BEFORE his almost guaranteed entry into the Hall of Fame in just a few years, Bill Belichick received a major honor abroad.
The former New England Patriots coach is visiting Croatia and met with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Zoran Milanović.
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During his visit, Belichick was honored by receiving a certificate of Croatian nationality.
“In his meeting with Milanović, Belichick was honored with the Order of the Croatian Star in effigy of Franjo Bučar – an esteemed recognition for advancing Croatia’s reputation and interests throughout his career,” ESPN said. Mike Reiss wrote.
Belichick was also present in the Croatian national football team’s 3-0 victory over North Macedonia on Monday.
He spoke to the team after the game about his connection with Croatia.
Belichick posed with this year’s Champions League winner Luka Modric after sharing his story with the team.
“My grandparents came to the US from Draganić in 1910 and had a difficult life, but that’s why my father [Steve]also an American football coach, he managed to live his American dream”, he said according to a local newspaper.
“Yesterday I became a Croatian citizen. Now I’m one of you.”
In his later years as head coach, Belichick often wore a Croatian pin at press conferences and also sported a patch on his game attire.
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He also wore a Croatian flag tie at press conferences from time to time.
Belichick appears to be a celebrated figure in Croatia and appeared as a speaker at the Sports Sunset festival.
The legendary coach is enjoying his first free offseason since 1975.
It’s been nearly 50 years since Belichick has coached in the NFL after the Patriots relieved him of his duties.
Belichick was unable to secure a head coaching job during this year’s cycle, only interviewing with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons decided to go in a different direction and Belichick found himself out of a job.
He won’t be removed from football completely, as Belichick has signed with ESPN to appear on the Manningcast during Monday Night Football.
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Belichick will also appear on the Pat McAfee Show on Mondays during the NFL season.
“Is there any chance I could be on your show during the fall?” Belichick asked McAfee during the NFL Draft.
“Like, maybe on Mondays?” McAfee responded.
“Yes, maybe something like that. Let’s see if we can work this out,” Belichick said.
It’s possible Belichick could land the head coaching job in 2025 after spending a year away from the game, but for now fans will continue to see him on ESPN as a commentator.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
