Former New York Jets center made six consecutive Pro Bowl teams and was a five-time first-team All Pro during his time in the Meadowlands, but his Jets never had much luck against Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots in their AFC East rivalry matchups after Tom Brady emerged as a star.
On Saturday night during his Hall of Fame induction speech, Mawae paid tribute to Belichick, thanking the coach for forcing him to become a better player.
“Coach Bill Belichick, I never felt more challenged mentally in a game than when I faced your teams. I came to love the puzzle of figuring out your defense, and the chess match those games became. I didn’t win all of them – in fact, my teams lost most of them. I think we were 4-13 against you. That sucks.
Still hate the Patriots. Everybody hates the winners. But holding your defense to zero sacks or having big rushing games came with a great sense of accomplishment. Congratulations to you in all your success, and thank you for making me a better player.”
