It was one of the most surreal days in New York Jets history -- Jan. 4, 2000, when Bill Belichick stunned the Jets, the NFL and some of his closest confidantes by quitting the Jets on the day he was to be introduced as Bill Parcells' successor.
The 17-year anniversary of the news conference triggers many vivid memories.
I was sitting in the auditorium that day, alongside future ESPN colleague Sal Paolantonio. When Jets public relations director Frank Ramos began by telling the media that Belichick had an announcement to make, I turned to Sal and said, "I think he's going to quit.