Mora: Great players buy in to what Belichick sells

Published: September 22nd, 2011 | Tags: Jim Mora, "A Football Life: Bill Belichick", Bill Belichick, New England Patriots

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The NFL Films series “A Football Life: Bill Belichick” is a serious fix for any football junkie. There’s little question.

Belichick has put his stamp on NFL history in more ways than one, including the “Patriot Way” philosophy of running a football organization. When it comes to the magic that takes place behind closed doors deep inside Gillette Stadium, former NFL coach and current NFL Network analyst Jim Mora — who has spent his adult life around the game — comes away impressed with how Belichick manages people.

“He’s one of the greatest football coaches ever. What I am so impressed with (by) Bill Belichick is the way everyone buys in on his team to what he says. They’re all on the boat with him. The key to that is having a guy like Tom Brady or Mike Vrabel or Tedy Bruschi, your leaders, so that when a young guy comes in — or a Corey Dillon comes in or Randy Moss comes in — he can absorb those personalities into (that) culture, because the great leaders and great players have completely bought in to what he’s selling. Because it’s worked for him. His players have great faith in him, great faith in every decision he makes.”

NFL Network analyst Heath Evans has been in the Patriots locker room — as well as others — and chalks up the difference to a disciplined, single-voiced structure in the organization.

“I’ve been in too many locker rooms that don’t it,” explains Evans. “His rules are his rules. You also know that his word is the end source. There is no struggle for power in this organization. We’ve all been around owners or even offensive coordinators who would sometimes undermine a coach. You can’t do that there. … When you have that structure, you create a winning atmosphere.”

And now for a shameless plug: “A Football Life: Bill Belichick” part II airs Thursday night on NFL Network at 10 p.m. ET.

Follow The NFL Network on Twitter @nflnetwork.

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