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One of the annual traditions at the NFL scouting combine is NFL Network host Rich Eisen running the 40-yard dash. Since 2005, when he was challenged by former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis, Eisen attempts the combine’s marquee discipline while wearing a suit. The 49-year old does not do the event solely for entertainment purposes, though, as he also raises money as part of his Run Rich Run campaign.
Through the years, more than $300,000 have been donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis because of Eisen’s efforts. And on Sunday, Bill Belichick added more money to the cause — in a rather surprising manner: the New England Patriots’ head coach made an unscheduled appearance in the booth during NFL Network’s live coverage of the combine in order to hand Eisen an undisclosed check supporting Run Rich Run.
“Oh my gosh, what a pleasure to see you, sir. You’ve done it again. Thank you so much. Coach, good to see you. [...] Thank you so much. You’re a good man,” the host said live on air, referencing Belichick also surprising him in the booth in 2017 and in 2018. While the six-time world champion head coach did not stay in the press box as opposed to his last two on-air appearances, his gesture is impressive nevertheless.
Watch the clip of Belichick’s surprise appearance here:
Great thanks to @patriots HC Bill Belichick for crashing our #Combine set for a second straight year to, once again, lead by example and drop off an extremely generous check for @StJude on behalf of #RunRichRun
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) March 3, 2019
Please give what you can at https://t.co/t0qfMpVzWB pic.twitter.com/XswIdaV4Oa
“That is just as wonderful as it gets. It as extremely generous as it was last year,” said Eisen before Belichick left the booth again to presumably watch some more defensive workouts. “I guess he has to run to go watch rest of the linebackers to go draft one.”
The main event of Run Rich Run will of course take place later today, when Eisen puts on the cleats and attempts to beat his own record time of 5.94 he ran in 2016. Last year, he came close with 5.97.
To support Run Rich Run and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital please click here.