Herschel Walker, Bill Belichick chosen to join Trump administration
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Yankees pitching great Mariano Rivera are among nearly two dozen people nominated by President Donald Trump to the President’s Council on Sports Fitness and Nutrition.
Rivera, former Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker and three-time Olympic gold medal-winning volleyball player Misty May-Treanor were nominated to be co-chairs of the council. If confirmed, they will each serve a two-year term.
Other notable names nominated to the council include retired baseball star Johnny Damon, actor and bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, pro golfer Natalie Gulbis Rodarmel and Dr. Mehmet Oz.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the council “engages, educates, and empowers all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.”
It is “made up of athletes, chefs, physicians, fitness professionals, and educators who are appointed by the President and serve in an advisory capacity through the Secretary of Health and Human Services,” the department continued.
Belichick, one of the more notable figures nominated to the council, reportedly penned a personal letter to Trump just before he won the 2016 presidential race, voicing his support.
“Congratulations on a tremendous campaign. You have to help with an unbelievable slanted and negative media and have come out beautifully. You have proven to be the ultimate competitor fighter,” Belichick wrote back in November 2016.
“Your leadership is amazing. I have always had tremendous respect for you for the toughness and perseverance you have displayed over the past year is remarkable,” he added.
“Hopefully tomorrow’s election, the results will give the opportunity to make America great again. Best wishes for great results tomorrow.”
The New York Times reported Wednesday that Trump spent time talking to Belichick on the phone last week. Among the items discussed was the status of quarterback Tom Brady.
The first meeting of the council will be hosted by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Axios reported.
First daughter Ivanka Trump and Surgeon General Jerome Adams have also been involved in talks concerning the council.
Trump will reportedly invite members of the council to the White House in the coming months.
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