Belichick Writes Heartfelt ‘Thanks’ to Patriots Fans
When former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick last addressed the fan base, it was on Jan 11, alongside team owner Robert Kraft, to announce a mutual parting of the ways with the organization after 24 seasons.
Belichick, on Sunday, penned a heartfelt thank-you letter, titled “To Patriots fans everywhere, ” which appeared as a full-page The Boston Globe.
"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," Belichick wrote. "The Patriots are the only NFL team representing SIX states but in reality, Patriots Nation knows no borders.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick celebrates a Super Bowl victory.
Cred: USA Today Sports Images
"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.”
For nearly a quarter-century, New England’s head coach was one of the most successful at his position in this, or any sport. After all, few, if any, have ever enjoyed the level of success Belichick has while at the Patriots helm. Six Super Bowl championships, three-time AP Coach of the Year awards, and nine conference titles are just some of the accolades which Belichick collected during his time on the sidelines.
Page A3, The Boston Globe, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024
Pivoting to a sentimental tone, equivalent to that of the blue background on which Sunday’s letter was published, the 71-year-old — often mocked for his stoic, cantankerous demeanor — expressed his gratitude for the fans who traveled far and wide to cheer on the Patriots during their dynastic run.
“You traveled from coast to coast and internationally,” Belichick wrote. “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!
"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."
Lastly, Belichick showed that he, indeed, has a sense of humor by playfully catering to some of the jokes made at the expense of his press-conference etiquette, or his unique sartorial choices throughout his time on New England’s sidelines.
"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."
Belichick concluded by writing in all capital letters "THANK YOU ALL.," and signing it "with respect and admiration."
Nonetheless, Belichick and the Patriots, this year, will begin and NFL season as separate entities for the first time since 2000. New England hired former inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo as its 15th head coach in franchise history just one day after announcing Belichick's departure.
Conversely, Belichick is most-likely to remain in the shadows as the season begins. Though arguably possessed the most impressive head coaching resume in league history, Belichick’s age and recent success record gave teams pause in hiring the legendary coach. Despite interviewing twice for the Atlanta Falcons open position, the job went to former Los Angeles Rams assistant Raheem Morris. Though he was rumored to be in contention for several other jobs, Belichick was not formally interviewed for any of them.
As such, 2024 — barring any unforeseen developments — will seemingly mark the first season since 1974 that he will not be coaching in the NFL in any capacity.
