Long before Bill Belichick became one of the best (and most controversial) head coaches in the history of the National Football League, he was a fan like the rest of us. And, according to Bill, his team was the Colts.

The franchise Belichick has delivered so many crushing defeats to over the years once featured his gridiron idols. Bill grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, a short drive away from Baltimore, the Colts' old home.

Belichick on his childhood love for the Colts

Ahead of Monday night's matchup between Belichick's Patriots and the Ravens, he discussed rooting for the organization that previously represented Baltimore.

From Doug Kyed of NESN:

“Where I grew up, the Colts were my team,” Belichick said. “In Annapolis we were fortunate because from a football standpoint, I mean at that time, there weren’t many games on TV but we got the Colts and the Redskins. But it was kind of all Colts for me. Those great Colt teams of the 50s, late 50s and 60s, I could give you a starting lineup on both sides of the ball, all of those guys. I got to meet many of them through the years, Johnny Unitas, and Alex Sandusky working my dad’s football camp and things like that, meeting the coaches up there.

“So that was really a dream for me to be able to just wear the horseshoe helmet on my shirt when I worked for the Colts. That was a great source of pride and I learned an incredible amount that year working with Coach (Ted) Marchibroda and the Colts organization.”

Belichick sure hasn't done his old favorite team any favors lately. In their last seven meetings, the Patriots have beaten the Colts on each occasion.