Tom Brady reflects on 'magical' Patriots run ahead of Super Bowl LV

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady joined the NFL and New England Patriots via the 2000 draft and went on to play in nine Super Bowls and win six of those contests until he parted ways with the Patriots following last year's playoffs. 

While Tadd Haislop of Sporting News wrote that the relationship between Brady and New England head coach Bill Belichick "soured" by January 2020, the 43-year-old signal-caller reflected fondly on his Patriots tenure on Thursday ahead of the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LV. Brady said, per Adam Maya of the league's official website:

"I had an incredible 20 years, really just an incredible 20 years. And I wouldn't trade anything over the course of 20 years that were magical. And all the relationships that I developed, those shaped me into who I am as a person, as a player. My kids were born in Boston. I have great affection for the city, everything that Boston has meant to me and my family. And all of New England. Not just Boston." 

Brady has a history of using any perceived slight as motivation, but it's not surprising that he offered a diplomatic response when asked about New England with over a week to go before the Super Bowl. Whether or not the G.O.A.T. will have glowing things to say about Belichick on the night of Feb. 7 won't be determined until after the final whistle blows at Raymond James Stadium.