Bill Belichick opened his Patriots announcement with a Tim Tebow joke and NFL fans actually liked it

For the entirety of his Hall of Fame career with the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick was known for his monotonous press conferences devoid of any personality. Of course, he left it to his final media appearance with the Patriots to show a lighter side of himself.

Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft spoke to the media on Thursday to announce the team’s “mutual” parting ways with the six-time Super Bowl winner. Now, everyone knew that Belichick’s press conference antics were a strategic act. He’s capable of telling jokes and speaking at a normal volume — in-game and locker room footage proved that numerous times.

But hey, we gotta give Belichick some credit here: He knew to open this media appearance with a joke.

Bill Belichick's first statement at his press conference:

"Good morning. I haven't seen this many cameras since we signed Tebow."

: @Patriots pic.twitter.com/UdD0V7k0CG

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 11, 2024

Tim Tebow — who spent one preseason with the Patriots before his release in 2013 — kind of caught a stray with the joke. But Belichick was mostly poking fun at all the media attention Tebow drew as a fringe backup option and reminiscing on old times.

Fans also thought it was great that Belichick showed a sense of humor there. That comedy career is waiting for him.