Belichick learned well from dad

Steve Belichick was 86. As much as any man could, he had lived the life he wished to live.

His son is also a football man -- specifically a professional football man -- and yesterday afternoon he did what professional football men do. He directed his team to a 24-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints. His players were not aware that their coach had done his duty with what he would later describe as ''a heavy heart."

''None of us had a clue," said Adam Vinatieri. ''He kept it inside. He didn't let it distract him."

That Bill Belichick would be stoic in a moment of personal sorrow comes as no shock. The coach is legendary for his ability to compartmentalize his life. Coaching a football game is the best possible way for Belichick to honor his father. Anyone who knows even the slightest thing about them is aware that a love of football was their great bond.

''Obviously," said Belichick, ''he had a tremendous influence on my life personally and, particularly in the football aspect, it was great to be able to share the tremendous memories with him and some of the recent successes, as I did when he was successful as a coach of the Naval Academy and that program."

Steve Belichick was a familiar figure in the Patriots locker room the past few years. Bill Belichick made sure his father was able to savor his team's Super Bowl triumphs. ''He had some great stories," said Vinatieri. ''He was just a great guy."

''He was always here, kind of funny," said Willie McGinest. ''I used to joke with him and stuff."

''I always had a great relationship with him," added Tom Brady. ''He had great perspective. He had coached football for a lot of years. He always had words of wisdom."

The players had even grown so comfortable with him that he was treated to the ultimate insiders' tribute at Super Bowl XXXIX. ''I dumped ice water on him at the Super Bowl," recalled Tedy Bruschi. ''I was coming up with the bucket and I saw he and Bill embracing and I said, 'Ah, I'll get them both.' "