North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick has opened up about his new book, Patriots teammates, and things about life that truly matter beyond football. Belichick appeared on a show to promote his new book, “The Art of Winning,” and he also talked about the loss and legacy of Junior Seau.
The six-time Super Bowl winner also revealed what it has been like since he landed his first collegiate head coaching job last December after being appointed by North Carolina.
Bill Belichick Shares a Powerful Behind-the-Scenes Story About Loss, Respect, and Legacy
Belichick shared some powerful behind-the-scenes stories about loss, respect, and legacy—especially in relation to the death of American football linebacker, Junior Seau. Seau was found dead with a gunshot wound to his chest at his home in Oceanside in May 2012. Seau’s death was eventually ruled as suicide by the police.
Belichick was late to mini-camp that year because he had to fly across the country to pay his last respects to Seau.
“Junior was such an impactful guy,” Belichick said regarding the late linebacker’s legacy. “Even though I didn’t have that many years with him, the years I had were very impactful and he’s always, you know, to me considered part of our family and the Patriots family.
“He was an inspirational guy and I know of so many players and coaches that worked with him and played with him he felt that way. Certainly Rodney did.”
Belichick also added that Seau loved life a lot, but the ending was very tragic.
“It was obviously a very tragic ending, but he certainly took advantage of every single day that he was here, and he impacted everybody in a positive way,” Belichick said. “He was just a wonderful person.
“Junior was such a special person and it’s hard on everybody, it’s hard on his kids, and when you have a tragic situation like that there are a lot of confusion and unanswered questions. I can’t imagine the grief that everyone in his family felt.
“I just wanted to be there to try and support them in any way I can. Let them know how much he loved them—because he really did—and how much he cared about them… he’s one of the most loyal people I’ve ever been around.”
KEEP READING: Paul Finebaum Tackles Jordon Hudson–Bill Belichick Obsession in Blunt On-Air Exchange
Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson has been the subject of widespread attention in recent weeks. There were rumors that the 24-year-old had been banned from the UNC football facilities; however, the school has since denied the claims.
Hudson’s involvement in helping him with his outside business interests has also attracted the ire of some people after she interrupted an interview Belichick did with CBS last month, which forced both the coach and the network to respond.
The 73-year-old said that Hudson has been “very helpful” to him and that “she does the business things that don’t relate to North Carolina that come up in my life so I can concentrate on football.”
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