He also obtained a Croatian certificate of nationality. Belichick also visited the Croatian national soccer team’s 3-0 victory against North Macedonia on Monday and afterward met with the squad, which shared photos of his visit with X.
This is the first time since 1975 that Belichick, who won 6 Super Bowl wins as coach of the New England Patriots and two more as an assistant for the New York Giants, is not coaching in the NFL. In January, the Patriots and Belichick parted ways after 24 seasons together.
In recent years, Belichick has often worn a Croatian pin at press conferences, as well as a patch on his sideline gear as part of an NFL campaign. He sometimes donned a Croatian necktie during postgame press conferences.
During his meeting with the Croatian national soccer squad, Belichick discussed his Croatian ancestry.
“My grandparents came to the USA in 1910 from Draganić and had a difficult life, but that’s why my father (Steve), also an American football coach, managed to live his American dream,” he added, according to an article in Večernji newspaper. “I became a Croatian citizen yesterday. “Now I am one of you.”
Belichick has received praise for his actions while traveling to Croatia as part of the upcoming Sunset Sports Media Festival, which was the inspiration for his invitation from television producer Pete Radovich.
During his meeting with Milanović, Belichick received the Order of the Croatian Star, which honors him for advancing Croatia’s reputation and interests during his career. The effigy of Franjo Bučar is included in the award.
While Belichick will not be coaching in the NFL this season, he hopes to remain involved with the sport. For starters, he has agreed to appear on the “ManningCast” for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football.”
