The New England Patriots’ locker room might need more than a new coach to fix its identity crisis. One rising star is done whispering.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez fired a blunt take Wednesday on PFT Live: “I would say the building got a little more lax [from 2023 to 2024]. I mean, that might have hurt us.” His message to incoming coach Mike Vrabel?
Restore the “Patriot Way.” Despite earning 2024 second-team All-Pro honors, Gonzalez endured another 4-13 season—same as his injury-marred rookie year. “We’re not far off,” he insisted, noting seven one-score losses. “You want to win… but we were in a lot of close games.”
Christian Gonzalez on why he likes being a member of the #Patriots:
“It’s just the pedigree of the Patriots. Just the history — the winning. That’s kinda how it is… We gotta get back to it. We’ve been off these past two years, but hopefully we get back to being who we are.”
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) February 15, 2025
Now, the 22-year-old faces his third coach in three seasons. From Belichick’s strict regime to Mayo’s relaxed vibe, Gonzalez sees Vrabel—a Patriots Hall of Famer—as the reset button. “I’ve heard it’s going back to what they call the ‘Patriot Way.’ For sure, I’m ready,” he said. But can Vrabel revive the dynasty’s DNA?
Gonzalez’s rollercoaster career adds urgency. After playing just four games in 2023 (torn labrum, dislocated shoulder), he started all 17 last season. “Playing the whole year was great… having fun,” he admitted. Yet, fun hasn’t equaled wins. With Vrabel’s hire, Gonzalez bets on accountability. But will the locker room buy in?
This story is unfolding—stay locked in for the latest.
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