Continuing his longstanding Halloween tradition, Bears head coach Lovie Smith will eschew handing out candy to trick-or-treaters visiting his home.
“I just feel like candy is a bit flashy. Kids today get enough of that,” said Smith. “I’d rather give them something they can really appreciate: a three-to-five minute lecture on how hard work and preparation can help them succeed.”
Smith is not the only NFL head coach with unusual Halloween traditions. Patriots coach Bill Belicheck, for example, glares silently at children until they begin to cry, then laughs the terrified youngsters off his porch. Eagles coach Andy Reid actually takes candy from children instead of giving it to them.
Smith’s lecture typically concludes with a short question and answer session, during which the Bears head coach asks costumed third graders if they have any advice on how to properly use challenge flags.
