Saturday’s game between Army and Navy is being played in Gillette Stadium, and that’s not the only connection it has to the Patriots, who play their home games in the venue.
New England head coach Bill Belichick has some ties to Navy, making the game just a little bit personal for him.
Belichick was this week’s “College GameDay” guest picker before the game, which caught some by surprise. With a closer look into Belichick’s past, however, the legendary coach’s fondness for the Midshipmen adds up.
Here’s a look at Belichick’s connections to Navy through the years.
How is Bill Belichick connected to Navy?
No, Bill Belichick did not take the field for Navy at any point in time. He never attended, nor did he serve in the military. But he is connected to the program, albeit distantly.
Belichick’s father, Steve Belichick, joined Navy for a total of 33 years, handling responsibilities as a coach and a scout, respectively. Steve Belichick became a part of the program when Bill Belichick was just four years old, so his father’s involvement there left an early and lasting impression.
Steve Belichick left the coaching realm to retire in 1989. Bill Belichick had been coaching for 14 years at that point.
Bill Belichick catches attention in “College GameDay” appearance
While Belichick is not directly and strongly connected to Navy — or Army for that matter — he certainly has a lot of appreciation for the matchup between the two.
He pulled a Lee Corso in his ‘College Gameday’ appearance, picking the Midshipmen with gusto as he donned headgear he brought himself.
Bill Belichick took a page out of Coach’s book and brought his own headgear 😂#CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/ttcth1EAP5
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) December 9, 2023
Having the game in his backyard brings an element for Belichick that he describes as “full circle.”
“It’s a very unique opportunity that is full circle,” Belichick said.
“I have a great appreciation for the Naval Academy and a great appreciation for this game. It’s a thrill for me that it’s taking place in our stadium. I look forward to the people I’m going to see and the classic event that it is – not just the game, but everything that leads up to it, starting with some events tonight and hopefully culminating in a Navy win.”
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