When NFL fans think of Matt Patricia, the former New England Patriots defensive coordinator and Detroit Lions head coach, his distinctive beard often comes to mind. During a powerful Veterans Day episode of COACH, Patricia finally revealed the touching origin of his signature look – a story that connects football, friendship, and military service in an unexpected way.
The COACH podcast, featuring Patricia alongside Bill Belichick and Mike Lombardi, has become must-watch content for football fans since its 2024 debut on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. But it was this special episode, featuring Navy SEAL Andrew “Sully” Sullivan, that revealed one of football’s most intriguing untold stories.
A Promise Between Friends
The story begins with a simple phone call that became all too familiar during Patricia’s tenure with the Patriots. “Hey, I got to go. I’ll see you soon,” Sullivan would say – words that Patricia knew meant his friend was being deployed. These calls marked the beginning of months-long missions where Navy SEALs would return sporting full beards from their time overseas.
During one particular deployment call, Patricia made an impromptu decision that would unknowingly create his future trademark look. “I’m not shaving until you get home,” he told Sullivan. “My beard’s going to match your beard when you get home – just come home.” What started as a personal gesture of solidarity evolved into one of the NFL’s most recognizable features.
More Than Just a Look
The connection went deeper than facial hair. Matt Patricia revealed how military service members would check Patriots’ scores before missions, using sports as a connection to home. During New England’s Super Bowl appearance in Indianapolis, Patricia wore Sullivan’s hat throughout the season, culminating in a powerful moment when he photographed it on the Super Bowl logo at midfield and sent it to his deployed friend.
“People see Matty P as the guy with the pencil in his ear,” Sullivan shared during the episode, “but to me, he’s my buddy, my friend, the guy who cares about my kids when I’m gone and checks on my family.” The sentiment revealed how what many viewed as just a coaching quirk was actually a symbol of deep friendship and support for service members.
Impact Beyond the Sidelines
The revelation offers a new perspective on Matt Patricia’s tenure in the NFL. While the media often focused on his defensive schemes or sideline demeanor, this story highlights the personal connections that shaped his coaching career. During his time with both the Patriots and Lions, Patricia consistently emphasized military appreciation, incorporating programs like TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) into team activities.
Today, Sullivan continues his service through a different mission, training law enforcement officers across the country. Meanwhile, Matt Patricia’s beard (although shorter these days) remains a visible reminder of the deep connections between the NFL and military communities – proving that sometimes the most meaningful stories in football have nothing to do with the game itself.
For fans interested in hearing the complete story, the full episode is available on the COACH YouTube channel, where Patricia, Belichick, and Lombardi continue to offer unprecedented insights into football and leadership. The show has quickly established itself as essential viewing for anyone interested in the deeper stories behind the game, with episodes like this one proving why.
The next time you see Matt Patricia’s beard, remember it’s not just a style choice – it’s a tribute to service, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds formed between the football and military communities. As Sullivan noted during the episode, these connections remind us that supporting service members shouldn’t be limited to Veterans Day, but rather acknowledged and celebrated throughout the year.
