Summary
Tom Brady is one of the greatest NFL players of all time.
Brady worked alongside a litany of talent during his career.
Playing for the Patriots and the Buccaneers, one of Brady's former coaches is held in high regard by the quarterback.
The NFL has platformed a litany of iconic players over the years. With names such as Peyton Manning, Jerry Rice, and active talent Patrick Mahomes all continuing to be involved in the NFL's G.O.A.T. debate, the name that often takes the top spot is Tom Brady. Taking the time to reflect on those who helped guide him, Brady revealed who he regards as the greatest NFL coach of all time.
Brady's NFL career began in 2000, when he was selected as the 199th pick in the sixth round of the NFL draft by the New England Patriots. A side he would go on to represent for just shy of two decades, before performing for two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Terrific ended his career with a plethora of achievements to his name.
Mastering the art of being a quarterback over the years, with the help of his coaches and teammates, the 1977-born athlete currently holds the records for most completions, most touchdowns, games started, and career passing yards. A feat that no one could have predicted in the 2000s, there was one man who saw the potential in Brady, and he has since labelled that man the greatest coach in NFL history.
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The majority of Brady's career was spent as an offensive leader in Massachusetts. Playing alongside plenty of players in that time, there was one constant in Brady's 19-year New England Patriots tenure. Having been plucked out of the 2000 NFL Draft by Bill Belichick, the two undisputed greats of their roles stood side by side for the entirety of Brady's Patriots career.
Managing to win six Super Bowls in that time, it is no surprise that Brady holds Belichick in high regard. Following Belichick's departure as the coach of the Patriots in 2023, Brady took to Instagram to praise his former coach.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have played for the best coach in the history of the NFL. 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 ... I could never have been the player I was without you, Coach Belichick.
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Bill Belichick's Record as New England Patriots Coach
Regular Season
Games Managed:
Won:
Lost:
Bill Belicheck has been associated with American Football since he was just 19 years old. Having played in the sport as a tight end and a centre, his three years at the university side, Wesleyan Cardinals, were enough for Belicheck to know where his future lay, regardless of his Bachelor's Degree in Economics.
Gaining experience at sides such as the Baltimore Colts, which ceased to exist, alongside reputable teams like the New York Giants, Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, it was clear during his stints at these sides that Belicheck was destined for big things. Working as a defensive assistant at the New York Giants, he helped guide the team to two Super Bowls, with his defensive game plan from Super Bowl XXV having been placed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Landing with the New England Patriots in 2000, following a brief stint there in 1996, Belichick produced one of the greatest runs as an NFL coach. After missing out on success in his first season, Belichick guided the Patriots to three Super Bowl victories in the following four seasons (2001, 2003, and 2004), with the victory in 2001 being the Patriots' first Super Bowl triumph.
Winning would soon become a formality for the Massachusetts-based side, with Belicheck helping the side achieve 17 AFC East titles under his watchful eye. The owner of eight Super Bowl wins, the most of any individual in NFL history, it is easy to see why Brady ranks his former coach so highly, the man who helped Brady become arguably the greatest quarterback of all time.
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