Bill Belichick shocked the football world this week when he apologized to the media for being short with them after Saturday night’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The move was so uncharacteristic that many are wondering if Belichick has some sort of angle. Former New England Patriots star Julian Edelman has a theory.

During an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast that aired Wednesday, Edelman said Belichick’s decision to apologize to reporters may have been a product of the 69-year-old coach getting older.

“My dad told me people soften up a little bit when you get older,” Edelman said.