NEW ORLEANS — At 72 years old and no longer coaching in the NFL, Bill Belichick still managed to capture the spotlight during Super Bowl week.
The former Patriots head coach made quite an impression with his dazzling array of Super Bowl rings as he walked the red carpet.
Not only did he showcase the impressive bling from his multiple championships, more than any other coach in NFL history, but he also became the target of some playful ribbing at the NFL Honors ceremony — and social media wasn’t holding back either.
His companion for the night, 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, walked arm-in-arm with him, turning heads in a striking silver sequin dress while Belichick opted for a burgundy sports jacket instead of his usual hoodie.
Interestingly enough, Hudson was also seen wearing one of Belichick’s Super Bowl rings, which sparked engagement rumors and made waves across social media and various publications.
The Daily Mail highlighted her appearance at a charity event in New Orleans, showcasing a notable ring that led many to speculate about their relationship status.
However, Hudson clarified on Instagram that the ring she donned at the Honors was actually a championship ring she earned while cheering at Bridgewater State University.
This particular bling is one that even Tom Brady cannot claim to own.
Like any youthful couple — and perhaps uniquely regarding the age difference here — the duo was spotted enjoying the nightlife on Bourbon Street after the show.
Belichick, who previously had a reputation for being grumpy and uncommunicative with reporters while in New England, has become somewhat of a media favorite since parting ways with the Patriots.
He has demonstrated a more lighthearted side, appearing on shows like “The Pat McAfee Show” and even launching several podcasts.
Most recently, on the NFL Network, he left viewers in suspense by refusing to choose a Super Bowl favorite between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
“I think he has changed for the better. I really like it,” expressed retired Patriots player Rob Gronkowski.
“He’s come alive by displaying his personality in this new environment away from coaching. His transformation has been nothing short of wonderful. Fans adore him now.”
With a career that includes six Super Bowl wins as the head coach of New England and two additional wins as an assistant for the Giants, Belichick is even able to share a laugh regarding his relationship with Hudson.
During the event, host and rapper Snoop Dogg jokingly acknowledged the couple’s age disparity by reminiscing about a time when the NFL landscape looked drastically different, humorously noting that Hudson “wasn’t even born yet” during some of Belichick’s earlier years.
Belichick and Hudson took the joke in stride, chuckling along with the audience, who responded with a collective “awww” to the quip.
Meanwhile, social media continued to flood with jokes faster than a Saquon Barkley touchdown run.
One commentator shared a photo of the couple with a cheeky remark about Belichick taking his girlfriend to the NFL Awards on what was presumably a school night.
Another user created a collage featuring various cultural references, noting, “All of these things are older than Bill Belichick’s girlfriend.”
But as Belichick prepares for his return to a demanding role in college football, date nights might become rarer.
In December, Belichick inked a five-year contract with North Carolina that secures him $10 million annually in base and supplemental salary for the first three years, which includes guaranteed buyout options.
This lucrative deal could provide Belichick with enough funds to subsidize plenty of rings for Hudson to wear, just like him, on every finger.
