Tom Brady has written an emotional tribute to the ‘greatest coach in NFL history’ in Bill Belichick following the departure of the 71-year-old Patriots, celebrating the ‘great’ dynasty that saw them win six Super Bowls between them.
Brady, 46, and a seven-time Super Bowl champion, played under Belichick, who he considers a “father figure,” for 20 seasons in New England from the year he was drafted in 2000 through 2020.
He left the Patriots two years before retiring in 2022 and won his first and only Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under then-head coach Bruce Arians.
“I am incredibly grateful to have played for the greatest coach in NFL history,” Brady wrote at the start of his statement about Belichick on Thursday.
“He was a great leader for the organization and for all the players who played for him. We have achieved some amazing things over a long period of time, many of which are difficult to replicate. he worked every day to help achieve the ultimate goal, in the ultimate sport.”
“And while we were successful, some of the greatest lessons I learned were when we faced the most challenging adversities. He set the tone for the organization: to never waver in the face of adversity, and to do what we could do and what we could control, which was to go out and do our job.
“Without you, Coach Belichick, I could never have been the player I was. I am forever grateful. And I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose.”
More to follow…