Belichick tells amazing Super Bowl LI story during ESPN’s ‘ManningCast’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Many New England Patriots fans were completely stunned when they watched their team overcome a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime in Super Bowl LI during the 2016 season.
And it seems Bill Belichick had a similar feeling after that historic comeback.
Belichick, who won six Super Bowl titles in 24 seasons as head coach of the Patriots, joined ESPN’s ManningCast with Peyton and Eli Manning for Monday night’s broadcast of the Falcons vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.
Belichick was asked about Super Bowl LI and admitted he rewatched the second half and overtime in his hotel room to make sure he wasn’t just dreaming about winning the game.
“When I got back to the hotel, the game happened to be on in my hotel room,” Belichick explained. “It was about the beginning of the third quarter, and I said, you know what, I’ve got to sit down and watch this and make sure we still win, because maybe that was just a dream.
This wasn’t the only time during the ManningCast that Belichick talked about Super Bowl LI.
Belichick also expressed how he felt when he saw Falcons owner Arthur Blank standing on the sidelines during the fourth quarter while the Patriots were in the midst of their comeback.
“I remember Blank standing on the sideline in the fourth quarter celebrating that they were up,” Belichick said. “He’s a pretty good dresser. Arthur always looks sharp, but he was standing there on the sideline and we were getting beat, and I was like, Jesus.”
Belichick reportedly interviewed with the Falcons twice for their head coaching position last offseason, but they ultimately decided to hire Raheem Morris.
Belichick threw shade, and criticized the Falcons several times throughout his entire life ManningCast appearance. Maybe he’s upset he didn’t get the Atlanta job? Either way, we can expect Belichick to share his thoughts on Super Bowl LI whenever it comes up. It’s one of the best moments of his career. And it’s one that Falcons fans will have to relive over and over again.
