Ex-Patriots RB: Bill Belichick put me in ‘fat camp’
Bill Belichick, the legendary coach of the New England Patriots, has always been known for pushing his players to their limits, whether it’s in a Super Bowl game, a regular-season matchup, or even just a training camp practice. One former Patriot, running back Stevan Ridley, shared a story about Belichick’s tough coaching style that he experienced right after getting drafted by the team.
Ridley, a third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, recalled being immediately placed in what he called “fat camp” by Belichick. The reason? According to Ridley, he was considered “overweight” for an NFL running back, especially coming from LSU where he played at around 230 pounds.
During a meeting with Belichick and the team’s strength coach, Ridley was told that he needed to trim down to 220 pounds in order to meet the coach’s expectations. This meant shedding around 15 pounds from his current weight, a daunting task for any player.
Despite his initial skepticism, Ridley knew he had to follow Belichick’s orders. He worked hard to reach his target weight, and it paid off in the end. Ridley admitted that once he hit 220 pounds, he felt quick and agile on the field, realizing that Belichick’s strict approach had ultimately benefited him.
Ridley went on to have a successful career with the Patriots, rushing for over 2,800 yards and scoring 22 touchdowns during his four-year tenure with the team. He was a key member of the 2014 Patriots squad that pulled off a stunning victory in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, thanks to Malcolm Butler’s game-saving interception.
After leaving New England, Ridley played for several other teams in the NFL, including the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the challenges he faced early in his career with the Patriots, Ridley credits Belichick’s tough love for helping him become a better player and achieve success in the league.
In the end, Ridley’s story serves as a testament to Belichick’s demanding coaching style and his ability to bring out the best in his players, even if it means putting them through “fat camp” to reach their full potential.
