.com/aMlp9188o2
— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2024
An underrated funny part of the exchange was Burton's statement that Judon is "moving on to better places" before clarifying that the talented DE is moving on to a different place.
As the Patriots look to rebuild into a contender, Judon's Falcons continue to make splashy moves with hopes of winning the NFC South and making a deep run in the postseason.
MORE: Meet the big-arm Patriots rookie QB making waves during the preseason
Matthew Judon trade details
Falcons receive:
- DE Matthew Judon
Patriots receive:
- 2025 third-round pick
The Patriots will receive a 2025 third-round pick for Judon, which is fair compensation for a star pass rusher on an expiring contract. New England and Judon hit a stalemate in contract negotiations during the offseason.
The Patriots reportedly offered him an extension going into training camp but the defensive end refuted that rumor on social media.