In speaking with New Orleans media members on a conference call Wednesday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick reflected on being at the 2006 Pro Bowl and how he got to spend some low-pressure time with Saints head coach Sean Payton.

"We had a chance to spend a whole day out there on a fishing trip and it was a lot of fun," Belichick said. "I think he's a really sincere guy that comes from the heart. There's not a lot of fluff and B.S. on top of it. He's really down to earth, humble, sincere and a man that I really respect."

On a conference call with members of the New England media, Payton was asked what he recalled from that experience.

"For me as a young coach, after my first year, there might be 3-4 scheduling questions or things you might want to get a better grasp from. Just to get someone else's opinion and thoughts, someone as successful as Bill has been ... He's a guy I have a ton of respect for. I really enjoyed the time we had a chance to spend, just that week."