Mac Jones downplays Calais Campbell's trash talk criticism: I'm just having fun

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is downplaying Calais Campbell's claims that his trash talk is "kind of disrespectful."

"I don't know about that," Jones said of Campbell during an appearance on WEEI's "Jones & Mego." "But I definitely enjoyed watching him growing up because he was a Jaguar. He's a really good player, and I try to keep it loose out there. The guys that have played with me and played against me know that it's all fun and games. That's the most important part for me is having fun, and I'm really just having a good time."

Campbell, who played the Patriots as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, criticized Jones for his trash talk in July.

"Philip Rivers was a good trash-talker, but he was never disrespectful," the Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman said. "Mac Jones, actually, was kind of disrespectful. I'm like, 'Hold on, man.' Just trash talk to the highest level."

Jones said Monday he has no hard feelings with Campbell from last year.

The Florida native tweaked his ankle during New England's contest against Baltimore in 2022 after being hit by Campbell following a pass attempt. Jones missed three games because of the injury.

Campbell has appeared in 227 regular-season contests since the Arizona Cardinals drafted him in the second round in 2008. He played his first nine NFL seasons with the Cardinals before spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-19) and Ravens (2020-22). The 36-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Falcons in March.

Meanwhile, Jones has tossed 36 touchdowns against 14 interceptions across two seasons with the Pats, including 14 scores in 2022. The Alabama product earned a Pro Bowl berth and finished second for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after being drafted 15th overall in 2021.

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