This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/16/2022
Early Belichick "cookbook" dates from his two-year tenure in The Motor City when he was honing the skill set that would one day make him the greatest coach in NFL history. Look inside and delve into the mind of a mid-twenties wonder boy. This was the Bill Belichick bible, packed with hundreds of pages of diagrams, commandments, and fundamentals, categorized by numerous tabs, including "Offensive Organization," "Two Minute," "Wide Rec's, "Draws," "Blocking," "Counter," "Ride," "Plunge," "Belly," "Fire Passes," "Waggle," and more.
The exterior reads "1977 Work Playbook" on the front cover and spine. Meanwhile, the "title page" is inscribed "1976 Revised Playbook, Belichick" in Belli's own hand. Comes with 1977 Lions media guide, picturing a boyish looking Belichick, and a letter of provenance, which reads: "My father, John Payne, was on the same staff w/ Bill and this playbook was found in a box of Detroit Lions book (sic) etc...This was a playbook that B.B. revised for the 1977 season, I believe." John Payne coached for over thirty years, including stints in both the CFL and NFL. In 1977, he was the offensive line coach for the Lions and his photo and bio can be found in the included media guide. Comes with a Beckett Letter of Authenticity, a Letter of Provenance from John Payne’s Son and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity.