Morning Hot Reads: Belichick's Soft Side

USA TODAY's Christine Brennan shows a different side of Patriots coach Bill Belichick, writing the two "have been pen pals" since early in his career. Belichick "started it" with a handwritten note in the mid-'80s after Brennan wrote a story about his father. The coach would reach out again in the early-'90s when "word got around the NFL" that QB Bernie Kosar had beef with Brennan. Belichick wrote, "Don't worry. Bernie doesn't like me either."

ESPN.com wrote Super Bowl halftime shows were once "just another break in the action." Marching bands and drill teams "often were the main halftime performers" during the game's first two decades. It wasn't until the '90s that "bigger names began to hit the field." Halftime still "wasn't what it is today, though."

Also: 

• Is the NFL really declining? "Don't be fooled by media loathing or fan complaints."
• Some Patriots fans admit to feeling "conflicted" due to the team's ties to Trump.
• Under Armour's stock yesterday "showed no sign" of rebounding.
• The Phillies offer Dominican players a high school education at their academy.
• LAFC is developing its "growing fan base" without a stadium, coach or players.
• The Coyotes would "probably be wise to try to emulate" the Blackhawks.
• It is "time to recognize athletes as purveyors of cogent thought and valid opinions."