Image courtesy of The Lacrosse Network

Last summer during the Tewaaraton Trophy ceremony, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick received the ‘Spirit Award.’ As he began his speech, he pulled out a red bandana with ‘Welles” and “19” on it in honor of Welles Crowther, who’s story has now become a focal point each year when the 9/11 anniversary comes up.

On Friday morning during his final weekly press conference before the Miami Dolphins visit on Sunday night, I asked Coach Belichick if he’d have one with him Sunday (since the 22nd anniversary was this week) or if he’d talked to the team about Welles’ story at all. Here was Belichick’s full answer…

“Yeah, no, but we’ll be with him in spirit. I’m sure it’ll be a great day (Saturday), Florida State, right? He was a great inspiration. What he did, his story and his legacy. His family, his foundation, everything he stands for and the way it’s been carried forward, it’s an awesome message and a great tribute to him, what he did and what he stood for. The red bandana is really a good signature piece for everyone that appreciates and respects what happened and what the message is going forward.”