The Big Lead

Thanks to Bill Belichick, UNC vs TCU commands a strong celebrity crowd

Michael Jordan isn't the only famous native of the Tar Heel State reportedly in Chapel Hill to watch 'Chapel Bill' on Monday.

By J.P. Hoornstra

North Carolina Tar Heels former player Michael Jordan watches the game against the Davidson Wildcats from a suite at the Spectrum Center on Dec. 1, 2017.
North Carolina Tar Heels former player Michael Jordan watches the game against the Davidson Wildcats from a suite at the Spectrum Center on Dec. 1, 2017. / Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images
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The University of North Carolina has fielded a football team since the 19th century. The program has eight ACC conference championships on its resume. But the Tar Heels have never won a national championship in football, or employed a head coach with as much name recognition as Bill Belichick.

At least one of those things will change Monday. A six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach in New England, Belichick is set to debut on the sidelines as the Tar Heels take on TCU.

More news: 'Hair Jordon' shirt has become must-have ahead of Bill Belichick's college debut

Belichick won't be the most famous sports figure in the building Monday, according to a Twitter/X post by Pete Thamel of ESPN.

Michael Jordan, Lawrence Taylor, Julius Peppers, Blake Snell, Eric Church, Mia Hamm, and Chase Rice are expected to attend the game, according to Thamel.

His Airness is arguably the most famous athlete in any sport to play collegiately at UNC. For separate generations of football fans, UNC alumni Taylor and Peppers are synonymous with defensive greatness. Snell has a game with the Dodgers on Tuesday in Pittsburgh (though he is not expected to start).

How many players on the UNC roster can they name? Combined?

The answer is moot. Belichick has made his mark before a single down has been recorded in Chapel Hill. If the coach wants to continue what he's already building, the celebs in attendance will know the program for more than just its coach by the day's end.

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