Tom Brady will be leaving his playing days in the NFL behind and moving on. Bill Belichick, the man who coached Brady for years, is now reacting to the news.
While at one point it may have seemed like Tom Brady would never retire and that his reign over the NFL would continue on in perpetuity, the legendary quarterback has finally decided to step down.
Now, following Brady’s monumental decision, Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots, is responding to the news of his former quarterback’s retirement. In a statement shared on Twitter, Belichick was more than glowing in his praise of the man who essentially defined the Patriots for 20 seasons.
“I am privileged to have drafted and coached Tom Brady, the ultimate competitor and winner,” Belichick’s statement reads.
Belichick noted how Brady wasn’t regarded as a remarkable prospect but ultimately developed into arguably the best quarterback the NFL has ever seen.
“Tom’s humble beginning in professional football ultimately ended with him becoming the best player in NFL history,” Belichick wrote.
In his statement, the Patriots head coach also made sure to include how he saw Brady’s character shine while he was in New England.
“His pursuit of excellence was inspirational,” Belichick wrote. “Tom was professional on and off the field, and carried himself with class, integrity, and kindness.”
Check out the full statement here:
Tom Brady’s retirement: Bill Belichick celebrates Tom Brady after legendary quarterback retires
Brady and Belichick worked together in New England for two decades. They’re more than familiar with each other. With the anomalous success they had while on the same team, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the coach and quarterback would have plenty of respect for each other.
For two decades, Brady and Belichick built and ran a dynasty that accomplished essentially unparalleled things. Brady’s career and all that he’s done in 22 seasons in the NFL is unrivaled. Now the NFL will be without someone who was a central figure for many years.