Tom Brady deserves more than just one day of appreciation, according to the other half of the Patriots’ infamous coach-quarterback duo which turned the team into a dynasty in the 2000s.
When discussing how the Patriots plan to honor their former quarterback during the team’s home opener against the Eagles on Sept. 10, head coach Bill Belichick — who won six Super Bowls with Brady over 20 seasons — expressed gratitude for “everything he [Brady] gave” New England.
“I’ve spoken to Tom a couple of times. Always look forward to seeing Tom and what a great experience and opportunity it was for me to coach Tom,” Belichick said Monday during an appearance on “The Greg Hill Show.”
“Tremendous appreciation for everything he did for me, did for our team, everything he gave us. Look forward to seeing him.”
Bill Belichick, here with Tom Brady in January 2016, opened up about the quarterback’s anticipated return to Foxborough this coming fall. Getty Images
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick won six Super Bowls together. Getty ImagesDrafted 199th overall by the Patriots in 2000, Brady — who retired from the NFL in February after 23 seasons — spent the first two decades of his career in New England before taking his talents to Tampa Bay in 2020, where he won what would be his seventh and final Super Bowl ring in 2021.
However, around the time the Brady era came to an end in New England, allegations emerged of an apparent rift within the Patriots’ brain trust of Brady, Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft.
Despite rumors of discord, Brady told ESPN in June that his relationship with Belichick, 71, has been “positive and always will.”
(From left) Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady after an AFC Championship win in January 2017. Getty Images
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick celebrate the Patriots’ Super Bowl win over the Falcons in February 2017. AFP via Getty Images“Were there times where you know it wasn’t always eye to eye? Very few and far between, actually,” Brady said at the time.
Belichick believes Brady, 46, will find success in his next chapter, which will include a 10-year, $375 million broadcasting gig with Fox Sports beginning in the fall of 2024.
“He’s a pretty talented guy. I’m sure he’ll do well in whatever he chooses to do, whatever area that is,” Belichick said. “Look forward to seeing him and I’m sure there will be a lot of excitement at the game in the stands, as there should be.”
Tom Brady (12) faced the Patriots as a member of the Buccaneers in October 2021. Getty ImagesWith everything Brady has done for the Patriots, let alone the NFL, Belichick said “one night” of appreciation is simply not enough.
“He’s done an awful lot for this organization, this franchise, this city, the National Football League, one night’s probably really not enough, anywhere close to being enough for the appreciation for what Tom deserves,” Belichick said.
In a June interview with The Post’s Jenna Lemoncelli, Kraft revealed that Brady accepted the invite back to Foxborough “right away.”
Tom Brady retired from the NFL in February 2023 after 23 seasons. Getty Images“We always knew he was a Patriot at heart and we wanted him back here — and we want our fans to be able to recognize everything he did for us and how special he is,” Kraft said. “When I made him the offer he accepted right away. … The demand for tickets for that game is unbelievable, so we look forward to honoring him.”
