Belichick Says He Will Will Not Receive Presidential Medal Of Freedom From Trump

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick says he will not receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The White House has announced President Donald Trump would present one of the nation's highest civilian honors to Belichick, the only person to win six Super Bowl titles as a head coach.

The presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom was set for Thursday, a White House official confirmed on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Trump and Belichick have known each other for several years with Trump before his campaign victory in 2016 reading a letter of praise from Belichick at a New Hampshire rally. Belichick said afterward he was not a political person and that he had “a friendship and loyalty to Donald."

Trump has selected a string of sports figures and political backers for the award of late. He has often held grand presentation ceremonies for the award, but recent ceremonies have taken place in private. Trump has generally avoided the press since his election loss.

Belichick is undoubtedly one of the most successful football coaches in NFL history and owns the most wins among active coaches. The Bill Belichick Foundation also provides scholarship and grant funds to help underprivileged youth participate in sports programs.

Politico first reported about the honor for Belichick.