In 24 seasons as head coach of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick ran the NFL and became the envy of many in the football world.
Belichick won six Super Bowl Titles in New England, several more AFC East Championships and coached Tom Brady, the greatest football player of all time.
Now, in December 2024, Belichick is trying to build the UNC football program into a dynasty.
Brady previously gave Belichick a vote of confidence as the Tar Heels’ new head coach. Two more of Belichick’s former Patriots – star tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Julian Edelman – joined Brady in saying Belichick will thrive at North Carolina.
Gronkowski, more widely-known as Gronk, is a 5-time Pro Bowler who won four Super Bowls with Belichick. Gronk also led the NFL in touchdown receptions during the 2011 season.
“Coach Belichick, he’s going to do an awesome job coaching those young bucks at UNC,” Gronk said during Wednesday’s Art of Sport LA Bowl. “I love the guy, I’m wishing him nothing but the best. He’s going to make college football that much more suspenseful, that much more fun and that much more interesting. And I can’t wait. The guy’s a winner. He’s going to eventually be winning games at the University of North Carolina. I’ll be tuning in, just like everybody else. Coach Belichick, hey all you players go out there. Coach, you can sign me a little dough as well then. Let’s go, I’m working for you right now. I’m a recruiter.”
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Edelman, a 3-time Super Bowl Champion (and Super Bowl LII MVP) known as one of the postseason’s most clutch performers, spoke highly of Belichick during NFL on Fox.
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“The more I think about it, the more it makes sense,” Edelman said of UNC hiring Belichick.”He knows how to project players. Bill’s dad coached at North Carolina. He loves anything his dad was a part of. The hoodie in a Jordan Tar Heel Powder Blue? When the capsule comes out, when the Air Belichicks come out, when you get the sneaker and you get the cutoff hoodie, I’ll be the first in line. Let’s go!”
It’s safe to say Belichick’s former players are excited about his new opportunity. UNC players are share that same sentiment – and transfers are committing because of the Belichick Effect.
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