New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shared a detailed and moving message dedicated to his former player, Tom Brady.
Considering the athlete is retiring after 22 years in the NFL, it is not surprising that people are looking back fondly on the incredible athletic performance Brady gave throughout his career. However, for the 69-year-old New England Patriots head coach, things are a little more personal; he drafted the quarterback as a 6th round pick in 2000 and spent 20 years crafting him into one of the best football players of all time.
“I am privileged to have drafted and coached Tom Brady, the ultimate competitor, and winner,” Belichick said in a statement.
The coach continued and noted, sharing the significant words, “Tom’s humble beginning in professional football ultimately ended with him becoming the best player in NFL history.”
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Belichick’s use of the phrase “humble beginning” is a kind nod towards the position in which Brady started out at. Given the fact that coming out of college, many NFL scouts didn’t give Brady a second thought, his journey to success is thrilling.
The fact that the quarterback was drafted at all was slightly surprising, considering his unimpressive college playing career. However, one man gave him a chance. Bill Belichick chose Tom Brady during the sixth round of the 2000 NFL. Despite being picked as 199th overall and the seventh quarterback, 20 years later he would be known as the greatest quarterback of all time.
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With his driven work ethic, dedication to physical well being, competitive nature, and sharp intellect, Brady began a steady climb towards the top of the NFL charts. After spending 20 seasons with New England, in which he won six Super Bowls, he found himself a comfortable spot as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback in 2020. In his first season with the Florida-based team, he led them to his seventh Super Bowl title. Needless to say, his story is special.
“Tom consistently performed at the highest level against competition that always made him the number one player to stop. His pursuit of excellence was inspirational. Tom was professional on and off the field, and carried himself with class, integrity, and kindness,” Belichick added to his statement.
He concluded the heartfelt message with gratitude, expressing, “I thank Tom for his relentless pursuit of excellence and positive impact on me and the New England Patriots for 20 years.”
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