JuJu Smith-Schuster shares what's surprised him about Bill Belichick

Perhaps New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is showing more of a soft side following his 71st birthday that he celebrated this past April. 

As shared by Dakota Randall of NESN, free-agency acquisition JuJu Smith-Schuster was asked during a recent SiriusXM NFL Radio appearance if he's learned anything new and unexpected about Belichick since the wide receiver joined the organization in March. 

"The dude actually has a funny personality," Smith-Schuster said about Belichick. "Like, of course, when you’re not on the team, you’re not in the building with him, it’s a lot different. Just being around him lately...he’s actually funny. He loves the jokes, he loves to play around."

Shortly after Smith-Schuster and the Patriots agreed to a three-year, $33M contract that reportedly includes $16M in guaranteed cash, he made it known that playing for Belichick was a big reason the 26-year-old selected New England. While Belichick is a six-time Super Bowl champion head coach and arguably the best to ever hold such a position at the highest level, he hasn't always had a reputation for creating the most welcoming environments for players. 

In January, retired tight end Rob Gronkowski suggested that the next day after a game was always rough for Patriots players regardless of the contest's result playing under Belichick. However, current Dallas Cowboys defensive back Myles Brooks later raised eyebrows when he noted that Belichick "was a little nicer than maybe he seems" while working at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl.

Smith-Schuster left little doubt that Belichick remains as serious today as he was when he and quarterback Tom Brady guided the Patriots to those six championships. 

"But there’s also a time where it’s time to be serious, time to turn it on and do your job," Smith-Schuster continued. "And that’s something that’s perceived different outside the locker room than being in the locker room." 

"Do your job" has long been a Belichick mantra during his New England tenure. If Smith-Schuster answers that call, he may continue to see his coach's humorous traits throughout the upcoming season.