Genghis Khan: An Explorative Essay into the Legacy of Bill Belichick

Genghis Khan founded the Mongolian Empire in the 13^th Century CE, conquering most of Asia and setting the stage for future Mongolian campaigns into Eastern Europe, Mesopotamia, and the Levant. His empire, or rather that of the Mongolians, remains the largest, and arguably the greatest kingdom the world has ever seen. In much of the conquered territory, particularly in West and Central Asia, the annals of history have depicted Genghis Khan as a devastating force whose army became enamored with rape and plunder. His legacy is that of a conquering, homicidal warlord hell-bent on destruction and pillage. But this depiction is nowhere close to reality.

In fact, Genghis Khan was so successful because of his brilliance and his ability to command loyalty. It is known that his strategy was adaptive; his forces are famous for gathering intelligence from a network of spies and his ability to mold and change his militaristic approach, adopting new strategies and means of warfare dependent upon what he encountered on the battlefield. Although he was the undisputed leader of the Mongols, he commanded great loyalty and respect from his generals and subjects, allowing a certain degree of autonomy. He was revolutionary in his thorough approach to warfare and empire regulation, and because of this he became the brains behind arguably the greatest force in human history.

Fast forward to Bill Belichick, whose empire is the National Football League and whose force is the New England Patriots. He is the brilliant general behind perhaps the greatest dynasty ever witnessed in sports history. His destruction is limitless, and the loyalty he commands knows no bounds. It is said that he is the best at locating and exposing the weaknesses of his enemy. Like Genghis Khan, his preparation is impeccable and his style, revolutionary; he has quickly earned the reputation of undisputed lord of football tact.

But like Genghis Khan, his legacy is tainted. Among his conquered foes, many have publicly stated their distaste over certain perceived advantages in regards to Spygate. His policy of rape and pillage on Sundays in the NFL has drawn the ire of both the public and private spheres of NFL fans and leaders. Indeed, Coach Belichick has become the paragon of avarice and malevolence in professional football. No matter his past exploits and celebrated championship accomplishments, it seems apparent that present and future chroniclers of football history have and will cast this Patriots Dynasty with the engulfing shadow of Spygate: the history behind a pseudo-Nation led by a flawed, self destructive mastermind.

Remember, Genghis Khan was viewed as a liberator and undisputed leader by an entire generation of followers in the original Mongol Nation. What will become of the Bill Belichick’s legacy? Only time will tell, but as with Genghis Khan, history is not always written by the victors.

-- TGV, aka "the Train"