New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left) and Patriots former head coach Bill Belichick (right) Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bill Belichick began farewell news conference with Tim Tebow joke

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 1/11/24

Bill Belichick met with reporters on Thursday for the final time as head coach of the New England Patriots, and he chose to kick things off with an unexpected joke.

Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft held a news conference to formally announce that the two sides have agreed to part ways. When Belichick first arrived at the podium, he sarcastically remarked that he hadn’t seen that many reporters and cameras since the Pats signed Tim Tebow.

"Good morning. I haven't seen this many cameras since we signed Tebow." pic.twitter.com/ipUmChBKDK

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) January 11, 2024

Tebow was with the Patriots during the 2013 offseason. The former Florida star was still wildly popular at the time. Even though Tebow only played in the preseason and did not make the 53-man roster, his brief tenure in New England received extensive coverage both locally and nationally.

Belichick has coached in and won multiple Super Bowls since Tebow was with the Patriots a decade ago, so he has obviously been in plenty of rooms that were overflowing with cameras. The 71-year-old probably just wanted to ease some of the tension on a tough day.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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