Bill Belichick’s former star defender knocks incoming rookies down a peg - “Shut up and listen”

Former cornerback Jason McCourty, who was selected by the Tennesse Titans in the 2009 NFL Draft, knows a thing or two about how to quickly acclimatize to the NFL. McCourty, who also played for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots from 2018-2020, had a few words of advice for rookies as they begin their journey in the NFL.

On Monday Morning's episode of Good Morning Football on NFL Network, the cornerback spoke about his experience as a rookie. He recalled the Rookie Symposium, which is essentially an orientation for rookies who get drafted in the NFL. McCourty remembered Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin speaking to them and telling them to "shut up and listen."

"One thing I remember going into symposium and Mike Tomlin to talk to us and the one thing he said to all the rookies [was], 'shut up and listen.'

"You get there, there's no need for you as a rookie, to be the loudest person in the room, find a veteran that you can learn from as soon as you step foot in the building. And that vet may not always be your favorite player that you grew up watching who you might think is the best player on the team.

"You may have to Google a guy and learn a little bit more about him because you step in the building. And you see the way a guy works and the way he commands the respect of those around him."

Jason McCourty said that the sentiment in Tomlin's words always rang true and was something that he turned back to when he joined the Patriots under Bill Belichick. The former cornerback added that rookies must learn from their more experienced peers.

According to McCourty, listening to veteran players and not comparing yourself to other rookies is the key to success. He added that accepting one's role as a rookie on a team will eventually lead to success and more playing time:

"And the other thing is: run your own race. I think you come in as a rookie, sometimes you're that seventh round draft pick, and you're comparing yourself to maybe the third overall pick as Joe McCoy. You can't do what he can do. There's different levels that everybody and like Steve just said, you have to accept your role.

"Your role may be a lot less than the guy that got drafted before or after, you are possibly maybe an undrafted guy who has shot early on except that and run your own race.

"And the last part is: enjoy it. Man! You've dreamed about being in this moment! Take advantage of it! Seize that moment, have a ton of fun while you're doing it, but never take it for granted. Work every day to feel as though I'm earning my spot in this building."

How long has Bill Belichick been the head coach of the New England Patriots?

Playing for Bill Belichick is something that many players in the NFL will cherish amid their overall success. Tom Brady, for one, may not have always had a stellar relationship with Belichick, but he knew that the coach made him better.

Belichick began his coaching career with the Baltimore Colts in 1975 as an assistant. A year later, he spent one season with the Detroit Lions and another with the Denver Broncos as an assistant special teams coach.

In 1979, Belichick began a longer tenure with the New York Giants, where he spent 12 seasons until 1990. He worked as a defensive assistant and special teams coach during his tenure.

In 1991, he was hired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He spent four seasons with the Browns, managing a modest 36-44 record and failing to win a division title.

Belichick then went to New England in 1996 as an assistant head coach and defensive backs coach. From 1997-1999, he was with the New York Jets before he returned to the Patriots in 2000, this time as head coach. He was also named the general manager of New England when he was hired for the coaching job. Belichick has been with the Patriots ever since and has created a remarkable dynasty.