April Fool's: New England Patriots Matthew Judon Announces 'Retirement'

New England Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon decided to have some fun on "April Fools Day" by announcing a fake retirement.

Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9) / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

With April 1 comes not only the further spread of pollen and the beginning of the NFL regular season but also a day of pranks, formally known as “April Fools Day.” 

In the past, “April Fools Day” was marred by fake reports about now-former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick retiring or legendary quarterback Tom Brady. However, now that neither Belichick nor Brady is set to be involved in their respective roles as players or coaches this coming season, Patriots pass-rusher Matthew Judon decided to join in on the fun. 

In an Instagram post Monday afternoon, the 31-year-old posted three pictures to announce his supposed retirement from football and his plans to pursue a professional equestrian jumping career.

“Thank you, Patriots nation for showing me so much love and support these past three years in New England. I can honestly say that New England has become one of my favorite places on Earth, and it is all thanks to you, the fans,” Judon said in an Instagram post. “Although this chapter is coming to a close, I am unbelievably excited for the next stage of my career, competing in professional equestrian show jumping.”

Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9) / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Although it was, after all, a joke, Judon did take the extra mile to make it look believable. Instead of using a simple screenshot of a few paragraphs written in his notes app, Judon seemingly got the Patriots' social media team involved by having them develop two “thank you” graphics where he announces his supposed retirement. 

Quite the April Fools joke from #Patriots LB Matthew Judon — who says he’s taking up a career in…

‘Professional equestrian show jumping.’

(IG: man_dammn9) pic.twitter.com/UhEbUVvMPn

— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) April 1, 2024

The prank would then be finished off with what appears to be a photoshopped picture of Judon standing in front of a horse. 

However, even if the prank was to the chagrin of fans, Judon isn’t done with his football career. Rather, he will hope that after a season-ending bicep injury saw him play just four games last year, he can get back to being a nuisance in the opponent’s backfield this coming season.