Hawg's bro, the one and only Jerry Thornton had a few awesome words today.
"Here are two personal stories that most of my friends and family know, but at worth retelling now:
1. My first full day as a WEEI employee was Monday in 2014. We met at the studio in Gillette Stadium. My producer and co-hosts filled my head with how to approach Bill Belichick. "Don't try to joke around with him; he'll shut you down. Don't try to act like you know football; he'll make you look stupid," etc. (Gee, thanks for helping me relax.) We were on the air when he walked in, sat down, put on the headset and said, "Dale. Michael. Good to see you. And Jerry ... It's an HONOR to finally meet you." First day on the job. First time we'd met. I'll never forget it.
2. When I first got copies of "From Darkness to Dynasty," we were back at Gillette for training camp. My devoted Irish Rose suggested I give Bill a copy. There was a good chance it would be super awkward if I did, but I brought one anyway. He came in studio after a hard practice and was in no mood. Basically at his monosyllabic best. To the point he dryly joked about how he wasn't giving us anything to work with. (I never minded.) When the segment was over I handed him a copy of the book. "Spoiler," I said. "You're in it and win the Super Bowl at the end." And his whole demeanor changed. He was gracious and congratulated me and thanked me for the book. Then he left to go do the daily press conference he was running late for. Two full minutes later, he came back in. "If you don't mind," he said. "Can I ask you to sign this for me?" I wrote, "Coach Belichick, Thank you for saving my football team. - Your pal, Jerry"
Two of my all time favorite moments. It was an HONOR to meet you, Bill."
