Bill Belichick rang in Patriots training camp with a vintage deadpan quote
Bill Belichick has been at his job for decades. He has stood at a lectern and done the media tour more than most of us could count. It’s no surprise he has a reputation for an occasionally cold, noncommital, or cold response to a reporter. The man has been there and heard that and just wants his team to do their job.
But at this point in the future Hall of Fame coach’s career, his penchant for deadpan commentary has become iconic in the NFL’s annals. Belichick sniping at a question or refusing to say anything of substance is like a Groundhog Day for pro football. If he says something while grumbling and annoyed, then that means the NFL is back. If he doesn’t, wait at least six more weeks.
In related news, Belichick did say something — while apparently annoyed — to open Patriots training camp on Tuesday. In response to a question about Lawrence Guy’s contract situation, Belichick shot it down as only he could.
"It's football season. Most players play football in football season."
– Bill Belichick
— Bernd Buchmasser (@BerndBuchmasser) July 25, 2023
It’s July, and Belichick is already in midseason form at the microphone. He hasn’t lost even a fraction of a step. With Belichick shooting down his first question of the 2023 season, the weather forecast now says you can count on NFL football filling your calendar momentarily.