NAMES & FACES

Bill Belichick

The Patriots’ head coach was in Annapolis, Md., during New England’s bye week this month to lend an inspirational hand to his beloved Navy football program, where his father, Steve, was a longtime assistant coach and Bill spent his childhood breaking down film with coaches and watching practices. Showtime is featuring the Midshipmen in a documentary series, and Belichick’s speech to the team led off this week’s episode. “Growing up in Annapolis, the Naval Academy, it’s been a huge part of my life,” Belichick told the team. “It’s always a pleasure to be here, and I follow you guys every week. ... I’m behind you every day, every week, every season. Let’s go out and get one.”

Clint Dempsey

The Seattle Sounders’ forward was named MLS Comeback Player of the Year after a heart condition put his career in jeopardy. Dempsey, who also is a U. S. national team regular, was the choice after scoring 12 goals during the regular season and leading Seattle to a secondplace finish in the MLS Western Conference. The Sounders will face Houston in the Western Conference finals beginning next week. Dempsey’s career was sidetracked a year ago by an irregular heartbeat that forced him to the sideline during Seattle’s run to its first MLS Cup title. Dempsey had two procedures to help correct the condition.