FOXBORO, MA — The New England Patriots unveiled their 2024 season schedule on Wednesday, with the festivities marked by a cleverly crafted parody video that’s already winning over fans. While the road ahead looks challenging for Head Coach Jerod Mayo and his squad, the Patriots have scored a big win with their schedule announcement creativity.
In a delightful surprise, Patriots legends Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski teamed up to star in a spoof of the beloved film Good Will Hunting, famously penned and performed by Boston’s own Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Edelman, playing “Jules Hunting,” assumes the role of a janitor at Gillette Stadium who uncovers the team’s 2024 schedule, a task that had stumped Mayo and his team.
The choice of homage and the execution was nothing short of brilliant. Edelman impressively channels the essence of the character, delivering a memorable rendition of the iconic “You like apples?”
scene as he unveils part of the Patriots’ 2024 schedule to the team’s beat writer Evan Lazar. Gronkowski provides his unique charm in the Affleck-inspired role, adding to the parody’s appeal.
Not to be left out, Patriots owner Robert Kraft also makes a noteworthy appearance.
However, it’s Ernie Adams, cast in the Robin Williams mentor role, who delivers a scene-stealing performance. Edelman leaves the full 2024 schedule in a folder marked “Pink Stripes” for Adams, who humorously twists a famous line from Good Will Hunting, exclaiming, “Son of a b—-, the kid stole my line,” a playful nod to Williams’ original dialogue.
The team’s announcement video was more than just a fun reenactment. It’s rife with nods to Patriots history, including a 28-3 reminder on the white board, a scene with Edelman pocketing a Super Bowl ring, and even a segment showing Edelman pouring over “Football Scouting Methods” by Steve Belichick Sr. And in true New England fashion, a Dunkin’ cup is prominently featured, keeping with regional traditions.
Though Danny Amendola’s potential for a cameo was jokingly lamented for its exclusion, mainly due to its extensive need for censorship, the video still delivered a punch with an incredible post-credits scene. Echoing another Boston-centric film, The Town, Patriots players David Andrews, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, and Marcus Jones stage a humorous bit in nun outfits, planning an apparent heist in the Gillette Stadium parking lot, only to be humorously redirected by a security guard enjoying his Dunkin’ drink.
Despite the anticipation of a football season that may not tip in their favor, the Patriots have undeniably clinched victory with their schedule release event, providing fans a much-needed moment of levity. As the team navigates the early stages of rebuilding, wins like these offer a glimmer of joy for the Patriots faithful.