Rex Ryan recalls almost punching Bill Belichick during NFL rivalry
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 11, 2026, 3:20 AM
Last updated Nov 11, 2026

During a recent appearance on the podcast Bussin’ With The Boys, Rex Ryan discussed how close he came to punching Bill Belichick before a game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots in 2010. Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson recounted Ryan's comment about setting the tone and confronting Belichick. Ryan confirmed that he was ready to fight, motivated by a desire to change the narrative after the Jets’ 45-3 loss earlier that season. The Jets faced the Patriots again in the playoffs that year and won 28-21. Ryan expressed his competitive nature and how it influenced his coaching and, now, his broadcasting approach.
- •Rex Ryan shared his rivalry story on Bussin' With The Boys
- •Ryan was Jets head coach from 2009 to 2014
- •Jets lost 45-3 to Patriots in 2010 regular season
- •Jets defeated Patriots 28-21 in 2010 playoffs
- •Ryan's coaching style emphasized motivation and competitiveness
- 3:20 AMYahoo Sports — Rex Ryan reveals how close he came to punching Bill Belichick
"Over 13 years ago, Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson told a Hall of Fame-caliber story about Rex Ryan while working as an NFL Network analyst. “We were playing the Patriots one time, and as I mentioned, Rex is a master motivator,” Tomlinson said, referencing his time with the New York Jets in 2010…
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