Last week, NFL Network aired Part One of the NFL Films documentary, “Bill Belichick: A Football Life” to plenty of critical acclaim. The documentary shows Belichick behind the scenes during the 2009 season.
The documentary shows Patriots coach Bill Belichick in a totally different light, for instance, seeing him get emotional as he tours the old Giants Stadium for the last time as well showing him behind closed doors with quarterback Tom Brady and with coaches discussing the keys to each game was extremely fascinating.
But as good as Part One was, the buzz was that Part Two was even better, if that was remotely possible. Well, having seen the advanced screener for Part Two, I found that indeed it was true. If you have the opportunity to watch Part Two, you’ll see the relationship between Belichick and receiver Randy Moss, how Belichick tells his team how much he believes in his players and refuses to apologize for it. And you’ll see a very interesting scene where Belichick bonds with the team after Randy Moss invites him to a private gathering.
This is some of NFL Films’ best work and I would love to see more of this type of behind the scenes interaction with coaches and players. It’s the type of documentary that should earn NFL Films another Sports Emmy.
Here’s the press release for tomorrow’s conclusion of “Bill Belichick: A Football Life.”
PART II OF BILL BELICHICK: A FOOTBALL LIFE DEBUTS TOMORROW NIGHT AT 10:00 PM ET
Encore of Part I to Air at 9:00 PM ET
Tomorrow (Thursday, Sept. 22), the anticipated conclusion of Bill Belichick: A Football Life debuts at 10:00 PM ET exclusively on NFL Network. Part I is re-aired at 9:00 PM ET.
The debut of part I, which was called “a must watch” by Yahoo! Sports and “an enthralling glimpse at Bill Belichick” by Sports Illustrated, made waves through the sports world and became NFL Network’s most-watched documentary ever.
In part I, viewers were given an inside look into the life of the Patriots head coach in 2009, which marked Belichick’s 35th consecutive year as an NFL coach and the Patriots’ 50th Anniversary season. NFL Films cameras followed Belichick from the shores of Nantucket to Foxborough, documenting his relationship with his son Brian, video film sessions with QB Tom Brady and his emotional last visit to Giants Stadium through the first nine weeks of the season.
In part II, fans get a better understanding of Belichick’s childhood, growing up in and around the U.S. Naval Academy where his father Steve spent more than 30 years as an assistant coach for Navy football and how their relationship remains a primary influence in his football life. The documentary also chronicles the Patriots’ road through the last half of the season including the decision to go for it on fourth down against the Colts and the stretch run culminating in the Patriots seventh division title in nine years. In addition, part II also has a surprise scene from a Halloween party that season.
For more video clips from part II of Bill Belichick: A Football Life and supplemental discussions with NFL Network analysts on Belichick, please click on the following links:
Car Trouble: Bill Belichick has some trouble with the car clock.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-england-patriots/09000d5d8226fa64/A-Football-Life-Car-troubleMemories of Bill Belichick: Mike Mayock, Michael Lombardi and Willie McGinest share their favorite memories of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/a-football-life/09000d5d8226df81/Memories-of-Bill-BelichickThe following are selected quotes from part II of the documentary:
“From the time he was about two. He loved everything that his dad did. Anything that Steve did, he wanted to do.” – Bill’s mother, Jeannette Belichick, when asked when she knew that Bill would be an NFL coach
“I’d say I’m more patience than he was. He didn’t have much patience. Sometimes that was good.” – Belichick, on his father Steve and his coaching style
Belichick is the first subject of a new series, A Football Life, by the Emmy Award-winning producers at NFL Films, offering untold stories into the lives of some the NFL’s most recognizable icons. Each documentary provides unprecedented access to each featured individual to tell the story of how their legacy is forever intertwined in the fabric of NFL history.
NFL Films producer Ken Rodgers, who spent the majority of the 2009 season with Belichick during the production process, writes about the experience and his 10 year relationship with the Patriots here:
http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2011/09/19/a-football-life-directors-notes-part-2-the-glamorous-life/Next Thursday at 10:00 PM ET, A Football Life continues with the story of late Philadelphia Eagles teammates and legends Reggie White and Jerome Brown. For five seasons, White and Brown were the anchors of a dominant Philadelphia Eagles defense that grew to become one of the most feared units in the NFL. Despite seemingly opposite personalities, the two played side-by-side, developing a lasting bond that would extend long after each passed before their time.
I give the entire Bill Belichick documentary and NFL Films an A+. This is as close to a perfect piece of work.
