Brady praises Belichick, says coach is 'very respectful to me'

Tom Brady lauded Bill Belichick as the "best coach in the history of the NFL" on Monday, and added that the two share a "very respectful" relationship despite reported tension between them.

"He's very respectful to me," Brady told sportscaster Jim Gray and an audience of listeners at the Milken Institute Global Conference. "We've had a great relationship. A very respectful relationship for a long time and I feel like he's the best coach in the history of the NFL."

Brady's bond with the New England Patriots seemingly took a hit last year, and reports of discord between the quarterback and his coach led to a postseason meeting with the pair and team owner Robert Kraft.

Brady, though, called Belichick an "incredible coach" and an "incredible mentor." He acknowledged the notoriously grumpy Belichick is "not the easiest coach to play for," but added that "he's the best for me."

The five-time Super Bowl champion was less direct when asked if he feels appreciated by the Patriots.

"I plead the Fifth," he said.

The answer drew laughs until he offered a slightly more insightful response.

"I think everybody, in general, wants to be appreciated more at work," Brady said.

Brady was equally unconvincing at first when asked if he's happy.

"I have my moments," he replied.

However, he gave a more resounding "absolutely" when pressed to answer whether he's happy with the people he works both with and for.

"There's no people I'd rather play for or be committed to than the team that I've been with for a long time," said Brady.

He noted that his partnership with the Pats - like every relationship in life - has gone through its ebbs and flows.

The 40-year-old skipped the Patriots' voluntary team workouts in April, fueling rumors that there's still some sour feelings between Brady and the only franchise he's ever played for.