Fired New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has resurfaced away from the NFL as a managing director for a Boston-based investment firm. The former Patriots linebacker, 2008 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Super Bowl XLIX champion, previously served as the vice president of a business development health services company, Optum, between 2016 and 2019.
He then returned to the Patriots as an assistant under his former head coach, Bill Belichick, only to replace the six-time Super Bowl winner for New England's doomed 2024 season. The Patriots finished just 4-13 under Mayo, who was fired in January 2025 and replaced with another former New England linebacker, Mike Vrabel.
Since then, Mayo has been away from the spotlight, while Vrabel has guided the Patriots to the Super Bowl before becoming embroiled in the ongoing Dianna Russini scandal. Now, Mayo has landed at Fifth Down Capital in a managing director role.
Mayo's New Role
In his new position, Mayo will leverage his leadership experience and network to advise on investments. The firm's website highlights his disciplined leadership style and emphasis on preparation and accountability. Mayo holds a degree in political science from the University of Tennessee.
Other NFL Stars in Finance
Mayo is not the only former NFL star to enter the investment world. Former New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, who beat Mayo's Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, now works in Goldman Sachs' Private Wealth Management division. Steve Israel, another former Patriot, works in wealth management, while former New York Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet has worked at Morgan Stanley and Barclays Wealth as an assistant vice president.
