Bill Belichick came out in public to show his support for Jordon Hudson, marking the first time he openly backed her in her pageant journey. As a change from their usual stolen glances behind the scenes, Belichick now sat front and center in the audience.

Hudson winked at her older beau from the stage as he watched her stun in a gold minidress as she hit the stage to introduce herself to cheers.

The organizers were excited to catch a glimpse of the NFL icon, who purposely chose a seat separate from Hudson’s family, strategically positioned near a side exit for a swift exit if needed.

The second runner up in 2024 confidently put her long legs on display during the preliminary swimsuit round, representing her hometown of Hancock.

Brunette Hudson beamed as she took to the stage during the 45-minute preliminary in an emerald green bikini and gold arm cuff.

Belichick smiled and clapped as she made her way to the stage, accompanied by their security guard.

For the ball gown segment, Hudson wore a stunning purple gown that reached the floor, featuring a daring hip-high slit paired with silver heels. Her outfit choice seemed to pay tribute to her family’s business of harvesting mussels.

The hosts even made a cheeky quip to the six-time Super Bowl winner being in attendance – joking that whoever won would be going to Miss USA the ‘Super Bowl of all pageants.’

Before leaving the stage for the final time to enjoy a pajama party and pizza night, Hudson was quick to blow a double kiss into the audience.

Belichick was one of the first out of his seat to escape prying eyes, to reunite with Hudson backstage.

The NFL icon’s presence at the event comes just hours after DailyMail.com revealed that Hudson almost quit the pageant amid criticism over her ‘controlling’ role in her relationship with Belichick. 

Sources close to the ‘headstrong’ 24-year-old cheerleader revealed that she had been thinking about dropping out after the disastrous CBS interview aired of her interrupting on behalf of 49-years-older beau.

Hudson has been under siege for her role in their relationship for close to two weeks, in the run up to the contest in Portland, Maine.

Those close to the brunette confirmed to DailyMail.com that the backlash did make her consider dropping out, but her appetite to win after narrowly losing in 2024 meant she couldn’t step away.

One source told DailyMail.com: ‘All the girls were so worried about her, they’re all friends and she’s been so quiet all week.

‘It’s not like her to not post on social media or be out of touch with everyone for that long.

‘She considered dropping out because she was worried that it would hurt her chances in the contest.

‘Honestly, she should win, or at least place in the top three. If she doesn’t its purely because of everything that has been going on – which isn’t fair at all.

‘She doesn’t deserve to be judged based on who she’s dating, and dealing with the media comes with experience. She is young, but she can learn, and you never know what happened in the background.’

It remains to be seen whether Hudson will go one better than last year and win the competition, with the final results being revealed on Sunday. 

At the event in Portland, Maine, the beauty queen was spotted carrying a $3,500 Dior handbag, and she strutted on stage in her bikini to Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan.