North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick made headlines this week with his suggestion to rename the NFL’s most prestigious award. Speaking on the Let’s Go podcast with Jim Gray, the former Patriots coach proposed honoring his former quarterback over the trophy’s current namesake.
The conversation started when Gray asked about Belichick’s transition to college football. Belichick discussed the players he’s coached throughout his NFL career with the New York Giants and New England Patriots.
When Gray brought up the Lombardi Trophy, named after Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi following his death in 1970, Belichick offered a different perspective.
“Maybe they should name it the Brady Trophy. He won seven of them.”
Tom Brady captured six Super Bowl titles with Belichick in New England before winning his seventh in Tampa Bay. That total represents the most championships by any player in NFL history.
Lombardi won five NFL championships with Green Bay, including the first two Super Bowls. The league named its championship trophy after him in 1970.
Belichick’s comments highlight the debate about honoring modern achievements versus historical significance. Brady’s seven titles exceed any other player’s total, while Lombardi helped establish the Super Bowl era.
The Patriots dynasty under Belichick and Brady lasted nearly two decades. Their partnership produced six championships and nine Super Bowl appearances from 2001 to 2019.
Both Belichick and Brady will likely receive Hall of Fame induction when they become eligible.
Belichick enters his second season at North Carolina after leaving the Patriots following the 2023 season. He’s focused on building the Tar Heels program while adapting to college football’s recruiting and transfer portal landscape.
The NFL hasn’t indicated any plans to rename the Lombardi Trophy. League traditions typically remain unchanged unless extraordinary circumstances warrant modification.
