World-renowned sports star of Croatian descent and one of the most influential and successful coaches in the history of American football, Bill Belichick, is coming to the third edition of the Sunset Sports Media Festival, which will take place from June 6th to 8th in Zadar. In his long and incredibly rich career, he has coached multiple teams in the American NFL, but his success with the New England Patriots, where he coached Tom Brady for years and won a total of six championship titles, will remain an unbeaten record for many years to come.
Bill Belichick led this successful sports franchise as both general manager and head coach, and throughout his career, he often proudly highlighted his Croatian heritage and the roots of his family, who migrated from Draganići near Karlovac to America. He is coming to Sunset Sports Media as a guest of Pete Radovich, the festival’s ambassador.
“I am incredibly proud and honored that we can host the American legend Bill Belichick in my hometown of Zadar. Coach Belichick and I share a similar background; we were both born and raised in America, but we deeply respect our Croatian heritage and love coming here. I know that Bill has visited Croatia several times in the past, but I am excited that he will publicly appear for the first time at the Sunset Sports Media Festival and share his story with the Croatian audience. Millions have seen him wearing the Croatian pin at NFL games, but I believe the local audience will be surprised to hear how much his Croatian heritage truly means to him. I look forward to having the opportunity to talk with him in Zadar about this and many other things,” said Pete Radovich, the multiple award-winning producer and creative director of CBS Sports.
Bill Belichick was born in Nashville, but his roots trace back to Draganići near Karlovac. He often emphasized his heritage and Croatian roots by wearing Croatian symbols on sports uniforms at all major events broadcast worldwide. Through his humanitarian work, he also supports the Croatian Scholarship Fund based in California, which awards scholarships to educate young talented athletes of Croatian descent in America.
Belichick is the Americanized version of the surname Biličić, which was carried by Bill’s grandfather Ivan. Ivan, along with his wife Marija, emigrated from Draganići near Karlovac to Monessen, a town near Pittsburgh, in 1897. Belichick began his coaching career in 1975 as an assistant with the Baltimore Colts. Over the years, he worked for several NFL teams, including the Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants. His extraordinary coaching career, spanning over four decades, has been marked by impressive achievements, including a record six Super Bowl wins with the New England Patriots. Belichick’s influence transcends mere numbers and titles; his unique approach to coaching, analytical mindset, and meticulous preparation have become a model for coaches across the league. His ability to adapt to different situations and opponents, along with his continuous pursuit of innovation, has made him one of the most respected minds in American football.
„The opportunity to host Bill Belichick, one of the greatest coaches in the history of American football, is an incredible honor and a tremendous value for the Sunset Sports Media Festival. His presence at the festival further enhances our global reputation and attracts the attention of sports experts from around the world. Belichick’s achievements with the New England Patriots, coupled with his deep connection to Croatian heritage, I believe, are the best invitation for all fans of this sport to join us in Zadar. With pride, we continue to strengthen the position of the Sunset Sports Media Festival as a leading platform for encounters between sports experts and media, as well as a center for promoting Croatia as a world-class sports destination.“, said Damjan Rudež, director of the Sunset Sports Media Festival and celebrated NBA star.
This year’s Sunset Sports Media Festival promises to be an unforgettable event for all sports and media enthusiasts. Special guests such as celebrated footballer Alessandro Del Piero, award-winning author of football biographies Guillem Balague, sports giant Ivica Kostelić, versatile tennis player Bojana Jovanović, and many others will share their stories and experiences in less than a month at one of the most beautiful locations in Croatia. All lectures and panels will be held in the modern congress, sports and entertainment center Fortis Club, located in the Falkensteiner Resort Punta Skala, synonymous with an attractive location, excellent service, and luxurious amenities. Situated in a picturesque setting right by the sea, the resort offers an ideal blend of relaxation, recreation, and outstanding gastronomy. Stay updated on all the latest news on our Facebook and Instagram profiles, secure your accommodation at the Falkensteiner Resort Punta Skala, and make sure to get your tickets in time.