Bill Belichick Has Unique Connection To One Of His Marathon Runners
BOSTON (CBS) - On Marathon Monday, six people will run to raise money for the Bill Belichick Foundation.
The Patriots coach won't be one of them, but he does have a rather unique connection to one of his runners.
Will DiTullio of Charlestown had never met Bill Belichick until the party for the Foundation's marathon team.
But it was a thoughtful gesture by the coach, toward a man he'd never met -- Will's dad -- that left Will looking for way to give back.
It had to be a thrill to hear the Super Bowl winning coach introduce him at the team party. "From Charlestown -- Will DiTullio".
This is Will's fourth Boston Marathon, but it holds a special meaning for him.
The 35-year old's run is a tribute to his mom, Beverly, who died from complications caused by Type 1 Diabetes in 2009. Will's dad, also named Bill, is a huge Patriots fan and when Beverly passed away at the age of 55, Will sent an email to the coach.
"Will wrote me a letter and asked me if I would write to his dad, and I did, expressing my sorrow for the passing of his wife," said Belichick.
How did Will's dad react when he got a letter from Bill Belichick?
"Shocked is an understatement," Will said, smiling.
Dear Bill,
Greetings from Foxboro, where we are embarking on another training camp and season.
I wanted to first express my condolences for your difficult loss earlier this year. I am very sorry and just want to let you know that in appreciation for your tremendous support, we will be keeping you in our thoughts as we head into another year.
Where's that letter now?
"My dad has a sports room in his house in Tampa, and the letter is framed and hanging up there. I don't think it will ever come down."
"It certainly is a feel-good story when you hear something like that," said Belichick. "You know as a football team that you've helped bring families and communities closer together."
DiTullio is fired up for the biggest race of his life, and meeting Coach Belichick just added to his excitement. He even got to take a selfie with the coach at the team party.
"Selfies with coach? This is amazing. And he let us try on his 2014 Super Bowl ring."
Will's mom and dad were high school sweethearts -- married for 32 years -- and they are his inspiration. But he does have a message for coach.
"Coach Belichick, I will definitely be doing my job. And we're on to Patriots Day."