Noted orator Bill Belichick to narrate a World War II documentary on PBS

Bill Belichick is known for many things, but he’ll never be known as a dynamic public speaker.

But one thing we do know about the New England Patriots coach is his appreciation for history and his respect for the military, in particular his relationship with the U.S. Naval Academy. So in that way, it doesn’t seem too crazy that Belichick is narrating a World War II documentary on PBS.

The hour-long documentary, “D-Day: Over Normandy,” will air this spring. It will be produced by the World War II Foundation and Tim Gray Media.

“First and foremost, Bill Belichick has been an active supporter of the World War II Foundation since we produced the first of our films in 2006,” Tim Gray, who is chairman of the foundation, said. “Coach Belichick understands our mission because he is a student of military history and is very proud of the service of his own father Steve, who served in both Europe and the Pacific in World War II.”

It is a little strange to think about watching a documentary narrated by Belichick, who is known for being one of the best coaches in NFL history and an unfailing, constantly annoyed monotone during almost every one of his interviews. Though, this will be a totally different arena for him, and a subject he’s more willing to discuss than, say, Rob Gronkowski’s progress after back surgery.

As PBS’ release points out, Belichick grew up in Annapolis, Md. and his father was a coach at the Naval Academy. It would be hard to find anyone with a higher profile who is more into the project than Belichick.

“Every day of my childhood, I was immersed in the tradition of the United States Navy,” Belichick said in the release. “I was, and remain, inspired by their discipline, teamwork and courage, especially the sailors who fought on D-Day and in the Pacific theater, where the U.S. Pacific Fleet sacrificed so much for ultimate victory. The Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines made one heck of a team in World War II.”

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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