NFL Fans Revel at Bailey Zappe’s Awkward Dap With Bill Belichick After Patriots’ Win

It’s hard to blame the Patriots for being a little bit rusty in their postgame celebrations.

New England has spent 2023 muddling through its worst season under coach Bill Belichick, a 3–10 slog that has ruffled feathers from Bangor, Maine to Barnstable, Mass. The Patriots have scored in single digits on five different occasions this year—hardly a recipe for winning football in the 21st century.

An unexpected thing happened to New England on Thursday, however. The Patriots put together a decent offensive performance and beat an undermanned Steelers team 21-18.

After the game, victorious New England quarterback Bailey Zappe celebrated with Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien in precisely the ways one would imagine: firm with the former, loose with the latter.

The difference between how Zappe greeted O’Brien and then Belichick after Thursday’s win is just so good.

O’Brien? Like he’s one of the boys.

Belichick? Like he’s Zappe’s military father-in-law who will never forgive Zappe for not asking for his blessing.

(via @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/7QEn0NeUvV
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) December 8, 2023

The entire sequence left both fans of the Patriots and their rivals laughing.

This is just comedy. https://t.co/XyMeZeaIPA
— Andy Holloway (@andyholloway) December 8, 2023

New England fans demonstrated respect for Belichick's muted celebration, noting its association with their glorious past.

This same demeanor got us 6 super bowls https://t.co/fSeGLzDJ7w
— Cooper Meek (@CooperMeek) December 8, 2023

Are we back? https://t.co/sP2aEiLJP6
— E-wan al-Gaib (@EwwyVert) December 8, 2023

Sons noted how Belichick reminded them of their fathers.

Me greeting my family at holiday functions

Vs

Me greeting my Dad at the same function https://t.co/IPOgml0n9e
— Mike Visconti (@mikevisconti87) December 8, 2023

One Dolphins fan pointed out the difference in demeanor between the division's best and worst teams.

Lol the difference between this and say…Tua and McDaniel is hilarious.
— RedSoxDolfanRob (@RedSoxDolfanRob) December 8, 2023

If Zappe wants to make Belichick smile again, the Patriots have over a week to prepare for their matchup against the Chiefs on Dec. 17.