The New England Patriots and long-time head coach Bill Belichick have decided to part ways after 24 years together.
The decision to split did not necessarily come as a surprise — there were rumors for much of the season, and at the age of 71 Belichick was no long-term answer anymore anyways. Nonetheless, it is still a monumental moment in the history of both the Patriots franchise and the NFL as a whole.
Unsurprisingly, reactions were aplenty, including by Patriots players past and present. Below, we will share them — without much comment that is, to let the players and their emotions speak for themselves.
So, here it is: the end of the Bill Belichick era in the words of those who spent the most time with him through the years.
Mac Jones (current Patriots QB)
QB Mac Jones weighs in on the #Patriots and Bill Belichick parting ways (IG: @macjones_10):
“Coach Belichick has made such a big impact on my life. I grew up dreaming of playing in the NFL and that dream grew even stronger after I watched Coach Belichick and the Patriots win the… pic.twitter.com/fP88uC28R3
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) January 11, 2024
Daniel Ekuale (current Patriots DT)
That’s wilds bruh ♂️
— Daniel Ekuale (@tanielu_ekuale) January 11, 2024
Mack Wilson Sr. (current Patriots LB)
This is even more special for me now.
Coach BB I appreciate you for everything my dude. You been atop the game since I was 2.
This is surreal for me. I’m just grateful I was able to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity under another .
– 3 ❤️
Thank you https://t.co/5uHSXQXsQm
— MWS (@MackWilSr) January 11, 2024
Davon Godchaux (current Patriots DT)
The Greatest! Thank you
— Davon Godchaux (@ChauxDown) January 11, 2024
Tom Brady (former Patriots QB)
Julian Edelman (former Patriots WR)
Wouldn’t change a thing coach #FoxboroForever pic.twitter.com/pelLmjkLko
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) January 11, 2024
Rob Gronkowski (former Patriots TE)
Thank you Coach Belichick for everything you have done! From taking a chance drafting me in the very beginning to teaching and showing me the way on the field, I wouldn’t change a thing! Honor to be on your team and thank you for putting us players in situations to have serious… pic.twitter.com/m5NYkW4Kwt
— Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) January 11, 2024
Randy Moss (former Patriots WR)
“Hey Coach Belichick, my hat goes off to you. I’m out here bass fishing, I hope you can get out here with me!” –@RandyMoss https://t.co/IbpywFsxBJ pic.twitter.com/o80mIyG44a
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) January 11, 2024
Aaron Dobson (former Patriots WR)
Coach BB, Thank you for the opportunity and all the memories! #CHAMPS #GOAT #PatsNation
Will never forget the back story behind these pics! pic.twitter.com/Lzn4mHT4Lu
— Aaron Dobson 3 (@aarondobson17) January 11, 2024
Rich Ohrnberger (former Patriots OL)
Thank you to Bill Belichick and the @patriots for drafting me in 2009. Starting my career with the Patriots was an incredible opportunity, learning from a tremendous staff of coaches and playing alongside Hall of Fame talent. I still think cutting me in 2012 was a HUGE mistake… pic.twitter.com/gQ4LGKZyMU
— Rich Ohrnberger (@ohrnberger) January 12, 2024
Andre Carter (former Patriots DE)
— Andre Carter (@mr_carter93) January 11, 2024
Deion Branch (former Patriots WR)
Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You TO THE GREATEST EVER!!!! LOVE YOU BB https://t.co/EkdBq4HjgY
— Deion Branch #83 #84 (@deionbranch84) January 12, 2024
Matt Light (former Patriots OT)
The end of an era Thank you Coach Belichick for all of the memories and the most decorated dynasty in the league! Your leadership has a lasting effect, as it has trickled down from your *favorite offensive lineman* to our team. We wish you much success in your next chapter! pic.twitter.com/XD97biu1Mp
— Light Foundation (@LightFoundation) January 12, 2024
Jonas Gray (former Patriots RB)
Forever thankful to Coach Belichick for the shot that launched my NFL career and for instilling a winning mindset that made us the best-prepared team every game. His football legacy is unmatched. A heartfelt thanks, Coach, and wishing you success in all that comes next.@nfl… pic.twitter.com/gITbe1sbGn
— Jonas Gray (@JonasLGray) January 11, 2024
Tim Tebow (former Patriots QB)
That’s about all I did lol. Congrats on being one of the greatest ever Coach! https://t.co/tfXsBWxjeu
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) January 11, 2024
Matt Chatham (former Patriots LB)
The greatest ever…we’re all better here for having Bill as mentor & teacher! The most successful coaching tenure in history by light years. THANK YOU, Coach https://t.co/McqbUUTyA7
— Matt Chatham (@chatham58) January 11, 2024
Patrick Chung (former Patriots DB)
Greatest ever. Thank you for everything. Me, my family, my son. Shaping me into a football player and a man. Love you pic.twitter.com/6kuk5xALtd
— Patrick Chung (@PatrickChung23) January 11, 2024
Rex Burkhead (former Patriots RB)
Greatest to ever do it. Thank you Coach. https://t.co/3frmVK3TeD
— Rex Burkhead (@RBrex34) January 11, 2024
Richard Seymour (former Patriots DT)
the greatest football mind to ever live https://t.co/gtEdlmw8df
— Richard Seymour (@BigSey93) January 11, 2024
Matt Cassel (former Patriots QB)
You’re the best, coach Belichick! Congrats on an amazing run and thanks for all you did for me. pic.twitter.com/cuUBEaVZYN
— Matt Cassel (@M_Cassel16) January 11, 2024
Marquis Flowers (former Patriots LB)
Coach Billy OG #Legend pic.twitter.com/yqlI5rickP
— Marquis Flowers (@MFlowers59) January 11, 2024
Jamie Collins Sr. (former Patriots LB)
Damn times changing. Glad to have been apart of this tho. Coach Goat https://t.co/8qBWX24u73
— Jamie Collins (@JamieLee601) January 11, 2024
Charlie Weis (former Patriots offensive coordinator)
In June 2002 right after winning Super Bowl 36, I had a surgery gone bad and almost died. Most head coaches would have taken one look at me and moved on. Not Bill Belichick. He stuck with me personally and professionally. Great coach, great man. Patriots/NFL legend! Thank you BB!
— Charlie Weis (@charlieweissr) January 11, 2024
Ross Douglas (former Patriots assistant coach)
Unprecedented 24 year run. The knowledge and game you gave me over the past 3 season is timeless Forever appreciate ya BB! pic.twitter.com/gAa1pmuhF4
— Ross Douglas Sr. (@RossDoug21) January 11, 2024
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