The long-standing relationship between New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former head coach Bill Belichick didn’t end on the best terms-and it has remained seemingly frozen since. However, time seems to have slightly thawed the ice, even if only a bit.
This became evident during a recent interview Kraft gave to two of his former players, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, on their podcast Dudes on Dudes. Kraft’s comments about Belichick were received positively by many fans and listeners. The conversation took place in the context of the Fanatics Fest held last month in New York City.
Kraft’s surprising praise for Belichick
When asked by Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman what he considered the best decision he had made over the past 30 years, Kraft responded candidly:
The one that got questioned the most was in 1999,”… “I gave up a No. 1 draft pick for a coach that had only won a little over 40 percent of his games to get him out, I don’t know if there are any Jets fans here. . . . I think getting Bill Belichick to come to the Patriots in 1999 was a big risk and I got hammered in the Boston media, but he was with us for 24 years and we did OK.
The warmth and directness in Kraft’s response came as a surprise, particularly considering the tension and resentment that marked the end of Belichick’s tenure with the team and lingered after his departure.
It’s worth remembering a series of rumors that suggested Robert Kraft made disparaging remarks about Belichick to Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, rumors that may have contributed to Belichick not being hired by the Falcons earlier this year.
What about the Tom Brady comment?
When Tom Brady joined the Patriots, Kraft once reportedly said that signing him had been the best decision of his career. However, Brady himself later denied hearing that from Kraft in an interview with Howard Stern.
Now, Kraft’s recent statement to “Yo soy fiesta” Gronkowski and Edelman seems to place Belichick above Brady in terms of impactful decisions. This could be a subtle sign of reconciliation or at least a willingness on Kraft’s part to acknowledge Belichick’s legacy more openly.
Considering all the championships, unforgettable moments, and dominance the Patriots enjoyed under their leadership, many New England fans are thrilled at even the faintest possibility of a renewed bond between two men who delivered so much success to the franchise.
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