From a Patriots perspective, one of the highlights from the NFL Owners Meetings in Arizona this week was simply a four word answer Bill Belichick gave during his media availability at Monday’s coaches’ breakfast. Asked what he’d suggest fans to took to for optimism about the upcoming season, Belichick simply replied, “the last 25 years.”

The comment certainly seemed out of character. Belichick has long been known for is adamant belief of focusing on the present, not the past or future. On Tuesday, the answer drew a wide range of reactions from both media members and former players. After 24 years of talking about focusing on the moment at hand and ‘doing your job,’ was the eight-time Super Bowl champion suddenly calling ‘scoreboard’?

• Two days later, Belichick has clarified those comments. While at LSU’s pro day on Wednesday, Jim McBride of The Boston Globe was able to follow up with Belichick.

  “We’re not resting on our past laurels; that’s not the message to the team or the fans,” Belichick told McBride. “We have never operated that way and aren’t now.”

  McBride added that Belichick “indicated he was answering the question from a fan’s perspective” and that “Belichick made it clear the comment was not meant to be taken as a brag.”

  Brag or not, the comment certainly received significant attention. Will this addendum change that? Belichick’s next formal media availability is expected to be at some point in late spring – if not during the NFL Draft, then at the start of OTAs.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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