Patriots' 2024 Captains to Wear 'C' on Jerseys; Bill Belichick Didn't Allow Patches

The New England Patriots are entering a new era without Bill Belichick as head coach, and their jerseys will reflect the change in leadership.

Per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the Patriots' captains will wear "C" on their jerseys this season, something Belichick never allowed but new head coach Jerod Mayo will.

"The captains for this year's team... they'll have their 'C's. I do think it's important to have the 'C' on the jerseys," Mayo said. "That's one difference that I think is important...

"I was a captain seven out of eight years, which once again, whatever happens inside the building. That's always the most important thing. But I do think it's like a badge of honor. It's a badge of honor, and I think when guys do the right thing, they should be recognized for those things. It's something as small as having the captain's patch, I think it's important for those guys."

The team announced Monday that this year's captains are center David Andrews, quarterback Jacoby Brissett, linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley, safety Jabrill Peppers, long snapper Joe Cardona and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr.

Andrews, who has been with the Patriots since he was drafted in 2015, has been a captain for the past eight seasons, helping lead New England to a pair of Super Bowls during his tenure.

Bentley will also be a returning captain for the Patriots as he has been given that honor every year since 2021. Like Andrews, Bentley is a career Patriot, drafted by New England in the fifth round in 2018. Wise will return as captain for the third time in a row this season.

Though Cardona has been with the Patriots since 2015, this will be his first time serving as a captain. Peppers, who is entering his third year in New England, will also be a first-time captain.

Brissett earned the honor of being a captain this season despite not having played for the Patriots since his first year in the league in 2016. The ninth-year veteran was recently named the Week 1 starter for New England over first-round draft pick Drake Maye.

While Maye served as competition for Brissett during camp, Brissett will look to continue mentoring the young quarterback throughout the year.

The Patriots kick off their season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals and for the first time in decades, those given the honor of being captains will have physical representation of that status.