Bill Belichick appeared completely uninterested in rookie's attempt to present him with a game ball

• Patriots rookie Brenden Schooler recovered a late fumble against the Browns to seal the win.
• Schooler then took the ball and tried to give it to Bill Belichick, who looked him off.

The New England Patriots defeated the Cleveland Browns 38-15 on Sunday, moving head coach Bill Belichick to 324 career wins between the regular season and playoffs.

Rookie Brenden Schooler played a big role in sealing the win for the Patriots with a key special teams play.

With just over four minutes left and New England holding a 24-15 lead, the Patriots were forced to punt. After the Browns muffed the kick, Schooler recovered the loose ball to give New England possession once again.

The Patriots would score a touchdown on the very next play, pushing their lead to 16 points.

After his fumble recovery, Schooler took the ball and attempted to present it to Belichick.

Given the significance of Belichick's victory — 324 wins moves him into a tie for second-most in NFL history with George Halas — it's not hard to imagine that Schooler might have thought his gesture might be received well.

It was not.

Belichick looked utterly confused by the offer, and had someone else take the ball away.

Bill Belichick is a lot of things, but he is not very sentimental, especially not while there is still time left on the game clock, plays left to call, and refs left to yell at.

When you have six Super Bowl rings, the significance of being tied for second on a list probably doesn't hit as hard.

After the game, Schooler explained himself to reporters, telling NESN.com between laughs: "I was just trying to … it was obviously a big game for him coming back to Cleveland. So, just a nice gesture: 'Here's the game ball.' But I think I was a little too excited and should've waited until after."

On Twitter, fans both criticized and empathized with Schooler for his gesture.

They're called "rookie mistakes" for a reason, and chances are this is the type of mistake that Schooler won't be making again.