Bill Belichick, 72, leaves his mark at the Super Bowl despite being retired from the NFL.

NEW ORLEANS — At 72 years old and officially retired from the NFL, Bill Belichick made quite the impression during Super Bowl week.


The former coach of the New England Patriots showcased all of his Super Bowl rings at the NFL Honors, capturing the spotlight with his impressive collection of jewelry, which is the most ever amassed by a coach. Belichick also became the center of attention for a light-hearted roasting at the awards event, particularly for his arm-in-arm appearance with his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson.


In a departure from his usual hoodie attire, Belichick opted for a stylish burgundy sports coat, while Hudson dazzled in a shimmering silver sequin dress. The couple’s appearance stirred media interest, with some reports reflecting more on Belichick’s life beyond coaching than his football legacy. Rumors suggesting an engagement emerged when Hudson was spotted displaying one of Belichick’s Super Bowl rings — albeit on a finger typically reserved for engagement rings. However, Hudson clarified on Instagram that the ring she wore at the event was actually her championship ring from the Bridgewater State University Bearcats National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate Championship, a unique piece even Tom Brady lacks.


After the ceremony, the couple was seen enjoying their evening out on Bourbon Street, capturing the carefree vibe of a young couple. Since his departure from the Patriots, Belichick has shown a brighter side, becoming more engaging with the media. He recently appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and hosted podcasts, even making an appearance on the NFL Network where he cleverly sidestepped questions about the Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.


“It’s great to see him in a new light,” remarked retired Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. “He’s handling the change well and has become quite popular. Everyone seems to enjoy his new demeanor.”


Belichick, who previously led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories and won two more as an assistant with the New York Giants, seemed to embrace humor regarding his relationship with Hudson. During his hosting segment, rapper Snoop Dogg made a light joke about their age difference, reminiscing about the NFL’s earlier days when Belichick’s girlfriend was not even born yet. The couple took the quip in stride, sharing a laugh together as the audience responded with an amused “aww.”


On social media, jokes about the couple circulated rapidly. One social media user shared a picture of them at the awards, commenting on the charm of Belichick taking his girlfriend to such an event despite it supposedly being a school night. Another user created a collage to illustrate that several pop culture references are older than Hudson.


As they create memories, the frequency of their date nights might dwindle once Belichick returns to the collegiate coaching scene. He signed a lucrative five-year contract with North Carolina in December, which promises $10 million annually in base and supplemental salary for the first three years, alongside potential bonuses of up to $3.5 million each year.


This substantial income could surely allow for more rings or any other presents that Hudson might desire, adorning her fingers just like her boyfriend’s extensive collection.