Belichick calls retiring Brady 'the best player in NFL history'

For New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Tom Brady's retirement means an end to the career of the best player of all time.

"I am privileged to have drafted and coached Tom Brady, the ultimate competitor and winner," Belichick said in a statement released by the Patriots on Wednesday.

"Tom's humble beginning in professional football ultimately ended with him becoming the best player in NFL history."

Brady confirmed his retirement Tuesday after winning seven Super Bowls during one of the greatest careers in football history.

Six of those titles came with Belichick as his coach during a Patriots dynasty that spanned nearly two decades. The pair is arguably the greatest coach/quarterback combo to ever grace the game of football.

"Tom consistently performed at the highest level against competition that always made him the No. 1 player to stop. His pursuit of excellence was inspirational," Belichick said. "Tom was professional on and off the field, and (he) carried himself with class, integrity, and kindness. I thank Tom for his relentless pursuit of excellence and positive impact on me and the New England Patriots for 20 years."

Brady shared his appreciation for his former coach, whom he called the greatest in league history, on social media.

The 44-year-old Brady, who won his seventh Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2020-2021 season, said he decided to call it a career so he could spend more time with his wife, Gisele Bundchen, and their three children.

Meanwhile, Belichick coached the Patriots to a 10-7 record with quarterback Mac Jones behind center this past season, losing to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC wild-card game. He recently said he plans to coach New England again next season.