Though now with UNC, Bill Belichick still has a lot of fondness for some of his former New England Patriots players. Following the Tar Heels' 38-21 win over UConn, Belichick was asked about former tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame on Saturday.

The normally stone-faced coach was surprisingly warm while speaking about Gronkowski. Belichick said that the tight end's induction was "well-deserved" and praised Gronkowski as one of the best in his position.

"[He] was the best tight end in football during his time and one of the best of all time," Belichick said. "[I'm] proud of Rob and what he's accomplished. He came a long, long way from barely playing in college in Arizona. … Credit to him, his work ethic, his toughness and his dependability. I mean, it's a hard position to play but he excelled at it for a long time.

"Wouldn't have won as many games as I did without him, I can tell you that. He's a big part of it," Belichick added.

Gronkowski was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Arizona, spending nine seasons in New England during Belichick's 23-year stint as the team's head coach. The tight end won three Super Bowls alongside Belichick and longtime quarterback Tom Brady, with the Patriots going a combined 113-31 during Gronkowski's time there.

Gronkowski, who was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, was honored by the team Saturday afternoon. Brady was among the other Hall of Famers present at the induction ceremony.

In a speech that included stories about Belichick, Gronkowski ended the ceremony in true Gronk fashion: "I am a Patriot for life. Now let's fiesta!"

Belichick, meanwhile, celebrated with a much-needed win that brings UNC to a 5-4 overall record.