Foxborough (Massachusetts, USA), Jan 10 (EFE) .- Although the New England Patriots do not play the playoffs of the National Football League (NFL), for the first time in 12 seasons, their leadership continued in this Sunday when it became known that Republican President Donald Trump plans to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to his head coach Bill Belichick.
According to various local and national newspaper reports, the event would take place next Thursday at the White House.
However, as of yet, the Patriots have not commented on the information.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by John F. Kennedy in 1963, and is awarded by the President to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security of America’s national interests, world peace, or culture with significant contributions. in the public or private sector.
The distinction to Belichick comes as the US House of Representatives has increased pressure to force Trump to leave office before the end of his term, on January 20, after holding him responsible for the raid on the Capitol that occurred last. Wednesday in Washington by his followers.
Trump has recently selected various sports figures and political sponsors for the honor. Hall of Fame golfers Annika Sorenstam and Gary Player, along with the late Olympian Babe Didrikson Zaharias, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Thursday.
Belichick, 68, just finished his 46th season in the National Football League (NFL) and his 21st as the Patriots’ head coach.
Under his leadership, the Patriots have won six Super Bowl championships, joining George Halas and Curly Lambeau as the only coaches with six titles since the league began the postseason in 1933.
Belichick’s 311 victories (regular season and playoffs combined) are the third of all time, behind Don Shula (347) and Halas (324).
Belichick’s connection to Trump was in the news days before Trump was elected president in November 2016.
At a campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, Trump read a letter to the crowd that he said Belichick sent him.
The letter, according to Trump, read: “Congratulations on a tremendous campaign. You have dealt with incredibly biased and negative media and have come out wonderfully. You have proven to be the best competitor and fighter. Your leadership is amazing.”
“I have always had great respect for you, but the toughness and perseverance you have shown over the past year is remarkable. We hope that tomorrow’s election results will provide the opportunity to make America great again. My best. wishes for great results tomorrow. Bill Belichick, “concluded Belichick’s letter that President Trump read.
Belichick later told reporters that he wrote the letter out of friendship and loyalty.
“I received a number of inquiries regarding a note I wrote to Donald on Monday. Our friendship goes back many years and I believe that anyone who has spent more than five minutes with me knows that I am not a political person. Comments do not have Political motivations. I have friendship and loyalty with Donald “, clarified Belichick.
At the time, Belichick also noted that the team, a few weeks earlier, had former Massachusetts Senator and Secretary of State John Kerry in their locker room.
“That’s another friend of mine. I can’t imagine two people with more different political views than those two, but for me friendship and loyalty is just about that. It’s not about political or religious views.” Belichick reiterated that same day and that he always writes all kinds of letters and notes to “friends.”
Belichick has been a member of the President’s Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Council since 2018.
The publication “Politico” was the first to report on Trump’s plans to award Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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