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Few things will get New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick giddy and apparently the surprise presence of broadcasting legend Chris Berman is among them.
A video shared by ABC 6 sports reporter Ian Steele on Twitter shows the six-time Super Bowl champion coach expressing "pure joy" as Berman walks past his podium during his press conference on Monday (August 29).
"Boomer," Belichick said with excitement and hand-clapping, referring to Berman's long-time nickname. "We are graced!"
Berman, the long-time ESPN anchor, joked that he "hadn't been to one of these in a couple of years," as he walked to his seat.
Belichick has shown a much more upbeat side recently.
Earlier this month, WBZ sports anchor Steve Burton kept up his annual preseason Week 1 tradition of getting a quick interview with the the legendary coach at halftime of the Patriots' first preseason game, which typically includes the stoic Belichick keeping his answers about the exhibition game short and serious as if it was a crucial regular-season matchup.
This year's game, however, happened to fall on Burton's birthday and Belichick gleefully wished the New England native and Boston sports mainstay a "happy birthday" with a hearty handshake and hug.
"Happy birthday, man. Here we are at Gillette [Stadium]," Belichick said with a big smile in the video shared by WBZ producer Joe Giza.
"I appreciate that coach, more than you'll ever know," Burton responded happily.
The legendary coach has a history of keeping his answers brief, especially when attempting to dodge certain questions and, as noted previously, is notoriously stoic.
However, Belichick has shown a much more personable side in recent years, even going as far as to joke occasionally during press conferences, which is a dramatic change given his reputation.