Bill Belichick Cracking a 69 Joke at Patriots Press Conference is Incredible

Rob Gronkowski may be retired, but his legacy has left an ineradicable trace that goes beyond football. Take the 69 jokes for instance. Apparently, these jokes still flow in New England and the most surprising thing about that is the messenger of these childish jokes. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick responded to a question about offensive tackle Dan Skipper and said he’s similar to Nate Solder because they’re “both 6-9.”

Belichick followed that up with a smirk you don’t usually see from him.

Bill Belichick with a 69 joke?!

Gronk, gone but never forgotten :’) pic.twitter.com/D67xGtu1VO

— Binge Sports (@BingeSports) July 30, 2019

Belichick is not really known for having a humorous side like this and we’re sure he’s pulled Gronk to the side plenty of times for the things he said. Perhaps this latest Super Bowl lightened him up a bit.

VIDEO: Bill Belichick channels Gronk, cracks 69 joke during press conference. ? https://t.co/UQ6RShddjh pic.twitter.com/62r4xbramY

— theScore (@theScore) August 1, 2019

Or maybe the coach feels some sort of a responsibility to keep the tradition alive after Gronk’s retirement.

Although he isn’t exactly a guy who’s known to toss around compliments that often, Belichick offered some serious praise for Gronk after news of his retirement came out.

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to coach Rob Gronkowski the past nine years,” Belichick said in a statement. “From his rookie year until his final season and through countless times in between, Rob was a major reason why we won games and championships. His elite combination of size, skill, intelligence, toughness and ability to perform in pressure situations set him apart.”

The Patriots head coach also called Gronk one of the “most complete players at his position,” which is about the highest compliment you can get from Bill Belichick.

“Rob’s impact on our team and organization was felt in many ways,” Belichick said. “In the ultimate team sport, Rob was a great, great teammate. His production spoke for itself, but his daily attitude, unmistakably positive energy wherever he went and toward whoever he touched will never be forgotten. Rob will leave an indelible mark on the Patriots organization and the game as among the best, most complete players at his position to ever play.”