Bill Belichick received praise from many of his former players after he parted ways with the New England Patriots on Thursday, and Tom Brady was among them.
Shortly after Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced their split in a press conference, Brady took to Instagram with a lengthy tribute to his former coach. Brady called Belichick “the best coach in NFL history” and credited the 71-year-old with helping Brady to fulfill his potential.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have played for the best coach in the history of the NFL,” Brady wrote.
“He was a great leader for the organization, and for all of the players who played for him. We accomplished some amazing things over a long period of time, many of which will be hard to replicate. he worked every day to help us achieve the ultimate goal, in the ultimate team sport. And, although we were successful, some of the greatest lessons I learned were in the moments where we faced the most challenging adversities. He set the tone for the organization to never falter in the face of adversity, and to do what we could do, and what was in our control, which was to go out and DO OUR JOB.
“I could never have been the player I was without you Coach Belichick. I am forever grateful. And I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose next.”
Brady and Belichick won six Super Bowls together in New England. There was obvious tension between the two toward the end of their partnership, which led to Brady signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019. Any issues that existed between the quarterback and coach appear to be ancient history at this point.
Belichick was a guest on Brady’s podcast last year after the 15-time Pro Bowl QB retired. Brady became emotional as he spoke about the impact Belichick had on him. Thursday’s tribute was another reminder of the admiration that exists between the two.
