Belichick thanks Pats fans for passion over 24 seasons
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick thanked the club's fans for his 24 seasons Sunday.
"Nowhere in America are sports fans as passionate as New England and for 24 years, I was blessed to feel your passion and power," the legendary coach wrote in the Boston Globe. "The Patriots are the only NFL team representing SIX states but in reality, Patriots Nation knows no borders."
Bill Belichick took out a page in today’s Boston Globe to thank Patriots fans everywhere for his 24 years with the team: pic.twitter.com/plamkB6rEQ
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 4, 2024
The 71-year-old thanked fans for enduring the notorious weather of the region and for their always buying in to the team.
"Your thoughtful letters offered support, critique, and creative play suggestions. You watched on TV, the internet, and from your stadium seats."
Belichick continued by recognizing fans for traveling beyond New England to show their support.
"You traveled from coast to coast and internationally," Belichick said. "Numerous times, you overtook opposing stadiums and were the last fans standing. We loved it! You gave your precious time, resources, and energy to our team. We appreciated it!"
New England played in four international games under the future Hall of Famer, going 3-1.
The three-time AP Coach of the Year finished his time with the club owning a 266-121 record, including a 30-12 mark in the playoffs. He's 302-165 for his career, which includes his time as Cleveland Browns head coach from 1991-95.
Belichick won six Super Bowls with the Patriots. The victory parades that followed have left a lasting impression.
"Six times, you packed Boston by the millions for parades that were truly a two-way expression of gratitude and love," he said. "The images from those days are burned in my memory."
He provided some humor as well, acknowledging his infamous cutoff hoodies and press conferences.
"You may even have enjoyed my fashion sense and press conferences, or maybe you just tolerated them," he said.
Belichick was not hired as a head coach this offseason despite seven jobs opening up outside of New England. It's unknown whether he'll coach in 2024.