NFL locker rooms are full of legendary stories, but some stand out for their sheer absurdity. The three-time Super Bowl champion sneaks around Gillette Stadium’s grounds, quietly stalking turkeys.
That’s exactly what former New England Patriots offensive tackle Matt Light was up to. Ummm! until he got caught by none other than the king of discipline himself, Bill Belichick. What followed was a moment so hilarious that even Light had to second-guess his life choices.
Matt Light’s Secret Hobby: Hunting at Gillette Stadium?
Light, known for his rugged personality, had a habit of arriving at the stadium in the wee hours of the morning but not to study film or lift weights. Instead, he was there for wild turkeys.
View this post on Instagram
“I had been watching this turkey for a while,” Light later revealed. “I knew exactly where he was roosting.” He wasn’t just winging it—this was a calculated hunt.
And just like in football, the strategy paid off. He successfully took down the turkey, proud of his early-morning feat.
Everything seemed fine—until Bill Belichick got wind of the situation. Security had spotted him, and soon enough, Belichick himself came calling. As Light recounted on a podcast, the Patriots’ head coach approached him in the cafeteria with a look only Belichick can give.
“What the hell is this?” Belichick asked, pointing toward the fridge.
Light, still feeling pretty good about his early-morning success, explained the situation. “Coach, I took down a turkey this morning and put it in there for later.”
Belichick wasn’t amused.
“You cannot have a weapon on stadium property,” he fired back. “No bows, no guns, nothing. That’s it.” Light tried to clarify. “It’s a bow, not a gun.”
Didn’t matter. In Belichick’s world, rules are rules. Light had officially been benched from his own hunting ground.
From that moment on, Light knew his days of sneaky turkey hunts at the stadium were over. The legendary offensive tackle may have been able to keep defenders off Tom Brady, but he wasn’t able to escape the iron rule of Belichick. “That was the last time I ever did that,” he admitted with a laugh.
But he still got the last laugh in a way—after all, how many people can say they’ve been personally reprimanded by Bill Belichick over a turkey?
What This Says About Belichick’s Coaching Style
This story is the perfect example of why Belichick is one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. No detail, no matter how small, escapes his attention.
Whether it’s film study, player discipline, or… stadium hunting rules, he ensures that every Patriot follows the system.
Light, who spent his entire career under Belichick, knew that while his coach could be ruthless when it came to rules, he also respected players who took accountability. That’s why even after being called out, Light never held a grudge. If anything, he appreciates the lesson to this day.
“You don’t mess with Belichick,” Light said. “You just don’t.”
KEEP READING: Bill Belichick Lands Penn State DE Smith Vilbert in UNC Transfer Move
Beyond just being a hilarious memory, this story serves as a reminder of what makes the Patriots’ culture so unique. It’s a place where discipline meets humor, where even Super Bowl champions aren’t above being called out for breaking the rules. And, let’s be honest, it’s a rare example of Belichick being part of a genuinely funny moment.
The lesson? Even if you’re a three-time Super Bowl champ, don’t test the rules under Belichick’s watch. And definitely don’t store a wild turkey in the team fridge.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
