Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick after winning Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Super Bowl LI-New England Patriots vs Atlanta Falcons
NEW YORK – Goat recognize goat.
At your local petting zoo, and among NFL legends. Tom Brady is making it clear — he’d never be the player he became without Bill Belichick.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have played for the best coach in the history of the NFL,” Brady wrote on Instagram Thursday afternoon.”
“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 arrived to the Patriots the same year, in 2000, and 24 years later the final chapter on the book has been written.
All the duo accomplished is six Super Bowls, 19 consecutive winning seasons, 17 division titles (including 11 consecutive from 2009 to 2019), 14 AFC Championship Game appearances (including eight consecutive from 2011 to 2018), and the only undefeated 16-game regular season in 2007.
In addition Belichick also holds the records for the most playoff wins by a head coach (31) and Super Bowl appearances by an individual (12).
However, Thursday in front of hundreds of reporters Belichick and owner Robert Kraft announced a “neutral” split
“I’ll always be a Patriot,” Belichick said. “I look forward to coming back here, but, at this time, we’re going to move on.”
