Bill Belichick, the long-time head coach of the New England Patriots, is known for his rigorous and sometimes intense coaching methods, especially during film review sessions. Recently, former Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore shared an anecdote from his first season with the team, highlighting just how tough Belichick can be.
During a film session early in Gilmore’s career with the Patriots, he experienced a particularly harsh critique from Belichick after a play where he got picked by a receiver. Gilmore recalled feeling so overwhelmed by the criticism that he had to leave the room, stating, “I almost cried.” However, this experience proved to be a turning point in his career. Following that session, Gilmore committed himself to improving and noted, “I ain’t never got picked again after that.”
Under Belichick’s guidance, Gilmore developed from a Pro Bowl player into one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. His time in New England saw him earning two First Team All-Pro selections and the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2019. He played a crucial role in the Patriots’ Super Bowl LIII victory over the Los Angeles Rams as well.
This story is a testament to Belichick’s tough-love coaching style that aims to extract the best performance from his players. While it can be brutal in the moment, many players like Gilmore credit Belichick with helping them achieve their greatest potential on the field. Gilmore’s evolution as a player serves as inspiration for current and future athletes about the importance of resilience and growth from challenging experiences.