Red Sox legend David Ortiz was 'hurt' when Patriots let Tom Brady go

Tom Brady and David Ortiz will go down as two of the greatest athletes in Boston sports history. However, one closed out his career in New England. The other was forced to pack his bags.

The Patriots could have dedicated the money and assets to Brady. Instead, they let him sign a two-year, $50 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are now preparing to play in Super Bowl LV.

Appearing on WEEI over the weekend, Ortiz admitted that he was "hurt" when Bill Belichick and the Patriots let Brady walk away after 20 years with the team. 

"I was hurt when we didn't sign him again," Ortiz said, as transcribed by NBC Sports Boston's John Tomase. "I'm not going to lie to you. I was hurting. Because traditionally, I don't know why we think about age so much. The guy is getting it done. The guy has done it all.

"Tom Brady's body is great. And the way he's playing and his mentality, the way he approaches the game, bro. Look where they are? If you told me the Patriots are a worse team than the Buccaneers and just take the quarterback out of each team ... Tom Brady brings that chemistry for the Patriots. He brings it. What else can I say?"

At 43 years old, Brady had one of the best seasons of his career in 2020, recording his second 40-touchdown campaign while leading the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl since 2003.

Brady could capture his seventh Super Bowl title in 10 appearances, which is something that has never been done before. 

The Patriots, meanwhile, will be watching from their couches at home after a miserable 7-9 season that ended with the franchise missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008.