Donald Trump’s relationship with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has just gotten stronger. According to TMZ, the president has appointed Belichick to his new Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition—a governmental body aimed at improving children’s health through exercise and proper nourishment.
In case you’re not aware of the history between these two figures, let me remind you. Belichick wrote Trump a letter in 2016, congratulating him on running “a tremendous campaign” and conquering “an unbelievable slanted and negative media.” Last year, Trump’s recounting of Belichick kissing him before a 2014 Patriots game was published.
“He hugs me, and he kisses me, and he said: ‘I love you. You’re the greatest.’…He just feels warmly toward me, Belichick does. Isn’t that the craziest thing?”
As for this new Council, Belichick will be joined by Herschel Walker, golfer Natalie Gulbis, beach volleyball player Misty May-Treanor, and Mariano Rivera. Walker and Gulbis, of course, were both contenders on Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice show.
“The Council’s mission aligns with my beliefs and several of the Bill Belichick Foundation’s goals and values as they relate to sports, youth athletics and personal health and wellness,” said Belichick. “The physical fitness of children in our country is an apolitical issue that is extremely important to our future. When I was contacted by Ivanka Trump and asked to participate, I was humbled to be asked and honored to accept, as I would have done for any administration.”
According to Larry Brown Sports, Trump is not only fond of Belichick, but New England Patriots star Tom Brady, as well. The president reportedly spent a long time on the phone with Brady’s coach last week, leaving chief of staff John Kelly frustrated as to how Trump spends his time. The conversation revolved around Brady’s status with the Patriots—which is a subject of interest to fans, but arguably shouldn’t take up a president’s time when poverty and health care could.
“I know that a lot of great leaders have participated on the Council over the past half century, some who are personal inspirations to me, and I am eager to lend any assistance I can to its ongoing mission,” said Belichick.
Ultimately, designating a new Council to focus on the health of America’s youth through exercise and informed nutrition is a good move, with an NFL coach joining the effort seems like a solid choice. Once in a while, political news can actually be a good thing—let’s try to celebrate that as long as we possibly can.
