Brady, LeBron, Moss, Sports World React to Belichick Leaving Patriots
The New England Patriots officially parted ways with head coach Bill Belichick on Thursday, ending a 24-year run that netted six Super Bowl titles.
In the aftermath of Belichick's Thursday morning press conference with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, messages have rolled in from across the sports landscape. Several icons, be it Belichick's former star quarterback Tom Brady or NBA superstar LeBron James, are saluting the 71-year-old's unprecedented career in Foxboro.
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
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Brady issued a heartfelt Instagram post Thursday afternoon upon.
"I'm incredibly grateful to have played for the best coach in the history of the NFL," Brady wrote. "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. ...
"I could never have been the player I was without you Coach Belichick. I am forever grateful. And I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose next."
Naturally, James didn't offer as much of a sentimental statement as Brady, but still made his feelings towards Belichick quite clear.
Several of Brady's former teammates offered similar messages, including the likes of receiver Julian Edelman, linebacker Jamie Collins, and safeties Patrick Chung and Jason McCourty.
Hall of Fame defensive lineman Richard Seymour, who earned five Pro Bowl nods in eight years under Belichick, offered high praise for his former coach.
A pair of current Patriots also weighed in, with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and linebacker Mack Wilson both tweeting their thoughts.
Said Hall of Famer and former Patriots receiver Randy Moss, "Give this man his respect and his just due. In my eyes, he's the greatest coach that the NFL has ever seen. I wish I could get out on a boat with Coach and do some fishing and talk it up. I wish him the best."
The Patriots will begin their search to replace Belichick immediately, with linebackers coach Jerod Mayo widely regarding as the leading candidate.
