You don’t need to know a running back from a quarterback to know that Bill Belichick’s interview with CBS Sunday Morning was a major fumble.Things were already off to an awkward start (we’ll never say “correct” the same) — and then came the cringeworthy moment when the owner of eight Super Bowl rings and an astounding number of ratty sweatshirts was asked about how he met his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, who was off screen. Hudson, whom Belichick has described as his “idea mill and creative muse,” quickly shut down the question in a moment that launched endless memes, a John Mulaney spoof, and even a People deep dive on the 73-year-old’s dating history. Many wondered: Was the question really that off-limits? It doesn’t seem like it, considering it’s no secret the two met on a flight to Palm Beach, where Belichick signed her Deductive Logic textbook (what a beach read). Since then, the septuagenarian and his Gen-Z partner have practiced #Billates together (you have to see it to believe it), dressed as a fisherman and mermaid for Halloween, made friends with goats, and co-starred in a Dunkin’ Super Bowl commercial. 

On Wednesday, in the wake of the interview drama — which had everyone from Charles Barkley to Belichick’s daughter-in-law weighing in — the ex–Patriots coach released a statement, accusing CBS of violating his request “to focus solely on the contents of the book” (which CBS disputed) and creating “a false narrative.” He also defended Hudson, saying she was “simply doing her job.” What is her job, you ask? It’s hard to say. After Belichick accepted the head coaching position at UNC, he asked that she be looped into all university work emails, according to The Athletic. She also reportedly played an “instrumental role” in tanking an HBO deal and is trying to trademark some of Belichick’s catchphrases. Oh, and when she’s not moonlighting as a one-woman PR team, the former college cheerleader is preparing for the 2025 Miss Maine USA competition, which starts Saturday. Just another chapter in the strangest offseason storyline in football.