A Football Life: Reaction to Bill Belichick Behind-the-Scenes

Outside of New England, Bill Belichick cuts a misunderstood figure for his secretive ways and impersonal mannerisms. Despite all his success, he's regarded as a bit of a mystery.

Yet he is revered and borderline worshiped from the perspective of a Patriots fan.

Belichick's NFL Network special, 'A Football Life', presents an insider's view of the 2009 season, allowing the mass media an opportunity to savor what they had been missing since 2000: the ability to understand Belichick beyond the generic responses he provides in his rather dull press conferences.

Watching Part 1 with a die-hard Giants fan whom I have never seen eye-to-eye, I was taken aback by his reaction.

"I'm a Pats fan now," he said. "I have always been a Belichick fan, but what he did with the Giants in the late 80's is what made me a fan today, and I now have a new respect for what they have accomplished."

This comment was in reaction to Belichick being reduced to almost tears, reminiscing about all the time and effort he put forth as a defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, where he won two Super Bowl Championships. He now owns 5 rings over his illustrious career.

For someone to completely change their perspective on a team, based on this documentary is a powerful statement to say the least. Belichick has always exhibited minimal emotion with the press, so seeing him in this capacity is almost overwhelming.

There are so many great soundbites within these two hours that it's hard to key in on one specific moment.

During NFL Network's 'No Huddle' last night, seven-time Pro Bowler Warren Sapp praised the New England Patriots for its unrivaled winning culture, stemming from the complete control of its head coach.

Sapp elaborated upon his point, emphasizing that the true power of Belichick is his ability to keep the issues of his 53 players in-house, without being undermined by the owner or any of his coaching staff.

This notion was particularly prevalent in his response to failing on a 4th-and-two conversion against the Indianapolis Colts during Week 10, when Kevin Faulk came up less than a yard short, resulting in a controversial loss.

When addressing his team following the game, Belichick dismissed any idea that his decision to go for it on the team's own 28-yard line insinuated a lack of confidence.

Belichick preached, "I'm not apologizing to anyone for being aggressive and trying to win."

And apologize he shouldn't.

Despite winning his seventh AFC East Title in nine years in 2009, these milestones are petty to Belichick.

As a man who has the utmost respect for the game, he is not discrediting this achievement.

Belichick is the only coach in NFL history to win three championships in four years, and holds himself to a higher standard of greatness, which is evident through his unmatched CV.

In the offseason, he vacations around Nantucket on his boat 'V Rings', a name that was last updated in 2004.

Belichick continues to pursue the taste of his ultimate goal, to add another ring to his vacant hand. He will not be satisfied until he once again reaches the promised land, reuniting with the Lombardi Trophy.

Come to think of it, 'VI Rings' has quite a nice ring to it.