Bill Belichick has never shied away from flaunting his Croatian roots. The legendary New England Patriots coach will not be training a football team for the first time this season after decades. The 72-year-old icon recently honored with a prestigious medal in Croatia is set to begin his career as an analyst.

Croatia can trace the six-time Super Bowl champion’s roots back to when his paternal grandparents emigrated from Croatia to start a new life in a small town in Pittsburgh, where he was born in America. Belichick frequently references his heritage, which the Croatian government applauded.

Bill Belichick receives esteemed medal in Croatia

Croatia awarded the 3-time AP NFL Coach of the Year the Order of Croatian Morning Star for his consistent efforts in highlighting his Croatian heritage during his time in the NFL. President Zidane Milanovic awarded Belichick the state decoration award bearing the image of writer Franjo Bučar. The coach also received a nationality certificate from Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

The official press release said, “The President decorated Belichick for special merits in promoting Croatia’s reputation and interests in the United States of America during an exceptional sports career over many years.” The coach also attended a friendly match between Croatia and North Macedonia, where he was presented with a special gift. Belichick received a customized Croatian jersey with his name and the number 8.

Belichick is also scheduled to attend the 3rd Sunset Sports Media Festival as a speaker this week in Zadar. He was invited by Pete Radovich, the creative director of CBS, who’s also of Croatian descent. So, how did the former Patriots coach celebrate his roots and culture that led him to win this prestigious award?

Belichick’s ode to his Croatian roots in the NFL

New England legend’s surname is an American modification of the original Biličić, which he gets from his grandparents, Ivan and Marija. His grandparents settled in America in 1915 and started a family. The coach once shared how his father, Stephen, has a Crooatian tattoo, “so he carries it with him,” via CroatiaWeek. In turn, Belichick pays tribute to his roots on the NFL field.

The longest-serving head coach has often worn pins and jerseys referencing Croatia during his time in the league. In 2022, Belichick wore the nation’s flag patch on his hoodie. He expressed, “I’m proud of my Croatian heritage, and I’m proud to wear it,” as per MassLive, and ended with an enthusiastic, “Go Croatia.”

Belichick also extended his sports love to soccer when he attended the Croatia vs Brazil World Cup quarterfinals the same year. Keeping himself updated with the score during the press conference, the coach even stuck around to watch the match as the Patriots did their warmup on the field. It was only after Croatia clinched the victory that the coach walked into the practice field, giving a cheeky “How ’bout that” to the reporters.

Bill Belichick has created a legacy for himself in his star-studded career in football. One of the most respected figures in the NFL, the former head coach, will start a new phase of his life as he debuts as an analyst in the upcoming season.