New Book Highlights Strained Brady, Belichick, & Robert Kraft Relationship


"If you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a hello." - Paulo Coelho

And Tom Brady was certainly prepared to say goodbye, in fact that's all he wanted to say to his long time head coach and mentor Bill Belichick, in person of course. 

However, according to the book "It's Better To Be Feared," written by ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham, to be published on October 12th, 2021, Brady and Belichick never had the opportunity to bode each other farewell in person. 

According to the book, Belichick was not available to meet Brady face to face, and suggested that the two six time Super Bowl champions settle for a phone call instead. 

In the phone call, Belichick complimented Brady, referring to him as "The best player the league has ever seen." 

But the book delves into what Brady told a friend about his conversation with Belichick, referring to how this compliment came over the phone instead of in person, reflecting the deteriorated relationship between the two. 

While the book offers an exclusive never before seen look at the New England Patriot organization, with details on Robert Kraft's relationship with coach Belichick, and how the franchise impacted the entire league, it should be taken with a grain of salt. 

Wickersham details why Brady left the Patriots for the Buccaneers. 

Both Kraft and Belichick refused to commit to Brady to have him play until the age of 45. Belichick believed Brady was at the end, and Brady wanted to play for an organization that welcomed more of his input. Brady was curious if there was another way to win outside of Belichick's strategy.  

Brady no longer wanted to take team friendly deals if he had no input, while Belichick claimed every organizational decision was now being made to keep Brady happy and Kraft kept meddling with decisions and opinions of players. 

One of the strongest Robert Kraft quotes from the book is how he once referred to Belichick as the "Biggest f---ing a--hole in my whole life," after bumping into a few friends in an Aspen hotel on his way to Detroit for a game. 

While this book highlights a lot of drama and strains within the franchise, which I'm sure every sports team faces, it also helps paint a picture of just how dedicated these three men were to winning. Putting their differences aside for championship after championship. 

And it's only fitting that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking on the New Englands Patriots this weekend to help amp up the drama. 

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports