When Bill Belichick was the head coach of the New England Patriots, he was known for his no-nonsense approach, emphasizing toughness and avoiding distractions both on and off the field. Now at UNC, it seems that Belichick might need to take his own advice—particularly regarding his relationship with girlfriend Jordan Hudson—and one of his most famous former players thinks so too.
Former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman spoke to People about Belichick, and when asked whether Hudson could be a “distraction” for the coach, Edelman pointedly echoed some of Belichick’s own words back at him.
“Everyone has their life outside of the sport,” Edelman said. “What he always told me is that we had to eliminate distractions. So, I don’t know. You could take what you want with that.”
Staying focused is crucial for athletes and coaches at the highest level, a lesson players learn early on: distractions during games or practice can hold you back.
Even for Belichick—arguably one of the greatest coaches in NFL history—those rules of focus don’t seem to apply. Some of his former players, including Edelman, appear surprised that he’s allowing so many potential distractions from his relationship with Hudson.
“I remember getting yelled at for being a distraction, so I think we’re all in the business of eliminating distractions,” Edelman said. “That’s just from what I learned from him.”
Since taking the UNC job, Belichick’s relationship has often been in the spotlight, sometimes overshadowing the team. From emails and visits before or during games to other public attention, it’s been hard to ignore. UNC’s priority is the field, and even Edelman thinks Belichick may be letting his focus slip.
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