Bill Belichick never coached late Patriots star Sam Cunningham during the fullback’s nine-year NFL career, and he’s grateful he only coached against Cunningham sparingly as an opponent.
On Tuesday, Cunningham died at age 71 in California. Cunningham, who is the Patriots’ all-time leading rusher, is credited with helping integrate football programs in the South after helping USC beat Alabama in 1970 with a dominant performance.
In the NFL, Cunningham made the 1978 Pro Bowl and finished his nine-year career with 5,453 rushing yards, 210 receptions for 1,905 yards, and 49 touchdowns.
On Wednesday, Belichick was asked about Cunningham’s death and what he meant to the Patriots’ organization.