[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       STEVE BELICHICK (1919-2005): AN AUTHENTIC COACH AND FATHER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, December 17, 2005

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Steve Belichick (1919-2005): 
an Authentic Coach and Father.
  There have been many great images from the New England Patriots 
dynasty. Tom Brady embracing his teammates after yet another fourth-
quarter touchdown. Adam Vinatieri raising his hands after yet another 
game-winning kick. The Krafts hugging one another after yet another 
Super Bowl victory.
  But the image that might stand out the most is the Gatorade-dousing 
of Bill and Steve Belichick moments before the Patriots would defeat 
the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. For many New Englanders, 
it was the first time they had seen Steve Belichick--the man who every 
New Englander would like to thank for fathering and mentoring the best 
coach in football.
  And like in his 33-year career as an assistant coach at the U.S. 
Naval Academy, Steve Belichick would need someone else to draw our 
attention to him, even at a moment of extraordinary personal success. 
He was his son's role model, and his son was on the verge of coaching 
the Patriots to an unprecedented third Super Bowl victory in 4 years. 
It was a moment that any father would savor, and likely in a way that 
others would detect.
  But Steve Belichick never sought public attention recognition of his 
work, be it his innovative game-plans, exceptional scouting reports, or 
the invaluable lessons he taught his accomplished son. Instead, he 
craved the background, the behind-the-scenes world unseen to fans and 
media, and the world where he would consistently win the high praise of 
those ``in the know.'' And like any truly substantive professional, 
Steve Belichick would take enormous personal satisfaction in obtaining 
the respect of his peers--the very respect that would often elude more 
celebrated coaches.
  Doubtless for that reason, Steve Belichick had remained out of our 
sight until the camera caught others showering him and son in victory. 
It is much the same reason why Bill Belichick often deflects praise and 
attention. It is simply not the Belichick way of doing things.
  When Steve Belichick passed away on November 19, 2005 at the age of 
86, it was fitting that we remember him as reluctantly tasting success. 
And it was fitting that he be with his son.
  It can be said that a father always dreams of being less accomplished 
than his own child, because there is no greater accomplishment for any 
father.
  It is a lesson that Steve Belichick has taught us well.

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