Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is trying plenty of new things now that he’s out of the coaching sphere and fully embracing his new role with the media.
One of those things is social media – something the eight-time Super Bowl champion has stayed away from.
But now, times have changed and so has Belichick as he explained on the latest episode of the Pat McAfee Show.
‘I can’t believe I’m doing this but I’ve joined Instaface,’ the coach said, incorrectly saying the name of the social media app Instagram.
In his first post on ‘Instaface’, Belichick explained why he was so averse to social media for so long – and why things have changed now.
Bill Belichick has officially joined Instagram – his first foray into social media in his career
Within hours of the account going live, Belichick already amassed thousands of followers
‘During my career in the NFL, I had built-in opportunities to express myself at a moments notice,’ the former New England man said.
‘The circumstances are different now. So, here I am.
‘I am (surprisingly) thrilled to announce my decision to utilize social media platforms with the intention of connecting directly with fans and the public.
‘This debut was inconceivable a few months ago, but exciting now!!,’ the statement concluded.
Within only a few hours, Belichick had already amassed tens of thousands of followers (over 65,000 at the time of publication).
It’s a peculiar move after a summer of peculiar moves made by the 72-year-old after his departure from New England in the offseason.
Belichick stepped down from his role atop the perch in Foxborough after 24 years in charge of the Patriots.
After that announcement, the coach – who used to have an outwardly frosty relationship with the media – revealed that he’d be joining their ranks.
Belichick will be a media member after a tenure where he was frosty with reporters
Also new this summer is Belichick’s relationship with 23-year-old Jordon Hudson
Belichick will be spending this season on the highlights show ‘Inside the NFL’ as one of the panel of experts.
He will also be making routine appearances on ESPN shows like the Pat McAfee Show and the ‘ManningCast’ edition of Monday Night Football.
On Wednesday, Adam Schefter reported that Belichick had taken another media role as a strategic advisor for the 33rd Team.
The emerging media and technology company consists of former players, coaches, and executives. The cast of characters—parlayed with a group of veteran writers, analysts, and insiders—makes for a good source of NFL news and analysis from people who have worked in the league.
Fellow ex-NFL coaches Matt Patricia and Adam Gase are also joining the 33rd Team alongside Belichick.
Belichick is also planning to host his own show – COACH on Underdog Fantasy.
In addition to the new jobs, Belichick has been spending time with his new girlfriend – 23-year-old Jordon Hudson.
The pair spent many a day together on Nantucket over the summer attending various gatherings and taking voyages on Belichick’s boat.
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