Towards the end of the New England Patriots’ 38-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns, CBS cameras caught a rather awkward but funny exchange between special teamer Brenden Schooler and head coach Bill Belichick.
Schooler had just recovered a muffed punt on the Browns’ side of the field and appeared to “gift” the football to Belichick.
Unfortunately for the rookie, Belichick dismissed the gesture and instead gave Schooler a perplexed look before another member of the coaching staff escorted him away from the future hall-of-fame coach.
“It was obviously a big game for him coming back to Cleveland,” Schooler said postgame. “So, (it was) just a nice gesture: ‘Here’s the game ball.’ But I think I was a little too excited.”
When asked if the football was meant to congratulate Belichick on tying George Halas in wins all-time, Schooler said the following.
“I think it’s a little bit of everything,” Schooler explained. “And it’s just like, you know, you obviously want to win on the road especially. It’s a big win on the road for us. It just happened to be in Cleveland this week. So, just trying to, you know, know the situation.”
Schooler, with a smile, then added: “But I think I should’ve waited a couple of minutes to go give it to him.”
#Patriots rookie Brendan Schooler tried to give Bill Belichick his fumble recovery…and
pic.twitter.com/bw3HDqqBfT— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/patspulpit/status/1582401514949464066?s=20&t=igWXUSOdhs53OIJ25PRE0g
On Monday, Belichick addressed the snub during his weekly appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show”.
“It’s always exciting for guys to make plays and exciting for all of us,” Belichick said laughing. “We’re happy when we make them. But yeah, just gotta move on, go to the next play.”
Truly a “Welcome To The NFL” moment for Patriots rookie Brendan Schooler.
Cam Achord said he told Brenden Schooler it was a nice gesture to offer his fumble to coach Belichick, but he should wait until after the game or just give it to him. Said it's been funny to see the viral video.
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) October 18, 2022
Support Us: We're Currently Invisible in Google News
We need your help. A recent algorithm change has destoyed our traffic, and we need a quick moment of your time.
If you enjoy our content, please help us gain visiblity in Google's algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
More Patriots News Headlines:
Patriots News 08-16, Post PS Game #1 53-Man Roster Projection
By: Steve BalestrieriAnalyzing Patriots' first preseason game observations and a detailed 53-man roster projection. Key player performances and position battles are highlighted.
MORSE: Notes & Analysis of Patriots Training Camp – Day 15
By: Mark MorseAnalyzing Patriots Training Camp Day 15, featuring Drake Maye's practice performance, Romeo Doubs' standout day, Ben Brown's injury status, and PFF grades.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 8/15
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
MORSE: Good, Bad, and Ugly From Patriots’ Underwhelming Performance vs Colts
By: Mark MorseBreaking down the Patriots' underwhelming preseason tie vs. Colts, this report covers the good, bad, and ugly, plus Christian Gonzalez's contract demands.
Friday Patriots Notebook 8/14: Receiver Battle is Getting Interesting
By: Ian LogueAnalyzing the Patriots' 13-13 tie, the receiver battle heats up as Kyle Williams shines, no targets for Kayshon Boutte and Andy Borregales misses 3 FGs.
