Bill Belichick praises 'ultimate competitor' Tom Brady in statement

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were one of the greatest duos in sports history, working together to win six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. As Brady hangs them up this week after 22 seasons in the game, his old coach is helping send him off.

Belichick released a statement Wednesday night saluting Brady's success, calling him "the ultimate competitor and winner." The statement in full:

"I am privileged to have drafted and coached Tom Brady, the ultimate competitor and winner. Tom's humble beginning in professional football ultimately ended with him becoming the best player in NFL history. Tom consistently performed at the highest level against competition that always made him the number one player to stop. His pursuit of excellence was inspirational. Tom was professional on and off the field, and 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."

Belichick and Brady came to New England at the same time, both joining the organization ahead of the 2000-01 season. Brady spent his first season largely glued to the bench, as after being a sixth-round draft pick he struggled to work his way up the depth chart.

Once Brady had earned the starting job after Drew Bledsoe's injury in 2001, though, the rest was history. The Patriots went 219-63 in games Brady started over 20 seasons, making the playoffs in 17 of those years and winning six Super Bowls. Brady left after the 2019 season to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement honoring Brady on Tuesday, to which Brady replied on Twitter thanking the team and its fans while adding "I’m beyond grateful. Love you all."