Brady Cook on conversations with Bill Belichick: 'He's not as scary up close'

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook joined several of the nation’s other top quarterbacks at the Manning Passing Academy during the final weekend of June in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Presented with the opportunity to showcase their skills, learn from some of the best, and teach the next generation of quarterbacks in a special annual event.

During the weekend, Cook got the opportunity to spend some time with former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. A figure who many regard as the greatest head coach of all time that can who come across as quite intimidating.

Cook recently pulled back the curtain on his conversation with Belichick, making it known that the encounter wasn’t as nerve-racking as it may have seemed.

“That was awesome. He’s not as scary up close when you’re chatting with him, he’s awesome,” Cook revealed. “We talked for about 15 minutes and he’s obviously he’s pretty interested in our defense. So I gave him the run down on our guys and yeah, he was awesome to talk to and learn from.”

Belichick and the Patriots mutually agreed to part ways in January following his 24 consecutive seasons at the helm for New England. Helping lead the franchise to six Super Bowl wins in the process.

Many are curious if Belichick will eventually return to coaching, but for now, his defensive-minded nature was curious about Mizzou’s defense. A unit that lost five players to the NFL Draft and its defensive coordinator last season following a historic and unexpected 11-2 finish.

“Yeah next man up, Coach [Corey] Batoon came in the spring and he kept the install pretty simple for our guys to make sure they’re comfortable with it, make sure they’re learning as we go,” Cook said. “And I’m excited, the team bought into him, especially on defense. They feel good about it and we got some guys ready to step up.”

If Mizzou’s defense is firing on all cylinders once again, there’s no question that the Tigers will be poised for success this upcoming season.

Cook returns for his third year as a starter in what should be his best yet, with his top target and one of the top wide receivers in the nation Luther Burden also returning to Columbia this season. And while standout running back Cody Schrader departs from the program, the transfer duo of Marcus Carroll and Nate Noel surely have the potential to match his production.

The Tigers also avoid matchups against Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, LSU, and Tennessee this upcoming season. Which could set the program up for potential SEC Championship and College Football Playoff success that would surely grab the attention of Belichick and others in the football landscape.