Over an NFL career that has spanned over 40 years, Bill Belichick has gotten to coach and coach against many of the greatest players of all-time. He recently revealed his all-time greats from all three phases of the game and they’re all players that he coached.
In an interview with Mike Tannenbaum of The 33rd Team, Belichick named his best players of all-time in offense, defense and special teams. On offense, he picked Tom Brady, on defense he picked Lawrence Taylor and for special teams he picked his current gunner Matthew Slater.
“I feel like I’ve coached the best offensive player, the best player in football in Tom; the best defensive player in football in L.T. and the best special-teams player in football in Matt Slater,” Belichick said. “If you’re a coach and you coach Taylor, Brady and Slater, that’s three pretty good players.”
It’s a pretty reasonable list. Brady is the GOAT, L.T. changed the game and is a Hall of Famer already and Slater has the most Pro Bowls of any gunner in history.
Bill Belichick: “I feel like I’ve coached the best offensive (Tom Brady), defensive (Lawrence Taylor) and special-teams player (Matthew Slater) of all-time.”
“As a core special-teamer, Slater is the best of all time. I hope he gets recognized for that.”
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— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 12, 2023
There’s an argument to be made that a kicker like Adam Vinatieri, who booted two Super Bowl-winning field goals, or a return ace like Devin Hester, or even a game-changing punter like Ray Guy deserves that special teams love from Belichick.
But Belichick sets his own standard and Brady, L.T. and Slater all met it when he coached them.
Who do you think are the best ever at the three phases of the game?