The fantasy football craze that has taken over the way many fans consume and root for sports teams doesn’t do anything for New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
While fans are enamored with drafting and trading players, making them believe they’re really building a team and winning or losing because of their moves, Belichick says he pretty much couldn’t care less and he’s worried about winning games and actually doing the work of a real head coach/GM.
During Thursday’s post-practice presser, a young reporter asked Belichick about fantasy football.
“My friends and I watch a lot of football, more than our moms would like, and we’re obsessed with fantasy football. Even though you don’t like, you don’t play, do you think it’s good or bad for the NFL?”
Belichick gave what we’ve known to be a typical Belichick answer, with very little enthusiasm.
“Honestly, I don’t really have any opinion on that because fantasy football doesn’t mean anything to me. We’re just trying to win games out here, so I don’t know who’s hot, who’s not, who wins, who doesn’t. I don’t really cater about that. I just care about whether we win. So, yeah, have fun with that.”
"Fantasy football doesn’t mean anything to me."
Bill Belichick 😂 pic.twitter.com/5KoKcOMBwI
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) August 4, 2022
He did smirk a little but seemed a bit uncomfortable answering the question.
Belichick Isn’t The Guy To Ask About Fantasy Football:
For anyone to ask Belichick about something as irrelevant as fantasy football is funny. But it was a young reporter, so he gets a bit of a pass. This is the same guy who had his QB throw three passes in an entire game last season against the division rival Bills. Those aren’t exactly numbers or stats that help you win at fantasy football. And while Belichick is one who’s shown time and time again he’ll adapt his schemes weekly to beat teams, he’s still an old-school coach at heart. For him fantasy football wouldn’t be fun, as he’s the Patriots’ final say on personnel decisions, in his line of work there isn’t anything fantasy about it.
Now he’s having to do it without Tom Brady, whom he won six Super Bowls with, and in two seasons the results have been mixed.
#Patriots coach Bill Belichick: “Fantasy football doesn’t mean anything to me.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2022
Belichick Does Have His QB Of The Future: Mac Jones Probably Plays FF
Second-year QB Mac Jones stepped in as a rookie last season and led the Patriots to ten wins and a playoff appearance. He also led all rookie QBs in yards and touchdowns. Jones showed marked improvement throughout the entire season and seems primed for a huge second season. Belichick has raved about his quarterback’s readiness and leadership.
"He's made tremendous strides…his offseason work has been significant."
Bill Belichick on the progression of Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. #Patriots | https://t.co/Ny4w3p7ptu pic.twitter.com/HKpGKIm80Q
— NESN (@NESN) July 26, 2022
“I think Mac’s done a great job. He’s worked extremely hard. He’s got a tremendous work ethic in all areas. I think there’s a dramatic improvement … working on his understanding of our offense, of opposing defenses, of situations, of those things.”
After a year under Josh McDaniels, who left to become the Las Vegas Raiders head coach, Jones will probably have some more input with the offense.
Belichick has yet to name a coordinator, but all signs point to former Patriots defensive coordinator and Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia to call offensive plays. Now you know why he hates fantasy football.
