ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WMAR) — New England Patriots head coach and Annapolis native Bill Belichick will be presented the key to the city from Annapolis mayor Gavin Buckley, during halftime of the Navy-Johns Hopkins men’s lacrosse game on March 14.
Belichick will be the first person to ever receive the key to the city of Annapolis.
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized by Mayor Buckley and the City of Annapolis,” said Belichick. “I would like to thank Admiral Buck and Chet Gladchuk for allowing me to receive the key in Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. I loved the years I spent growing up in Annapolis and at the Naval Academy and I always look forward to returning. I am proud to be an Annapolitan!”
Belichick has led the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships and won two more as a former defensive coordinator with the New York Giants.
Raised in Annapolis, Belichick's father, Steve, was a coach, scout and physical education instructor at the Naval Academy for more than 30 years.
Belichick graduated from Annapolis High School in 1970, where he played both football and lacrosse before heading to Wesleyan University. He got his first coaching job in 1975 as a $25 per week assistant with the Baltimore Colts.
To this day, Belichick frequently returns to Annapolis to visit his mother.
“I simply love the fact that the winningest coach in NFL history comes back to Annapolis to watch college lacrosse,” said Mayor Buckley. “There is something about this City that keeps people grounded and I’d like to think that growing up here played a role in the success he has found throughout his life. Welcome back coach!”
Tickets for the Navy-Johns Hopkins game can be purchased by calling 1-800-US4-NAVY, or on gamed day at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Box Office located in the North End Zone. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students (18 and under).
