It was one of those games, New England’s 2009 regular-season showdown with the Colts, that Belichick referenced in his best line of the day. Asked about what’s known as “Hoosier Hospitality’’ in these parts, he deadpanned, “I’ve never had too much hospitality here . . . until I went for it on fourth and 2,’’ referencing the now-infamous late-game play. “And since then, I’ve been greeted in a lot more friendly manner than I have in the past.’’
He smiled, he called each reporter by his or her name, he chuckled at the woman who said she was from “Hawaii Five-0’’.
Maybe it’s because Belichick, who turns 60 in April, knows that he might not be doing this much longer and he wants to relish every moment, even though this is his eighth trip to the Super Bowl as a coach.
Or maybe the memories of the last time he and the Patriots were in this position, in 2007, and how things ended that week have made him more appreciative of this opportunity.
Maybe he’s confident in the game plan he and his assistants have cooked up; often if Belichick is upbeat on a Friday in the regular season, it means the week has gone well and he’s feeling good about Sunday’s game.
Or maybe, as receiver Wes Welker joked, it’s something more personal.
“I don’t know if it’s a lady in his life or what the deal is. He definitely smiles a little bit more than he used to,’’ Welker said.
Special teams ace Matthew Slater said, “I think he’s very appreciative of it and I think everyone around here realizes this is a very unique opportunity and he’s encouraged us to enjoy the moment and realize that opportunities like this don’t come around very often; maybe once a career if you’re lucky.
“I think we all need to enjoy it, realizing that there’s no guarantee that we’ll be back here, but at the same time realize we have a job to do.’’
But Belichick was not all business yesterday.
