Like so many of his new teammates and Patriots free agent additions, defensive back Jalen Mills listed the opportunity to play for Bill Belichick – “it was huge” -- as one of the things that drew him to New England.
But the versatile former Eagles defender, who is “excited” to land in Foxborough on a reported four-year deal worth $24 million, admitted in his first video call with New England media that his initial meeting with Belichick was, well, let’s just say unique.
“I’m about to walk out of the cafeteria and I hear, ‘Hey Jalen,'” Mills told reporters on Monday. “So I turn around and it’s Coach [Belichick].”
As the two spoke for the first time, Mills’ excitement and emotion upon meeting his new boss and future Hall of Fame head coach set in.
“I literally turned my back to him and I screamed out loud, ‘This is Coach Belichick!’ Excuse my language, but ‘This is [expletive] Coach Belichick!'” Mills explained, still clearly amused by his own reaction.
How did Belichick deal with such an unbelievable exchange?
“He didn’t even flinch, like he was used to it. Like he was a rock star,” Mills continued.
Initially star struck or not, Mills now must get to work learning the Patriots defense and preparing to be a key new addition to the back end of Belichick’s New England defense. On paper, the thinks he’ll fit in perfectly, bringing unique versatility to a team that covets such an ability to play multiple spots all over the field.
“That was actually one of the things he said, that he loved my versatility. He loved the fact that I could play multiple positions,” Mills said of Belichick.
The defensive back lands in Foxborough after five seasons in Philadelphia, time that included a Super Bowl win over his new team.
Nicknamed the “Green Goblin” due to his green hair, Mills said he plans to keep coloring it that way, even though it may not exactly fit with the color scheme in New England.
“That’s the plan, keep the green hair,” Mills said, apparently with the approval of the team. “I had a guy say he was a fan of the Eagles for like 30 years. Now he’s saying he’s going to be a fan of the Pats just for the simple fact that I’m coming here. So I think at this point, I think I gotta keep the green.”
And try to keep his composure around his new rock star head coach.