Bill Belichick Cracks Rocket Scientist Joke While Praising Matt Patricia

Bill Belichick was in a jolly mood Monday morning when he visited NFL Network’s broadcast booth at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine.

After repeatedly praising hosts Rich Eisen and Mike Mayock for their combine coverage and presenting Eisen with a check to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the New England Patriots coach offered a heartfelt and comical explanation of what former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will bring to his new team, the Detroit Lions.

“He’s going to bring a great work ethic,” said Belichick, whose outfit of choice Monday was a Johns Hopkins lacrosse pullover. “A lot of intelligence. A lot of thought into everything they do, from practice to strategy to situational football. And they’re going to work hard, I guarantee you that. Matt’s as hard-working a guy as I’ve ever been around. He grinds it.

“He’s smart, too. He put together those rockets there in college. I can’t even get my cell phone on.”

Patricia, of course, owns a degree in aeronautical engineering from RPI. He spent 14 seasons as a Patriots assistant, including the last six as defensive coordinator, before being hired last month the Lions’ new head coach.

Belichick also shared a great story about his meeting with eventual Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders at the 1989 combine. Check out the coach’s full interview below.