I interviewed Bill Belichick at the Kentucky Derby and he actually smiled

Bill Belichick does, in fact, smile. I know, because I made it happen, back on the first Saturday in May of 2012.

The New England Patriots coach glided briskly down the red carpet set up near Gate 10 at Churchill Downs.

I — an eager 20-something working my first Derby as a full-time reporter — spotted the legendary NFL figure known for his no-nonsense, curmudgeonly demeanor.

He looked just as I expected. Focused, serious, and ready to flee from the media.

I kept my eye on him, as I chatted with Ice-T and Coco, Terry O’Quinn from Lost, and Guy Fieri, while they passed by my station on the carpet. They each made for pleasant exchanges, but still my attention turned elsewhere.

As a Patriots fan, I had one goal, though I felt conflicted about approaching Belichick.

“He doesn’t want to be bothered,” I thought. “Will I look like a desperate reporter asking him a meaningless question?”

I’m not one to get star-struck or wrapped up in celebrity, but the coach of my NFL team was fast approaching! I had to do something, even as I feared I might annoy the laconic personality.

I have a motto when it comes to interviewing celebrities — don’t be a fan, be a friend. I needed to act casual, unassuming, and indifferent, just like Belichick.  

So, as the future Hall of Famer neared the end of the red carpet, I stopped his buddy, Rick Pitino, first.

I tossed a softball question at the basketball coach, then pivoted to Belichick behind him.

“Bill, can I ask you a quick question?” I said, almost sheepishly.

I held my breath as time stood still. I did it. I annoyed him. I looked like a desperate reporter!

Bill paused and uttered one word: “Sure.”

Oh? I somehow expected a different response. Now I needed a question. I asked him whether he had attended the Derby before and what he loved most about the event. Useless information to glean, but I didn’t care. I was talking to Bill Belichick.

He rambled off a concise answer, as expected.

"Two things," he said. "Being down here with Coach Pitino, and the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

Now that business was out of the way, I had one final mission left to accomplish.

“Do you mind if I get a photo with you? I’m a huge Patriots fan,” I gushed.

And then it happened.

With a twinkle in his eye, Belichick glanced at me, grinned and let out a chuckle.

I placed my arm around his shoulder, while his girlfriend, Linda Holliday, posed on Bill’s other side. The three of us beamed at my coworker holding a camera.

OK. So I acted like a fan more than a friend, but one could argue I looked like family in that photo.

Later that day, my luck continued. I'll Have Another earned me a $9 payout on my steep $2 bet in the Derby, one day after I won with Believe You Can in the Kentucky Oaks.

I'll remember that Derby for many reasons, but none more so than the moment I made Bill Belichick smile.