Bill Belichick's UNC star Jake Johnson captures adorable moment with girlfriend Ellie Pittman
UNC tight end Jake Johnson is preparing for his first season under new coach Bill Belichick, with a set of new expectations levied on the Chapel Hill team because of their Super Bowl-winning mentor. However, Johnson is also big on spending quality time with his loved ones.
He shared a photo on Instagram which featured his girlfriend, Ellie Pittman, capturing a beautiful moment they spent together.
The couple seemed to have taken the photo on the campus of UNC. They look very happy in the picture, holding hands to show their lovely bond.
This is not the first time that Johnson has posted photos with Pittman on social media. In 2023, he posted a series of selfies with Ellie with the caption:
"3 Years ago today was one of the most memorable days of my life. I am so grateful for all the memories and funny moments we’ve had together, and to many more! Love you Ellie🩵"
It is likely that the pair met at Texas A&M, where Johnson played football before his transfer to North Carolina. Pittman is also an athlete, playing tennis for the Aggies and (according to her athlete page on the Texas A&M website) has graduated from the university with a major in business administration.
This will be Johnson's junior season in college football and his second with the Tar Heels. In 2024, he was rarely used by the team. He only made two receptions for 21 yards.
This is something that should increase in 2025 as Johnson is now a more senior member of the roster.
UNC coach Bill Belichick downplays the influence of his girlfriend on the program
Johnson is not the only player in the UNC program with a famous girlfriend. Over the last few months, Bill Belichick's girlfriend Jordan Hudson has been making headlines, with questions mounting about her influence on both Belichick and the UNC program.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Belichick was asked whether Jordan would be on the sidelines with him during the games this season. He replied:
“No, she doesn’t have any role in the UNC football program. But, again, there’s been noise out there about a lot of different things. Again, our focus is day to day, getting better, stacking good days together. Having good rest, recovery, and training. Moving forward the next day.”
Throughout the entirety of said press conference, Belichick waved off all concerns about Jordan. According to him, questions and concerns about her are only a distraction for the program, which needs to focus on winning games.