On Thursday, legendary NFL head coach Bill Belichick revealed his career with the New England Patriots, leading many to remember all that Belichick accomplished throughout his career – like his six Super Bowl titles and impressive career record. What he accomplished on the field was undoubtedly the focal point this week, but something he did off the field also caught some attention.
On Thursday, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan pointed out that following the Jan. 6 Capitol riots in 2021, Bill Belichick actually turned down a Medal of Freedom honor from former United States President Donald Trump.
“As we look back on Bill Belichick’s career, it’s worthwhile to remember that he turned down appearing with Donald Trump after Jan. 6 when others in the sports (golf) world did not,” Brennan said in a post on X.
As we look back on Bill Belichick’s career, it’s worthwhile to remember that he turned down appearing with Donald Trump after Jan. 6 when others in the sports (golf) world did not. https://t.co/lnu5z07rwZ
— Christine Brennan (@cbrennansports) January 11, 2024
Belichick even released a public statement explaining why he was not accepting the award from Trump.
“Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients. Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award. Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy,” Belichick said in a statement.
“I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team. One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions. Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award.”
The move understandably led to a lot of reactions as people remembered his legacy.
Belichick the goat 🐐 https://t.co/gI6TpHUUjU
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 11, 2024
the bar for sports figures is so low but i’ll at least give him this https://t.co/Z1EqibdSme
— divya (@divsss9) January 11, 2024
Excellent reminder. At the time, I could not believe Annika did what she did.
— Alan H. Weinhouse (@WeinhouseH) January 11, 2024
Much respect to him for that.
— Ray David (@canadianninjeh) January 11, 2024
Principled action.
— Inez Russell Gomez (@inezrussell) January 11, 2024
A gentleman off the field with true moral fibre and character. Mr Belichick 👏👏👏
— Miriam Edison (@AnneMcI55800645) January 11, 2024
Belichick will be remembered primarily for what he accomplished with the Patriots, but this clearly earned him a lot of respect, as well.
