Bill Belichick traded in his hooded sweatshirt for a graduation gown on Friday when he gave the commencement address to 127 outgoing students at Suffield Academy in Connecticut.
Belichick, father of graduating senior Brian C. Belichick, spoke to students, friends and family at the private high school, weaving in life advice with references to his celebrated career in the NFL.
"There's no 'I' in team, but there is an 'I' in win," the New England Patriots coach said, according to *The Republican*. "That stands for individual achievement. You need to do your job, because without it, there's no leadership."
Belichick preached the importance of leadership.
"The greatest leaders I've coached just go out there and do their job with a good attitude," he said.
Belichick is not known for showing emotion on the football field. He was open with the students, however, urging them to treasure family and friendships.
"Your mission in life is to love life," he said. "Chase the dreams you have, not somebody else's."
Belichick, who grew up in Maryland and graduated from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, is entering his 12th season as head coach of the Patriots. He has won eight AFC East crowns, four conference championships, and three Super Bowl titles.
