After years of uncomfortable silence, Tom Brady finally opened up about Bill Belichick's impact on his career with the New England Patriots.
There may not be a more storied player-coach combination in NFL history than Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
The pair spent 20 years together with the New England Patriots. Those two decades resulted in 14 Pro Bowl appearances, three MVP awards, three Coach of the Year awards, and six Super Bowl rings.
That level of sustained dominance has never been seen before, and it may never be seen again. Brady and Belichick were the most bankable global force for an entire generation. That's what made the spring of 2020 so shocking.
Brady left the Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that March, essentially divorcing Bill Belichick after years of pent-up tension boiled over. Since then, Brady has remained notably quiet about his relationship with Belichick and the Patriots.
Until now, that is.
Tom Brady finally speaks about his relationship with Bill Belichick
When asked what Belichick did to bring out the best in him, Brady's response says it all: "It's more what did he not do?" The Patriots legend went on to speak glowingly about how Belichick, who joined New England at the same time as Brady in 2000, took the young QB from Michigan under his wing.
Brady said the Belichick was someone who "really saw something in [him]," hinting at how not every coach is willing to spend time developing players and building relationships with rookies. It was a partnership from day one.
The ugly end to the Brady-Patriots era will linger in the public conscience for years, but it certainly shouldn't overshadow or diminish how special that New England run was. Belichick is widely considered the greatest coach of his generation — maybe of all time. The same can be said for Brady.
Naturally, the chicken-or-egg debates will continue. Did Belichick made Brady great, or was Belichick only successful because of Brady. In the end, it's better to chalk it up to collaboration and symbiosis. Belichick empowered Brady in a way few coaches would empower a late-round pick. In return, Brady's singular arm talent and football I.Q. unlocked Belichick's historic offensive system.
Brady and Belichick underwent several different iterations of the roster over their two shared decades with the Patriots. Brady's supporting cast changed year to year and Belichick made sure the offense never lulled.
Despite the messy breakup, it's clear Brady still holds the deepest respect for Belichick as a coach and a person. It's hard to sustain any relationship for 20 years, especially a working relationship with as many complex factors as NFL football. Brady and Belichick were bound to butt heads eventually.
That should never take away from the special, Hall of Fame careers those two built side by side. There's no Brady without Belichick, and there's no Belichick without Brady. Those two will be forever entwined in the history books. It's good to see Brady embracing his past and expressing gratitude for his extremely good fortune. Hopefully Belichick feels the same way.