"He's funny when he's around and when you get to know him" - Bill Belichick on his friendship with Charles Barkley

Being Hall of Famers in their respective sports, Bill Belichick and Charles Barkley may have never crossed paths professionally. Still, they have a close relationship based on their mutual respect for one another.

Moreover, despite having contrasting personalities, the two have never shied away from expressing their admiration for one another. Which once encouraged The Chuckster to place a $500,000 bet on his friend solely because of his blind faith in him.

Belichick's love for Barkley

While 'The Round Mound of Rebound' has always had headlines with his speak-first, think-later mentality, Belichick has always portrayed a more calm and thoughtful demeanor. Despite having such a stark difference in how they've led their lives, the duo has shared a close bond since Bill's days with the Cleveland Browns in the early '90s. Ultimately, this has only grown stronger over time.

During his appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' the 1993 MVP shed light on the profound love he has always had for Belichick.

"He's a really great guy. I met him when he was coaching the Browns ," Barkley said . "He's funny when he's around and when you get to know him. He's really a good person."

Similarly, the legendary NFL coach reciprocated the admiration, once calling Sir Charles one of the most impressive people he had ever met.

"I love Charles Barkley, " Belichick said. "To lead the league in rebounding at 6'4", to me, is incredible. His toughness, his playing - not just skill, but I'd say his awareness and instinctiveness - he does a great job. I love to listen to his analysis. I've learned a lot from him. Charles has been a great friend. Conversations have always been enlightening to me. He knows how to compete; he knows how to win."

That wasn't the only instance of public praise between the two. In 2011, Belichick mentioned , "I have all the respect in the world for him," referring to the 11-time NBA All-Star while appreciating the mindset and professionalism Barkley has consistently displayed throughout his career.

Related: "I went blank. I went dark" - George Gervin recalled the punch that cost him his college career

Chuck showed the ultimate faith in Bill

While their camaraderie may seem almost too good to be true, Barkley once displayed the ultimate faith in Belichick's abilities. When the latter's New England Patriots faced the St. Louis Rams in the 2001 Super Bowl, many viewed the Rams as the clear favorites, considering how they had boosted a superior 14-2 record and had won a title in 1999.

Despite the narrative benign set, Barkley placed $500,000 on Belichick's Patriots . When the Patriots secured a 20-17 win, Barkley walked away with $1.2 million, all thanks to his unwavering trust in his friend's abilities to coach his team to a victory.

Related: Charles Barkley says the NBA screwed up by upsetting Tatum and Brown: “Let’s piss off two of the top-10 players in the NBA as they’re coming off a championship”