Two years ago, Bill Belichick told CNBC reporter Suzy Welch the Patriots only have one sign in their locker room to motivate players: “Every battle is won before it is fought.”
That quote comes from “Art of War” by Sun Tzu, a legendary Chinese general who lived around 500 B.C. whose works have influenced military strategy and philosophy for centures.
Belichick, the grandmaster of football’s mental game, has been a fan for years, referencing “Art of War” as a driver of his pre-game preparations for opposing teams.
With the Patriots suddenly looking like a new team on their current three-game winning streak, Belichick’s exploits could potentially garner him some Coach of the Year buzz when all is said and done.