Bill Belichick isn’t a man of many words, but he took the time to express his gratitude for New England Patriots fans in an incredibly heartfelt gesture.
Per ESPN’s Field Yates, Belichick took a page out of Sunday’s edition of the Boston Globe to thank Patriots fans for their 24 years together. The 71-year-old called them the most “passionate” sports fanbase in America:
Belichick and the Patriots parted ways last month following a historic 24-year run together. During Belichick’s tenure, the team won 17 AFC East division titles, nine AFC Championships and six Super Bowls.
The Patriots missed the postseason and suffered a losing season for the third time in four years, prompting Belichick and owner Robert Kraft to split. The Patriots subsequently promoted Jerod Mayo to the head coach position.
Belichick twice interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons for their head coaching vacancy, but the team passed on him and hired ex-Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris instead.
