Bill Belichick brought unique Patriots tradition to University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina football team is gearing up for their first season with future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick. And during practice, people were quick to notice that Belichick brought a unique Patriots tradition with him to Chapel Hill. During practice, players didn't have any numbers or names on their practice jerseys. Belichick […]
The University of North Carolina football team is gearing up for their first season with future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick.
And during practice, people were quick to notice that Belichick brought a unique Patriots tradition with him to Chapel Hill. During practice, players didn't have any numbers or names on their practice jerseys.
Belichick was asked about this decision, and made it clear that this is to put an emphasis on the team.
"There's not much of an explanation, that's just what we do – we just go out there and we earn it," he told reporters. “The numbers and the gloves you wear is not as important as doing your job and being responsible and accountable to your teammates, and being a good teammate. Our focus is on the team.
"It's not about individual notoriety right now, it's about trying to put together a team. We did it at New England, and did it for years and years. I just don’t think that is important this time of year.”
“And then, of course, they changed the rule and forced us to put jersey numbers on the players, and so we did,” he continued. “I don’t think that’s important at this time of year. I think it’s more important to just go out there and practice well, and improve every day. So, that’s what we emphasize.”
