Tom Brady’s HOF speech brings closure to Bill Belichick era

On Wednesday, the New England Patriots inducted former quarterback Tom Brady into the team’s Hall of Fame and retired his iconic No. 12. But, on a night honoring him, Brady offered some much-needed closure for the organization.

Brady expressed gratitude for many, but his words for ex-Patriots head coach Bill Belichick prompted the loudest cheers from a packed Gilette Stadium.

“It wasn’t me. It wasn’t you. It was us,” Brady said. “Let me make that crystal clear—there is no other coach in the world I would rather play for than Bill Belichick.”

Belichick and the Patriots parted ways in January after winning six Lombardi Trophies in 24 seasons together. The team was never the same after Brady bolted for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. Despite the Canton-bound coach still being on the sidelines, New England went 25-25 in the three seasons without him.

While the move wasn’t a total surprise, it was abrupt, denying the opportunity for a proper goodbye. But, on Wednesday, both could express thanks and be thanked on the same stage in front of thousands of diehard Patriots fans.