Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Bill Belichick abandoned his love of one-word answers to gush about Thanksgiving potatoes

Bill Belichick said more about potatoes than he does about football games.

New England Patriots v Atlanta Falcons
New England Patriots v Atlanta Falcons
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

Bill Belichick is a master at hiding his emotions, but land on one of his passions and the man will suddenly transform. That happened Monday morning out of an unexpected place: Asking Belichick about his favorite Thanksgiving side dish.

Normally a master of one-word answers, Bill professed his love and appreciation for the potato. An unconditional love, because he accepts potatoes any way they enter his life.

“Oh boy. It would be hard for me to turn down any type of potatoes. I’ll go with whatever — mashed potatoes, scalloped, baked. Load ‘em up. Throw some butter on there. Starch me up.”

While I definitely could have lived the rest of my life happily without hearing Bill Belichick use the phrase “starch me up,” I do appreciate how much the man loves potatoes. Also, he’s 100 percent correct. It’s not like we need to wait until Thanksgiving to eat potatoes. Heck, they’re one of the easily side dishes you can prepare pretty much any time — but the Thanksgiving plate lends itself to offering flavor enhancers to take your potatoes to the next level. Turkey gravy, some cheese from the mac and cheese, maybe some errant herbs from the stuffing. It’s a taste sensation.

The only part I’m a little upset about is that Bill didn’t mention my absolute favorite potato preparation: Fondant potatoes. For real, if you have tried these you need to do it, like ... yesterday. This recipe from BBC has become my go-to, and I promise, these potatoes will change your life.

As the great Bill Belichick would say: Starch me up.

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
From SBNationExternal Link
Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?
From SBNationExternal Link
By James Dator
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator
NFL
Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before himFernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him
NFL

Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Brendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reportsBrendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering the NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports

By Mark Schofield

Comments
Loading comments
Getting the conversation ready...