04 February 2024 , 17:56
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Bill Belichick has written a heartfelt letter to all the fans of the New England Patriots in a rare emotional statement from the former head coach.
The 71-year-old’s historic 24-year tenure with the team came to an end following a miserable NFL season. He guided his team to just four wins, the worst record of his Patriots career, and they finished bottom of the AFC East. After taking some time to contemplate his future, Belichick decided to leave the franchise he turned into the NFL’s most successful team.
He has since written an emotional tribute, in which he credited the fans for the passion they showed over the years and the extra power they gave to the players as a result. "To Patriots fans everywhere, nowhere in America are pro sports fans as passionate as in New England and for 24 years, I was blessed to feel your passion and power," he began.
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"You were undaunted by weather, attended scorching hot training camp practices and braved Foxborough's coldest, wettest, snowiest and windiest days. Your thoughtful letters offered support, critique, and creative play suggestions. You watched on TV, the internet, and from your stadium seats.
"You traveled from coast to coast and internationally. Numerous times, you overtook opposing stadiums and were the last fans standing. We loved it! You gave your precious time, resources, and energy to our team. We appreciated it!" The legendary NFL coach went on to win six Super Bowls with the Patriots between 2002 and 2019, all of which took place with Tom Brady as part of the team.
Since Brady left the Patriots in 2019, coach Belichick hasn't had the same success. He has only made it to the playoffs once in the last four seasons and lost 38 games without Brady, while winning just 29. In his letter, Belichick went on to mention how much the Super Bowl parades through the streets of Boston meant to him, in part because of the connection he was able to develop with the fans.
Belichick won six Super Bowls as head coach of the Patriots (Getty Images)"Six times, you packed Boston by the millions for parades that were truly a two-way expression of gratitude and love. The images from those days are burned in my memory," he added. "You may even have enjoyed my fashion sense and press conferences, or maybe you just tolerated them.
"I loved coaching here and, together, we experienced some amazing moments." In capital letters, he ended the message by saying: “THANK YOU ALL, with respect and admiration." Belichick’s future in the league is currently unknown after the Atlanta Falcons' head-coaching job went to Raheem Morris.
Unless he takes an assistant coaching position, next season will be the first season since his senior year of college in 1974-75 that the three-time AP NFL Coach of the Year will not be coaching in the league in any capacity.