Patriots OC mentions that surprising text motivated him to make an intriguing roster decision

All it took was one text message. 

Marcus Jones wanted an opportunity to show what he could do on the other side of the ball, so he decided to reach out to New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

And Van Pelt certainly appreciated the initiative. So much so, that he gave Jones what he wanted. 

“Because he called and asked,” Van Pelt said. “Seriously. He did. He texted.”

“There was a (Marcus Jones) who came through Green Bay for a cup of coffee, and I’m like, why would he be texting me?” Van Pelt added. “Then one of our coaches came and said, ‘Marcus is trying to get ahold of you.’”

In Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Jones took his first snaps on offense this season. He had one carry that resulted in five yards, and was also responsible for running a route in the passing game. 

“I just basically told him, it was just one of those situations where I like the offensive side but I’m always a defensive guy,” Jones explained. “You can tell a coach one thing but that doesn’t mean it will happen. So it was great to get back on the offensive side, but you just never know, it’s a week-to-week thing.”

However, this was not the first time Jones has played on offense. During his rookie season, the cornerback took 18 snaps on offense, recording four passes for 78 yards and a touchdown in 2022. He only had one snap on offense last season, before suffering a season-ending injury. 

Yet, Van Pelt wasn't aware of Jones' past on offense. 

“That was the first it had come to my attention that he had played offensive plays,” Van Pelt said. “I’m glad that he did it.”

And because Jones took the time to reach out and ask, Van Pelt wanted to reward him. 

“I always want guys that are self-starters and want to be a part of it,” Van Pelt said. “So I was really appreciative for him to offer his duties up to us on the offensive side.”