New England Patriots Bill Belichick meets Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady in the locker room after the game in private. This was a very emotional week for Brady to say the least, but it was capped off by his longtime head coach visiting him in the locker room after the hard-fought win on the road, 19-17.
Belichick was seen walking into the visitor’s locker room, and it wasn’t until about 20 minutes later he exited, followed by Brady, per ESPN. Several sources said Belichick had intentions of arranging a meeting with Brady leading into the game to clear the air.
“We’ve known each other for over 20 years. He brought me to this team. We’ve had many personal discussions that should stay private. They’re very personal,” Brady stated. “People make a big deal about our relationship… but what is often reported is not accurate. It certainly doesn’t reflect my true feelings or beliefs.”
The private meeting occurred after they shared a moment of embracing one another at midfield directly after the game. The game came down to a 56-yard field goal and very difficult weather to win the game with the 59 seconds left. The kicker fell short of completing the task at hand; however, it remained emotional for fans at Gillette being torn between wanting to see the Patriots win, but also seeing Brady win.
Bill Belichick, Tom Brady spent 20 minutes together in 'quiet area' after Buccaneers' win https://t.co/4bBp09evhY pic.twitter.com/WaJpCjFPoL
— New York Post (@nypost) October 4, 2021
“I’m glad we won,” Brady expressed. “There were some emotional moments thinking about playing here. I understand why it’s challenging to win a game in this place over the years. This team is excellent and they make you work for it. It’s a tough football atmosphere. The crowd is engaged. I’m just really happy that we secured a victory.”
Bruce Arians: ‘It’s a team game’
Although, the Buccaneers were able to find success head coach Bruce Arian found it frustrating that this game was revolved around purely Brady and Belichick. He believes this is a team sport and it took more than just Brady or Belichick to win this game.
“This is a team sport. … I don’t think Bill took a single snap,” Arians commented. “We had 22 players giving it their all, and I expected nothing less. We also had 22 players putting in maximum effort. One of them just so happened to be Brady.”
Before leading the Bucs out of the tunnel, the Patriots created a one-minute tribute to the future Hall of Famer while the crowd continued endlessly changing “Brady!” throughout the stadium.
Welcome back, @TomBrady.
Tonight's in-stadium tribute before #TBvsNE. pic.twitter.com/eFAwJCcyYm
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 4, 2021
“It was awesome,” Brady said. “I tried not to predict what was going to happen and how I would feel. Had a few emotional moments this week just thinking about the people that have really meant so much to me in my life and that are a part of this community. Just very grateful for an amazing time here. As I said, my football journey took me somewhere else, but I’m really enjoying that, and great to get a win.”
“These guys are like my brothers. There are two groups of people: all my Bucs teammates that I love and I’m going to battle with every week, and then there is another group of guys that I see, and those are my friends that I have been with for a long time … these are the people that I’ve shared my life with,” Brady said. “Very grateful for everything they’ve kind of contributed to my life. Very blessed.”
Tom Brady Impressed with Mac Jones
Brady along with the rest of the world was very impressed with rookie Mac Jones. Jones and Brady briefly met after the game. Brady spoke highly of the young player, at one point he completed 19 passes consecutively, the longest streak by a rookie over the past 40 seasons, per Elias Sports Bureau research.
“He did a great job. I think that offense does a great job. Josh really dialed up some good plays too. They kind of hit everything,” Brady said. “But in the end, it always comes down to a couple of plays. Happy we made them.”
“It’s been a fantastic stadium for me for a long time. I’m uncertain about what the future holds… but I believe I’ll always have a connection to this community. I’ll visit here frequently once everything settles. When I eventually retire, I’ll have plenty of time. I have many friends in this area, and it’s a wonderful place,” Brady expressed. “My children were born on Beacon Street in the city. It’s been an incredible place for me, and it continues to be.”
